Located in Benguela Province, on the Atlantic coast, Lobito was built on a sandbank and reclaimed land in the mid-19th century by the Portuguese. The town doubles as a port, where cargo ships are unloaded for import into mainland Africa, while there are spectacular dunes and great beaches, making it ideal for a tourist destination.
Here are a few cool activities you can enjoy in Lobito.
Watersports
You can windsurf, kayak or snorkel on exquisite beaches, yet this stretch of coastline is still relatively under-developed. There are a couple of calm bays and some nice reefs, while the trade winds can be strong!
Local Markets
There are lots of local markets on different days of the week, which might be vendors selling from their vehicles. If you are looking for the holiday of a lifetime, why not book a cabin on the Trail of Two Oceans; voted one of the best 2023 South Africa rail holidays, you set out from Lobito heading to Dar Es Salaam, passing through DRC, Zambia and Tanzania.
Hike In Benguela
You can book a short tour and enjoy a guided hike along the coastline, which offers spectacular views. You might be able to rent a 4X4 and drive the sand dune tracks, depending on the time of year. Winters are dry and warm; there are no extreme temperatures along this stretch of coastline and summers usually bring above-average rainfall. This city has much to offer the visitor. Founded in the early 17th century by the Portuguese, Benguela was a major port for the Americas trade ships and was the main hub for slavery. Marvel at the colonial Portuguese architecture; this bustling city is rapidly developing, with several hotels built in the past few years.
Fishing
You can either fish from the beach or hire a small boat to take you a few km out to sea, to the best fishing spots. Talk to the train tour operator when you book your cabin on the Trail of Two Oceans train journey and they can answer all your questions. From Benguela, you can rent a deep-sea fishing vessel and try your luck with Atlantic marlin and other large species.
Walking Tour In Huambo
The second largest city in Angola, there is an organised walking tour of the city, including all the attractions. This area is steeped in history and was once a major part of the Central African old kingdoms. There are some small archaeological digs in this region. There are many small markets where local vendors sell their wares, which include livestock and just about everything else!
Ride The Local Railway
If you have time, you can ride the narrow-gauge railway that leaves Lobito and runs along the coast. Of course, you won’t want to miss the luxury Pride of Africa locomotive that goes to Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. This 15-day journey takes you through the continent and you spend time in National Parks to observe the wildlife.
The railway restoration is ongoing, connecting Lobito with other settlements and the interior; now is the right time to experience this part of Africa, which is fast-changing.
So, as you can see, there are a few things to do if you arrive in Lobito to meet the luxury train that will take you across Africa on a 15-day adventure. Start by searching online for a leading luxury train tour operator, then look at the various tours on offer. You can download the tour details in PDF format, which tells you everything you need to know.