Things To Do
in Luau
Luau is a small Angolan town set along riverine landscapes in the southern part of the country, where growing markets and a developing arts scene meet traditional rural life. The city serves as a practical base for exploring nearby savanna, palm-lined riverbanks, and friendly communities. Visitors will encounter a welcoming atmosphere, modest infrastructure, and quick access to natural scenery just beyond the urban edge.
Portuguese is widely spoken, and you’ll find a blend of local customs and evolving urban culture that characterizes many growing towns in Angola.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Luau airport and transfer to your eco-friendly lodge overlooking the plains. Meet your local guide for a welcome briefing and orientation to the region. Sample sweet sugar-cane juice as you watch the sunrise over the border landscape.
Stroll through the town center to get acquainted with daily life in Luau. Visit the refurbished railway station, once a key hub on the Benguela Railway. Learn about the history of migrant workers who ventured across the border for trade.
Enjoy a traditional kwanza-based dinner featuring freshly grilled tilapia and cassava fufu. Savor a performance by a local batuque drumming ensemble under the starlit sky. Share stories with fellow travelers around a campfire before turning in.
Begin your day wandering through Luau’s bustling market stalls, where vendors sell vibrant textiles and handcrafted jewelry. Stop by a street café for strong Angolan coffee and a side of sweet mandazi. Chat with locals to learn about their everyday routines on this frontier.
Head to the historic border crossing station to understand its strategic importance over the years. Explore the small on-site museum that documents cross-border rail and road trade. Photograph the rust-colored trains that still cling to old routes toward the Congo.
Find a local tavern overlooking the distant Congo horizon for a cold palm wine or home-bred beer. Listen to impromptu guitar and percussion music drifting through open windows. Dine on a heaping plate of spicy beans and maize porridge at a nearby snack shack.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🛒Groceries for a day | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and a relaxed pace
- Access to river scenery and nearby nature at a modest travel cost
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to bigger cities
- Fewer direct international flight options; longer overland travel may be required
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Fala devagar, por favor" - Speak slowly, please
Places to Visit in Luau
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, golden light, and silhouettes of palm trees make this a classic spot for golden-hour photography.
A small hill or elevated street corner offering a panoramic view of the town and its waterfront.
Candid morning market scenes with colorful produce, textiles, and daily life; great for street photography and portraits with permission.
Older buildings and quiet streets provide a glimpse of architectural history and texture for urban photography.
Food in Luau
Luau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich chicken stew cooked with palm oil, peanut or crushed peanuts, and leafy greens; widely found in local eateries.
Must-Try!
A flavorful fish or meat stew with vegetables and cassava leaves; common in river communities and family-run restaurants.
Cornmeal porridge served with fish stew or sautéed vegetables; a staple in casual dining and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main town market where you can sample fresh fish, cassava, fruits, and everyday snacks; great for observing daily life and buying inexpensive produce.
Grilled fish skewers, cassava chips, fried plantains, and fresh coconut water available from mobile vendors in the early evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a friendly greeting such as bom dia or boa tarde; use Senhor/Senhora for respect, especially with elders.
Dress modestly in public and rural areas; lightweight, breathable fabrics are practical in heat.
Ask before photographing people, particularly in villages or private settings.
Respect personal space and avoid overly confrontational tones; politeness and small talk go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Luau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not always expected but appreciated in better restaurants and for good service. If service is not included, a modest tip of 5–10% is common; in casual settings, rounding up is fine.
Cash is widely used, with some places accepting Angolan kwanza or US dollars. A growing number of shops and hotels may take mobile payments or cards, especially in larger towns; always carry small bills for tips and smaller purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers. Carry light clothing, a poncho or compact umbrella, and sunscreen; stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for cooler mornings or late afternoons.
Generally sunny with cooler evenings and minimal rain. Excellent for long outdoor walks, hikes, and photography; dust can be noticeable on unpaved roads.
Luau at Night
Hiking in Luau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rolling hills nearby with scenic viewpoints and easy to moderate trails for a half-day hike.
A river-adjacent route offering lush scenery and birdlife; best in dry season to avoid slick terrain.
Airports
How to reach Luau by plane.
Luanda's main international gateway; most travelers fly here first and then connect domestically to reach Luau via regional airstrips or overland routes.
A regional airport serving the Lunda Norte region; provides domestic flights connecting to Luanda and other cities, useful for planning an overland transfer to Luau.
Regional airport serving the Saurimo area; connect from Luanda for onward travel to eastern Angola and then overland to Luau.
Regional airstrip in the neighboring region; useful as part of a multi-leg journey into central-southern Angola.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of the town center and nearby neighborhoods who work in markets, services, and small businesses.
People from surrounding villages who come to Luau for trade, healthcare, and education.
Young travelers and students forming a growing segment of visitors and local cultural exchange.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common on weekends.
Enjoyed by youths and small clubs; local courts can be found around town.
Casual running, volleyball, and traditional games in open spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Luau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy cassava, plantains, beans, rice, and vegetable stews. Ask for sauces to be prepared with vegetable stock and avoid palm oil-heavy dishes if needed; most eateries can adapt if you request no fish stock.