Kissama National Park - Image 1
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Kissama National Park

4
·779 reviews·Cacula, Angola

Discover Angola's reintroduced wildlife in Kissama National Park, offering authentic safaris with elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings (7-8 AM)

Prime time for animal sightings

CrowdLow
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Kissama National Park - Image 1

Kissama National Park

Best Time

Early mornings (7-8 AM)

Prime time for animal sightings

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Angola's reintroduced wildlife in Kissama National Park, offering authentic safaris with elephants, giraffes, and zebras.

4
(779 reviews)

"Worth the visit, especially if you arrive early to spot gazelles, giraffes, zebras, and maybe even elephants!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views

Aim for 7-8 AM to maximize your chances of seeing a variety of animals, especially elephants.

🚗 Bumpy Safari Ride Comfort

Bring a cushion or towel for the park's safari car seats to enhance comfort on rough terrain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Encounters

Elephant Encounters

Various locations within the park

Spot majestic elephants, a highlight for many visitors, especially near the Kwanza River.

TikTokInstagram
Giraffe and Zebra Sightings

Giraffe and Zebra Sightings

Open plains and riverbanks

Keep an eye out for graceful giraffes and striking zebras roaming the park's landscapes.

Reddit
Scenic Safari Drives

Scenic Safari Drives

Designated park routes

Experience the thrill of a safari drive through the park's dusty terrain, spotting diverse wildlife.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Wildlife Sightings

Arrive early, ideally between 7-8 AM, for the best chance to spot animals like elephants and giraffes. They tend to seek shade and hide from the midday heat, making later visits less fruitful for wildlife viewing. Reddit

Navigating Park Entry and Fees

Be prepared for entrance fees and potential additional charges for park-operated safari vehicles. While generally affordable, confirm current rates upon arrival. Consider bringing a cushion for the safari car's bumpy ride. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings (7-8 AM)
Why
Prime time for animal sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Animals avoid midday heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Angola 🇦🇴 Kissama National Park – Known for its wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras, Kissama offers great safari experiences! Benguela – A coastal city with beautiful beaches like Baía Azul, and a rich colonial history! Kalandula Falls – One of the largest waterfalls in Africa, located in Malanje Province, offering breathtaking views and lush surroundings! Luanda – The capital...
travelexpedited
71 likes • 642 views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views

Aim for 7-8 AM to maximize your chances of seeing a variety of animals, especially elephants. Reddit+1

🚗 Bumpy Safari Ride Comfort

Bring a cushion or towel for the park's safari car seats to enhance comfort on rough terrain. Reddit

Elephants”National Park of Kissama” A very beautiful environment, where if you are lucky you can see elephants, Kissama National Park has an average of 200 elephants and on a calm and beautiful day we can see them on the banks of the Kwanza River. #wildlife #travelphotography #angola🇦🇴 #travelgram #travelblogger #exploreangola #exploreafrica #nature #pungo7tour #traveltheworld #travel
pungo7tours
8 likes • 299 views
The story of finding a wild elephant with my ranger in Angola’s Kissama National Park. P.S.: do not do this without a professional, in case that wasn’t already obvious 😆
destinationchaser
861 likes • 29K views

♻️ Leave No Trace

Help preserve the park's natural beauty by taking all your trash with you. Reddit

💰 Confirm Entrance Fees

Be aware of entrance fees and potential charges for park safari vehicles. Reddit+1

I wish this elephant was portable. #kissamanationalpark #safariafrica #angolatour #Luandasafari
luzayatour
23 likes • 426 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Views

Aim for 7-8 AM to maximize your chances of seeing a variety of animals, especially elephants. Reddit+1

🚗 Bumpy Safari Ride Comfort

Bring a cushion or towel for the park's safari car seats to enhance comfort on rough terrain. Reddit

♻️ Leave No Trace

Help preserve the park's natural beauty by taking all your trash with you. Reddit

💰 Confirm Entrance Fees

Be aware of entrance fees and potential charges for park safari vehicles. Reddit+1

🐘 Lucky Elephant Sightings

While possible, seeing elephants requires luck; they are part of a reintroduced population. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4
(779 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kissama National Park offers a unique safari experience with reintroduced wildlife, though sightings can be unpredictable. Visitors appreciate the affordability and the chance to see animals like giraffes and zebras. However, the park's infrastructure is basic, and the safari rides can be uncomfortable. Reddit+1

"The drive from Luanda to the Park is educational into the struggle of common Angolans. The park is flat and dusty and animals are doing there own thing and not there for us so we didn't' see a lot until we spotted some Zebras. We went in a private car and then got stopped at one of the many military check points and was given an armed soldier to be our guide and protection against poachers. Poachers are still burning vast tracks of land to get clear shots at the fleeing animals. Angolan corruption and desperation by the people lead to crime."

James H

"National park of Angola where you can go on safaris. It's not that well developed for tourists yet though. To preserve the wildlife, remember to keep the speed limit to avoid hurting wild animals and take your trash back home with you."

TH3 TR/\V1R

"Worth the visit - Gazelles/ Giraffes / Zebras / monkeys, other animals & elephants if you are lucky..

Time: For good possibility of viewing more animals need to arrive at park location quite early - say 7-8 am. If summer time animals seem to hide more middle of day to avoid heat.

Location: is around 2 hrs from Talatona (including around 45mins of 30-40 kms in a bumpy road from main park entrance until the safari camp)

Fees: are quite good - park entrance fee per person - 1K Kwanzas per person under 17 yrs old & 2.5K Kwanzas over... Another fee is 4K Kwanzas per person if you are taking the park's safari car. (Check pics of fees attached)

Practicalities: Park's SAFARI Car is uncomfortable with some metal part on the seat. With the bumpy ride - might be good if you can have some padded pillow/towel to sit on. The seats at the side of the safari car are fun but take care of getting scratched by trees & plants during the ride..
ENJOY...."

Hossam Kandeel

What People Like

Affordable entry fees
Wildlife sightings
Reintroduced species

What People Dislike

Unpredictable animal sightings
Uncomfortable safari cars
Basic infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kissama National Park is located approximately 2 hours from Luanda, with about 45 minutes of that being on a bumpy road from the main entrance to the safari camp. Reddit

The road from Luanda to the park can be educational, reflecting the daily lives of Angolans. The final stretch to the park entrance can be bumpy. Reddit

Yes, you can drive your own car, but be aware of potential military checkpoints. Some visitors have been assigned an armed soldier as a guide. Reddit

While accessible, the park is not yet highly developed for tourists. Visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife and the environment. Reddit

Travel times within the park can vary due to road conditions and wildlife sightings. The drive from the main entrance to the safari camp is about 30-40 km. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As of recent information, expect to pay around 2500 Kz per person at the main gate for tourists. Fees for individuals under 17 may be lower (1K Kwanzas). Reddit+1

If you opt for the park's safari car, there's an additional fee, typically around 4000 Kz per person. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a reduced entrance fee for individuals under 17 years old, which is 1K Kwanzas. Reddit

Information on advance booking is limited, but it's advisable to arrive early. The park authorities do not communicate extensively about their offerings. Reddit

The fee covers the use of the park's safari vehicle for a guided tour within the park to observe wildlife. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

You can potentially see gazelles, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and other animals. Elephants are present but sightings are not guaranteed. TikTokReddit

The optimal time to see animals is quite early in the morning, between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM. Animals tend to hide from the midday heat. Reddit+1

While generally safe, poachers are a concern, and some visitors have been assigned an armed soldier as a guide for protection. Reddit

Yes, there is a restaurant where you can have breakfast or lunch, and accommodation is available in cabins for overnight stays. Reddit

Visitors are urged to keep to the speed limit to avoid harming wildlife and to take all their trash back home with them. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant located within the park where visitors can enjoy breakfast or lunch. Reddit

You can have breakfast at the park's restaurant, either before or after your safari experience. Reddit

The park offers dining at its restaurant, providing meals for visitors. Specific menu details are not widely available. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to check with park staff upon arrival regarding designated picnic spots. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and water is generally permissible, but it's always best to confirm park regulations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The open plains and riverbanks offer great opportunities for wildlife photography. Be mindful of the moving safari vehicle. Instagram+1

Yes, but be cautious of branches and plants scratching you as the car moves through denser vegetation. Reddit

Capturing images of elephants, giraffes, and zebras is a major draw for photographers visiting the park. TikTokInstagram

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of wildlife and avoid disturbing them for a photo. Instagram

Early morning light provides softer, more flattering light for photography, and it's also when animals are most active. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kissama National Park can be an exciting destination for families, offering a chance to see animals like zebras and giraffes up close. Reddit The safari drives, though potentially bumpy, can be an adventure for children. Reddit It's advisable to arrive early in the morning, as this is when animals are most active and visible, which can keep younger attention spans engaged. Reddit+1

Consider bringing snacks and drinks for the kids, and a cushion for the safari vehicle to ensure a more comfortable ride. Reddit While elephant sightings are not guaranteed, the possibility adds an element of excitement. The park's restaurant offers dining options, which can be convenient for families. Reddit Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and the environment to children during the visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Kissama National Park offers relatively affordable entry fees, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit+1 While the park's safari vehicles have an additional cost, it's generally considered reasonable for the experience. Reddit+1 To save money, consider visiting in your own vehicle if possible, though be aware of potential security escorts. Reddit

Packing your own food and drinks can also help reduce expenses, as dining options within the park might be limited. Reddit The park's accommodation, while described as 'ok' and 'nothing special,' offers a budget-friendly overnight option compared to hotels in Luanda. Reddit The overall experience of seeing reintroduced wildlife in a natural setting provides significant value for the cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Kissama National Park is a testament to conservation efforts in Angola. The park has successfully reintroduced several species, including elephants and giraffes, which were once scarce. TikTok These initiatives aim to restore the natural biodiversity of the region and provide a sanctuary for these magnificent animals. Visitors can witness the results of these dedicated conservation programs firsthand. Instagram

However, the park still faces challenges. Poaching remains a concern, driven by corruption and desperation among local populations. Reddit This highlights the ongoing need for robust anti-poaching measures and community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of the wildlife. Responsible tourism plays a role in supporting these efforts by contributing to the park's revenue and raising awareness.

When visiting, remember that these animals are wild and their behavior is unpredictable. Respect their space and follow the guidance of park rangers. The presence of reintroduced wildlife is a significant achievement and a key reason to visit Kissama National Park. TikTokInstagram

The Safari Experience

The safari experience in Kissama National Park offers a unique glimpse into Angola's natural heritage. Visitors can opt for park-operated safari vehicles, which provide a raised vantage point for viewing wildlife. Reddit These rides can be bumpy, so bringing a cushion is a practical tip shared by many travelers. Reddit The open-sided nature of some safari cars allows for immersive views, but caution is advised to avoid scratches from passing vegetation. Reddit

Early morning is consistently recommended as the best time for safaris, with peak activity between 7-8 AM. Reddit+1 This timing increases the likelihood of spotting a variety of animals, including the park's reintroduced elephants, giraffes, and zebras. TikTokReddit While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of the chase and the beautiful landscapes make the safari a memorable adventure. Instagram

Beyond the wildlife, the drive to and within the park offers insights into the local environment and the challenges faced by communities. Reddit The park's relatively undeveloped state for tourism adds to its authentic charm, offering a less commercialized safari experience compared to some other African destinations. Reddit

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