Sumbe

Understand

The name "Sumbe" derives from the Kimbundu word "cussumba", which in Portuguese means "to buy". The place where the city of Sumbe is located has always been a place of commercial exchange between the peoples of the interior and the coast: salt and fish, as well as the fabrics brought by the Europeans, served for a long time to feed this commercial circuit, which also involved the sale of black slaves. The economy of the area is essentially based on fishing, maritime and river activities (mainly in the Quicombo district), and small-scale farming, especially corn, potatoes and horticulture, as well as cattle and goat farming. Quicombo Bay and the beaches that border it are a source of tourist income.

Climate The city has a dry tropical climate. The hottest temperatures are from January to April, and the coldest months are July and August.

Getting there

By bus 1 Huambo Expresso bus terminal, EN100 (south-east of city center). Huambo Expresso: 7 buses to Luanda daily (7500 Kz, 5-6 hr as of June 2024), Benguela via Lobito (5000 Kz, 4-5 hr). (updated Jul 2024) 2 Macon bus terminal, EN100 (2 km south-east of city center.). Macon: 7 buses to Luanda daily (7500 Kz, 5-6 hr as of June 2024), Benguela via Lobito (11:30, 13:00, 16:30, 17:00, 20:00, 5000 Kz, 4-5 hr). (updated Jul 2024)

See

1 Catedral (corner Avenida Marginal 4 de Fevereiro). (updated Jul 2024) 2 Sassa Caves (11 km south-east of Sumbe. Take the EN100 south of Sumbe then, after 4 km, turn on the left at the junction and continue for 7 km. The footpath is on the left of the road but unmarked. Walk downhill for 2 km; when you reach the river, the cave entrance is on the left, hidden behind rocks). Sassa Caves is supposedly one of the 7 wonders of Angola. Ask locals for directions. They will be happy to guide you (for a tip). Bring a light inside! They are many bats on the ceiling. Once you have walked through the second room, you will find the other side of the river. (updated Jul 2024)

Buy

1 Mercado Municipal do Sumbe, Rua Comandante Kassage (corner with Avenida 1° de Maio). (updated Jul 2024)

Eat

1 Café Restaurant A Esteirinha, Avenida 1° de Maio (between Avenida Joaquim Kapango and Rua do Quicombo). (updated Jul 2024) 2 Restaurant Mar e Sol, Avenida Marginal 4 de Fevereiro. Terrace on the waterfront with view of the ocean. (updated Jul 2024)

Sleep

1 Hotel Kalunda. Central. Single en-suite w/ breakfast: 37 000 Kz. (updated Jul 2024) 2 Hotel Ritz Sumbe, Marginal do Sumbe, 4 de Fevereiro. A bit run down but nice view of the sunset on the Atlantic Ocean. Wi-Fi at the reception only. Single en-suite w/ breakfast: 27 000 Kz. (updated Jun 2024)