Angola’s Chik Chik Tour Showcases Southern Wonders by Rail and Road
The southern reaches of Angola came alive this past weekend as the 11th edition of the Chik Chik Tour rolled out, offering a unique blend of scenic discovery and cultural immersion. Hosted by the Chik Chik-Lubango Hotel in partnership with the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM), this year’s event drew 92 enthusiastic participants for a journey that highlighted the untapped tourism potential of the Huíla and Namibe provinces.
The adventure began in Lubango, where travelers boarded the tourist train for a 400-kilometer expedition through some of Angola’s most breathtaking landscapes. The route wound its way through the dramatic Humbia Mountains, across the stark beauty of the Namib Desert, and into the Caraculo region. Along the way, passengers were treated to a rare sight: desert camels, recently imported from Dubai, now roaming the Angolan sands—a striking symbol of the region’s evolving tourism landscape.
Paulo Tiongo, the visionary behind the Chik Chik Lubango Tour, emphasized that this year’s edition was designed to spotlight the diverse tourist and cultural assets of southern Angola. By bringing together families and nature lovers, the event aimed to foster greater awareness of the region’s economic and tourism opportunities, while also encouraging cross-cultural exchange and local pride.
The first day’s journey culminated at the Moçâmedes station, where travelers shared stories and laughter, forging new connections in an atmosphere of camaraderie and discovery. The experience didn’t end with the train ride. On Sunday, participants switched gears for a bus tour that delved deeper into Namibe’s main attractions. The highlight was a visit to Pipas Boulevard, where the group marveled at the pristine beach and its crystal-clear waters—a reminder of the region’s natural allure and its potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
As the sun began to set, the train’s whistle signaled the start of the return journey. The expedition wrapped up at Lubango station on Monday morning, leaving participants with lasting memories of Angola’s southern corridor—a region that remains largely undiscovered by the broader African travel market.
This year’s Chik Chik Tour stands out not only for its scenic route but also for its role in promoting sustainable tourism and regional development. The collaboration between the hospitality sector and the railway underscores the importance of infrastructure investment in unlocking new travel experiences. The Moçâmedes Railway, in particular, has become a vital artery for tourism, connecting remote landscapes with urban centers and making it easier for visitors to access Angola’s hidden gems.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the Chik Chik Tour offers a compelling case study in product innovation and destination marketing. By combining rail and road travel, the event creates a seamless journey that appeals to families, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of unique attractions—such as the desert camels and the untouched beaches of Namibe—adds a layer of exclusivity that can help differentiate Angola in a competitive regional market.
Looking ahead, the success of the Chik Chik Tour signals a broader shift in Angola’s tourism strategy. There is growing recognition that the country’s southern corridor, with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, holds significant promise for both leisure and eco-tourism. As more travelers seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, Angola’s investment in rail infrastructure and hospitality services is likely to pay dividends, attracting a new wave of visitors from across Africa and beyond.
The event also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together hotel operators, railway authorities, and local communities, the Chik Chik Tour demonstrates how coordinated efforts can create memorable experiences while supporting local economies. This model could inspire similar initiatives elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, where untapped destinations await discovery and development.
For those in the African travel trade, Angola’s approach offers valuable lessons in leveraging natural assets, investing in connectivity, and crafting experiences that resonate with today’s travelers. As the continent’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, the Chik Chik Tour stands as a testament to the power of innovation, partnership, and a deep appreciation for the wonders that lie just beyond the horizon.
