Quiçama National Park
Park Angolan national park protecting savanna wildlife and coastline
Quiçama (Kissama) National Park protects savannah, woodland and coastal plains west of Luanda; tourists find game drives, birdwatching, seasonal boat trips on the Kwanza River and efforts to restore wildlife populations.
_Figure_7.jpg?width=1200)
Quiçama National Park is a coastal national park in Bengo Province, Angola, protecting a mix of savanna, woodland and riverine habitats along the lower Cuanza River. It was created in the mid-20th century and is one of the country’s principal protected areas.
The park offers wildlife viewing across extensive plains and river flats and includes coastal wetlands and beaches. Game-viewing is the main attraction, with opportunities to see large mammals and waterbirds in season from roads and tracks that cross the reserve.
Quiçama was established in the 1950s and has been managed as a national park since then, with periods of limited access during the late 20th century. Management and conservation activities have continued intermittently as security and funding allowed.
The park lies southwest of Luanda in Bengo Province on Angola’s Atlantic coast, incorporating stretches of shoreline and the lower reaches of the Cuanza River delta.
- Location note: Sits along the Atlantic coast and includes riverine and coastal habitats around the lower Cuanza River, making it one of Angola's largest protected areas.
Tips for Visiting Quiçama National Park #
- Book a visit from Luanda with a registered operator and confirm park permits in advance-most wildlife viewing and vehicle access in Quiçama is organized through tour operators based in the capital.
- Plan for the dry season (roughly May-October) when animals concentrate at water sources and are easier to spot; vehicle access is also easier than in the rains.
- Ask your operator about river or estuary birding options-Quiçama's coastal and Kwanza estuary habitats are good for waterbirds and are often missed by visitors focused only on land safaris.
Best Time to Visit Quiçama National Park #
The dry season (May-Oct) is generally best for visiting Quiçama National Park because wildlife is easier to spot and access is better.
Weather & Climate near Quiçama National Park #
Quiçama National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in March) and warm winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 16°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (688 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
