What to visit in the municipalities of Cubal and Ganda

Cubal and Ganda are cities and municipalities in the province of Benguela, best known for their authentic local life, rivers, and rural landscapes in Angola.

Brief history of the municipality of Ganda

The municipality of Ganda has its historical origins linked to the settlement of native populations and colonial expansion driven by trade routes and the railway. Umbundu is the national language most spoken and used daily by the local population.

The major driver of urban and economic development took place at the beginning of the 20th century with the arrival of the Benguela Railway (CFB) line. In 1913, the locality was elevated to the category of administrative district headquarters. During the colonial period until Angola’s independence in 1975, the municipality was officially named Vila Mariano Machado.

After independence, it regained its original name, Ganda, and its territorial division was restructured. Due to its fertile lands, it became historically known as one of the largest agricultural granaries in the province of Benguela.

Local and cultural life in the municipality of Ganda

The municipality of Ganda has great industrial potential, which in the past was one of its most important economic sectors. There was a spirits factory in the neighboring municipality (Babaera), a coffee processing (mechanical process performed after harvesting and drying the fruit) roasting, and packaging factory, a brick factory in the municipal headquarters, a tile factory at the Ndunde Mission, and a cellulose production industry in Babaera.
There was also a sisal plantation farm, where much of its production was exported, as well as fruit processing industries, cereal, corn, massambala, and meat industries.
In the field of livestock farming, the municipality has a tradition of raising cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry. In the past, it was a major regional reference in terms of animal production.

Gastronomy of the municipality of Ganda

White corn pirão: the mandatory side dish for almost all local meals, made from finely ground corn flour cooked in boiling water.
Lossaca: A traditional sauté made from the fruits of a local wild plant, enriched with palm oil or peanuts, highly appreciated throughout the province of Benguela.
Pumpkin lombi: a stew made with tender pumpkin leaves, cooked and sautéed with cherry tomatoes and onions.
Palm oil beans: locally grown beans slowly cooked and seasoned with traditional palm oil.
Locally raised meats: as it is a region rich in agriculture and livestock, side dishes with local chicken meat (naked chicken) or goat stews, dried meat (beef or game meat) are highly traditional.
It is worth strolling through the town center, local fairs, and markets to see handicrafts, agricultural products, and interact with the local community.

What to visit in Ganda

Former Angola Cellulose and Paper Company(At the moment, visits require prior authorization)

Arabica Coffee Institute(At the moment, visits require prior authorization)

Sambú Rock Paintings

Ganda City Garden

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Brief history of the municipality of Cubal

The municipality of Cubal, located in the province of Benguela, 146 km from the provincial capital, originated from a settlement founded at the beginning of the 20th century.
Cubal was elevated to city status on January 23, 1968. Its origin is related to the Benguela Railway and to the name Joaquim Francisco Ferreira, better known as “Yiola-yiola” (popular nickname), a Portuguese merchant who arrived in the lands of Hanha in 1878. Umbundu is the national language most spoken and used daily by the local population.
The first people to inhabit that region were from the Muhanha tribe, later followed by the Munanos from the Central Plateau (Huambo) and the Ovambuelo from the Huíla region. Strongly dedicated to livestock farming and agriculture, Cubal grew and developed thanks to the alliance between the railway and the sisal industry, which had the Alto-Cubal, Kiskerof, Elisa, Banja-banja, and Rio Bom farms as its main production centers.

Local and cultural life in the municipality of Cubal

Animal husbandry by peasants, especially small animals such as goats, pigs, and chickens, is widely used for food and trade. Cattle are used for animal traction (the use of animal power such as oxen, horses, mules and buffalo to move vehicles, plow the land or pull agricultural implements) and also for trade, as evidenced by the large cattle market, known as the meat market, in the municipal headquarters. When independence arrived, Benguela was already the main sisal producer in all of Angola. Cubal contributed greatly to these impressive numbers. The plantations were immense, and exports were shipped worldwide.
Cubal’s culture is strongly rooted in community solidarity, family farming, and the oral transmission of knowledge. As one of the largest meat producers in the province, its cuisine reflects both rural richness and the typical flavors of Benguela.

Gastronomy of the municipality of Cubal

Dried meat calulú: a traditional stew made with dried meat or dried fish (in that region), accompanied by vegetables such as rama, okra, eggplant, and palm oil, always served with funge.
Roasted game meat and barbecue: given the importance of local livestock farming, fresh meat dishes hold a special place in the municipality’s gastronomy.
Chicken muamba: a stew made with naked chicken, prepared with okra, eggplant, palm oil, peanuts, and various seasonings, is one of the traditional Angolan dishes also present on Cubal tables during festive dates and family celebrations.
When it comes to beverages, Cubal is known for its refreshing and flavorful juices made from fresh fruits such as passion fruit, pineapple, and guava, not forgetting quissángua (which is basically a drink made from crushed yellow corn and flour derived from it). These juices are usually enjoyed with meals or as a refreshing drink on a hot day.

What to visit in Cubal

Lomaum Dam

Ferroviário do Cubal Swimming Pool

Gardens of the Former Ferrovia Sports Club of Cubal

Cubal Railway Station

Granite Massif Landscape – the region is widely known for its imposing rock formations that punctuate the plains and shape the plateau landscape, along the banks of the Cubal River, a tributary of the Catumbela River.

Between natural landscapes, historical heritage, cultural traditions, and a strong connection to the Benguela Railway, the municipalities of Cubal and Ganda reveal themselves as destinations full of authenticity in the heart of Benguela province. From old railway stations to rivers, missions, gardens, and social gathering spaces, each place tells part of the history and identity of these lands of the Angolan plateau. Visiting Cubal and Ganda means discovering peaceful scenery, welcoming communities, and experiences marked by simplicity and cultural richness. For those seeking to discover a more genuine side of Angola, far from the busiest tourist circuits, these municipalities offer more than enough reasons for a memorable journey filled with history, nature, and tradition.

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