Tundavala Gap

Fenda da Tundavala (Tundavala Gap) is a huge opening in the edge of the Huíla plateau, in the Serra da Chela, north-west of Lubango. Here the plateau, at more than 2 000 metres above sea level, drops suddenly by about a thousand metres, and the view opens out over the lowlands that stretch towards Namibe.

In 2014 it was voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Angola, and it is the best-known sight in the region. From the viewpoint, with the wind rising up the escarpment, you see the almost vertical rock face and, on clear days, the horizon far in the distance.

It is also an important area for mountain birds, and there are short trails across the top of the rocks. Climbers know the walls of the gap well.

It is a short drive from Lubango. Early in the morning there may be mist at the bottom of the valley, which creates a lovely atmosphere but hides the view; in the late afternoon the light falls on the escarpment.