Saurimo, capital of Lunda Sul

Saurimo is the capital of Lunda Sul, in eastern Angola, set on a plateau at around 1 080 metres above sea level. It is the gateway to the land of the Lunda and Tchokwe peoples and a city that grew up around diamonds.

Its modern history begins in 1884, when the expedition of the Portuguese explorer Henrique de Carvalho reached the region and chose the site for a fortified post. The settlement was raised to city status in 1956 under the explorer's name and, after independence, went back to being called Saurimo, a word of Tchokwe origin linked to a former local chief.

About 30 km away is the Catoca mine, one of the largest diamond operations in the world, which drives a good part of the city's economy. Saurimo is also home to the Universidade Lueji A'Nkonde and an airport with flights to Luanda.

If you want to leave the tarmac behind, Lagoa do Luari (Luari Lagoon), some 8 km to the east, has navigable waters, fishing and a restaurant nearby. In Alto Bosque, to the north-west, Resort Uhenha recreates a Tchokwe sanzala (village) in wood, bamboo and palm leaves, serves grilled meats and game, and hosts tchianda dance groups at weekends.

Tchokwe handicrafts, with their wooden masks and sculptures, are what is worth taking home as a souvenir.