Black Stones of Pungo Andongo

The Pungo Andongo Black Stones (Malanje Black Stones) are one of Angola’s main natural attractions. Their name is due to their location. The stones are located 116 km from the regional center of Malanje, near the small provincial town of Pungo Andongo.

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General information

Geologically, the giant stone boulders are ancient solidified lava outbursts. Towering above the savannah, the Black Stones create a mysterious majestic landscape. In addition, travelers who decide to explore the Black Stones of Pungo Andongo have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the old Portuguese fort of the same name, built in 1671 and located nearby. It functioned until the mid-19th century and was then abandoned.

Locals have passed down many legends and beliefs related to the mysterious stones from generation to generation.

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The basis of the most famous legend is that footprints can be seen on one of the Black Stones. They are said to have been left by the legendary Queen Zinga Mbandi Ngola (Anna Zinga Mbandi Ngola). The woman is revered by every Angolan because in the 17th century she became famous for her long, and most importantly, quite successful struggle against the Portuguese colonizers. The queen managed to unite several tribes and create a strong African state, Matamba, in central Angola.

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Zinga Mbandi Ngola was also considered a talented diplomat, which can be confirmed in Portuguese sources. In 1657, at the age of seventy-five, she was forced to sign a peace treaty with the Portuguese because the forces were unequal. To the praise of her bravery, the queen replied to the Catholic missionary Father Antoine Gaeta: “I am old now, my father, and deserve indulgence. When I was young, I was not inferior to any warrior in swiftness of walk and dexterity of hand. There was a time when I was not afraid to fight twenty-five armed white soldiers. True, I did not know how to use muskets, but sword strokes also require courage, bravery and judgment.” She died 6 years later, at the age of 81, and with her death an era of relative stability and a certain parity in relations with Portugal ended for Angola.

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There are several restaurants near the Black Stones, and especially for wilderness enthusiasts, there is a supply of charcoal and special kindling, so everyone can have an open-air dinner without any problems. We then recommend heading to the Kalandula waterfall along the way.