Saurimo sits in a high place. Elevation 3557 feet. If you want to use the metric system, it is 1,084 meters. The air is thin here. The air felt sharper.
This is not the tourist trap you are used to. This is a garrison town. This is the market center.
If you’re planning a trip to northeastern Angola, this place might not be on your radar. It should not be ignored. This is a logistics node. A resting point.
The name of the city has also changed over time. It was once named after Henrique de Carvalho. He was a Portuguese explorer. He visited here in 1884 and made contact with the Lunda peoples.
Saurimo was used as a military garrison until 1918, when it became the administrative center of the former Lunda district
The city developed from a military station. By 1918, it became an administrative center. This city was founded in 1956. During the Portuguese colonial period, an air base was built here.
What does people buy and sell?
Maize. Cassava. beans. Potato.
These edible crops can be found in local markets. Local industry processes these agricultural products. This is not cutting edge technology. This is very practical.
The real story is how we got there.
You can fly to Saurimo Airport. Or you can drive. The road continues south to Luena. Take the Benguela train from Luena. It is the most important transport hub in Angola.
The population is growing. In 2014, the estimated number was 393,000.
Why go?
Saurimo is a stopover when traveling between the coast and the interior. It is very quiet. This is historic. It’s elevated.
The Lunda Empire shaped this region. History remains. No neon to be found. You will find rocks and dirt. Find your way to the railway.
This is a stopover. It is not a destination.
But sometimes the most important thing is to stop.
