angola tourist

Must-see attractions in Angola

Parque Nacional da Kissama

Kissama (also spelt Quiçama), situated 70km (43.5mi) south of Luanda, is Angola's most accessible and well-stocked wildlife park. This huge swathe of…

Museu de Antropologia

The Fortaleza de São Miguel guarding the entrance to the bay was constructed by the Portuguese in 1576 and is Luanda's oldest surviving building. Altered…

Museu Central das Forças Armadas

Banco Nacional de Angola

The curvaceous sweep of the harbour-side Marginal makes an interesting stroll at any time of day. Look out for the striking domed pink façade of the Banco…

Palácio de Ferro

Architectural buffs will also want to check the Palácio de Ferro , designed by Frenchman Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) in the 1890s for the Paris…

Tunda-Vala Volcanic Fissure

Largely unaffected by the war, Lubango provides access to the beautiful beaches of Namibe. En route, watch for the Tunda-Vala volcanic fissure, where you…

Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré

Luanda has a smattering of old colonial churches hidden among the skyscrapers. A bit of careful searching will reveal the diminutive Igreja de Nossa…

Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios

See the impressive double-domed façade of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios , built in 1655 and restored in 1995.

Museu de História Natural

The Museu de História Natural boasts two permanent exhibitions in its marine and mammal halls.

More destinations you need to see

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1.1 Angola as a Portuguese colony (15th century - 1975)
• 4.1.2 Angolan Civil War (1975 - 2002)
• 4.1.3 Present day (2002 - present)
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Electricity
• 4.5 Books about Angola
• 4.6 Information about Angola
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.6 By boat
• 7.2 By train
• 7.3 By ferry
• 7.4 By plane
• 10.2 Shopping
• 11.1 Signature and national dishes
• 14.2 Political unrest
• 14.3 Photography
• 15 Stay healthy

Angola is a beautiful nation in Central Africa endowed with beautiful waterfalls, rivers, national parks, and coastlines. There is plenty to do and see here.

• -8.838333 13.234444 1 Luanda — the massive, overcrowded, chaotic, and incredibly expensive capital of the country, filled with nightlife and culture, a jarring mix of wealthy expats in the oil industry and the masses of destitute migrants from the rest of the country.
• -12.55 13.416667 2 Benguela — the most tourist-friendly city in one of the world's least touristy countries, with a strong Carnavale tradition, pretty oceanfront, and by the nation's best beaches.

• -5.566667 12.2 3 Cabinda — the wealthy capital of oil-rich Cabinda Province
• -12.766667 15.733333 4 Huambo — the center of the Ovimbundu region, one of Angola's larger cities that suffered greatly during the civil war, surrounded by much natural beauty.
• -12.35 13.546389 5 Lobito — a beachfront city, basically part of Benguela, which is the epicentre of Carnavale celebrations.
• -6.266667 14.25 6 M'banza-Kongo
• -14.916667 13.5 7 Lubango — a good base for exploring the mountainous escarpment in the center of southern Angola.
• Malanje — a destination owing to its proximity to tourist attractions like Kalandula Falls, Pungo Andongo, and Cangandala National Park.
• Menongue — a small city in the remote southeast, the terminus of the Moçâmedes Railway, from Namibe.
• Namibe — beachfront capital of the desert southwest, and jumping off point for exploring Iona National Park, and excursions to meet Khoisan peoples.

Other destinations

• Floresta do Maiombe — a rainforest reserve in Cabinda Province with very high biodiversity and many rivers and waterfalls.
• Great Escarpment — the steepest mountains of Angola, with scenic drives (4x4 only), opportunities for adventurous hikers, and some spectacular views, most notably the Tundavala Gap.
• -9.075833 16.003333 3 Kalandula Falls — one of Angola's most famous sights, near Malanje.
• -8.963758 13.051758 5 Mussulo Island — a beautiful extension of land in the south of Luanda that's famous for its natural beauty; explore some of its local cuisine such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
• Sumbe Caves — beautiful caves in a jungle-filled canyon near the small city of Sumbe , about four hours south of Luanda.

The people of Angola are stoics. They have a deep understanding of patience, and avoid blaming the difficulties the country faces on the fact that there was war. In fact, Angolans behave as if there was no war although it is deeply rooted in every Angolan. Music is the heart and soul of Angolans, it can be heard anywhere and they use anything as an excuse to party. The country has a wide range of music, mainly Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba, and Tarrachinha, the latter being more sensual than all the others. In all, it is safe to say that Angolans are fun and loving people with a thirst for more of what life has to give.

Since the end of the brutal, horrific Angolan Civil War in 2002, the Angolan government is keen on improving the country's international image and opening up Angola to the world. Tourism is still in its nascent stages and it will take some time for things to get back to normal. The country's national park system was devastated during the war, with rampant poaching leaving Angola with relatively scant megafauna compared to its African peers.

The country's tourism industry has been steadily growing and attracts 500,000–600,000 people each year. Angola shares borders with Namibia , Zambia , and the two Congos.

Before colonial rule, northern Angola was home to the Kingdom of Kongo, and the capital of it was M'banza-Kongo . The Kingdom of Kongo also had several vassal states, including the kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, which would unite into a powerful entity in its own right under the rule of Queen Nzinga in the 17th century.

Angola as a Portuguese colony (15th century - 1975)

A Portuguese explorer, Diogo Cão, first discovered the country in 1484. Sometime later, the Portuguese established a trading post at the mouth of the Congo River. The Portuguese colonialists gradually expanded their control over the region, establishing a colonial administration and exploiting Angola's resources for economic gain.

As a Portuguese colony , Angola's society and economy underwent significant transformations. The Portuguese aimed to exploit the region's vast natural resources, including minerals, timber, and agricultural products. They introduced commercial farming, particularly in the fertile northern part, focusing on cash crops such as coffee, cotton, and sisal. The Portuguese even traded enslaved people for plantations, mainly to Brazil .

The Portuguese also forced their language, culture, and religion on the people of Angola. The official language became Portuguese, and the school system was designed to integrate Angolans into Portuguese culture. Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism, was pushed, resulting in widespread Angolan conversion. Furthermore, the influence of Portuguese culture and religion eroded native African beliefs and practices.

As the winds of change blew over Africa in the mid-twentieth century, nationalist movements in Angola arose, demanding independence from Portuguese control. The most visible of them were the Popular Movement for Angolan Liberation (MPLA), the National Front for Angolan Liberation (FNLA), and the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). These movements fought for independence by armed confrontation, resulting in a lengthy and violent fight.

Finally, on November 11, 1975, Angola gained independence, and the MPLA established a socialist government with support from the Soviet Union and other socialist countries.

Angolan Civil War (1975 - 2002)

Following independence, Angola was divided into three major factions: the Marxist-Leninist People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), and the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA). Each faction had a different vision for the country's future and tried to capture power.

The civil war swiftly grew into a full-fledged struggle marked by guerilla fighting, military offensives, and massive human rights violations. The war's impact on civilians was severe, with millions displaced and massive casualties. The nation's infrastructure was severely damaged, and the war significantly influenced Angola's socioeconomic progress.

Present day (2002 - present)

Since the conclusion of the Angolan Civil War, the country's economy has grown, and the political situation has stabilised considerably; however, the government is still feeling the damaging effects of the civil war. Poverty, malnutrition, and disease are widespread, the standard of living for many Angolans is poor, and the country suffers from high corruption and inequality. Over 70% of Angolans live below $3.20 a day.

In August 2006, a peace treaty was signed with a faction of the FLEC, a separatist guerrilla group from the Cabinda exclave in the North, which is still active. About 65% of Angola's oil comes from that region.

Since 2017, the government has made fighting corruption its main agenda. Numerous corrupt politicians have either been jailed or are awaiting trial.

Like the rest of tropical Africa, Angola experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons.

The coastal strip is tempered by the cool Benguela Current, resulting in a climate similar to coastal Peru or Baja California . It is semiarid in the South and along the coast to Luanda. There is a short rainy season lasting from February to April. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild. The northern part has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season (November to April). In the interior, above 1,000m (3,300 ft), the temperature and rainfall decrease. The interior highlands have a mild climate with a rainy season from November through April followed by a cool dry season from May to October.

The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, and is accompanied by violent storms. The far north and Cabinda enjoy rain throughout much of the year.

Electricity

Officially 220 V, 50 Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travellers should pack a transforming adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Angola.

Also, be aware of the power related problems in Angola. If you plan to rent a house, you for sure should rent a house with a generator. Power outages are quite frequent.

The majority of Angolans are Bantus and are home to three of its groups, including the Ovimbundu, Mbundu, and Bakongo. The Mbundu people have their roots to a 16th-century kingdom Ndongo, which had a title for rulers known as ngola , the word for the origin of the name Angola.

Books about Angola

There is very little literature on Angola available and most of the available literature is in Portuguese or (in some cases) French.

Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mendes was translated from the Portuguese and published by Harcourt in 2003. Mendes traveled across the country by train in 1997 while the war was still going on in Angola. His account is a fascinating look at the people and the nature of life there during the war.

John Frederick Walker's A Certain Curve of Horn , documents the history of a sub species of Antelope unique to Angola - "Palanca Negra Gigante" ( Hippotragus níger variani ).

Ryszard Kapuściński authored a journalistic narrative called Another Day of Life in which he reports on the chaotic period leading up to Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975. As one of the only journalists in Angola during this very dangerous period, his perspective is rare and full of insight.

The travel writer Paul Theroux visited Angola and wrote about it in his book The Last Train to Zona Verde (2013).

Information about Angola

• Angola Embassy in the U.S.

Portuguese is the official language of Angola, the second-largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and is understood by virtually everyone. For clarity, Angolans speak standard Portuguese (European Portuguese).

Other commonly spoken languages include Umbundu, Kikongo, and Kimbundu. This said, those languages have been largely supplanted by the growth of Portuguese among Angolan youth.

English is not widely spoken in Angola, even though it is the most commonly studied foreign language in the country. A solid knowledge of Portuguese is essential if you wish to travel outside of Luanda or travel to Angola independently.

Entry requirements

Passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Angola when the purpose of the visit is tourism for up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted): Botswana , Mauritius , Mozambique , Namibia , Seychelles , Singapore , Zimbabwe .

From 30 March 2018, Angola started issuing tourist visas valid for 30 days in a simplified procedure to visitors from the following 59 countries: Algeria , Argentina , Australia , Austria , Belgium , Brazil , Bulgaria , Canada , Cape Verde , Chile , China , Croatia , Cuba , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Eswatini , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , India , Indonesia , Ireland , Israel , Italy , Japan , Republic of Korea , Latvia , Lesotho , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Madagascar , Malawi , Malta , Monaco , Morocco , Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Russia , Sao Tome and Principe , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Timor-Leste , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States of America , Uruguay , Vatican City , Venezuela and Zambia .

Visitors must first apply for a pre-visa online [dead link] with the Migration and Foreigners Service and after such pre-visa is granted they can obtain a visa on arrival at Luanda Airport. In order to obtain a pre-visa applicants must submit proof of accommodation and subsistence means, a return ticket and the international certificate of vaccination. Visa costs US$120, paid on arrival.

When obtaining a visa from countries to the north, you will often only be issued a 5-day transit visa for Angola. If travelling by road, this will only give you enough time to get to Luanda where it takes up to 4 days to get another five day transit visa. If you're coming into Angola from the DR Congo, you may well need an Angolan visa before entering DR Congo.

Luanda-4-de-Fevereiro is situated 4 km outside Luanda. There are public phones and bank facilities at the airport.

The most reliable taxi system from the airport is Afritaxi. Their white vehicles are clearly marked, and they charge per km or per minute, depending on how bad traffic congestion is. They only operate during daylight hours. Eco Tur also runs reliable airport transfers, but you'll need to book in advance.

• TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola has flights between Luanda and some states in Africa, for example to South Africa ( Johannesburg ), Namibia ( Windhoek ), Zimbabwe ( Harare ), Democratic Republic of the Congo ( Kinshasa ) and the Republic of Congo ( Brazzaville ). TAAG has three weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro ( Brazil ).
• Air France flies from Paris
• Airlink flies directly from Johannesburg
• British Airways offers direct connections between London
• Brussels Airlines [dead link] flies from Brussels .
• Emirates flies directly from Dubai
• Ethiopian Airways flies from Addis Ababa
• Lufthansa [dead link] flies from Frankfurt .
• Iberia flies from Madrid .
• Kenya Airways from Nairobi
• Qatar Airways from Doha
• TAP Air Portugal [dead link] flies daily from Lisbon
• TAME [dead link] flies from Conakry

There are no railway links between Angola and other nations.

You can go in from Namibia at the border post near Oshikango(Namibia)/Ondjiva(Angola).

Entering from the North was, as of 2002, via Luvo, a small town on the Kinshasa-Matadi 'road'. If you want to drive through Angola, it's a real experience. Off the beaten track, road conditions might not be quite what you are used to so be prepared, particularly during the rainy season where potholes are likely to be a frequent occurrence. Also, keep a look out for livestock and the overloaded vehicles of the Angolan residents.

As of 2024 there are bus connections between Angola and Namibia offered by Macon , Silas Ndapuka Transport and maybe others.

As of 2003, it was at least possible to enter Angola via a small passenger ferry near Rundu in Namibia. There was both an Angolan and Namibia border official present. The crossing was mostly used by Angolans for the purposes of acquiring food and other supplies in Namibia. There are (as of 2007) ferries running from the enclave of Cabinda to Luanda, which can be useful to avoid the unstable DR Congo. They carry cars as well. Seek local advice for when they depart. Sources claim that they run twice a week, cost $180 per person (bike included), and take 14 hours to do the trip (2005).

If there are no ferries, there might be cargo planes that you (and your car) can ride on between Cabinda and Luanda [1] . Be warned - these planes are unsafe. Use them at your own peril.

There are some bus private companies which offer services as MACOM and SGO being the biggest ones. Those companies offer a wide range of services dealing with locations one wants to travel, especially inter-provincial courses. There are lines that connect most of the major cities of the country, from the coast to the interior. Local minibus transport is not safe.

Angola’s rail system is finally being restored with the help of Chinese firms after more than 30 years of disuse. There are three main lines reflect the country's colonial past, running from the resourceful interior to the coast. They do not connect with each other.

• The northern line Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL) between the capital Luanda and Malenje is back to full service. There are three classes, Primeira , with reclining leather seats with individual television sets; Exspresso , with comfortable chairs arranged in fours around tables and communal televisions; and Tramway , the cheapest option fitted out with benches to maximize passenger numbers. Ticket prices hover around 2,500 kwanzas ($26; £17). Carriges are clean and modern carriages with functioning toilets and a restaurant car. There are daily departures.
• The middle line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) have just started services between Lobito , Cubal and Huambo with some trains continuing to Luau at the border with Democratic Republic of Congo . There are several departures per week.
• The southern route Caminho de Ferro de Mocamedes (CFM) runs between Namibe , Lubango and Menongue .

A passenger ferry links Luanda with the oil port of Soyo and the enclave of Cabinda . Timetables and operators haft shifted over the years, inquiring directly at the harbor is probably the easiest way to get information.

TAAG Angola Airlines offers scheduled flights around the country departing from Luanda to Cabinda, Catumbela, Dundo, Harare, Huambo, Kuito, Lubango, Luena, Menongue, Moçâmedes, Ondjiva, Saurimo, Soyo and Uíge

The main roads in Luanda and the provinces are in relatively good condition. However, during the rainy season (November to April), bridges and even roads can be washed away by water. When travelling outside Luanda, travel with someone who knows the local conditions, as conditions can be difficult. When travelling in rural areas, beware of landmines. There may be a shortage of petrol. Avoid driving after dark.

In Luanda: the Mussulo island for clean tropical beaches and water sports, the Benfica Market for Kwanza River.

Eco Tur Angola do various bespoke no tours Angola including Kissama with specialist game viewing vehicles.

In Benguela: Baia Azul for beautiful desert beaches. Art deco architecture in Benguela. Lobito City for the Restinga Peninsula and ice cold draught Cuca beer, the Benguela Rail road, and fantastic scenery.

In Kwanza Sul - Cubal Canyon, Conde Hot springs and Cachoeiras and Binga Waterfalls, with the Cambambe Dam on River Kwanza. Waku Kungo plains has fantastic scenery.

In Malange - Kalandula Waterfalls and Pungo n'Dongo Black Stones.

In Huila - Serra de Leba, Tunbda Vala Gorge, Mumuila tribespeople, fantastic scenery.

In Namibe - Arco Lagoon, beaches and a desert, and Mucubais tribespeople.

In Huambo - City Tours, Alto Hama hot springs, and fantastic scenery.

In Cunene - Himba tribes people, Ruacana Falls, and fantastic scenery.

The currency of Angola is the Angolan kwanza , denoted by the symbol " Kz " (ISO code: AOA ). It used to be prohibited to import or export any sum of kwanza, but now you can carry up to Kz50,000 out of the country. The kwanza (sometimes called the "new kwanza") replaced the kwanza reajustado at a rate of 1000:1 in 1995. The kwanza reajustado had replaced the novo kwanza at a rate of 1,000,000:1 in 1990. Watch out for old notes and coins.

Coins of Angola are issued in denominations of 10 and 50 cêntimos, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 kwanzas. Banknotes of Angola are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 kwanzas.

The kwanza lost 2/3 of its value against other currencies in 2023; prices in articles may not reflect recent inflation.

Just south of Luanda, the Benfica Handcrafts Market offers the best prices for handicrafts and souvenirs. This is an open market where local artists and artisans display their products, and bargaining is not only acceptable, but recommended. The products range from sculptures and paintings to jewellery, batik cloths and accessories.

Generally, dining out is not very easy in Angola, since even in Luanda restaurant food is expensive and many of the less well equipped restaurants have poor hygiene. Nonetheless, Angolan cuisine is varied and tasty, with local dishes based mainly on fish, cassava products and spicy stews.

Angolan seafood is abundant and very good, and the Angolan coast is a special place to eat fresh lobster right off the fisherman's boat.

Tropical fruit in Angola is also a treat because artisan production has maintained organic methods so that rich fruit flavours, unusual to the Western palate accustomed to industrially produced tropical fruits, predominate. If, however, you are situated in Luanda and need to dine, it is recommended that you get to Ilha de Luanda, where beach-restaurants (of varying price-classes from very exclusive to rather informal) can serve most foreign needs. Restaurants in Luanda grew in numbers and quality after the 2002 ceasefire brought stability and significant investment to the country.

Be careful: when eating out, do not drink tap water, ask for bottled mineral water instead.

Not all restaurants accept US dollars in cash; ask before ordering. Credit cards will not be accepted at most restaurants, although that is rapidly changing.

Signature and national dishes

• Muamba de galinha (Chicken Muamba)
• Mufete de cacusso - fish rubbed with fresh lemon and pepper
• Mufete - grilled fish of your choice (type of fish subject to availability) with boiled sweet potatoes and a mixture of raw finely chopped onions, peppers and tomatoes. Locals like to add beans as a side dish.
• Calulu a maneira com Funge de bombo
• Pirão ou funge - polenta made of corn meal and cassava roots. It is also served as the main meal in homes during Christmas.

World class hotels include the Tropico Hotel, the Alvalade Hotel, Le President Meridien Hotel, the Continental Hotel, the Skyna Hotel, the Epic Sana hotel, and the Palm Beach Hotel, among others.

You should consider hiring a trusted and knowledgeable local guide for travel within Angola, although if you follow some basic rules then travelling in Angola isn't dangerous. Travelling after dark and alone is never a good idea. If possible, join with several cars of the same make and model because of the possible need of spare parts.

Never step beyond the red and white HALO Trust posts. These denote mine fields . In fact, beware of anything surrounded by any kind of red stones or similar markers.

In Angola, it is mandatory to have a form of identification on you at all times. What this means: carrying a certified copy of your passport or your national identification card.

Angola has a high crime rate. Carjackings, muggings, robberies, sexual assaults, and the like are not unheard of in the capital city, Luanda .

Being a tourist will, undoubtedly, make you an "easy" target for criminals. Having little to no knowledge of Portuguese will also make you stand out. You can drastically reduce the likelihood of being a crime victim by applying a modicum of common sense — don't display signs of affluence, don't flash around your gadgets, keep your valuables and belongings out of reach, don't go to unfamiliar areas, don't go out at night, dress conservatively, and don't be too trusting of people you don't know.

If you've been sexually assaulted, immediately seek medical attention; Angola has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Political unrest

Angola has a long history of political instability and unrest.

Be careful with voicing your political opinions in public or on social media; disrespecting government officials is a punishable offence in Angola. This also encompasses complaining about how government officials and authorities are carrying out their duties.

Photography

Given Angola's history of enduring civil conflict, perceived threats to national security are taken very seriously in Angola. Taking photographs of certain structures and individuals — government buildings, military installations, train stations, police officers, airfields, airports, and bridges — will land you in serious trouble with the Angolan authorities and they may (incorrectly) assume you're a spy or a terrorist.

Stay healthy

State-of-the-art medical care is virtually non-existent in Angola; the country has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the world, the country is ideal for many tropical diseases, and a significant portion of Angolans are too poor to afford healthcare.

Malaria is the leading cause of death in the country. Regularly use insect repellent to lower your chances of contracting malaria, and consider draping a mosquito net (if you have one) over your bed. It's strongly recommended to get vaccinated against malaria before travelling to Angola.

Do not drink tap water . There is no working water purification system in Angola. Stick to bottled water.

Yellow fever is prevalent in the country. You are normally required to get vaccinated against the disease before applying for an Angolan visa and/or travelling to the country.

Dengue fever is another major health threat.

The country's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among adults is 1.80% . Although it is low compared to other African nations, you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Since Angola is rarely visited by tourists, you may attract unwanted attention from the locals. This isn't to indicate hostility, it is to indicate curiosity.

As is the case throughout Africa , it is obligatory to show respect for elders (including authority figures) as they're generally viewed as wiser and more experienced. When visiting an Angolan home, it is customary to greet the oldest person first. If you're waiting to enter a building, allow someone older to go in first. If you're on public transportation, give up your seat for someone older than you.

Angolans are extremely hospitable and they consider it impolite to not give someone a good welcome. Therefore, you can expect to be treated with immense respect as a visitor. If you've been invited for a meal at an Angolan person's home, bear in mind that the oldest person in the house starts eating first.

Angolans are attentive listeners . They consider it extremely rude to interrupt someone's conversation.

If travelling to rural areas, take some time to greet the local soba (chief with government-backed authority). Words of kindness will allow you to enjoy your journey in peace.

Angolans are generally amiable, and it is important to greet everyone respectfully and immediately upon seeing them. A simple hello ("Bom dia") will do.

The phone country code of Angola is +244. Telephone connections, cellular and landline, are heavily overloaded, making communication difficult at times. International lines are, however, often better.

Carry a satellite telephone in the case of a breakdown or other emergency. Be aware, that while Iridium [2] satellite phones have global coverage, Thuraya satellite phones have coverage in most of Angola, but may not have coverage in the southern parts of the country.

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50 Things you need to know before traveling to Angola

After living in Angola for three years, we got to know the country very well and want to share with you our best Angola travel tips with a list of e verything you need to know before traveling to Angola!

Angola isn’t the first place anyone remembers when considering traveling or vacations! It’s very difficult to travel, expensive and dangerous. Yet, it receives many travelers, almost all of them business travelers.

Page Contents

Everything about Angola and the Locals

#1 Where is Angola? Angola is located in Southern Africa, and it’s bordered by Namibia (South), Zambia (East), and both Congos (north)! The enclave of Cabinda is the only part of Angola that borders the Republic of Congo. To the West, Angola is bathed by the South Atlantic Ocean.

#2 It’s a huge country! The seventh largest in Africa and the 22nd in the World! Despite this, it has a relatively small population, only about 25 Million which makes Angola very sparsely populated! It has one of the lowest population densities in the world.

#3 In such a big country like Angola, the climate varies a lot, from tropical in the north, subtropical in the interior south and center, and desert in the Namibe region… However, in general,  we can say that it has two seasons: a dry, colder season (May to September) and a hot, rainy season (October to April).

In Angola, the dry, colder season is called Cacimbo . You should be aware that when we say colder, it just means that it isn’t scorching hot! You can easily go to the beach during Cacimbo .

#4 Angola used to be a Portuguese Colony and only became independent in 1975. After independence, it had almost 30 years of Civil War. And even before 1975, Angola was at war for independence for over a decade. That’s 40+ years of war…

#5 The official language of Angola is Portuguese. However, several other local languages are spoken in Angola, Kikongo,  Kimbundu, and Umbundu. These are considered co-official languages.

#6 Very few Angolans speak foreign languages. However, you’ll be better off with English among the foreign languages. Anyway, I would try to learn a few words and expressions in Portuguese to try to communicate.

If you can’t find any other option, maybe you can try Spanish due to its similarity to Portuguese, but I would rely on that only as a last resort option.

#7 Angolan society is very harsh and sometimes aggressive. People are still rebounding from the 40+ years of war, with the horrible things it brings. Furthermore, it wasn’t that long time ago, so many internal and external wounds are still open. I would strongly avoid discussing politics in Angola.

Do you want to know more about the Angola lifestyle? Check our 10 things you need to know about Angola!

#8 Despite its substantial oil reservoirs, Angola is a very poor (107th) and underdeveloped country. On top of this, It also has a really high unequal distribution of wealth, meaning that there are a few people really really rich, and most of the population is very poor. Furthermore, education and Health are also really bad.

Due to the oil industry, Angolan Economy has really grown in the last 15 years, but it still has a long way to go. Many infrastructures were almost completely destroyed in the wars and are still being rebuilt.

#9 Most of the Angolans are black (Ovimbundu, Ambundu, and Bakongo mostly), and some are mixed race. There is also a considerable presence of foreigners in Angola, mostly in Luanda. The foreigners are mainly Portuguese and Chinese. However, you can easily find Americans, French, Indian, Lebanese, Brazilian, and many others.

#10 Angolan love music and dancing, and they are pretty good at it! You can see them dancing everywhere, it’s really part of being Angolan. Kizomba, Tarraxinha, Semba, and kuduro are their most famous music and dance styles.

#11 The biggest shopping in Angola is on the streets of Luanda. You can see street sellers everywhere in Luanda, and they will sell you everything. Think of an object, and I have probably seen it in the streets! From toilet seats to food and drinks, from car parts to invoice books and tennis shoes or clothes… It’s really incredible.

#12 Is Angola safe to travel to? It depends on what you compare it to, but in general, Angola isn’t a safe country.

Unless you are very adventurous or very used to traveling in this kind of country, we strongly advise you not to travel on your own.  There are reports of robberies and even kidnappings in Angola, particularly in Luanda.

#13 Be prepared to be stopped by the police many, many times while traveling in Angola. They may also hint to you to pay them off to leave you alone… Doing it or not is your own decision and risk.

This usually happens when driving, but it can also happen when you are casually walking down the street… Always have your documents with you.

Travel in Angola and Tourism

#14 There is only one UNESCO heritage site in Angola. It’s the town of Mbanza Kongo, located on a plateau at an altitude of 570 meters. The town was the political and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, one of the largest constituted states in Southern Africa from the 14th to 19th centuries. Unfortunately, we have never been there in Mbanza Congo.

#15 Luanda is the capital and biggest city of Angola. It receives almost all the investment, apart from the oil areas! It’s a very messy city but also full of life. The city is generally quite ugly, but the bay of Luanda is beautiful.

The boardwalk ( marginal de Luanda ) is an excellent place to do your daily exercise, and very close to it, you can find Angola’s National Bank, the currency museum, S. Miguel’s Fort, and other famous landmarks in Angola.

#16 However, the best thing to do in Luanda is to go to the beach. The island of Luanda (not an actual island, you can drive there) has beautiful sandy beaches with warm water. Angolan beaches usually have nice bars and restaurants where you can eat, drink, and have fun.

Also, Mussulo is very close to Luanda and offers some other great beach spots. Mussulo is much less developed than the island of Luanda but also has a few beach bars. To get to Mussulo, you take a taxi boat from Embarcadouro or Benfica.

#17  Miradouro da Lua is a beautiful lookout to a unique landscape created by the winds and water. It’s right outside Luanda on the way to Kissama National Park . Its bright colors make it more beautiful and special.

#18 Kissama National Park is Angola’s central Natural Park and is relatively close to Luanda (75km). It’s your best option if you want to do a Safari in Angola. The park is being repopulated after most of the animals were killed during the wars.

Now you can easily see Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, and several antelopes. The plants in Kissama are also wonderful, with giant Baobab trees.

Click here to see how to do a Safari in Kissama National Park

#19 The beaches of Cabo Ledo and Sangano (almost 100km south of Luanda) are lovely beaches with perfect yellow sand and beautiful warm blue seawater. These beaches are top-rated among expats and locals during weekends as they are a great weekend retreat.

#20 Kalandula falls in the district of Malanje are the most impressive in Angola and are considered to be the 2nd biggest in Africa behind Victoria Falls . They are almost 100 meters high and more than 400 meters wide.

We even consider it one of the best natural wonders in Africa .

#21 However, Malanje has a few other attractions to offer. Besides Kalandula, we recommend visiting the Kwanza Rapids, the Black Stones of Pungo Andongo, and the much lesser-known Musseleje falls. If you want to visit this area of Angola, you should reserve at least two days for it.

Click here to see how to travel to Malange and its main attractions!

#22 We have mentioned some great beaches earlier, but the best beaches in Angola are in Benguela Province! If you have the time, we strongly suggest you visit Benguela and its beaches.

Do you want to go to Benguela? Check how to do a Benguela Road trip

In Lobito, you should go to Restinga, which is similar to the island of Luanda but with cleaner water and sand. Nevertheless, the two best beaches in Angola are located in the south of Benguela: Baía Azul and Baía Farta (our favorite).

#23 Our favorite region of Angola is Lubango , and believe it or not, it doesn’t have beaches! It’s much calmer than Luanda, making it a perfect place to escape the craziness of the capital.

Cick here to see everything you need to know about traveling to Lubango

Our favorite things to do in Lubando are the Tundavala Gap, driving Serra da Leba, going to the Lubango Sign (Hollywood style), and enjoying the best resort in Angola: Pululukwa.

#24 Finally, our last suggestion in Angola is the Namib Desert and the Namibe town. You can quickly go there on a day trip from Lubango. This region is very arid and different from the rest of Angola, but that’s what makes it attractive. In the Namib desert, you can find the welwitschia, which only exists in Angola.

Click here to see our complete guide of the best things to do in Angola

What to eat and drink in Angola

#25 Tradicional Angolan food is similar to other African Cuisine, with cassava being the staple ingredient of many dishes. Portuguese cuisine has significantly influenced Angolan cuisine, with many foods imported into Angola by the Portuguese.

#26 Angola has many good restaurants and a few particularly good ones. However, all of them are very, very expensive! Most of these restaurants are obviously in Luanda. Meat, fish, and seafood are usually delicious in Angola because of the high-quality ingredients used.

#27 Cassava is a very important plant in Angola, especially in the North. It is the largest source of carbohydrates in Angola. Angola is the 3rd largest producer of cassava in Africa and is also the biggest consumer.

The leaves of cassava (called kizaca) are used in dishes, usually boiled, and the roots are dried to make bombó and whipped to make fuba (flour).

#28 Funge (a kind of porridge) is the mainstay of the Angolan diet and is made from the referred cassava or corn fuba(flour). The north of Angola uses more fuba of cassava, and the south uses fuba of corn.

The texture of funge is very sticky, even gelatinous, and doesn’t have much of a flavor, so it’s best eaten with the sauce. Funge is more of a side dish than a main dish. It’s a substitute for pasta, rice, or potatoes.

#29 One thing that it’s particularly good in Angola is the roasted peanuts. In Angola, they are called Ginguba torrada and taste amazing. It’s sold everywhere, you can see the vendors roasting them in coal in the streets.

When it comes to peanuts, there’s also paracuca which is Ginguba candy made with sugar and sometimes vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices.

#30 Angola’s National dish is probably Muamba de Galinha (Chicken Muamba). In this dish, the chicken is slow-cooked with okra, squash, dendém) paste. It is served with funge, and sometimes rice. Dendém is the fruit of the palm tree, and it is used a lot in Angolan cuisine, especially to make palm oil.

#31 Calulu  is another typical Angolan dish, and it’s made with  dried fish with vegetables, usually onions, tomatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, garlic, palm oil, and   gimboa   leaves (similar to spinach); It’s often served with funge and beans in palm oil

#32 Finally, we have Mufete, a combination of grilled fish, beans with palm oil,  boiled plantains, boiled sweet potato, cassava flour, and the mufete sauce (a sauce with chopped onion, tomato, bell pepper, lemon, and olive oil).

It is a mouthful of flavor and traveldrafts’ favorite Angolan dish! A must-try for everyone going to Angola!

#33 There are several commercial beers are brewed in Angola, the oldest of which is Cuca, brewed in Luanda. Others include Eka (brewed in Dondo in Cuanza Norte), N’gola (brewed in Lubango), and Nocal (brewed in Luanda).

Click here to read our guide to Angolan cuisine!

#34 One final word about food safety in Angola… You should be very aware of what you eat and where you eat in Angola. Often ingredients aren´t well washed or preserved correctly, becoming a danger to your health. 

Also, never drink unbottled water. Note that typhoid fever is prevalent in Angola and is contagious through the water.

Money and Costs of traveling to Angola

#35 The currency in Angola is the Kwanza, and its official exchange rate is 1 USD to 255 Kwanza (July/18). However,  the exchange on the streets is much higher because buying foreign currency in Angola is challenging.

Click here to know everything about the oil crisis in Angola!

#36 Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world , being nominated as the most expensive for a few years in a row! However, the rest of the country is pretty expensive, also.

The economic growth and investment from foreign companies created a very diverse society in Luanda. Actually, more than diverse, it’s a society within another society.

The population in Angola is generally very poor, but a smaller group of Angolans and foreigners are rich or at least get paid exceptionally well.

#37 In such an expensive country, everything is expensive or really, really expensive! However, accommodation and food are the ones that will entirely screw your budget. Paying 3 to 5 times more than almost anywhere else without any added benefits is perfectly normal.

Click here to check the actual prices in Angola and why are they so high!

#38 ATMs usually don’t charge for withdrawing money, however, due to the lack of foreign currency, you’ll get a much better deal exchanging money in an exchange office, and the difference will be very relevant. Note that exchanging money in the streets is illegal.

#39 Tippings isn’t part of the culture in Angola. You round up your bills if you feel like it or want to reward good service, but it isn’t mandatory.

How to travel in Angola

#40 It’s more than probable that you’ll enter Angola through Luanda’s Airport, as 99% of the people traveling to Angola travel to Luanda by plane. There are very few international flights to other cities.

On the other hand, you can easily fly from Luanda to the other big towns, like Lubango, Benguela, Huambo, and so on.

#41 You can catch an intercity bus if you don’t want to fly. Many buses connect the towns; however, they take a lot of time (the country is huge!) and are uncomfortable.

Within the cities, particularly Luanda, forget about public buses. You must take the blue vans ( candongueiros ) or call a taxi! As a foreigner, I strongly suggest you do not use the vans, but it’s up to you.

#42 The other options would be renting a car or, even better, renting a car with a driver. Renting a car is very expensive, expect about 100USD per day. It will be even more with a driver, but the difference won’t be that big. This solution gives all the flexibility you need, and if you choose to have a driver, you’d also avoid one of the most significant stress sources in Luanda, the traffic.

#43 Traffic in Luanda is a nightmare, particularly during rush hours, in the morning, and at the end of the day. On a typical day, it’ll take you 1h+ to do 10km in Luanda. If it’s a bad day, you may be there for 2 or 3 hours!

#44 Even worse than the traffic is the way Angolans drive. It’s completely insane, without any rules or caring for other people or their own well-being. We have seen things that can’t really be explained. If you aren’t used to this kind of driving, I would strongly advise against driving in Angola.

#45 There aren’t highways in Angola, so there aren’t highway tolls also. Actually, the only toll I know in Angola is crossing the Kwanza river, and it’s pretty cheap compared to everything else.

#46 Fuel used to be very cheap in Angola, extremely cheap even. However, with the last oil crisis hitting Angola hard, the prices rose because the government stopped subsidizing fuel and even began taxing it. Nowadays, they are still cheaper than most countries, but not as dirt cheap as they were ten years ago.

Other helpful information about traveling in Angola

#47 How is the internet in Angola? The Internet in Angola isn’t very good. The best hotels will have wifi but don’t expect it to be granted or it to work perfectly… 

This has been improving but expect to have problems connecting. You may buy a data card or even a 4G Pen from companies like UNITEL and Movicel. It should work in Luanda and other big cities but may not work far from them. Also, 3G is usually a bit unstable and slow.

#48 Is Angola dirty? Angola is probably one of the dirtiest countries we have ever been to. Even Cambodia seems clean when compared to Angola! Luanda is much worse than the other cities, but even the others are very far away from clean! Expect to find trash anywhere and everywhere.

#49 How to get a visa to Angola? Angola is probably one of the most challenging countries to get a visa, particularly a working visa. We strongly suggest you get professional help to conduct the whole process. It takes weeks or months, and it’s very frustrating.

#50 What vaccines do I need to take before going to Angola? Taking the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and you’ll be asked to present your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). A few other vaccines are also highly recommended, like polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.

We recommend you see a tropical medicine doctor before traveling to Angola.

Our Recommended Travel Guide Books For Angola

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Home » Travel Guides » Angola » 15 Best Things to Do in Luanda (Angola)

15 Best Things to Do in Luanda (Angola)

The capital of Angola , Luanda sits on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is divided into two parts; Baixa de Luanda and Cidade Alta. It is the administrative, cultural and urban centre of the country, as well as being the third most populous Portuguese speaking city on the world. It is a fast growing city, with major reconstruction and development projects popping up all over the city, which has attracted numerous Portuguese immigrants over the past few years.

Luanda’s thriving business industry has made it quite an expensive city to visit, though this should not discourage you. Its new infrastructure means that it is a very comfortable city for tourists to visit, and, mixed with its warm climate, it is quite an appealing destination. There are also plenty of things to do both in the city and just outside of it.

Lets explore the best things to do in Luanda :

1. Visit the Saint Michael Fortress

This Portuguese fortress was built in 1576 by Angola’s first Captain-Governor Paulo Dias de Novais. It was once the administrative centre of the country and, unfortunately, became a holding place for slaves being sent to Brazil.

One of the things that is most beautiful about the fortress are the ornate wall tiles that tell the story of Angola’s history. It also displays plenty of other ancient relics.

In 1996 the Saint Michael Fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, it has become one of the most popular places to visit in the city.

2. Learn about the city’s contribution to slavery

The National Museum of Slavery (Museu Nacional da Escravatura) was founded in 1977. It is a small white building that sits along the city’s coastline.

Luanda’s history in the slave industry is not a pretty one, but those who want to learn more about it should definitely head to this museum. It displays photos and lithographs hanging on the walls telling the story.

Angola was one of the largest slave-traders along the west coast of Africa. The site where the museum sits is where slaves were baptised before being put on ships heading to the USA.

3. Walk along the harbour

Avenida 4 de Fevereiro, which is also known as Marginal, runs parallel to the Luanda Bay and is a great place for a nice stroll. Not only does it boast great views of the sea and the boats coming in and out of the port, but it is also lined with some beautiful buildings, like the Banco de Angola.

At one end of the avenue is the port, which is famous for its clock tower, while the old fort sits at the other end. It is the most prestigious street on the city and where many of its luxury hotels can be found.

Avenida 4 de Fevereiro is named after the struggle of independence in Angula, which was also the beginning of the Portuguese Colonial War.

4. Pay your respects to the first President

António Agostinho Neto was Angola’s first president after its independence from Portugal. He led the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola and was president from 1975 to 1979.

The iconic Agostinho Neto Mausoleum can’t be missed, as it is one of the most dominating structures in Luanda. The structure towers over the rest of the city, which, in addition to being a mausoleum, is also a museum.

It takes around 20 minutes to tour the structure, where there are numerous photos of him with other political leaders around the world, including Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and Honecker.

5. Go to church

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Saviour (Sé Catedral de Luanda) is a lovely church that was built in 1628. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Luanda.

The church has been an important part of the country’s religious history, though in 1877 it was completely ruined. It was rebuilt between 1880 and 1900, which is what you will see today.

The church features three curved doors at the entrance, which are bordered by one larger curved façade. The cathedral was declared a building of Public Interest in 1949.

6. Wander around a palace

The Palácio de Ferro (Iron Palace) is a magnificent palace that was built in the city by world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. It is not as iconic as the builder’s other structures, but it is a stunning piece of architecture.

It is believed that the palace was built in France with the idea to have it moved to Madagascar by boat, but instead it ended up along Angola’s Skeleton Coast due to drifts from the currents. Portuguese rulers than brought it to Luanda.

It is a striking yellow building with fine wood details and decorative fencing. It has recently opened up as a diamond museum.

7. Mingle with wildlife

Quiçama National Park is the country’s only functioning national park. It sits around 70 kilometres from the city and makes for a popular safari day trip.

The 12,000 square kilometre park opened as a game reserve in 1938, but became a national park in 1957. Today, it is at the forefront of Angola’s wildlife.

The animal population in the park is thanks to a Noah’s Ark type operation where animals were transported here from Botswana and South Africa. Before that the animal population was quite low due to poaching in previous years.

8. Go surfing

Just a few hours south of Luanda is the world famous surfing beach of Cabo Ledo. The beach has one of the world’s longest point breaks at 500 metres.

Cabo Ledo features a long slow left, making it a great place for beginners to surf. It is a consistent place to surf and is certainly a world-call surfing destination.

The beach is also home to some quint bungalows, so it is also a great place to spend a night. Though it can easily be accessed in a day from the capital city.

9. Head to the mall

Belas Shopping is the country’s first modern mall and is not only a great place to shop, but also a great way to escape a hot day. The 120,000 square metre mall opened in 2007.

It is a large mall that is home to eight cinemas, an entertainment area, a food court and over 100 stores. There are also banks and a supermarket within the mall.

The majority of stores in Belas Shopping are local shops, making it a great place to look for and learn about local brands.

10. Enjoy a glamorous night

Head to the phenomenal Epic Sana Luanda hotel for a delicious meal and a unique night out. The five-star hotel is not far from Avenida 4 de Fevereiro and boasts great views of the bay.

First, dine in one of its fabulous restaurants, like Origami, which boasts spectacular views of the bay. Or feast on Italian at the hotel’s Vitrúvio Restaurant that features a superb wine collection.

After your meal, enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine at the lobby Kosmopolis Bar. For something really unique, dance the night away at the chic Switch Supper Club, which is open on the weekends until 6am!

11. Go to the moon

The magnificent Miradouro da Lua is a landscape that sits around 40 kilometres outside of the city. It is famous for its moon-like surface, giving visitors the feeling that they are actually on the moon.

Translated to ‘Moon Valley Viewpoint’, Miradouro da Lua was formed by cliffs with sharp pinnacles that has been eroded from the wind and the sea. This gives it its moon-like surface.

It is an impressive site and one of the top attractions outside of Luanda. A day trip here should not be missed.

12. Relax on a beach

Just south of Luanda is the peninsula of Mussulo, which is known for its beach. It is not only a popular place for Luandans, but also for tourists.

The peninsula is 30 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide, boasting a lovely beach that offers great views of the city. There are beach huts and restaurants lined along it, as well as a few hotels and resorts.

13. Learn about Angola’s history

In addition to the National Museum of Slavery, there are also a couple of other great museums in Luanda that are much less depressing. They tell another part of Angola’s history.

The National Museum of Natural History displays numerous animals that either inhabit or once inhabited the country. Fish, insects and birds are displayed, as are other diverse organisms.

The National Museum of Anthropology is dedicated to educating people about the country’s history and culture. It displays an impressive collection of traditional masks, sculptures, jewellery, musical instruments, weaponry and clothing.

14. Shop for local handicrafts

The Benfica Market is by far the best place to shop for local handicrafts in Luanda. It is just south of the city centre and best visited with a guide to ensure that you get the best deals imaginable.

The market has all kinds of handicrafts, including paintings, jewellery, textiles and baskets. It is also, unfortunately, known for its ivory trade.

Bargaining is key here if you want to snag the best deals. The market is also a great place to people watch.

15. Visit a national monument

The Fortress of São Pedro da Barra sits on a hill overlooking the city. The fortress dates back to the 16th century and was built on the ruins of Morro de Kassandama.

The fort became a national monument in 1932. Today, it is on UNESCO’s tentative list of for its historical importance.

The Fortress of São Pedro da Barra later became a holding place for slaves that were being shipped to the USA. More recently, it was used as a prison for arrested nationalists during Angola’s war of independence.

15 Best Things to Do in Luanda (Angola):

• Visit the Saint Michael Fortress
• Learn about the city’s contribution to slavery
• Walk along the harbour
• Pay your respects to the first President
• Go to church
• Wander around a palace
• Mingle with wildlife
• Head to the mall
• Enjoy a glamorous night
• Go to the moon
• Relax on a beach
• Learn about Angola’s history
• Shop for local handicrafts
• Visit a national monument

23 Best Places to Visit in Angola

Posted on September 12, 2022 |

Angola is a stunning country with beautiful beaches, enthralling landscapes, and wonderful waterways. In the southwest, the Namib desert is a major attraction. It stretches from Angola to South Africa and Namibia. The Angolan portion of this dry region is home to indigenous tribes and is a fascinating sight. Eco-lodges and luxury camping are available for guests to enjoy the experience in style.

There are many reasons to visit this Southern African country. The country is home to sub-Saharan deserts, labyrinthine rivers, and tropical Atlantic beaches. The country has a rich colonial history, and its Portuguese influence is evident in the country’s cuisine.

Let’s find out what makes this country one of the best tourist destinations in Africa .

The city of Luanda in Angola is known for its equable climate and is bordered by the tropical coastal plain. The city is powered by the Cambambe Dam and is largely modern. Although most of the city districts are still relatively poor, the lower area of Luanda is commercial and industrial.

It is also home to the Agostinho Neto University and the National Library of Angola. Several museums are also located in the city.

Luanda is also home to the Talatona Convention Centre. This center offers musical performances, theater, and hot springs. There is plenty of history in Luanda to explore and appreciate. It is also a great place to shop for local handicrafts. If you’re looking for some good souvenirs, try shopping at the Benfica Market.

Luanda also offers a thriving food scene. You’ll find delicious seafood and Brazilian and Portuguese influences on the cuisine. You can also try local dishes like cozido a portuguesa and picanha steak with black beans. But you should know that you’ll need to adjust to the unfamiliar cuisine and atmosphere before trying it.

Luanda’s rich history is also highlighted at the Museum of Slavery. The museum tells the story of the slave trade that took place in Angola. The museum is near the Capela da Casa Grande and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s free to visit and has lots to offer travelers.

Luanda has many museums to visit. The Dundo Museum is one of the most important in Africa and was founded in 1945. The Natural History Museum of Luanda houses exhibits on the country’s fish species and coastline. You can also visit the Museum of Armed Forces, which is housed in a historic building. It has information on the country’s history, including its struggle for independence.

The Viewpoint Of The Moon (Miradouro da Lua)

One of the most beautiful places to visit in the country is Miradouro da Lua. This tricolor karst formation, which is about 40 kilometers south of Luanda, was carved out by wind and rain. Its name means “viewpoint of the moon.” It is one of the top attractions and is well worth the drive from the city.

Miradouro da Lua, which means “Viewpoint of the Moon”, is located 25 miles outside of Luanda. The landscape is a karst formation, composed of rocks and slowly dissolving limestone. The lunar-like landscape is a beautiful place to visit.

It’s an incredible place to visit, especially during sunset when the fading sunlight paints the ravines red. It has also been immortalized in a 1993 film that explores the relationship between Portuguese colonizers and Angola.

The best time to visit Miradouro da Lua is at sunset when the fading sun illuminates the reds of the ravines. The site was immortalized in the 1993 film “Mirada da Lua,” which explores the relationship between Angola and the Portuguese colonizers.

Benguela is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a place to unwind. It’s home to unique wildlife and flora. If you love nature, you will love Benguela’s forests and its many birds and butterflies. There are also a number of beautiful beaches in this region that are popular with tourists. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Located near the city of Luanda, Miradouro da Lua is one of Angola’s best-preserved geological wonders. The views are breathtaking and you’ll feel as if you’re standing on the moon. The best time to take photographs is at dawn or sunset. The area is also a popular film location, having been featured in several films.

If you have a passion for nature, you’ll love this place. It features a moon-like landscape made of deep gullies and ravines. The karst landscape is perfect for photography and is particularly beautiful at sunset. If you’re planning a Luanda trip, be sure to include Miradouro da Lua on your itinerary.

Fortress Of Sao Miguel

The Fortress Of Sao Miguel, also known as the Saint Michael Fortress, is one of the best places to visit in Angola. It was built during the Dutch colonial era and is located in Luanda. During the time of Dutch rule in Angola, it was also called Fort Aardenburgh.

The fortress was originally built in 1576 as a defensive structure to defend the village and harbor of Luanda from pirates. After being captured by the Dutch in 1641, the fortress was rebuilt by the Portuguese and became a museum.

After Angola gained independence, the fortress reclaimed its former military functions and now houses the Museum of Angola’s Armed Forces. Today, the fortress is a national monument and is managed by the Ministry of Culture and Defense.

National Museum of Slavery

In Luanda, Angola, you can find the National Museum of Slavery. It’s a fascinating place that tells the history of the slave trade in the country. It is located in the heart of Luanda and is open to the public. You can learn about the history of Angola’s history of slavery and other forms of exploitation. It is well worth a visit.

The museum is small, but it stands out as a monument to the slave trade in Angola. The museum is organized around a Capela de Casa Grande building, where slaves were baptized before they were taken to Brazil.

Most of the enslaved Africans who left Angola ended up in Portugal, Brazil, and other European countries. In this museum, you can see a large collection of artifacts, documents, and other memorabilia from the slave trade.

The museum also features several lithographs and photos depicting the history of slavery in Angola. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the slave trade in Luanda and learn about the slaves’ lives. Many slaves were brought to Luanda in chains and sold into slavery. The country’s slave trade was one of the largest in the western part of Africa.

Palacio de Ferro

The Palacio de Ferro (the Iron Place) is a flamboyant yellow structure that is almost entirely made of iron. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is a stunning piece of architecture. The building has a magnificent porch, which is considered to be the best example of iron architecture in Luanda.

It was originally intended for Madagascar but ended up on the Skeleton Coast of Angola due to a mishap with the ship. The Portuguese rulers in the colony later took possession of the structure and moved it to Luanda.

The Palacio de Ferro is an historical building in Luanda, Angola. Designed by the French architect Gustave Eiffel, the iron palace is a beautiful example of the iron architecture style. Its exterior and interior are decorated in metallic filigree.

Mussulo is a peninsula and commune in Angola. It is in the province of Luanda. The peninsula is made up of sediments from the Cuanza River, which is pushed north by the Benguela Current.

The beautiful beaches of Mussulo are popular with tourists and Angolans alike. This quaint seaside village offers an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of Luanda and recharge your energies. The warm seawater and palm trees make Mussulo the perfect place to soak up some sun.

You can also stroll the quaint Mussulo Avenue, which runs from Luanda’s Port to the island. It has recently been renovated and is a popular place to stroll. A great view of the skyline of Luanda can be had here, too.

You can also stay at a luxury resort on Mussulo Island. It features a stunning beach, palm trees, and great seafood. Most resorts have a pool, bar, and al fresco dining. You can also rent a private boat to spend a relaxing weekend in Mussulo.

Mausoleum Of Agostinho Neto

The Agostinho Neto Mausoleum is the final resting place of the first president of Angola. This monumental structure is a striking architectonic masterpiece and a symbol of national pride for Angolans. The monument is part of the Agostinho Neto Cultural Center, which is expected to become an important tourist attraction in the capital Luanda.

Agostinho Neto was the first president of independent Angola. He was also an accomplished physician and poet. Today, his legacy is recognized with many national and international awards. Here, you can pay homage to this great man and his contribution to the country’s history. This landmark is not just a memorial to a great president, it also pays tribute to a great national hero.

The Mausoleum Of Agostinho Neto is surrounded by a landscaped plaza. This plaza features statues of Neto, an elephant, a socialist-themed monument, and various other symbols of Angola’s historical struggles. The monument is located just outside of the capital, close to the National Assembly and the Presidential Palace. The site is dedicated to Neto’s anti-colonial legacy and includes extensive grounds, lawns, and gardens.

Sangano Beach

One of the best things about visiting this country is its beautiful beaches. Sangano Beach in Luanda is a beautiful, sandy beach surrounded by a mountain. There is little vegetation on the beach and plenty of rocks. It is also a great place to relax with a book. The beach is quiet, and bathers usually return before dark.

Visitors to the area can also visit the ruins of a Portuguese fort. The town of Dande is popular for its Ship Wreck, located on the Praia de Santiago beach. There are more than 20 rusty shipwrecks dotted around the beach. Some of them are even accessible for visitors to climb inside.

The beach is a popular honeymoon destination and is not overcrowded. Rooms in the area start at around $250 a night. It’s located 90 minutes by taxi from the airport in Luanda. The beach is also a popular destination for locals. The locals call it Baia dos Elefantes, or Elephant Bay. There isn’t much information on the origin of this beach, but it is thought that elephants once roamed the area.

Avenida 4 De Fevereiro

Aside from the beaches, Luanda is also a great place for surfers. The town’s bay is home to some of the world’s largest left-hand waves. You can also go skydiving here. The city’s riverfront is also home to some great restaurants.

Avenida 4 De Fevereiro is one of the most important roads in Luanda. It was originally named Avenida de Paulo Dias de Novais, after the man who founded the city of Luanda. Today, Avenida 4 De Fevereiro is lined with hotels, government offices, and universities. It also houses the National Bank of Angola.

his road was named after the founder of the city, Antonio Agostinho Neto, and runs along the Bay of Luanda. It is home to several government buildings and is an excellent place to walk.

One of the top places to visit in Angolan is Huambo. This city is located in the central highlands of the country, near the headwaters of the Cunene River. This region is home to several species of plants and animals. Many of these species are used in traditional medicine and are very useful in fighting diseases and other problems.

The area also boasts an airport. Its roads are also in excellent condition and it is easy to travel to Huambo from the Angolan capital Luanda.

While visiting Huambo, you should also visit the National Museum of Anthropology. The museum displays various artifacts that demonstrate the culture and history of Angola. You can also see a collection of farming tools, musical instruments, and daily life items. There is even a replica of an iron smelting furnace, which allows you to witness how people lived here in the past.

The city of Huambo sits in the traditional land of the Ovimbundu people. This ethnic group, which speaks the Umbundu language, grew up in several independent kingdoms over the centuries. In the 1500s, Portuguese traders began to make contact with the Ovimbundu people.

The Ovimbundu were good traders and established trade routes that stretched from Benguela to Zambia. After the Portuguese departed, their economic interests turned to military ones. This led to the construction of Huambo in the Central Highlands.

Tundavala is the largest city in Angola. This cosmopolitan city is a popular tourist destination. This city is surrounded by natural beauty and has a unique cultural heritage. Tundavala has a thriving economy and is a great place for travelers to experience the country’s culture.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Tundavala Gap is a must-see attraction. It sits on the edge of a massive escarpment and is considered to be one of Angola’s seven natural wonders. The Tundavala Gap is easily accessible and offers a fantastic viewpoint on its rim. It is located about twenty kilometers northwest of Lubango and can easily be reached by car.

Traveling to Angola’s Tundavala Gap is a wonderful way to see the country’s incredible geological history. The gap is located between Namibe and Lubango and is one of Angola’s top geological attractions. There are several different viewpoints to view the landscape. It is also a great place to watch the sunset.

The waterfalls of Tundavala are one of Angola’s most impressive sights. The waterfalls are more than 100m high and 400m wide, and they are located in the north of the country. During the rainy season, they reach their full height and are particularly beautiful. To enhance your experience, you can hire a guide to take you to the bottom of the falls.

The Tundavala cliffs are part of the Serra da Leba mountains in southern Angola. You can hike through the gorge to reach this beautiful site. No vendors are allowed in this area, so you can enjoy the beauty of nature without worrying about spending money. You can also camp under the cliffs, which is an excellent way to experience the beauty of this region.

Iona National Park

The majority of tourists visiting Angola’s Iona National Park are under the age of 30, with some married couples traveling with children. This contrasts with the profile of most African ecotourism destinations. The park’s visitors tend to be younger, which fits in well with the country’s “wildlife tourism” concept.

The park has diverse flora and fauna, including three species of skinks. Throughout the year, heavy fog blankets this park, helping preserve the unique ecosystem. It is home to a variety of reptiles, including two species that are only found here.

This national park is one of the top places to visit in the country. It is located about 200 kilometers west of Mocamedes and is one of Angola’s largest. Before the Angolan Civil War, this area was an animal paradise. During the conflict, poaching and infrastructure destruction have damaged the park. Different organizations are working to restore the park and bring tourism to the area.

A visit to the park is also a great way to learn about the country’s history. It contains monuments from the colonial era, and it features a variety of wildlife. Visitors can also check out the Iron Palace, which was built in the nineteenth century. Its interior contains several museums, and it offers a great overview of the country’s history and economy.

Kalandula Falls

A visit to Kalandula Falls is one of the most amazing things you can do in Angola. These waterfalls are located in the municipality of Calandula, on the Lucala River. They are a 360-km drive from Luanda, the capital city.

The waterfalls are 105 meters high and 400 meters wide, making them one of the largest in Africa. To experience the waterfalls at their best, you should visit Angola during the rainy season, from February to April. Then, the water flow is higher and the mist is finer.

The falls are also known locally as Quedas de Kalandula in Portuguese. The falls have recently become more popular as a tourist destination in Angola. The locals are happy to show off their beautiful country. They drive nice SUVs and have large touch-screen phones.

Kissama National Park

Located about 70 kilometers from the capital, Kissama National Park is the only functioning national park in Angola. The country’s civil war destroyed six of its national parks, and a lack of administrative support resulted in a loss of wildlife and vegetation.

Angola’s government, as well as neighboring countries, have made a concerted effort to restore the wildlife that once flourished in the country.

A beautiful natural reserve, Kissama National Park in Angola is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Covering almost ten thousand acres, the park is a pristine wilderness with a diverse range of animal and plant life.

Visitors can go on a guided walking safari , which enables them to explore the wilderness on foot. While walking a safari isn’t the same as hiking in the park, it’s a great way to get a feel for the local flora and fauna.

Quissama National Park is home to a variety of plants and trees, including a beautiful river, the Kwanza. The park also features a riverside inn and bungalows. The park is operated by the Kissama Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been maintaining the park for fourteen years. The park has become an important part of Angolan tourism.

The park is close to the capital city of Luanda. A tour company specializes in arranging safaris in the national park. During the safari, you’ll drive through the bush looking for wildlife, and you’ll also get to stop by the River Kwanza, where monkeys are often seen making their way toward the water.

Cangandala National Park

A visit to the remote Cangandala National Park in Angola will let you discover the diversity of wildlife that lives in this African country. This 400-square-kilometer forest is home to rare species such as elephants, gorillas, and chimps. There are also rare birds and butterflies to observe. If you are looking for an adventure, then this park is perfect for you.

Cangandala National Park is located in the north-central region of Angola. It is Angola’s smallest national park and is home to the Giant Sable Antelope. The landscape here is very lush, with rivers running through the park. It is also home to many birds, including the Red-capped crombec and the Pale-billed Hornbill.

The smallest national park in Angola, Cangandala National Park is home to the endangered giant sable antelope. The park is also home to a variety of beautiful birds, including the Angola Babbler and the Souiza shrike. During the “Cacimbo” season, you’ll get to see some of the region’s rarest birds, such as the giant sable antelope, a species that’s endangered elsewhere.

Dilolo Lake

Dilolo Lake is the largest lake in the country and is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Its crystal clear water is full of wildlife and is also a great spot for fishing. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the local culture.

The Dilolo Lake is a beautiful, twelve-kilometer-long body of water in the eastern part of Angola. Located just outside of the Cameia National Park, the lake is home to abundant wildlife and aquatic life. It is also a great place for fishing. Those who would like to learn more about the local culture should go on guided tours.

Some legends say that there are spirits lurking in the lake’s waters. You can also visit the Arch Lagoon, a natural oasis in the middle of the Namib Desert. This place is full of amazing rock formations and is an ideal place for relaxing.

Dilolo Lake is also a popular fishing destination. Its waters are said to be mysterious, and some fishers have reported encountering a supernatural force on the eastern shore. Swimming in this lake requires a great deal of courage, though. It can be cold, so make sure to wear comfortable clothing.

Malanje is a province of Angola. It covers an area of 97,602 km2 and has a population of 986,363 as of the 2014 census. The capital of the province is the city of Malanje. The city is a major center for business and industry and is home to many international companies.

The province of Malanje is home to the Lunado nature reserve. Its pristine landscape is home to a plethora of different species. Regular sightings include spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, monkeys, elephants, and lions. A visit to this beautiful province is sure to be a memorable experience.

Bai­a Farta

To visit Baia Farta, Angola, you must be prepared to spend some time traveling. The area is large, with a number of towns scattered across its area. The best time to travel here is from November to April when the temperature is at its warmest. However, you should know that if you plan to travel to this region during the colder months, you will most likely have to stay in a hotel.

Originally a fishing village, Baia Farta was first developed around 1910 by two brothers from the Azores. It has since grown to become a major fishing center in southern Angola. It was later declared a municipality on December 13, 1965. This quaint and charming town has a colorful history and several colonial buildings.

The town’s fish market is famous for its fresh seafood. This is a great place to buy fresh fish and prepare them for a barbecue. Another option is to take a road trip to the nearby Sangano and Cabo Ledo beaches, which lie 100km outside Luanda. The beaches are backed by the blue Atlantic Ocean and make for a relaxing day trip. This beach destination has some interesting things to offer, and it is well worth the drive.

Mupa National park

Mupa National Park is a forest that covers over 400 square kilometers. It is considered the Amazon of Africa and is home to rare species. Gorillas, elephants, chimps, and other endangered animals are all found here, as well as rare birds, butterflies, and a variety of plants and trees.

Mupa National Park is a spectacular place to visit for birdwatching. It has two rivers running through it and is home to a variety of avifauna. Bird lovers can spot cranes, tits, and hornbills. In addition, the park is home to many rare bird species. However, the park is threatened by mining and other activities.

The park is well-managed and is a great place to see a variety of plants and animals. Buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, and zebras are some of the many animals that live in the park. It is also popular with birdwatchers and has a lush river.

The park is home to giant sable antelopes, making it a wonderful place to visit. The park features lush woodlands, swamps, and riverine grasslands. Birdwatchers can also view crombecs, babblers, and hornbills.

Bicuar National Park

The Bicuar National Park is a unique ecosystem in Angola. Its 7,900 square kilometers include savannas, wetland swamps, shrub thickets, and open miombo bushveld. This ecoregion is home to a wide variety of animals, including a variety of primates. It has been the target of the Angolan Civil War but has been restored after the war.

The Bicuar National Park is located in the southwestern province of Huila. It is a popular attraction for tourists. In the park, visitors can see elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Another attraction in Bicuar is the Sanctuary of Muxima Village, the site of the country’s most famous religious pilgrimage.

While visiting Bicuar National Park, travelers should be aware of the climate. The country has two distinct seasons: the rainy season from October to April, and the mist season from May to September when temperatures are lower.

Fish River Canyon

A popular tourist attraction in this national park is the sulfur springs. The hot water is therapeutic for those suffering from rheumatism. Visitors can enjoy viewing the sulfur springs from designated viewpoints. The canyon is home to several types of birds, including kingfisher, pigeon, and plain warbler. There is a hotel on the site, and accommodations are available for tourists.

This 400-square-kilometer reserve is also home to many rare species. Elephants, gorillas, and chimps are among the many animals that call the forest home. There are also rare birds and butterflies to be found. The area’s rich ecosystem is also home to ebony and mahogany trees.

The canyon is so big that you can hike through it for days on end. There are various hiking trails, which vary in difficulty. A full trek through the canyon takes at least five days. Hikers should plan their route in advance and inform others of the areas they plan to visit. If you don’t feel comfortable hiking alone, you can hire a guide to accompany you.

The Arch Lagoon

The Arch Lagoon is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. You cannot miss it when visiting Angola. It is a unique place where you can see the beauty of nature and enjoy an authentic Angolan culture.

Whether you choose to visit the Arch Lagoon by boat or on foot, you’ll find that the landscape is stunning. You’ll be able to see the eroded rock formations called Arco and Curoca and catch a glimpse of local Kwepe fishermen. While some of the catch is sold fresh, most of it is preserved and salt-cured in the tiny villages.

You can visit the Arch Lagoon all year round, though the best time to go is from June to September when rainfall is low, temperatures are warm and the weather is sunny.

The Arch Lagoon is a natural landscape located in the southern part of the country. It features unusual rock formations and a pristine ecosystem. Besides being a scenic region, the Arch Lagoon is also home to an exotic array of wildlife and plant life.

Angola is a hidden gem for tourists. It’s a beautiful and unique country that has much to offer. It has beautiful natural landscapes, such as the dunes of Namibe and the dense jungles of the Kwango River, as well as a diverse culture that includes many African and Portuguese influences.

It has beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, and spectacular mountains. Furthermore, it has an exciting culture with vibrant music, art, and cuisine. Lastly, it has friendly people who are eager to share their culture with visitors.

The country has amazing and unique wildlife, such as the okapis, wild dogs, and elephants. Finally, the country has amazing cities with interesting architecture, such as Luanda and Cabinda. Because of this, Angola is well worth a visit for tourists who are interested in culture, nature, and history.

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Angola travel guide

Its name may be synonymous with strife, but since the civil war ended in 2002 Angola has been enjoying something of a renaissance. Safe and welcoming, this friendly nation transports the laidback, community-orientated lifestyle of southern Portugal to continental Africa – and travellers are once again discovering its charms.

Most enter the country via the capital, Luanda, which has the dubious and surprising distinction of being the most expensive city in the world. With its gleaming skyscrapers, grand government buildings and palm-lined promenades, downtown Luanda’s prosperity probably comes as a revelation to many visitors. But the spoils of Angola’s considerable oil wealth soon give way to unofficial shantytowns, proving that not everyone is benefitting from the black gold rush.

It is along Angola’s stunning 1,700 km (1,000 mile) coastline, in cities like Luanda, where Portugal’s colonial influences are most striking. The faded, art deco splendour of cities like Benguela and Namibe provide a welcome distraction from the country’s sandy shores.

Further inland, the landscape becomes one of almost endless plains. Here remote national parks are slowly being restocked with wildlife, while the newly renovated Benguela railway wends through the seemingly endless countryside. One of the world’s most evocative rail journeys, riding through the landscape with its people is a great way to delve into the psyche of laughter loving Angolans.

To the north – and separated from the rest of Angola by a 40 km (25 mile) arm of the Democratic Republic of Congo – the exclave of Cabinda is Angola in miniature, with empty beaches once popular with expats, elegant towns and virgin rainforest full of wildlife.

Youthful and energetic, Angola, like its people, has its own way of doing things. Fun-loving and eager to impress, it is a country still shaking off its troubled past while looking firmly at the future.

1,246,700 sq km (481,354 sq miles).

25,830,958 (UN estimate 2016).

15.7 per sq km.

President João Lourenço since September 2017.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel  

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Cabinda Province, except Cabinda city 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city. This is due to separatist groups carrying out targeted attacks on foreigners and the risk of kidnap. 

Border areas in Lunda Norte Province 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads. This is due to poor conditions, insecurity and banditry. 

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

• women travellers  
• disabled travellers  
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Angola set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, check with the Angolan immigration department or contact the Consulate General of Angola in the UK .

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Angola. 

COVID-19 restrictions 

Some shops, banks, restaurants and markets may have reduced opening hours. You may have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination record to enter some venues.  

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Angola and have at least 2 blank pages.  

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements 

You do not need a visa to visit Angola for up to 30 days.  

If travelling for work, study or business, you must get a visa in advance . If you do not have a visa, or if you have the wrong visa, you may be stopped from boarding or detained at the airport on arrival. Angola’s deportation process can take a long time.  

You can be fined 15,000 Angolan kwanzas a day if you overstay your visa. You may not be allowed to leave the country until your fine has been paid. You may also not be allowed to re-enter Angola. 

The Angolan authorities can fine you for visa offences, including: 

• working, studying or living in Angola without the correct visa 
• changing employment without notifying the authorities 
• employing staff with incorrect visas 
• failing to renew residence cards  
• changing address without notifying the authorities 

Vaccine requirements 

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Angola. This means you will need a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for some onward travel, including to South Africa. 

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Angola guide . 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Angola. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into and out of Angola 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more (10,000 if you’re a resident). You’ll get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you.  

You cannot take out more than 5,000 US dollars (10,000 if you’re a resident) or its equivalent in any foreign currency.   

You can take out up to 50,000 kwanzas in cash in addition to the foreign currency. 

Officials at the airport may search you to make sure you’re not leaving the country with more than the allowed amount.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Angola . 

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Angola 

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Angola, attacks cannot be ruled out.

There is a high level of crime in Luanda, some of it violent. Muggers can be armed and some attacks have been fatal. If you are attacked, hand over your money and valuables immediately.  

Most international companies and organisations operating in Angola have security rules for staff. If your company has rules, read and follow them. 

Protecting yourself and your belongings 

Criminals target areas popular with foreigners. You should be particularly careful when withdrawing money from banks and ATMs, as you could be followed and robbed. 

You can reduce your personal risk by: 

• using pre-arranged cars or hotel cars when withdrawing money 
• not walking around in Luanda, especially not alone or after dark 
• not wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches or using a mobile in public places 
• not walking between bars and restaurants on the Ilha do Cabo 
• avoiding crowded places like markets and all large gatherings 

Put your valuables and cash in a hotel safe where practical. Keep a certified copy of your passport’s photo page in a separate place. 

Vehicle crime 

Theft from stationary or slow-moving cars is common in downtown Luanda. Keep valuables out of sight and do not use mobiles or laptops while in traffic. When driving, keep doors locked and windows closed. Do not respond if anyone signals you to pull over. Thieves may fake a minor traffic incident to get you out of your car. If they succeed, they may rob you and also steal the car. 

Sexual assault 

Incidents of rape have been reported in popular nightlife areas, as well as in private homes. Never travel alone at night.

Laws and cultural differences  

Personal id .

Always carry ID – it is safest to carry a certified copy your passport’s photo page . If travelling outside of Luanda and the provincial capitals, take the originals with you, packed as securely as you can. If you do not have any ID, you may get an on-the-spot fine of 15,000 kwanzas. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

Drug taking and smuggling are offences. Punishments can be severe and prison conditions are very poor. 

Using cameras and binoculars in secure areas 

Do not use cameras, binoculars or GPS equipment near any government buildings. Taking photographs in the streets can draw the attention of the authorities and they may confiscate your camera. 

LGBT+ travellers 

In January 2019, Angola’s parliament made it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation. However, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may attract negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs 

If you’re caught buying or trafficking goods made of ivory it’s likely you’ll be prosecuted and get a prison sentence or fine.

Transport risks  

Road travel  .

If you are planning to drive in Angola, see information on driving abroad . To reduce the risk of breakdowns or accidents, use off-road vehicles for longer journeys. Outside major towns, foreign visitors usually travel in convoys of at least 2 vehicles for safety and in case of breakdowns. 

Although you can drive on a UK photocard licence for up to 30 days, it is helpful to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well. Make sure you have your driving licence, IDP , and ownership and insurance documents in the car. You will need to show them at the frequent police checkpoints. 

Road conditions and landmines 

Roads outside Luanda and the provincial capitals are often in poor condition. Landmines and unexploded bombs and weapons are still a problem on roads, verges and bridges.  

During the rainy season from November to April there is an increased chance of mines shifting due to flooding and resurfacing outside known mine fields. 

There have been incidents where mines have exploded with loss of life in places previously thought to be safe. Even in ‘cleared’ areas, keep to well-established routes and take up-to-date advice from the United Nations or an international non-governmental organisation. 

Taxis and minibuses 

Book airport taxis in advance using your hotel or travel operator. In most cases your sponsor will arrange to meet you at the airport and to provide transport throughout your trip.  

For taxi travel in Angola, always use pre-booked taxis. You can book using apps, including ‘Yango’ and ‘Heetch’. Check the driver’s identity details match before getting in. Local minibus transport is unsafe.  

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Angola that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to and from the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority .

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

During the rainy season from November to April, there are storms and heavy downpours. This can cause sudden, serious flooding in and around cities, including Luanda. Flooding can damage roads, buildings and bridges. Stay indoors during storms. 

This section has safety advice for regions of Angola. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .  

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province, except to Cabinda city.  

There are regular violent incidents including rape, murder and kidnappings in Cabinda Province. These have involved both foreigners and Angolans.  

Separatist groups in the northern exclave of Cabinda (a province not joined to the rest of Angola) have been known to carry out attacks involving both foreigners and Angolans. Groups claiming responsibility for these attacks have said they’ll continue attacks against foreigners. 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 1km of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Lunda Norte province, except for official border crossings and their access roads.  

FCDO also advises against all travel to the provinces of Kasaï and Kasaï Central, across the border in the Central Democratic Republic of Congo . 

The rest of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul 

FCDO advises against travelling to Lunda Norte and Lunda Sol unless absolutely necessary. Get security advice and travel with the support of a security company or sponsoring organisation.  

The Angolan authorities are sensitive to the presence of foreigners in diamond-producing areas, which includes Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. They may impose restrictions on your movement in these provinces. If you do not comply, they may arrest you and detain you. 

The diamond mines increase the threat of crime and banditry on roads leading to and from these areas. Bandits may carry out armed hold-ups. 

Areas outside Luanda and the provincial capitals 

If you travel outside Luanda and the provincial capitals, go with people or organisations that know the area, as conditions can be difficult. There is widespread poverty, limited infrastructure, and social exclusion and disease. There are mines and unexploded weapons in many parts of the country. 

Transport and accommodation are extremely limited outside Luanda. Officials are likely to ask for your passport and visa or entry stamp, so take the originals with you.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Health risks and recommended vaccines 

Check TravelHealthPro’s current advice on Angola to find out how to reduce the health risks you’ll face there. 

TravelHealthPro also lists the recommended vaccines that could apply to you. At least 8 weeks before you travel, check how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page . 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Angola. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro . 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro . 

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad . 

Healthcare facilities in Angola 

There are several competent private clinics in Luanda. They charge high fees in advance. Outside Luanda healthcare is very limited. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Angola where some staff will speak English.  

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro . 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Angola  

Ambulance: 112 

Police: 110 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO  

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers and funeral directors in Angola 
• dealing with a death in Angola  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Angola  
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime   
• what to do if you’re in hospital   
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

You can also contact FCDO online .  

Help abroad in an emergency 

If you’re in Angola and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Luanda .  

FCDO in London 

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. 

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) 

Find out about call charges  

Risk information for British companies 

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Angola – A Travel Guide to Luanda, Kalandula Falls and Pedras Negras

Angola is a vast country in Africa, offering unique travel experiences. It’s one of those places very few know nothing about, and even fewer have traveled there. Usually, the only thing you hear about the country is how expensive it is due to an oil boom. Luanda, the capital city, has even been named to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. And yes, while I also found the city to be quite expensive, I was more interested in visiting the countryside and natural wonders of the country. Some of these sights include the Kalandula Falls – one of the largest waterfalls in Africa and Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo – some unusual rock formations.

Getting the Tourist Visa

For me, Angola was the last country left in this part of Africa, and I had been waiting for a long time to visit it. The reason why I hadn’t traveled there before, was the difficult visa process but luckily things changed in 2018 when Angola started a new tourist eVisa. One of the most challenging countries to get in suddenly got so much easier!

You can apply for the evisa on their SME e-visa site .  Filling out the application might sometimes be a pain in the ass. At least for me, the site crashed several times and I had to start it all over again about five times.

For the visa application, you will need:

• Passport photo: Width (381 – 571) pixels. Height (496 – 744) pixels. Maximum file size – 200 KB. Image format – JPEG. 
• Passport: A copy of the passport page which displays data and photo. Maximum file size – 300 KB. Image format – JPEG.
• Vaccine Certificate: A valid international vaccine certificate (a yellow fever certificate)
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation 
• Proof of livelihoods: Proof of Livelihoods equivalent of 200USD per each day of stay in the territory (a bank statement)
• Ticket reservation: Ticket reservation with a return flight

The document images should be scanned in grayscale with a resolution of a minimum of 100dpi and a maximum of 150dpi in JPEG or TIFF format. Maximum file size TIFF – 15360 KB (15 MB). Maximum file size JPEG – 350 KB. 

I wrote all the required sizes and everything up because they are very strict about it. I needed to resize a lot of documents several times to get them to be the exact size that was required. Otherwise, I couldn’t continue with my application. But please, still check the latest requirements from the official site, because they can change. 

I applied for the visa at the very last minute (flying in on Monday and filling out the visa application the following Friday) and got the visa approved in two hours. However, the recommended time is to leave your application two weeks prior. Luckily, they were really fast processing my visa application!

The visa fee is $120, and you will pay it in cash at the airport when you arrive. The international airport is tiny, and at least when I arrived, there was a separate room on the left side where all visas where processed. While sitting there and waiting for my turn, I looked around in the room. All the other people there were businessmen in their suits coming to the country on business visas. I wasn’t surprised though; I guess Angola wasn’t still high on people’s travel list, despite the new tourist visa.

Currency and Money Exchange

The official currency is Angolan Kwanza, and you can get the best rate when exchanging money at the black market. You can use this local website to check the current black market rate.

I exchanged both euros and US dollars with no problems. The local people will know where you can find the money changers, so ask for directions. Count the kwanzas first before handing over your bills to be on the safe side.

Portuguese is the official language, but since I don’t speak it, I got by using either English or Spanish. 

If you would like to use the internet, and especially if you’re traveling outside the capital, I highly recommend buying a local prepaid SIM card. Unitel has the best coverage, and I purchased one of their SIM cards. When going to a store to buy a SIM card, bring your passport with you.

Where to Stay in Luanda

Luanda is expensive when it comes to accommodation. I tried to choose the most budget-friendly option but also checked the reviews and opted for a hotel that offered a free airport transfer. I highly recommend arranging your transport before your arrival because if there are any taxi drivers at the airport, they will surely rip you off. My choice of accommodation was Residence DB , and they were waiting for me at the airport. 

We drove to the hotel, and I kept looking outside, trying to take in everything I saw. The neighborhood of the hotel looked a bit dodgy, and the entrance was hidden at the back of a dirty alley, but when I finally got inside, it started to look like a real hotel. The people working at the reception were very nice, and even though it was early morning, I could already check in to my room. I was tired after two days of traveling, so getting some sleep before exploring Luanda, was a good idea. The room was decent and clean, and there was air conditioning. The wifi also worked surprisingly well.

If you are on a budget, Residence DB is a good option. The prices usually vary between $50-$80, so compared to many other countries, this is not considered a budget option, but unfortunately, accommodation is very expensive in Luanda. You can book the hotel on Booking.com or HotelsCombined .

Another good option with a different kind of location is Thomson Art House . Located in Ilha de Luanda right at the beach, this hotel is a very stylish boutique hotel featuring local art. I would consider this to be more of a tourist-friendly hotel. I didn’t stay there but visited it (more about it later on the post) and would recommend it for anyone. You can book Thomson Art House on Booking.com or HotelsCombined .

I rechecked the hotel prices when writing this post, and it seems like Thomson Art House has decreased their rates, and Residence DB increased them. I would only stay at Residence DB again if it was noticeably cheaper than Thomson Art House. But always compare the prices on sites like HotelsCombined to get the best deal.

What to See in Luanda

Ilha de luanda.

Ilha de Luanda is a spit off the shore of Luanda. There are sandy beaches and some nice restaurants (although most of them quite expensive). For swimming, I would recommend visiting Ilha do Mussulo instead.

Fortaleza de Sao Miguel

Fortaleza de Sao Miguel is a must-visit in Luanda. It’s a beautiful Portuguese fort, full of history, and initially built in 1576 to defend the access to the city.

Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto

The Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto is an obelisk-like concrete structure serving as Neto’s final resting place. Neto served as Angola’s first president from 1975-1979 after Angola secured its independence from the Portuguese. The style of the mausoleum reminded me of Soviet monuments, and you would expect to see something like this in old Soviet Union countries in Eastern Europe.

Bay of Luanda Waterfront

The new waterfront is an urban area providing great views of the gleaming new towers. The promenade has a lovely clean walkway and some palm trees. This is also a place where you can clearly understand the stark divide between rich and poor that exists in Luanda due to an oil boom.

 Cidade Alta 

Cidade Alta is where the parliament building and presidential palace are located. This place is recommended for everyone interested in old Portuguese architecture. However, as in most African countries, taking pictures of government buildings is not allowed. So, unfortunately, walking around and acting as a tourist is not possible here if you don’t want to get in trouble. I managed to take one photo from a moving car.

Other Places Around Luanda

If you have more time and can arrange transport, I highly recommend visiting some places around the capital city. Some popular sights are the Ship’s Cemetery and Miradouro da Lua . 

Ship’s Cemetery is a shipwreck beach with a dozen of large abandoned ships. The place is located about 35km north of Luanda, but the beach itself is quite isolated. Some tourists have been robbed here so I would only recommend visiting with a guide and a car. 

Miradouro da Lua is located around 40 km south of Luanda. The Moon Viewpoint offers views of a spectacular landscape, shaped by years of rains and erosion, which make it look similar to the surface of the moon.

Getting from Luanda to Malanje/Kalandula Falls/Pedras Negras

While in Angola, I wanted to see something else besides the capital city. I decided to head to the countryside to see some of the beautiful natural wonders of the country: Kalandula Falls and Pedras Negras.

I started to research on transport options to get me to these places, but it turned out difficult, mostly because of the limited time and the fact that the sites are quite remote. Usually, I travel overland by using public transport, but this time, I had already booked my return ticket for the visa application. I didn’t want to risk not making it back to Luanda to catch my flight to São Tomé and Príncipe .

If you have time, one option is to take a bus to Malanje and from there, organize trips to the Kalandula Falls and Pedras Negras. Both of these places are quite remote, and you can’t reach these by taking the typical African minibuses. You can either hire a driver or hitchhike (typically when hitchhiking in Africa, you’re expected to pay for the driver, so ask for the price before getting in).

My hotel’s reception didn’t turn out to be too helpful when trying to research transportation options. I guess they don’t deal with tourists too often. I had already tried to find tour companies in Angola but came to the conclusion that they were way too expensive, asking for thousands of dollars for short trips. I also considered renting a car myself, but I’m happy that I didn’t do that, seeing the condition of some of the roads later on. 

I decided to find more tourist-friendly hotels and ask them for help. I found Thomson Art House when visiting Ilha de Luanda and found their staff to be very helpful and friendly. They knew some people and helped me to organize a car and a driver at a reasonable price. 

Visiting Pedras Negras

The plan for the first day was to drive from Luanda to Pedras Negras. We left Luanda early in the morning because the drive was quite long. The roads seemed to be in a quite good condition before we reached a road construction. Then for a long time, there was no proper road at all, just a muddy dirt road, and we encountered a lot of cars that had gotten stuck there. I was happy that our car was a proper 4×4, so we didn’t have any problems. It was raining a bit, so the dirt roads were in bad shape, but it was nothing compared to the situations I’ve had in other African countries (like the Mozambique – Tanzania border crossing ).

Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (the Black Rocks at Pungo Andongo) are very unique rock formations. The rocks are huge, and standing high above the flat African savanna, so you can see them from far away. When you get closer to the rocks, there are two viewpoints. The first one is easy to find. It’s on the right side of the road, and you can park just next to the viewpoint.

The second viewpoint is a little further down the road after a village. This viewpoint requires a short walk and climb to get you to the top. Here you can get a beautiful view of the village and the rocks.

Where to Stay in Malanje

The best accommodation options around this area are in Malanje, so that’s where I headed for the night. I walked into the first hotel I saw and asked for the prices. A single room there cost 20,000kz, which I considered to be very expensive, considering how rundown the place looked. I found another hotel called Hotel Portugalia. The price was the same, but the hotel itself looked much nicer. The room was very clean and modern, and breakfast was included in the price.

Visiting the Kalandula Falls

It takes around an hour to drive from Malanje to the Kalandula Falls. Just like Pedras Negras, the Kalandula Falls also have two viewpoints offering different views of the falls.

Kalandula Falls are one of the largest falls in Africa, and they are truly an amazing sight. This is something that shouldn’t be missed while in Angola. I had already seen the Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe, but I have to say that I found Kalandula Falls to be more impressive. The best part is that these falls are still a very well kept secret, and I could have them all to myself – there weren’t any tourists. 

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Measles can be severe in all age groups and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and death. Several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications, including children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (infection of the brain).

What is the current situation?

Measles is an ongoing risk around the world. Health officials in the countries listed below have reported large measles outbreaks. 

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of the Congo
• Saudi Arabia
• South Sudan
• United Arab Emirates

Measles spreads rapidly and may become a risk to travelers in places not included on the list above. CDC recommends all travelers are fully vaccinated against measles when traveling to any international destination.

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others from measles?

Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated two weeks prior to departure and travel internationally.

Vaccination with a measles-containing vaccine is the best way to make sure that you are protected. Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who had one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12–15 months and a final dose at 4–6 years. Children 12 months of age and older, teenagers, and adults who do not have presumptive evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days. If the child received a first dose with measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV), they should wait 3 months before their second dose. 

If you are not sure if you or your travel companions are fully protected against measles, schedule an appointment to see your clinician at least 6 weeks before traveling so that you have enough time to get vaccinated.

Some people should not get a measles-containing vaccine or should wait. If you don’t think you can safely receive a measles-containing vaccine, talk to your clinician and consider making alternative travel plans.

What can clinicians do?

A self-report of measles vaccination or self-reported history of measles infection is not adequate evidence of protection. Clinicians should vaccinate anyone 6 months or older traveling overseas who does not have written documentation of vaccination or other evidence of measles immunity . Infants aged 6–11 months should be vaccinated with one dose before travel*. For international travelers 12 months or older, 2 doses at least 28 days apart are recommended.

*Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should be revaccinated according to the routine ACIP schedule (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and a final dose at 4–6 years).

Traveler Information

• CDC Measles Homepage
• Travelers’ Health Measles Website
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Measles: Plan for Travel
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Information Statement
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine Information Statement

Clinician Information

• Measles (Rubeola)  in the CDC Yellow Book (Health Information for International Travel)
• Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations for  MMR  Vaccine and  MMRV  Vaccine
• Measles Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Guidance on Measles during the Summer Travel Season

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