Angola Travel Guide (Central Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Angola

Angola is a beautiful country located in Central Africa, known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. With a diverse range of attractions, Angola is the perfect destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and historical sites.

Visitors to Angola can explore the country’s stunning national parks and wildlife reserves, hike along scenic trails, visit museums and historical sites, and immerse themselves in the local culture and customs. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top things to see and do in Angola, as well as the best places to stay, eat, and shop.

List of Places to Visit in Angola

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Angola has a rich history and culture, and visitors can learn more about the country’s past by visiting its many museums and historical sites. The most popular cultural attractions in Angola include:

National Museum of Anthropology: This museum is home to a large collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, and art, which showcases the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Fortress of São Miguel: This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most well-preserved Portuguese military monuments in the world.
Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção: This stunning cathedral in Luanda, Angola’s capital city, is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architectural details.
Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto: This memorial is dedicated to Angola’s first president, Agostinho Neto, and includes a museum and library.

Natural Attractions of Angola: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Angola is blessed with an incredible natural landscape, featuring stunning national parks, wildlife reserves, and scenic views. Some of the most popular natural attractions in Angola include:

Kissama National Park: Known for its diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, this national park is a must-visit destination for animal lovers.
Tundavala Fissure: This scenic viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for hiking and photography.
Benguela Highlands: This mountain range is home to some of Angola’s most beautiful natural scenery, including towering peaks, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls.
Namib Desert: Only a small part of the world’s oldest desert extends into Angola, but visitors can still explore the unique desert landscape on a guided tour.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Angola

Angola is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or novice biker, there are plenty of options available. Some popular routes include:

Mount Moco Hiking Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors to the highest peak in Angola and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Luanda Bay Trail: This scenic bike path follows the coast of Luanda Bay and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tundavala Gap Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors through the stunning Tundavala Fissure and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Kalandula Falls Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors to the spectacular Kalandula Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Africa.

Best Things to Do in Angola: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours available in Angola. Some of the best things to do in Angola include:

Visit a traditional market: Angola’s traditional markets are a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine. Visitors can browse for local handicrafts and try some of the country’s delicious street food.
Take a city tour: Visitors to Angola’s cities can take a guided tour to learn more about the local history and culture. Some popular city tours include the Luanda city tour and the Benguela city tour.
Go on a wildlife safari: Angola is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and visitors can go on a guided safari to see some of the country’s most spectacular animals up close.
Attend a cultural festival: Angola is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, and visitors can attend one of the country’s many cultural festivals to experience the local arts and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Angola

For visitors who want to experience the best of Angola, we recommend the following week-long itinerary:

Day 1-2: Luanda city tour, including visits to the National Museum of Anthropology and Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
Day 3-4: Kissama National Park safari, with opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Day 5-6: Hiking in the Benguela Highlands and visiting the Tundavala Fissure.
Day 7: Visit traditional markets, try local street food, and attend a cultural festival in Luanda.

Food and Drink Scene of Angola

Must-Try Dishes

Angolan cuisine is known for its flavorful spices and fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Muamba de Galinha: This traditional chicken stew is made with palm oil, onions, garlic, and okra.
Moqueca: This seafood stew is made with fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices.
Calulu: This dish is made with dried fish, onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers.
Cachupa: This hearty stew is made with beans, vegetables, and either meat or fish.

Local Beverages

Angola has a rich tradition of brewing and distilling, and visitors can taste some of the country’s best local beverages, including:

N’gola: This beer is a local favorite and is brewed using traditional methods and ingredients.
Tedy: This alcohol is a popular drink that is distilled from palm wine.
Cuanza: This local spirit is made from sugarcane and is often served in cocktails.

Where to Stay in Angola: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Angola offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including luxury hotels, budget hostels, and cozy guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in Angola include:

Hotel Epic Sana Luanda: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Luanda and offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Pensao Coqueiros: This budget hostel is located near Luanda’s city center and offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
Cassai Family Resort: This family-friendly resort is located along the Benguela coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains.

What to Buy in Angola: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Angola can bring home a variety of unique souvenirs and local products, including:

Handcrafted art: Angola is known for its skilled artisans, who create beautiful handcrafted items, including pottery, clothing, and jewelry.
Coffee and spices: Angola produces high-quality coffee and spices, which make excellent gifts for foodies.
Basketry: Angola’s traditional basketry is both beautiful and practical, and visitors can bring home baskets of all shapes and sizes.

Local Culture and Customs of Angola

Angola is a diverse country with a rich and varied culture, and visitors should take the time to learn about the local customs and traditions. Some important cultural practices in Angola include:

Greeting elders: In Angola, it is customary to greet elders with a handshake and a bow or curtsy.
Respecting local customs: Visitors should be aware of local customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship or traditional villages.
Eating with your hands: In some parts of Angola, it is customary to eat with your hands rather than using utensils.

Best Time to Visit Angola

The best time to visit Angola is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is also the best time to go on wildlife safaris or hiking trips, as the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Angola

Do:

Take sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun can be strong in Angola, and insect bites can be a problem, especially during the rainy season.
Try the street food: Angola’s street food scene is vibrant and delicious, and visitors should sample some of the local specialties.
Respect local customs and traditions: Visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship or traditional villages.

Don’t:

Take photos without permission: Visitors should always ask permission before taking photos of people or places, especially in more rural areas.
Be disrespectful to elders: Visitors should show respect to elders, who are highly regarded in Angolan society.
Get into political discussions: Angola has a complex political history, and visitors should avoid getting into political discussions with locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Angola

Like any country in the world, Angola has safety concerns that visitors should be aware of. Visitors should take the following precautions to ensure their safety:

Avoid traveling at night: Traveling at night can be dangerous, especially outside of major cities.
Be aware of your surroundings: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
Use reputable transportation services: Visitors should use reputable transportation services or rent a car from a reliable company.

Health in Angola

Visitors to Angola should take the following health precautions to stay healthy during their trip:

Get vaccinated: Visitors should get vaccinated against yellow fever and other common diseases before traveling to Angola.
Drink bottled water: Visitors should only drink bottled water, as tap water in Angola may be contaminated with bacteria.
Take precautions against malaria: Angola is a high-risk area for malaria, and visitors should take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent.

Getting to Angola: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Angola

The main airports in Angola include:

Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD): Located in Luanda, this is the largest airport in Angola and serves most international flights.
Lubango Airport (SDD): Located in Lubango, this airport serves domestic flights and a few international flights.

Bus Stations Near Angola

Angola’s bus networks are limited, but visitors can use the following bus stations to get around:

Central Bus Station: Located in Luanda, this is the main bus station for the city and serves destinations both within Angola and in neighboring countries.
Benguela Bus Station: Located in Benguela, this bus station serves destinations within Angola.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a private driver to get around Angola.

How to Get Around in Angola

The best way to get around Angola is by car or private driver. Visitors can also take taxis, which are widely available in major cities, but should only use reputable taxi services. Domestic flights are also available, but visitors should be aware that the country’s air infrastructure is limited.

Where to Go Next from Angola: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Angola is located in a strategic location, making it easy to visit other nearby countries and destinations. Some popular excursions and nearby destinations include:

Namibia: Visitors can take a bus or drive from Angola to Namibia, where they can enjoy stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Zambia: Zambia is easily accessible from Angola and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Southern Africa.
Democratic Republic of Congo: While the political situation in the DRC can be volatile, visitors can take a guided tour to explore the country’s rich culture and history.

Conclusion

Angola is a truly unique destination, offering a wealth of natural and cultural attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical experiences, or cultural immersion, Angola has something for everyone. Above all, remember to respect the local customs and traditions, take precautions for your safety and health, and have an open mind to fully appreciate all that Angola has to offer.