For adventurous people who dream of seeing the real Africa in all its tropical heat, color, rhythm and pristine beauty, Angola is a good choice. It offers you an excellent chance to enjoy the African adventure of your life, and to admire wild animals in their natural surroundings. However, if you choose Angola, you should be prepared to meet the challenge and excitement caused by the inadequate infrastructure and the insecure safety situation of this Southern African country.
The Angolan capital, Luanda, is a lively and colorful city located on the coastal region by the Atlantic ocean. This bustling city with two million inhabitants is a place to see for all lovers of African culture and dance. It is also a good choice for those who want to enjoy the white-sand beaches and the warm waves of the Atlantic ocean.
Nature wonders. When the capital is seen and nature awaits, there is no place better to go in Angola than Kissama National Park. This famous game reserve located 70 km from Luanda is an ideal spot for wildlife watching and safaris. Kissama National Park offers you possibilities to see lions, antelopes, elephants and many other African species in their natural living surroundings, surrounded by stunning landscapes offered by wide open Angolan savannas.
Direct flights to Angola are available from Paris, London and Lisbon, as well as from some African destinations. As most Angolan roads are unpaved and, except for those between the main cities, in poor condition, traveling inside the country is slow and does not follow the standards western visitors might expect. The possibilities offered by public transport are very limited, and restrict to few bus and train connections between the biggest cities.
Angola, a country with colorful African tradition
Located in the borderline of Southern and Central Africa, Angola is a country with great geographic and ethnic diversity. Angola's landscapes consist of everything from wide open savanna plains and dense tropical rainforests to pristine mountains and hundreds of kilometers of stunning coastline. Weather in Angola is tropically hot all year round with a rainy season lasting from November to April.The Angolan capital, Luanda, is a lively and colorful city located on the coastal region by the Atlantic ocean. This bustling city with two million inhabitants is a place to see for all lovers of African culture and dance. It is also a good choice for those who want to enjoy the white-sand beaches and the warm waves of the Atlantic ocean.
Nature wonders. When the capital is seen and nature awaits, there is no place better to go in Angola than Kissama National Park. This famous game reserve located 70 km from Luanda is an ideal spot for wildlife watching and safaris. Kissama National Park offers you possibilities to see lions, antelopes, elephants and many other African species in their natural living surroundings, surrounded by stunning landscapes offered by wide open Angolan savannas.
Practical information for your trip to Angola
Suffering from the aftermath of its long civil war (1975-2002), Angola is not one of the safest countries on Earth. Armed robberies are quite common, and land mines are found in some areas around the country. However, if you follow safety instructions like staying out of certain dangerous areas, avoiding walking outside alone after dark, and keeping your car door locked when driving in the streets of Angola, you have good chances for managing in the wild but rewarding Angola.Direct flights to Angola are available from Paris, London and Lisbon, as well as from some African destinations. As most Angolan roads are unpaved and, except for those between the main cities, in poor condition, traveling inside the country is slow and does not follow the standards western visitors might expect. The possibilities offered by public transport are very limited, and restrict to few bus and train connections between the biggest cities.
Photo: Poplinre, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Inside Angolan cities, there are taxis available, but tourists are advised to consider carefully before using their services. As English is not commonly spoken in Angola, learning some phrases in Portuguese is recommended. Visa is obligatory for visiting Angola, and there are also restrictions to the minimum time your passport should be valid after your journey. Your passport should contain two blank pages, and you should have certificate for taking certain vaccinations with you.
Introduction to the history and culture of Angola
When it comes to culture, Angola offers as much diversity as with nature. Angola is home to numerous native Bantu cultures and the contemporary Angolan culture also has Portuguese reflections mixed into it from the 400 years as a Portuguese colony, ending in 1975. During the unhappy years of Angolan history it has gained reputation as a source area of slaves who were sent across the Atlantic to the Americas. After Angola gained its independence, it suffered from a long civil war that lasted up until 2002.Today, the Angolan Civil War has ended and better times have arrived also economically, as Angola has large deposits of oil and diamonds. However, most Angolan people still live in very poor conditions, suffering from drought and hunger. In spite of all the tough experiences they have had to go through, the Angolan people have preserved their national character as optimistic, hospitable and patient people.
