Angola, West Africa: The Next Tourist Destination

Ten years have passed since Angola emerged from three decades of war, a conflict which practically destroyed their infrastructure and killed many people. Angola obtained its independence from Portugal in 1975, and Portuguese is the official language.

English is somewhat spoken in hotels, restaurants, and banks. The Kwanza is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely used. Luanda is the capital city.

Angolans are moving forward, reconstruction is taking place at a fast pace, and change is visible. The government is making efforts to encourage tourism by building roads, railways, and new hotels. While Angola is not quite ready for mass tourism, positive changes are taking place.

Where is Angola?

Angola is a West African country, on the Atlantic Ocean side. As a reference, Angola is twice the size of Texas.

Angola enjoys relatively good climate, and the Benguela Current ensures pleasant weather. The best time to visit is May and September, after the rainy season, when the weather is cooler. Due to poor roads in the interior, it is not advisable to travel outside of major cities during the rainy season.

Infrastructure

The African Cup of Nations, the most prominent African soccer tournament was held in Angola in January 2010. This event attracted investors who built mid-range to luxury hotels, remodeled the international airport in Luanda, built several new stadiums, and new roads.

Getting There

Reaching the capital of Luanda is easy. There are daily flights from Lisbon, Portugal, and South Africa. Twice weekly flights: London, Paris, and Dubai. Thrice weekly: Air Namibia, Air Ethiopia, Kenya Airways. Once weekly: Lufthansa. From the U.S., there is currently a direct flight, available only to workers/families of oil companies in Angola.

Car Hire

It is possible to hire a car with driver on arrival at the International Airport or through Hertz, Avis, and SIXT Car (EuropCar) online. Shocking is the price of $300+ per day (with driver) for a mid-size car. Self-driving is not recommended, unless you speak Portuguese and have an International Driver's license.

Angola's Highlights:

Thirty years of isolation preserved the country's natural beauty, and Angola offers clean, pristine beaches, a variety of impressive geography, and tremendous geological features.

Luanda

A once lovely colonial city, is now dilapidated. However, there are many colonial buildings, such as forts, churches and government buildings, being restored, all of which are begging to be revisited. Three decades ago, Angola was a sought-after destination by Europeans; Luanda was called "the Riviera of Africa." Luanda's attraction are the colonial buildings and beaches.

Kissama National Park, one hour from Luanda offers game viewing. There are no predators, but there is a healthy population of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, birds, reptiles, etc. The park is easily accessed in less than three hours from Luanda. Entry fees: around $20 per person. Overnight accommodations: The Kwanza River Lodge, near Kissama. Half-Board: $150 ppn.

Beaches: Luanda, Lobito and Benguela

Luanda has beautiful beaches, and Mussulo, the most popular, is a short ferry ride away. Enjoy the beaches on the ocean-side, but avoid swimming in the contaminated bay waters. Also, the Ilha is a small island linked to Luanda, with good beaches and great restaurants.

Lobito and Benguela are coastal towns approximately 550 kms from Luanda. The beaches are beautiful, as are the colonial buildings untouched by the war. Hotel Terminus: $150 per person.

Waterfalls

Angola has several waterfalls, but the most important is Kalandulas, near Malange. Kalandula is said to be Africa's third highest.

Fishing

South Africans have known for decades that Angola is an "angler's paradise". The Flamingo Lodge in the Namibe is a very rustic lodge catering to fishermen. Half-Board: $190 ppn.

Lubango

Is a high-altitude city located in the province of Huila, with beautiful colonial buildings, and nomadic tribes. Lubango is the gateway to the Namib Desert, and the drive through the Serra da Leba, a highway built with hairpin turns, will leave you exhilarated.

Visa & Money

Visas must be obtained in your country of residence. The visa process is slow and tedious. Cost is around $200.

Credit cards: accepted at major hotels and restaurants.

ATM machines: found throughout the city and are relatively safe to use.

Luanda is very expensive, and the visitor should plan accordingly, with at least $500 per day (hotel, food and car).

Conclusion

The proposed Kavango-Zambesi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), an area roughly the size of Italy, promises to be the greatest conservation area in the world. KAZA will be shared by Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. KAZA will allow the natural movement of game, such as elephants, and other migratory animals. If this park becomes a reality, Angola will certainly benefit in terms of tourism.

Angola is not a destination for the tourist seeking luxury, and seeing Angola requires a certain amount of fortitude and money. Those who venture here will be richly rewarded with amazing sights, very friendly locals, and memories that will last a lifetime!

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The author lives in Luanda, Angola since 2008.