Angola – Travel Guide
Explore Angola, a land of natural beauty and vibrant culture, from Luanda’s lively beaches to Kissama National Park’s expansive plains. Delight in diverse cuisine, including traditional dishes like funge and moamba, paired with fresh tropical fruits. Discover colonial history in Benguela’s cobblestone streets and marvel at Lubango’s mountainous terrain and iconic Christ the King statue. Uncover Angola’s past in Kwanza Sul, where ancient fortresses and rivers hold tales of bygone eras. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich music and dance traditions, from kizomba to semba. Angola offers a diverse and enriching experience where nature and culture intertwine.
About Angola
Angola FAQ
What is Angola Known for?
Angola, a country located on the southwestern coast of Africa, is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and tumultuous history. Renowned for its vibrant music and dance styles, Angola has given birth to captivating genres like kizomba and semba. The nation is also recognized for its diverse wildlife, with national parks and reserves showcasing unique species such as elephants, lions, and antelopes. Angola’s economy heavily relies on its vast reserves of oil and diamonds, making it a significant player in the global resource market. The country’s history has been shaped by a long struggle for independence, followed by a devastating civil war. Today, Angola is working towards economic diversification, infrastructure development, and social progress, aiming to harness its potential and build a brighter future for its people.
What are the best places to visit Angola?
Angola offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. One of the must-visit destinations is the capital city, Luanda, known for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks. The southern region of Angola is home to the breathtaking desert landscapes of the Namib Desert and the Iona National Park, which boasts unique flora and fauna. In the northeast, the stunning Kalandula Falls captivate with their cascading beauty, while the captivating city of Benguela offers beautiful beaches and a rich colonial heritage. For nature enthusiasts, Bicuar National Park in the southeast is a paradise of wildlife, with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The province of Huambo, in central Angola, enchants visitors with its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Tundavala Fissure, a dramatic cliff offering breathtaking views. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, enjoying the natural wonders, or immersing in the vibrant culture, Angola offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences for travelers.
How many days should I spend in Angola?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Angola?
By Bus: Buses are a popular mode of transportation for both short and long distances in Angola. Several bus companies offer services connecting major cities and towns. However, be prepared for longer travel times due to road conditions and frequent stops.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in cities and towns. In urban areas, you can find metered taxis or negotiate fares with the driver before starting the trip. In rural areas, shared taxis or minivans called “candongueiros” are common and follow set routes.
Private Taxis: Private taxis, often identified by their yellow color, are available in urban areas. Negotiating fares in advance is recommended.
Car Rental: Renting a car gives you flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore multiple destinations or venture off the beaten path. Major car rental companies have offices at airports and in major cities.
Ferries: If you need to travel across rivers or reach coastal islands, ferries provide transportation services. They operate on various routes, but availability and schedules can vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
Trains: Angola’s rail network is under development, but there are limited passenger train services available. Currently, the Benguela Railway provides a scenic train journey from Lobito to Huambo and is worth considering if you’re interested in exploring that region.
What is the currency of Angola?
The currency of Angola is the Angolan kwanza (AOA). It’s important to note that when traveling to Angola, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash in local currency, especially when venturing outside major cities, as credit card acceptance may be limited. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, official exchange bureaus, or authorized hotels. Additionally, some ATMs allow for cash withdrawals using international debit or credit cards, but it’s recommended to check with your bank regarding international usage fees and inform them of your travel plans in advance.
Do people speak English in Angola?
While English is taught in some schools and is used in certain business and tourist establishments, it is not widely spoken or understood by the majority of the population in Angola. The official language of Angola is Portuguese, as the country was a former Portuguese colony. Portuguese is the primary language used for government, education, media, and most day-to-day interactions.
Best Time to Visit
Angola offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. One of the must-visit destinations is the capital city, Luanda, known for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks.
Read More
The southern region of Angola is home to the breathtaking desert landscapes of the Namib Desert and the Iona National Park, which boasts unique flora and fauna. In the northeast, the stunning Kalandula Falls captivate with their cascading beauty, while the captivating city of Benguela offers beautiful beaches and a rich colonial heritage. For nature enthusiasts, Bicuar National Park in the southeast is a paradise of wildlife, with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The province of Huambo, in central Angola, enchants visitors with its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Tundavala Fissure, a dramatic cliff offering breathtaking views. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, enjoying the natural wonders, or immersing in the vibrant culture, Angola offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences for travelers.
Tipping in Angola
In Angola, tipping is not as compulsory but always enthusiastically received if you are happy with the service and would like to tip. The question when? or how much? can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies.
Read More
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Angola Kwanza?
The currency of Angola is the Kwanza. US dollars are widely used and accepted. The exchange rate fluctuates so we recommend that you check the exchange rate close to the time of your travel. Kwanza (AOA) = 100 centimos. Notes are in denominations of AOA2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5. Coins are in denominations of AOA5, 2, 1.
Credit cards are not generally accepted. American Express, Diners Club and Visa have limited acceptance. Some larger hotels and restaurants in Luanda have started taking credit cards. Always ask whether your card will be accepted before using it. There have been reports of credit cards being cloned for fraudulent purposes so you should exercise caution when using your card.
ATMs can be found in major towns and cities, especially in the capital city of Luanda, where there are many major banks and ATM machines. However, many do not accept foreign cards (check with your card issuer to see if your card will be accepted) so taking cash is advisable. Travelers’ cheques are generally not accepted.
Bring enough cash for your needs or make sure your sponsoring company or agency has made suitable arrangements. There are limits on the amount of cash that can be imported and exported. The limit is currently the equivalent of $10,000 USD. Imports over this limit should be declared and relevant forms completed on arrival. Check current limits with the Angolan Embassy of the National Bank.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
The tipping percentage in restaurants is typically between 5% to 15%. If a service charge is not included in the bill, a tip of 10% is acceptable, though is not officially encouraged.
Tipping in bars is not common so don’t feel the need to. If you enjoyed yourself then you can round up the total.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
You may see a service charge on your hotel bill, but tipping goes a long way for the staff if they go above and beyond.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
You should tip the tour guide about 10% of the total and the driver about 5%.
Taxi Drivers: IIs a tip required?
Though it is not common to tip you should round up the fair if the ride was good.