When people find out that I work in Angola, one of the first questions asked is often whether I’d recommend it as a tourist destination. For many, the lasting impression of this country left by the media is one of conflict. At peace since 2002, Angola continues to rebuild and has been safe to travel around for quite some time. Yet it remains relatively unknown to foreign visitors.
Is it worth the trip? In a word, yes.
Angola is a giant of the Lusophone world, second in size only to Brazil among the Portuguese-speaking countries. In fact, many well-known features of Afro-Brazilian culture have their origins in the indigenous cultures of Angola:
- Capoeira has Angolan roots.
- The cuisine of Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia has much in common with that of northern Angola and neighboring central African countries.
- The famous Brazilian samba owes a great deal to Angolan semba.
So why visit? Here are three reasons to fire up your travel imagination.
The coast. With 1,600 km. of Atlantic coastline, Angola has no lack of beaches and coastal towns to explore. For the foodies among us, there is fresh seafood in abundance. Though the capital city of Luanda is the best known coastal city, there are several others worth a visit. Porto Amboim, Sumbe, Lobito, Benguela, Namibe and Tombwa vie for a spot on your seaside itinerary.
The desert. You think the Skeleton Coast is just a Namibia thing? Think again. The cold Benguela current sweeps up from Antarctica and laps the coastal desert of southern Angola, making it part of the same unique ecosystem for which Namibia is famous. The southwestern province of Namibe is where you can explore this environment and meet the proudly traditional Kuvale people.
The wildlife. Angolan wildlife populations are recovering. For a change of pace from the typical southern African safari, visit Kissama National Park. Further inland, an award-winning conservation project aims to protect the rare giant sable antelope, Angola’s national emblem. There’s also a sea turtle conservation project that recently expanded operations to four beaches in four different provinces from north to south.
A visit to Angola comes with challenges, as it does not have the same degree of tourist infrastructure found in the neighboring countries of Zambia and Namibia. But along with the challenges you reap the rewards of blazing the trail to this little-known destination. Get to know the resilient, hospitable Angolan people. Dance to their music. Take in the landscapes of their diverse and stunning country.
Have you ever been to Angola, or are you considering a visit? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Loved the article. The coastline is such a huge attraction, especially if you love fishing or surfing. I lived there from 2009 to 2014, and put this together: http://www.bradtguides.com/shop/africa/angola/angola.html. Also heading back on 31 May this year to try and kayak the length of the Kwanza River, to raise money for The HALO Trust’s demining work. Let us know what you think! http://www.kayakthekwanza.com
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Thank you! I really must get the new edition of the Bradt guide. I only have the one from 2009, the very first to come out. Best wishes on your expedition- that’s coming up fairly soon now. Fantastic cause, the HALO Trust. Visiting their center outside Huambo is on my to-do list.
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Very interesting post! I would love to visit Angola one day. Is it expensive? A friend told me the capital is… PS: Thanks to you I’ve learned a new word: Lusophone 🙂
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Yes, the capital can be particularly expensive. I’m glad to be living in Huambo, where life is much more affordable. Costs have been high in general because it’s still necessary to import quite a bit.
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Angola looks absolutely stunning!
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It is truly a beautiful country. Recently drove between my home in Huambo and the city of Lubango to the south- such a rewarding drive through varied landscapes. Mountain ridges, plateaus, rocky outcroppings, baobab trees…you certainly don’t get bored with the scenery around here!
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I bet you don’t! The variety sounds amazing – it’s great that you get the chance to see it all through your project 🙂
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13 provinces down, 5 to go! 🙂
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Hi, Linda. Thanks for following my blog. I found your post on Angola so interesting, not knowing anything of the place before. Lovely photos, too. Am looking forward to more about Africa.
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Thanks, Coral- I’m also looking forward to seeing more about your travels!
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Hi Linda! Angola will always be in our hearts as we lived there for a year, in Luanda. We also traveled to the south (Lubango and Namibe) and also enjoyed the vibe of Huambo during its carnival. Check our blog and our story there, we hope you like it. Keep writing! http://bit.ly/2aBjjKX
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How cool! I didn’t realize you’d lived in Angola. Thank you for sharing your experience, and for your encouragement!
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Fantastic article! Thanks so much again!! (Kaylan, the writer in Namibia 🙂
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Thank you, Kaylan! Say hi to Namibia for me. 🙂
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