Angola Safaris & Tours – Discover Angola with Expert Tour Operators

History of Angola

The Ancient Kingdom of Kongo is most of the current country of Angola. The Kongo kingdom was very prominent in the 14^th Century. The country grew to prominence after the Portuguese set up their trading base as Soyo in the Northern region of the current Angola.

The King of Kongo enjoyed good relations with the Europeans and they even allowed the settlement of families and 400 soldiers in the year 1575 and this was the foundation of the current capital Luanda by Paulo Dias de Novias.

The then King of the Kingdom of Kongo sent his sons for education in the Portuguese capital Lisbon I the 17^th Century. It is the slave trade after this time that broke the relationship between the two.

It is believes that over one million slaves were taken from Angola to Brazil which was also a Portuguese territory.

After the Brazilian Independence in the year 1836, slave trade was abolished and this forced the Portuguese to look for more territories to colonize and this made their grip tighter on Angola.

The slavery continued in the Portuguese colonies but it was disguised up until the year 1870.

Following the fascist group taking power in the year 1926 in Portugal, the Portuguese intensifies their control over the area of Angola as it was very important to the economy of the Portugal.

There was very little resisitance about the Portuguese rule until the year 1950. The fight for independence started in the year 1961 and it went on until the year 1974.

After the year 1974, there were hopes of the unified Angola after the overthrowing of the Portuguese but it instead created a chance for more divisions for liberation movements that allowed for a civil war which lasted almost three decades.

There were about half a million Portuguese that had stayed in Angola after independence failed to settle due to the wars and finally ran back to Europe which led to a massive loss on skills that had maintained the country for a while pushing this country full of resources into bankruptcy.

The stability was established in the year 2002 to allow for Elections.  This will give you a background of the country you are about to visit. They have however been peaceful ever since then.

When you book Angola tours with us, we shall walk you through some of this history in a more detailed setting.

Weather in Angola

The coolest month in Angola is between July and August with annual average temperatures at 26 °C/79 °F n the northern coast and 19 °C/66 °F in the highland areas which are more in the inner Angola.

Angola has the rainy and dry season.

The best months go on Angola tours are between the months of June to September as there are fewer rains.

Geography of Angola

To the North of Angola is the Congo, Namibia in the South, Zambia to the East and the west is covered by the Atlantic Ocean.

Angola has mountains rising from the coast to level up with the plateau that covers the biggest area of the country.

The biggest part of the country is a desert especially to the south which is on the edge of the Namib Desert.

The Northern area is more vegetated. This region is also where there is an enclave that joins the country with the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There was a discovery of oil deposits in this country and this made Angola attract interest from the super powers and other oil businesses.

Most of the oil establishments are in the township of Malongo.

On your Angola tours, you’ll notice the rich geography of this country.

Popular cities and towns to visit on your Angola tours

Top best cities to explore and enjoy on your Angola tours:

1. Luanda – This is also the capital of Angola. It one of the biggest ports of the southern region of Africa. The capital is full of life, markets, infrastructure and stunning landscape. Since the city is on the Atlantic Ocean, you will observe a lot of wonders including the cultural beauty.
2. Benguela – This is the biggest tourist destination in Angola. It’s filled with a lot of beautiful Portuguese architecture which gives a lot of good vibes. The locals here are very welcoming.  There are many beaches that will enhance your romantic experiences to allow you relax and swim as well as you enjoys the sun.
3. Lobito – This is a relatively small town that is located on the coast in there region of Benguela. It’s more famous for the beaches which will allow you enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets and you enjoy a taste of the beautiful local cuisines and the Portuguese ancient architecture.
4. Huambo – This is one of the provinces of Angola. It is home to the famous Kavongue National Forest Reserve. This forest is good for practicing sports as well as many other adrenaline rush activities. There are many mining acidities going on.
5. Cabinda – This is the wealthiest and largest city in Angola since it’s the capital of the oil mining industry. The city is a tropical city with a lot of cocoa, rubber, palm oil and coffee.

Top Things to see on Angola tour holidays

Below are the Top Things to see on Angola tour holidays.

Kalandula Falls

Its one of the most famous tourist attractions in Angola.

It stands at a height of about 100 meters tall and about 400 meters wide.

These falls will awe you. The falls are more beautiful in the rainy season. Most Angola tours include a visit to the falls.

Kissama National Park

This is one of the most popular and most visited parks on Angola tours. It’s located about 75 Kilometers from the capital Luanda.

Here you will see Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes and many other animals.

Lona National Park

This national park is another popular tourist destination for Angola tours. The park covers an area of about 5,850 square miles.

This was a very good paradise especially before the civil war but over time the conservation efforts have revived the wildlife population.

Cangandala National Park

This national park will give you the best feel of the wilderness and the healing powers of nature.

You will find wildlife like the rare antelope that is also a national symbol.

The Tunda Vala Fissure

you will get stunning views Angola. The area is between Namib dessert and Lubango.

It lies at altitude of about 2600 meters above sea level. You will be able to see the sea line very well.

Top Things to do in Angola

Below are some of the Top Things to do in Angola:

Be enraptured by Kalandula falls

You can have a stunning experience of these falls which are one of the largest by water volume in Africa.

They are located in the Northern region of the country and they are about 100 meters tall and 400 meters wide with very nice and forested cliffs.

The falls are fed by Lucala River and its full during the rainy season which makes the falls even more spectacular.

Echo the actions of the early explorers

Soyo was the first area that the Portuguese who were the first Europeans here set foot in Angola and you will find a lot of things that show their earlier existence here including the architecture.

There is a peninsular here that is home to many sea turtles.

Explore the coastal forts

There are many forts on the coastline of Angola on the Atlantic Ocean which will tell you a lot about the ancient Portuguese settlement.

Some of the largest include Fort Sao Miguel in Luanda that was built in the year 1576 and it served as a slave depot.

There are many museums here now.

Grab a towel and head for the beach

Being on the coast, Angola is a great place to go relax on the beach or swim or even enjoy the sun rays.

You can also go fishing or enjoy the sea turtles.

Head out on an Angola safari

There are several national parks and game reserves spread all over the country and within a driving distance from the capital Luanda.

There parks have had an increase in the number of wildlife since the end of the civil war.

The rare black palanca antelope which is also the national symbol is one to look to look for.

Relax in Benguela

This is also a bay side town with a lot of colonial history including the former Governor’s place.

There are many other colonial architectural wonders that you ought not miss.

Ride the rails

There is a new train that follows the old rail routes that runs up to the Congo. It has about 67 station stops and crosses about 42 bridges.

This is one of the best ways to explore Angola.

Take in the view at Tundavala Gap

This gap lies close to the city of Lubango. The gap is the clear distinction between the low land area of the sea and the plateau area of Angola which will give you great views of both area.

Take the capital to heart

Ever improving Luanda deserves more than just a quick rest stop on arrival from the international airport. This is also the capital of Angola.

It one of the biggest ports of the southern region of Africa. The capital is full of life, markets, infrastructure and stunning landscape.

Since the city is on the Atlantic Ocean, you will observe a lot of wonders including the cultural beauty.

Understand Angola’s tragic slave past

Angola is among the countries that suffered most from the slave trade and there is a lot of history that shows how people here suffered this trade.

You will visit these museums that will give you the entire history of the trade.

Nightlife in Angola

There are several cinemas and night clubs in the major cities of Angola but most notable ones are in Luanda.

The music here is a mixture of Caribbean, afro and Brazilian sounds.

Angola Food and Drinks

All tap water isn’t safe for drinking and consider it contaminated. Make sure you use boiled drinking water to brush.

Milk here should be boiled as it is not pasteurized.  Try to use mostly tinned and powdered milk.

Feel most of the fruits and wash them before eating.

Typical Angolan food you must try

Muamba de Galinha or chicken muamba – This is one of the national dishes of Angola. It’s made of chicken stew fried with palm oil, tomatoes, okra and pumpkin.

Kizaka – This dish is vegetarian and it’s made of ground peanuts boiled together with Yucca leaves and it comes with a lot of flavors. The dish is sticky, thick and silky.

Chikwanga – It is also a traditional dish make of cassava flour to make cakes wrapped in steamed banana leaves. It’s mostly serves with any stew, soup to balance the flavor. You will get this in most Angolan restaurants.

Transport and ways to travel around Angola

You can get around Angola in several mean of transport and this will be determined by where you are going.

Here are the means and how best you can utilize them.

• Taxi – This is the most common way to get around in Angola especially by the locals in the major cities of Angola. The best way after getting to the airport in Luanda is by Taxi to your hotel.
• Rent a car – For speed and convenience you may need to rent a private car or van with a local drive to take you around. It’s advisable that you take the driver as they know the area very well.
• Bus – For inter city journeys, you may use the bus but it’s a little slower but saves a lot.
• Train – The train is another Angola tour option of transportation. There are lies that move from Luanda to Malenje and the trains are abit more comfortable than the buses.  Some of the towns well connected to the train line include Luau, Lobito, Cubal, and Huambo. The rail line in the southern sector of the country is still under construction.

Safety in Angola

Just like most destinations even in Europe, you should expect to see petty crimes in Angola and therefore you should always be alert and careful.

This however shouldn’t stop you from exploring and enjoying. We share some of the tips to help you navigate through safely.

Here are a few recommendations for you to consider while in Angola:

• Have your documentation with you all the time for identification.
• Carry come water as the temperature are high at times.
• Bring some insect repellent with you.
• Avoid crowds and crowded places.
• Don’t move alone mostly at night.
• Don’t take pictures without permission.
• Make sure you have an international insurance cover.

Vaccine information for Angola

Like most destinations, you will be requiring to have some vaccines on Angola tour holidays; and some may just be for your own good.

The Covid 19 vaccine isn’t mandatory but it’s advisable that you have it.

Yellow fever vaccine is a must have and make sure you have a letter from your doctor in case you have exemption.

Hepatitis E is widespread and hepatitis B is hyper-endemic.

There are many insect spread diseases throughout the year. There is presence of Bilharzia.

There is a small risk of Meningitis. You are advised to take a vaccination for tuberculosis.

Health Care in Angola

It is important that you have an international health cover for your Angola tours in-case of any medical emergencies that may require you to have a special evacuation.

There are good hospitals and medical facilities both government and private in the major cities in case of any emergencies.

Carry some first aid. You may get headaches and stomach up sets due to the unusual food.

Currency and Money

Currency information – Kwanza (AOA) = 100 centimos. Notes are in denominations of AOA2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of AOA5, 2, 1.

Credit cards – Most cards are accepted here, Debit and credit cards. Visa, American Express and many more will work here. Have some cash in case of the smaller places that may not take cards.

ATM – All major towns will have ATM machines that will accept our card in case you need cash. You will only be able to get local currency at the ATMs

Travelers cheques – Traveler’s cheques are accepted here.

Currency restrictions – Angolan Nationals and residents are only allowed to import or export a maximum of US $15,000 while the non residents are only limited to US $10,000. Everyone to export a maximum of 50,000 local currencies.

Currency exchange – There are several exchange points around the country but the best rates are in the capital Luanda and other major cities. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market. The US dollar is almost accepted in the major establishments of the country. You are however not able to withdraw foreign currency on the ATM. This means you should carry enough cash for your Angola tour holidays or wire it to a tour operator like us to deliver it to you on arrival.

Angola duty free

The following items may be imported into Angola without incurring customs duty:

• 1 computer and 1 tablet.
• 3 phones.
• General items for personal use.
• 1 camera.
• 3 flacons of perfume.

Banned Imports

You are not allowed to import any good that contradicts the copyright or any endangered plants and animals.

Banned Exports

You are not allowed to export any historical pieces, wildlife, or any material with great historical value.

Language in Angola

Portuguese is Angola’s Official Language

Being a former colony of Portugal, Portuguese is the formal official language.

There are however many other native languages that are recognized and used widely which include: Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, and Tchokwe.

Speaking Portuguese or French is helpful but not mandatory. Our guides are well communicated and will offer you the necessary translation service.

Fun facts about Angola

• The Angolan capital is the most expensive city for expatiates. The prices make it called the Paris of Africa.
• Angola had a civil war that lasted three decades from Independence in 1975 to 2002.
• The Population here is very young with over 70% below the age of 24.
• The long thought extinct Giant Antelope was rediscovered in Angola. This can be seen on Angola tours.

Crime Rates

There is a some level of crime in Luanda and Angola just like most destinations all over the world.

Crimes range from ATM fraud, pick pocketing, robbery and a foreigner will always be a target and therefore you are advised to take care.

There have incidents of rape but they are not common with foreigners.

There are many incidents of snatching of valuables when cars are in slow motion like in heavy traffic.

Make sure you have the valuables deposited in a very safe area and safely guard your passports.

Flooding in Angola

There are usually heavy rains in the months of November to April.

Some areas flood during this time and the roads can be impassable.

However, we shall always guide you on your Angola tours and travel holidays.

Shortages you might encounter

There are occasional shortages of petrol and diesel.

Power and water can be cut off for days without notice.

Residents should keep generator fuel stocks and water tanks topped up.

Drinking water and other food supplies are not always readily available.

You should keep stocks of tinned goods and drinking water.

Communications

Most of the international mobile phone services will not work here.

You are advised to get a local Sim-card to access internet and calls.

The network is also not very good outside of the cities.

Make sure to have all the emergency number on speed dial.

Photography and media

Try to avoid using cameras, or binoculars near government entities to avoid any problems.

Try to ask for permission when taking nay pictures.

Your equipment like phones may be confiscated in-case you are found in violation of privacy law.

Drugs and alcohol

Trafficking drugs is a very severe crime and it’s punishable by a prison sentence yet the prison conditions are very poor.

If you arrive drunk at the airport for your Angola tour holiday, you may be denied entry into Angola.

You may however be detained at the police station until you sober up.

LGBT Travel in Angola

There’s a bill that criminalizes people that discriminate people using their sexual orientation.

The public however are not very tolerant and you are advised to avoid public display of affection on your Angola tours.

LGBT community are therefore free to travel to Angola with no fear.

Children and young people

You will need special passes for children below the age of 18 as you tour Angola. Most requirements don’t apply to the foreign non residents but you may need to carry consent from the legal guardian or parent of the children in case you are not the parents.

Useful links:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angola
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293762-Angola-Vacations.html