Things To Do
in Angola
Angola is a country in Southern Africa known for its significant natural resources, including diamonds, oil, and vast agricultural land, making it one of Africa's leading oil exporters and mineral-rich nations. It boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from Atlantic beaches to the shifting dunes of the Namib Desert and the biodiverse rainforests of the north.
Despite its rich resources, Angola faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and the legacy of a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002, influencing its social, economic, and political structures.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpa" - Sorry
- "Como está?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Mercado do Futungo. You can grab local snacks and experience the vibrant local culture.
Head to the Museu da Escravatura to learn about Angola's complex history. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Ilha do Mussulo beach.
Dine at a local restaurant to savor Angolan dishes like Muamba de Galinha. Cap off the night with a cultural show at the Centro Cultural de Belas.
Travel to Kalandula Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Africa. Enjoy the stunning views and take a guided tour to learn about the area.
Have a picnic lunch nearby while enjoying the serene nature. Spend the afternoon walking around and taking photos of the breathtaking scenery.
Set up camp or stay at a local lodge for an authentic experience. Gather around a fire and relax under the stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich in natural resources, including oil and diamonds, which can drive economic growth.
- Diverse cultural heritage with a mix of African, Portuguese, and other influences.
- Beautiful landscapes, from coastline to savannah, attracting tourism.
- Growing infrastructure development initiatives in roads, telecommunications, and energy.
- Investment opportunities in agriculture and renewable energy sectors.
- High levels of poverty and inequality despite wealth from resources.
- Political instability and corruption that can deter foreign investment.
- Limited access to quality healthcare and education services.
- Inadequate infrastructure in rural areas leading to disparities in development.
- Environmental concerns due to oil extraction and deforestation.
Best Activities in Angola
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Iona National Park through hiking trails.
Enjoy a day of sun, sea, and sand at the scenic beaches of Mussulo, perfect for water sports and relaxation.
Embark on a safari adventure in Kissama National Park to observe Angola's rich array of animal species in their natural habitat.
Tours
Uncover the best of Angola with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Angola
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the vast landscape and the dramatic cliffs
Known for its lunar-like landscape and is a popular spot for photography
Impressive waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery and offers great photo opportunities
Food in Angola
Angola Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish made with chicken, palm oil, and okra, seasoned with garlic and chilis. It is often served with funje, a thick, polenta-like porridge.
Must-Try!
A stew made with fish, dried shrimp, okra, and leafy greens, cooked in palm oil and often flavored with peanuts. It is typically served with rice.
Deep-fried black-eyed pea fritters, often filled with shrimp and served with a spicy pepper sauce. This dish has Brazilian influences due to historical connections.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Angola better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Luanda, Benfica Market offers a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, and street food stalls where visitors can sample local delicacies such as grilled fish and cassava-based snacks.
In the city of Benguela, this market is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, with vendors offering traditional Angolan dishes like muamba de galinha and grilled seafood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Angola, it is important to show respect towards elders by greeting them first and using proper titles when addressing them.
Being punctual is seen as a sign of respect in Angolan culture, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
Greetings are an important part of Angolan culture, and it's customary to engage in polite greetings, such as asking about one's well-being, before getting into business or other discussions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Angola with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Angola
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly practiced in Angola, and it is not expected at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
Cash is the most widely used form of payment in Angola, although credit and debit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's important to carry enough cash, as ATMs may not be widely available outside major cities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Angola.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Angola with pleasant weather and ideal for wildlife spotting.
Expect heavy rains, lush landscapes, and potential difficulty in accessing certain areas due to flooding.
Angola at Night
Hiking in Angola
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located just south of Angola, the Ouachita National Forest offers a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, all surrounded by stunning views and rich wildlife.
This state park features several miles of scenic trails, including paths that wind around water bodies and through beautiful woodlands, perfect for both hiking and wildlife observation.
A great spot for hiking, with trails that connect multiple lakes and offer picturesque views of the Indiana landscape. The park is also rich in flora and fauna.
This state forest features rugged terrain and a variety of trails that are ideal for hikers looking for a more remote and natural experience.
A beautiful park with trails that lead through sandy regions and forests, providing unique scenery and numerous opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Angola by plane.
The main international airport in Luanda, Angola, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this is one of the busiest international airports in the region.
Kenya's busiest airport, serving the capital city of Nairobi, and a major gateway for travel to and from Africa.
Located in Harare, Zimbabwe, it is the main international airport serving the capital city.
Another name for the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, named after the country's former president.
Located in Bucharest, Romania, serving as a hub connecting various international destinations.
The primary international airport serving Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Angola, primarily found in the central highlands and known for their agricultural practices.
An ethnic group located in the northwest of Angola, closely related to the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
An ethnic group in the northeastern region of Angola, known for their artistic traditions and trade-related history.
This group is found mostly in the northern provinces and is known for its rich cultural traditions.
A community that is part of the Kongo ethnic group, with cultural ties extending across the border into the Congo.
Primarily found in the southeastern part of Angola, they are traditionally pastoralists.
Includes smaller ethnic groups such as the Nganguela, Kwanhama, and the Himba, among others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Angola, with a significant following and passion among the local population. The country has a professional league and has produced competitive national teams.
Basketball is increasingly popular in Angola, especially with the success of the national team in international competitions. The sport has a strong fan base and a developing league system.
Handball is a well-liked team sport in Angola, with local clubs and national competitions. Angola's national handball teams have achieved success in African championships.
Volleyball has a notable following in Angola, both in schools and recreational leagues. The sport is played widely across the country.
Athletics, including running and field events, has a strong presence in Angola, with many athletes participating in regional and international events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While vegetarian and vegan options may be less common in traditional Angolan cuisine, some urban restaurants and cafes, especially in Luanda, offer plant-based dishes featuring local produce and flavors.
Those with gluten restrictions can opt for naturally gluten-free dishes such as grilled fish, fresh fruit, and cassava-based snacks, and should communicate their dietary needs clearly when dining out.