Welcome to Angola

Shaking off its cloak of civil unrest, Angola is experiencing a bit of a travel renaissance. It’s the largest country in Africa and as such has a lot to offer, and yet the tourism industry is just waking up to its attractions.

It may be unpolished, but without mass tourism, it’s pristine in areas. In Kissama National Park, the country’s sole national park, you’ll see Africa elephants, zebras and giraffes. On the south coast, you can whale watch and scuba dive. In Namibe, you can see prehistoric in-situ rock art dating back 20,000 years at Tchitundu Hulu. In Rangel, you can haggle at the Tunga N’go market, try funge, a favorite cassava-based pudding, and pick up local handcrafted items.

If you have a healthy sense of adventure and are ready to deal with unexpected challenges, a trip to mysterious Angola will be eye-opening and life-changing.

Unique Facts

• The capital city of Luanda is the largest city in Angola. It has been voted the most expensive city in Africa for expatriates. It’s known as the “Paris of Africa.”
• The first Europeans to arrive in Angola were the Portuguese in 1484.
• Rucana Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on the African continent, measuring 2,300 feet wide and 390 feet high.
• Angola is home to the world’s fastest-growing economy. It’s also the second-largest oil and diamond producer in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The imbondeiro, or baobab, is Angola’s national tree. It is believed that God planted this unusual-looking tree upside down.

Language

Angola’s official language is Portuguese.

When To Go

Angola has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. The best time to go is from June to October, when the weather is mild and sunny. There is little threat of rain or storms during this time.

Airports

Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, Luanda

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for all travelers when visiting Angola: routine vaccinations, Measles, Polio and Yellow Fever. Most travelers will also need Hepatitis A, Malaria and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Cholera and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type C. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Kwanza

Getting Around

While road conditions are improving between Luanda and provincial capitals, some conditions remain poor. If driving outside Luanda on secondary roads, four-wheel-drive is useful. Most of the major routes are paved and offer gas stations and other roadside services.

Do not use the public transportation options known as candongueiros or taxistas (multi-passenger vans). Hire a private car and driver. Public transportation is unregulated, unsafe and unreliable. The following companies have been deemed acceptable by the US Embassy: Allo Taxi, Morvic, Transcoop SA, Divisao, and Universal.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required. You may use a US.license for one month.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Luanda
Rua Presidente Houari Boumedienne #32
Miramar, Luanda
Angola
Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone:
+ (244) 222-64-1000
+ (244) 923-64-0154
Fax:
+(244) 222-64-1232
consularluanda@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

No official visitor information centers

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 112/116
Police: 113
Fire: 115

Safety and Security

Avoid crowds, political rallies and street demonstrations.

Landmines are a risk throughout the country outside major cities.

Crime is a major problem in Angola and has included muggings, robberies, car-jackings and homicides. In tourist areas, vehicle theft, purse snatching and theft from vehicles are a problem.

Avoid walking alone, especially after dark, and displaying cash and valuable personal property.