Angola

Diamond dust beaches, almost virgin wildlife parks and Africa's second largest waterfall; Angola holds a lure that few other places can match. And with a landmark 2002 ceasefire ushering in a new era of peace and economic stability, opportunities for exploration are slowly opening up.

Top Accommodation

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Angola's tropical plateau climate means it gets pretty damp between October and March, especially higher up inland. At this altitude, the months stay comfortably temperate, usually around 25 to 28°C (77-82°F). Lower and coastal regions are slightly warmer in the summer, with average temperatures a low 20-24°C (68-75°F) in winter; however, fresh coastal breezes can sometimes keep the mercury down.

Transport

Getting around

The best air options are SAL Airlines,, Sonair, Gemini, Diexim Expresso and the national carrier TAAG; all have offices at the Luanda airport, or you can book through a travel agent.

With foreign investment, roads are gradually being rebuilt, though you'll need a 4WD to get to most places. There are a number of car-hire agencies in Luanda and other major cities. The only reliable long distance bus route is the 700km trip from Luanda to Benguela. Three different companies currently ply this route which takes nine hours and costs between 25.00 and 28.00.

The few small trains are reasonable but run on limited tracks: Luanda to Dondo; Lobito to Benguela; Lobango to Namibe, and Lobango to Matala.

Getting there and away

Direct flights are possible from Paris (Air France), London (British Airways) and Lisbon (TAP). Cheap deals can sometimes be found with Ethiopian Airlines who fly London-Luanda via Addis Ababa twice a week.

You can also fly to Luanda from Addis Ababa, Brazzaville, Harare, Johannesburg, Kinshasa and Windhoek.

By land, the only border that's officially open is with Namibia. You can enter at Santa Clara from Oshikango (Namibia) or at Calai from Rundu (Namibia). Other borders are either only open to refugees or are far too dangerous to cross.

Health & Legal Requirements

Visas overview

Tourist visas cost 75.00 for 30 days (US citizens are entitled to two-year visas). Visa applications from embassies abroad are referred to Luanda, and can take up to two weeks to process. Renewals are available for up to 90 days in Luanda at the Department of Immigration (DEFA) for 30.00. If you are travelling independently you will require an invitation letter from a person or organisation in Angola before you can procure a visa. All visitors require a valid yellow fever certificate which they must produce at the passport check on arrival.