Famous for its oil and diamonds, Angola sits on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Most
visitors come for business but whilst here find time to explore the capital Luanda, with
its colourful street vendors and ubiquitous minivan taxis blasting out kuduru
music. See giraffe, elephant and zebra on a day safari to the Kissama National
Park or spend sunny days swimming at the sandy beach in the bay of the southern
town of Lobito.
Travel Alert
If you're planning a leisure or business trip to Luanda, note that the British
Embassy advises against non-essential travel to the interior of the Cabinda Province
and to North and South Lunda Provinces because of the high risk of civil unrest.
Contact your embassy or consulate in advance for up-to-date travel information and
heed local advice on safety.
Background
Pastel-pink colonial architecture, vivid blue and white decorative tiles, anarchic
driving and of course the language are all evidence of 500 years of Portuguese
influence. The scars of the 30-year armed struggle for independence from Portugal
and the subsequent civil war are visible in most towns but the troubles ended in
2002 and huge efforts are being made to rebuild the country.
Urban
Make the most of Luanda's former Portuguese influence in its restaurants and
bars. With its international airport, the city is the gateway to the country and its
leading business destination. Cabinda, in the northern enclave is home for
oil workers. In the port of Benguela, stroll along crimson acacia-lined
streets and admire colonial architecture. In Namibe haggle with fishermen
over their freshly-landed catch or enjoy mountain air in Lubango while
visiting the huge white marble statue of Christ overlooking the city.
Rural
Small towns and coffee plantations pepper the rolling countryside of the central
highlands (Planalto) which cover much of the country and includes Mount Moco,
Angola's highest mountain at 2636 metres high. To the south the Namibe desert
excites with its wild Atlantic coastline, ancient rock carvings of animals at
Tchitundo-Hulo and fossilised dinosaurs.
Please note that you won't be able to make changes to your hotel or car booking. If you want to change your booking you will have to cancel your current booking and make a new booking. This can be done on ba.com.
We cannot guarantee that the same hotel room or car rental option will still be available if you have to cancel and make a new booking.
