Luanda
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Overview
If this is your first trip to Luanda, see its 16th-century San Miguel Fort with its marvellous collection of glazed Portuguese azulejos tiles. Cross the causeway to relax on the beach at Ilha de Luanda sand spit and enjoy tasty Portuguese food at one of its beachfront cafes. On return visits to Luanda, take a ferry over to Mussulo Island for the day or join a trip to see elephants at Kissama National Park south of Luanda.
Travel Alert
If you're planning a leisure or business trip to Luanda, note that British Embassy advises against non-essential travel to the interior of the Cabinda Province 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
Luanda's colonial past can be seen in the old part of town by the port, with its narrow streets and imposing old buildings. Follow the graceful curve of the Marginal waterfront promenade over the water to the spit of sand called Ilha de Luanda, just a few minutes' walk from central Luanda. The laidback stretch of beach is connected to the city by a causeway and it's the best place to find a relaxed bar or restaurant while you're in Luanda. You can get your bearings from 16th-century San Miguel Fort, with great views over Luanda and out to sea.
First-time visit
Visit Angola's first defensive building, San Miguel Fort, to admire its beautiful azulejos tiles decorated with landscapes and wildlife scenes of African animals. Pick your way between cannons and statues of Portuguese explorers in the fort's courtyard and go inside to peer out over Luanda from the battlements. See more magnificent tile work at the 17th-century Church of Nazaré, then follow the causeway over to Ilha de Luanda. Sit in a beachfront restaurant or bar here and look back at Luanda as the city lights up at dusk.
Return visit
Take a ferry across Mussulo Bay to rent a beach hut for the day on Mussulo Island's quiet white sands. See some of Angola's endangered animals at Kissama National Park south of Luanda and visit the National Slavery Museum outside town where the slaves awaited transportation to Brazil. Drop into the Futungo Market or Beira Market, both a few miles south of Luanda, to source wooden carvings, paintings and sculptures.
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