Angola: Travelling

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport	4km	15min	no	no	15min

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Train reservation services

Caminhos de Ferro de Luanda
Caminhos de Ferro de Benguela
Caminhos de Ferro de Moçamedes

Major airlines

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

Across the country, many remains testify to the days of slavery and the period of Portuguese colonization. There are many churches and forts along the coast, including the famous Fort Sao Miguel. The capital of the province of Zaire, Mbanza Kongo, is a historic town founded before the Portuguese arrived, which houses, among others, an ancient cathedral from the sixteenth century. The Slavery Museum is 25 km from Luanda.

Cultural

Angola has a very rich culture. Traditional handicrafts such as pottery, sculpture, textiles and painting are often used during ceremonies or rituals. Masks carved in ebony and ivory statues and bracelets can be admired in many provincial museums. In Luanda, the Humbi-Humbi Art Gallery, the SOSO or Dundo museum are worth a visit. Angola also has a rich musical tradition, influenced by Brazil, Cape Verde and Cuba. Popular musical styles include Semba and Kizomba and, more recently, Kuduro.

Nature

Angola is full of breathtaking sites of natural beauty, such as waterfalls (Chutes Calandula in Malanje), caves (Nzenzo), rivers (River Kuvango Huila), the Namibe desert, the Sierra de Leba (Huila), the Black Stones Pungo N'dongo (Malanje), the long Palmeirinhas beach, and many natural parks (Kissima, Chimalavera, Mupa) with a great variety of fauna. 

Religious

The country has many interesting ancient churches, for example: the Nossa Senhora do Pópulo church in Luanda is considered the first Anglican church; the Nazare church has a very distinctive pink marble altar; and the Church do Carmo.

Thermal

There are many thermal springs such as the hot springs in Conde (Kwanza Sul) and Alto Hama (Huambo).

Beach

The Angolan coast is lined by beautiful sand beaches. In Luanda, we could mention the Ilha Mussulo located five minutes from the city center, Ilha do Cabo or Palmeirinhas. In Benguela, do not miss the beaches of Baia Azul and Caota Caotinha; in Lobito the Restinga beach or the Miragens Azul and Namibe beaches.

Winter Sports

None

Outdoor Activities

There are many outdoor activities: fishing, safari, hiking, rock-climbing and golf.

Shopping

It is possible to buy traditional artisanal objects in main cities. In Luanda, you shouldn't miss the Benfica market, where you can find a great variety of products, from perfume to animal hides and tourist guides. Belas Shopping was the first shopping centre to open in Luanda.

Tourism Organisations

Guia Turistico Angola

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory. Hepatitis E is widespread and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. The threat of many insect-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) exists all year round throughout the country, including in urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water because of bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Meningitis outbreaks also occur. Vaccination against tuberculosis is sometimes recommended, as well as against rabies in case of a longer stay outside the capital. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should always be boiled or sterilized.

International Hospitals

There are hospitals in large cities, but the medical facilitites are far from adequate. However, there are high-quality private clinics in Luanda. Medical care is free but often inadequate. It is advised to travel with a sufficient reserve of medication because it is difficult to procure them locally.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

World Health Organization
Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Government of the United States

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

Advice of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Luanda (GMT+1)

Summer Time Period

None