About Angola

Angola is a land of untapped potential and beauty. With a volatile past and a rich culture, Angola backpacking tours have a lot to offer visitors – from vast beaches to prime game viewing, breathtaking scenery and stunning architecture from its early Portuguese influence.

Angola Budget Travel

Below is a list of Angola's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Cahama, Foz do Cunene, Iona National Park, Luanda, Namibe

Fast Facts

Currency

Angolan Kwanza (AK)

Dialing Code

244

Airports

Angola airports include: • Albano Machado International - Huambo Airport • Quatro de Fevereiro International - Luanda Airport • Sa da Bandeira - Lubango Airport • Namibe Airport

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Birdlife

Angola birdlife is rich and diverse due to the wide contrasts of ecosystems in the country. Sadly, years of civil war have affected bird migration and natural habitats; however there are a recorded 983 species to be found from the last recorded count. Numbers in recent years are undetermined - bust studies have shown that there is a strong concentration in areas such as the western Angola Endemic Bird Area and in national parks, in particular Cangandala National Park.

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Conservation

With a long history of civil war and unrest, and severe deforestation and land damage, Angola conservation is a major priority to try and and address decades of environmental damage. Over the last few years conservation efforts in Angola have slowly started to rebuild this beautiful country, with large-scale game replenishing and protected areas being put into place to restore the regions to their former game-rich glory.

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Culture

Angola's cultures include the following: • Strong Portuguese and African cultural influences • Art forms include wood carvings and traditional pottery • Literature is based on political and social history and influences • Dance and music has a strong Brazilian and Portuguese influence • Architecture is especially influenced by the Portuguese background

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Health

Angola is a third world country, and as such Angola health precautions should always be considered when traveling in the country. Inoculations are essential before visiting, and during your travel take care to follow basic health steps to prevent tummy complaints or anything more serious from potentially ruining your travel experience.

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AIDS

Angola HIV/AIDS is a huge concern, with a large percentage of the adult population suffering from the disease. While Angola’s AIDS rate is lower compared to other Southern Africa countries due to the 27 year civil war which drastically affected the country’s stability, it is increasing each year and poses a marked problem in the country.

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Vaccinations

The following inoculations are required when travelling to Angola: • Typhoid & yellow fever • Meningococcus & polio • Hepatitis A & B • Rabies • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) • Tetanus-diphtheria

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Languages

The main languages spoken in Angola include: • Portuguese • Kimbundu • Umbundu • Kikongo

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Money

Angola money and banking information includes: • Angola’s currency is the New Kwanza • US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in the country • There are very few ATM’s in the country, and most do not accept foreign bank cards • The only places which accept credit cards are major hotels • It is illegal to destroy Angola currency or take it out of the country

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Phrase

Angola local phrases include the following: • Hello - Olá • Good bye - Adeus • My name is - o Meu Nome é • Where is - Onde Está • Thank you - Obrigado (men), Obrigada (women) • Please - Por Favor

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Plants

Angola plant life includes an estimated 5,185 species of plants along its different climate regions. Vegetation ranges from lush forest to dry savanna, sparse deserts and palm tree lined coastal areas. The war and subsequent land abuse, flooding and habitat loss has affected the flora in Angola. Habitats are slowly re-growing, although deforestation and desertification are still a major concern for Angola’s natural habitats.

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People

Angola people include the following groups: • Ovimbundu 37% • Kimbundu 25% • Bakongo 13% • Mestiços (mixed European and native African) 2% • European 1% • Mixed nationalities 22%

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Safety Tips

Angola safety tips include the following: • Where possible, do not travel through Angola without a guide • Do not walk alone - especially at night • Do not use cameras in front of the police • Never venture beyond the red and white HALO Trust posts - these indicate landmine areas • Carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies • In busy cities like Luanda keep cars locked at all times when driving

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Religion

Angola religion includes the following groups: • Christian: 53% (Roman Catholic: 38%, Protestant: 15%) • Indigenous beliefs: 46.8% • Islam: 0.2%

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Transport

Angola local transport include the following options: • Train • Car • Taxi • Bus

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Travel Books

Recommended Angola travel books include the following: • Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mende • Another Day of Life by Ryszard Kapuściński • Swimming to Angola ... And Other Tips for Surviving the Third World by Christopher S. Blin

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Visa Requirements

Angola visa information is as follows: • Visas may be granted for work or for travel • Travel visas take up to 7 days to process • Visas are valid for 90 days • Visa applicants must include copies of all documents from ID to letter of invitation from Angolan resident • Certified checks for $110.00 and proof of sustenance in Angola for $100.00 minimum are also required

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Wildlife

Angola Wildlife is fairly prolific, although many species face endangerment or vulnerability. Conservation efforts in recent years have helped to protect the country’s game from poachers and habitat loss, and many game species are being reintroduced into major parks. Game reserves in the country include Quiçama (Kissama) National Park, Cameia National Park, Iona National Park, Mupa National Park and Cangandala National Park.

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What To Pack

What to pack for Angola safaris: • Loose, lightweight clothing for hot days, and warm clothing for cool days • Binoculars and camera • Mosquito repellent and malaria medication • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses • Solid, comfortable walking or hiking shoes • Bathing costume and beach gear

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What To Buy

What to buy for Angola safaris: • Mosquito repellent and malaria medication • Luggage and backpacks • Sleeping bag • Guide book of Angola, plus Angola maps • Portuguese phrasebook and language program

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When To Go

When to go to Angola: • Angola only has two marked seasons • June to late September is dry and cool • October to late May is hot and rainy • Game viewing is best during dry months as some parks close in rainy season • Bird watching and hiking are best from June to September

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2010 World Cup

Angola is host to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, and games will be played in the following stadiums: • Estádio Cidade Universitária in Luanda • Complexo da Sr. da Graça in Benguela • Estádio Chimandela in Cabinda • Estádio Alto da Chela in Lubango

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