Luanda Travel Guide
Angola's capital Luanda is a lively, gritty city where construction cranes and luxury cars abound, while the shantytowns at the city's periphery grow larger every week. It is the country's main seaport, its administrative and residential centre, and it is home to a surprisingly well-connected airport, offering direct flights to many major international destinations.
Luanda tourist infrastructure remains underdeveloped however, and is mostly visited by businesspeople and expat workers who shuttle between their project sites and five-star hotels. This is a pity, as it is certainly not short of exciting sightseeing opportunities. Founded by Portuguese colonists in 1575, Luanda became an important seaport and export base for both minerals and foodstuffs, and infamously for the slaves who were sent in their hundreds of thousands to the Portuguese colonies in Brazil. Many of these slaves spent their last night in the distinctive Fortaleza de São Miguel, dating from 1576. This structure was the colonial heart of the old city, a well-defended citadel that was home to the Portuguese garrison and its merchants.
The nearby National Museum of Slavery houses artefacts and images from this terrible time. There are also beautiful, ancient churches and interesting museums to spend time in; a welcomed respite from encounters with the city's grim history of slavery. Luanda also has a number of good restaurants and cafés on offer, and sun-worshippers should visit the best beach in town, Mussulo, which can be accessed by boat from the main harbour. Also, visitors shouldn't miss a shopping trip to Benfica market where everything from Tupperware to good quality African crafts is sold in a vibrant, cacophonic and richly scented environment that only an African city can provide.
Things to do in Luanda
Getting Around
Public transport in Luanda is limited and the best means of getting around the city is by private car. Car hire is available from the airport; it's possible to also hire a car with a driver, which is a safer option than trying to navigate the city's chaotic streets alone. Minibus taxis (Candongueiros), recognised by their pale blue and white colouring, are the most popular means of transport for the local population; they generally offer a safe and fast means of transport around Luanda. Buses and trains are also available, but are not the most reliable transport in the city and are not recommended. Uber alternative, Kubinga, operates in the city.
Luanda Climate and Weather
Luanda has a mildly tropical climate with little variation in temperature throughout the year. Summer (October to May) averages 77°F (25°C), and is Angola's rainy season; the heavy rains can make roads impassable and conditions decidedly uncomfortable. Some popular tourist attractions close for the rainy season. Winter (June to September) is slightly cooler and much drier, with temperature averages between 65°F (18°C) and 72°F (22°C), and is considered tourist season.
Angola travel info
Electricity
Electrical current in Angola is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
Language
The official language of Angola is Portuguese. Multiple other African languages are spoken including Umbundu and Chokwe. Some French is also spoken.
Money
The unit of currency is the Kwanza (AOA). Credit cards are only accepted in a few hotels and restaurants, though the number is increasing. There have been reports of credit cards being cloned for fraudulent purposes so visitors should exercise caution when using them. The number of ATMs is growing in Luanda and other cities, but they're often empty. Visitors should ask their card issuers if their cards will be accepted, and they should bring enough cash for their needs. US dollars are widely used.
Tipping
If a service charge is not included in the bill, a tip of 10 percent is acceptable, though tipping is not officially encouraged in Angola.
Health
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry to Angola if visitors are coming from infected countries. Malaria, hepatitis A and B, rabies and polio are all prevalent in the country, which has poor medical facilities excluding those in Luanda.
Travellers should practise food and hygiene measures. Drinking water should be treated or bought in sealed bottles as the water supply is unsafe to drink (travellers should avoid ice cubes in drinks as well), and care should be taken with hygiene and food, particularly street food. Visitors should avoid eating unpeeled, unwashed fruit and vegetables and be wary of milk and milk products, as these items are often unpasteurised.
It is wise to take Malaria prophylaxis when travelling through Angola; comprehensive medical insurance is necessary, with provision for medical repatriation by air.
Safety
Most foreign governments warn against non-essential travel to parts of Angola due to civil unrest and threats to personal safety of travellers. However, visitors careful with personal security and travelling in a group should encounter few problems. Travel after dark is not recommended. The greatest risk for travellers is crime, particularly in the capital, Luanda, where muggings, car-jackings and armed hold-ups have been reported. Particularly dangerous are the Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte Provinces, where the police and armed forces have been actively expelling illegal immigrants and unlicensed diamond prospectors. Cabinda Province is also dangerous; kidnappings and attacks on foreigners have occurred. Travellers should be cautious due to the widespread poverty, disease and shattered infrastructure and the vast amount of unexploded ordnance still present throughout the country. There have been reports of scams by airport officials in Luanda who try to extort money from visitors without a yellow fever vaccination card.
Local customs
Visitors should not take photographs of government buildings, or use binoculars near them, as this could lead to arrest. Homosexual practices are frowned upon.
Doing business
Oil is the main industry in Angola, but diamond mining is also important. It is essential to develop personal, face-to-face relationships with local business contacts. Knowledge of Portuguese, the official language, is an advantage as there are limited translation services and outside the oil industry few people speak English fluently. Angolan business dress is usually casual; ties are not necessary for men. Office hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.30pm with a break from 12.30pm; many businesses close on Fridays while some offices will also be open on Saturday mornings from 8.30am.
Duty free
Travellers to Angola over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 500g cigars or other tobacco products; 250ml eau de toilette, 50ml perfume or aftershave; 2 litres wine or 1 litre spirits and gifts or souvenirs to the value of about US$ 500. Prohibited and restricted items include firearms, ammunition or explosive materials; dangerous medicines, foodstuffs or drugs; pornographic material; plants originating from infected areas; gaming machines; pure alcohol; animals without corresponding certificates and stamps of value.
Communications
The international dialling code for Angola is +244. There are many more mobile telephones than fixed lines and the mobile coverage around Luanda and other main centres is much more reliable than fixed lines. Internet access is available at most major hotels.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport and visa are required for travel to Angola. Applications for visas must be made in advance in the travellers' home country. Passengers with a confirmation of an approved visa before departure can obtain a visa upon arrival. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is also essential for entry to Angola (the alternative is to face the risky mandatory immunisation at the airport). Passports must be valid for six months from date of arrival, and have at least three adjacent blank pages for Angolan visa stamps.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
UK citizens require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
Canadians require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
Australians require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
South African nationals require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
Irish citizens require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
New Zealand nationals require a passport but can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days.
Useful contacts
National Tourist Agency, Luanda: +244 222 372 750.
113 (Police); 112 (Ambulance); 115 (Fire).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Angolan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 785 1156.
Angolan Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7299 9850.
Angolan Embassy, Singapore (also responsible for Australia): +65 6341 9360.
Angolan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 0049.
Embassies / consulates in Angola
United States Embassy, Luanda: +244 94 644 0977.
British Embassy, Luanda: +244 222 334 583.
Honorary Consulate of Canada, Luanda: +244 222 448 371.
Honorary Consulate of Australia, Luanda: +244 923 214 101.
South African Embassy, Luanda: + 244 222 460 818.
Irish Embassy, Maputo, Mozambique (also responsible for Angola): +258 21 491 440.