Angola: An Emerging Tourist Destination?

Angola is an emerging tourist destination in the southwest of Africa, boasting a unique natural environment, including rivers, waterfalls, and a 1,650km-long coastline. The country is divided into 18 administrative districts, sharing borders with Namibia, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Angola's tourism industry is still relatively new, having suffered the ravages of a post-colonial civil war that ended in 2002. However, it is gradually opening up and becoming increasingly popular, offering a pure and authentic experience. Visitors can explore pristine landscapes, interact with hospitable locals, and discover a diverse cultural and ethnic heritage. Angola's natural parks showcase its diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and zebras. The country's climate is subtropical, with distinct seasons, and its varied orography provides a habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species. However, visitors should be aware of the potential challenges, including frequent power outages, poor road conditions, and the remnants of war, such as landmines in certain areas.

Angola's natural environment

Angola is located on the southwest coast of sub-Saharan Africa and is the second-largest country on the continent. It is bordered by the Republic of the Congo to the north, Namibia to the south, and Zambia to the east. The country is characterised by a diverse landscape, from the semidesert Atlantic littoral bordering Namibia's "Skeleton Coast" to the densely populated cities of the northern coast.

The country's tourism industry is based on its natural environment, including its rivers, waterfalls, and coastline. Angola has approximately 1,650 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal plain varies in width from about 125 miles (200 km) in the area south of Luanda to about 15 miles (25 km) near Benguela. The Bié Plateau, located east of Benguela, forms a rough quadrilateral of land above the 5,000-foot (1,500-metre) mark and covers about one-tenth of the country's surface.

Angola is home to several national parks and nature reserves, including Iona National Park in the southeast corner of the country and Quicama (or Kissama) National Park just south of Luanda. These parks were damaged by poaching during the civil war, but efforts are underway to restore their wildlife. Iona National Park, in particular, is known for its unique flora and outstanding rock formations.

The Maiombe Forest, often referred to as the "Amazon of Africa," is another notable natural area in Angola. Covering more than 400 square km, it is home to hundreds of rare species, including gorillas, elephants, chimps, and rare birds and butterflies. The woods in the forest are also unique, featuring ebony and mahogany trees.

Angola has a tropical to subtropical climate, with warm and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The dry season typically lasts from mid-May to September, while the rainy season extends from October to mid-May. The country experiences significant rainfall, especially in the Maiombe forest in the northern part of the Cabinda exclave, which receives about 70 inches (1,800 mm) of precipitation annually.

The country's stringent visa policies

Angola has stringent visa policies for visitors. The country requires visitors to obtain a visa in advance from one of its diplomatic missions or a pre-visa online, unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. A tourist visa must be used within 60 days of being issued and is valid for 30 days, with the possibility of a single extension for an additional 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure and have a minimum of two blank pages.

The process of obtaining a visa for Angola involves several requirements and supporting documents. Applicants must submit a visa application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and invitation or supporting documents depending on the visa type. For example, a business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company in Angola. Additionally, a medical certificate and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are often required.

The cost of obtaining a visa for Angola can vary. The tourist e-visa typically costs USD 120, while the business visa can cost up to USD 300. It is important to note that these costs may not include additional service fees charged by private visa agencies.

It is worth mentioning that Angola has instituted mandatory quarantine for anyone entering the country, regardless of citizenship. Additionally, there may be specific requirements and restrictions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, such as negative PCR test results and health declaration forms.

Luanda's dual personality

Luanda, Angola's capital and largest city, is a place of stark contrasts. It is divided into two parts: the Baixa de Luanda (lower Luanda, the old city) and the Cidade Alta (upper city or the new part). The Baixa de Luanda, situated next to the port, has narrow streets and old colonial buildings. In contrast, the Cidade Alta is poverty-ridden and made up of the outlying districts.

Luanda is one of the oldest colonial cities in Africa. Founded in 1576 by Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, it became the administrative centre of the Portuguese colony of Angola in 1627 and a major hub for the slave trade to Brazil. The city's history is further marked by the Angolan Civil War, which lasted from 1975 to 2002. During this time, Luanda's population swelled as people fled from the war, leading to the proliferation of slums, or musseques.

Today, Luanda is undergoing significant changes. The city is experiencing a construction boom, with new developments altering its skyline. It is also facing challenges such as traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these issues, Luanda has its charms, offering beautiful Atlantic Ocean views and a blend of modern high-rises and colonial-era buildings.

As Angola's primary port and major industrial, cultural, and urban centre, Luanda plays a crucial role in the country's economy. The city is known for its oil industry, with a refinery located within its limits. In addition, Luanda serves as the country's administrative centre and is home to various educational and cultural institutions, including universities, museums, and the National Library of Angola.

Angola's national parks

Angola is home to a diverse range of national parks, showcasing the country's natural beauty and offering tourists the opportunity to explore its lush wildlife and flora. With approximately 1000 types of birdlife, Angola is an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The country has taken significant steps to protect its biodiversity, with 14 protected areas covering 87,507 km² as of 2020, constituting 6.97% of its total territory.

One of the most renowned national parks in Angola is the Iona National Park, located in the southwest corner of the country. Iona National Park is part of the Namib Desert, considered the oldest desert in the world. Covering 15,150 km², Iona is known for its arid landscape and diverse range of animal, bird, and plant species. The park has faced challenges due to conflicts in the region, but conservation efforts are now focused on restoring its ecosystem and reintroducing species such as the Angolan giraffe.

The Quicama or Kissama National Park is another notable destination. It is the only national park in Angola that is actively being repopulated with wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species, including elephants, African antelopes, wild boars, forest buffalos, and roan antelopes.

Other national parks in Angola include the Bicuari National Park, Cameia National Park, Cangandala National Park, Luengue-Luiana National Park, Mavinga National Park, and Mupa National Park. Each of these parks offers unique ecological experiences and contributes to the conservation of Angola's rich biodiversity.

The country's tourism industry

Angola's tourism industry is relatively new, with the country only recently emerging from a post-colonial civil war that ended in 2002. The industry is centred on the country's natural environment, including its rivers, waterfalls, and coastline. Angola's national park system was devastated during the war, with poaching leaving the country with relatively little megafauna compared to other African nations. However, the industry has been steadily growing and now attracts 500,000–600,000 people each year.

Angola has much to offer tourists, from its expansive coastline of Atlantic Ocean beauty to its beautiful blend of grasslands, savannas, tropical forests, and urban expanses inland. The country is home to many national parks, including Cameia, Cangandala, Iona, Mupa, and Kissama, which showcase the country's diverse wildlife and natural landscapes.

The capital, Luanda, is a bustling city with a mix of modern high-rise buildings and lean-to huts, reflecting the rapid expansion and contrasting social realities within the city. Despite its challenges, Luanda has its charms and offers a unique side of Africa worth experiencing.

Other notable destinations in Angola include the Tunda-Vala Volcanic Fissure, the Dala Waterfalls, the Maiombe Forest, the Arch Lagoon in the Namib Desert, and the historic city of Benguela. The country also boasts impressive colonial-era architecture, such as the Fortaleza de São Miguel in Luanda, which dates back to 1576.

However, it is important to note that travelling to Angola comes with certain challenges and risks. The country has stringent visa policies, high prices, and a history of civil unrest and violent crime. Infrastructure is limited, and medical facilities are basic, with serious cases often requiring evacuation to another country. Additionally, landmines remain a danger outside major cities.

Frequently asked questions