Avoid These Mistakes When Visiting Angola

Angola is a country with a lot to offer, from its expansive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to its blend of grasslands, savannas, tropical forests, and urban landscapes. However, there are a few things travellers should be aware of before visiting. Here is a list of what not to do when visiting Angola:

- Do not expect a typical tourist destination: Angola is not a conventional tourist destination, and its capital, Luanda, while lively, can be chaotic, dangerous, and challenging to navigate due to overpopulation and traffic.

- Do not ignore the country's history: Angola has a complex past, including a civil war that ravaged its national parks and left landmines that continue to pose a threat to some areas. Understanding this history will provide context for your visit.

- Do not neglect your safety: While Angola is a beautiful country, it has faced challenges with poaching and visa acquisition. It is essential to stay informed about safe areas to visit and follow local advice.

- Do not miss out on the natural wonders: Angola boasts impressive natural attractions, such as the Kalandula Waterfalls, the Tunda Vala Fissure, and the Maiombe Forest. These sites offer breathtaking views and unique ecological experiences.

- Do not forget to explore the cultural offerings: Angola has fascinating cultural and historical sites, including forts, museums, and architectural landmarks that showcase its Portuguese colonial past and the tragic slave trade history.

Don't skip the Museum of Slavery

Angola has a rich and fascinating history, and it is only natural that travellers would want to explore it. However, one place you should not skip is the Museum of Slavery.

The Museu Nacional da Escravatura, or the National Museum of Slavery, is located in Luanda, Angola's capital city. It is housed in a chapel that once belonged to Álvaro de Carvalho Matoso, one of the most notorious slave traders in the eighteenth century. The museum is also next to the Capela da Casa Grande, a seventeenth-century structure where enslaved Africans were baptised before being shipped to the Americas.

The museum was founded in 1977 by the National Institute of Cultural Patrimony, with the primary goal of portraying the history of slavery in Angola. It is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, near Mussulo Island and the Kwanza River, an important trade route used during the slave trade.

The Museum of Slavery is a stark reminder of the cruelty inflicted on enslaved people. It features an extensive collection of artefacts related to the slave trade, including shackles, iron weights, sculptures, ship models, weapons, and daily life materials. One of the most chilling exhibits is the cauldrons from the 18th century, which were used to baptise enslaved Africans.

The museum also provides a contextual history of the Atlantic Slave Trade and highlights slavery in Africa before European involvement. It is a powerful reminder of the suffering and injustice endured by enslaved Angolans and serves as a memorial to those whose lives were forever changed by this dark chapter in history.

The Museum of Slavery in Angola is an important site for understanding the country's past and the legacy of slavery. It is a place of remembrance and education, offering visitors a chance to bear witness to the horrors of slavery and honour the strength of those who survived.

Don't forget to get your visa

Angola is a beautiful country full of incredible natural attractions. If you are planning a trip to Angola, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. One of the most important things to remember is to obtain your visa before your trip. Here is a detailed guide on visa requirements and the application process for Angola:

Visa Requirements for Angola:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in Angola. It is recommended to have two blank pages available for entry stamps.
• Visa Application Form: You need to fill out the visa application form, which can be obtained from the Angolan embassy or consulate, or online. The form should be duly completed, signed by the applicant, and accompanied by a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of Travel and Accommodation: You will need to provide proof of your travel itinerary, such as flight reservations, as well as proof of accommodation arrangements in Angola, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter.
• Vaccination Certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Angola. Additionally, it is recommended to be up-to-date on all other vaccinations as well.
• Sufficient Funds: You must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Angola. This can be in the form of a bank statement showing a minimum of USD $200 per day of stay.
• Processing Fee: The cost of obtaining a visa for Angola varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality. For example, a tourist visa costs USD $70, while a business visa costs USD $100. The fees must be paid by money order to the Embassy of Angola.
• Processing Time: The standard processing time for an Angola visa is 5-8 business days. It is important to plan ahead and apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
• Other Requirements: Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents may be required. For example, if you are travelling for work, you may need to provide a work contract or employee lease agreement. Always carefully review the requirements for the specific type of visa you are applying for.

Applying for an Angola Visa:

The process of applying for an Angola visa typically involves the following steps:

• Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the required information.
• Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your passport, photographs, proof of travel and accommodation, vaccination certificate, bank statements, and any other relevant documents.
• Submit the Application: Submit your application, along with the supporting documents, to the nearest Angolan embassy or consulate. You can also apply through the Angolan Migration Service's (SME) website for visa and visa pre-approval.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee by money order to the Embassy of Angola. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
• Wait for Processing: The standard processing time is 5-8 business days, but it is always a good idea to allow for some extra time in case of any delays.
• Receive Your Visa: Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa, which will be attached to your passport.

It is important to note that visa requirements and application processes can sometimes change, so it is always recommended to check the latest information on the website of the Angolan embassy or consulate, or through the Angolan Migration Service, before initiating your visa application process.

Don't miss out on the beaches of Luanda's Ilha peninsula

Angola is a country full of incredible natural attractions. The capital, Luanda, is a lively city with famous landmarks, beaches, and beautiful sights. While in Luanda, don't miss out on the beaches of Luanda's Ilha peninsula.

Ilha de Luanda, or Island of Luanda, is a small peninsula stretching about 5 km in front of Luanda. It is home to several beaches, restaurants, and bars. The Ilha is a popular destination for nightlife and parties. Some beaches are inside the restaurants or bars' perimeters and are more private, while others are entirely public. The sand is soft, and the water is warm, with summer lasting at least nine months of the year. However, these beaches can be crowded and are not the cleanest.

Ilha do Mussulo, or Island of Mussulo, is another must-visit destination near Luanda. It is a 30 km long tongue of land/sand located in the southern outskirts of Luanda. The water here is even warmer than in the rest of Angola, and the lack of waves creates a vast lagoon-like environment. To get to Mussulo, you can take a boat from the mainland.

Mussulo offers a completely different vibe from Luanda's chaos. It is the perfect place to relax under the sun and forget your daily problems. It boasts a long beach, warm seawater, and palm trees. You can enjoy freshly caught fish overlooking the sea or explore the small peninsula by quad or Jet Ski.

So, if you're in Luanda, don't miss out on the beaches of Luanda's Ilha peninsula, including Ilha de Luanda and Ilha do Mussulo. They offer a unique combination of stunning beaches, water activities, and a vibrant beach culture that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Don't neglect to visit the Maiombe Forest

Angola is home to the second most extensive forest in the world, the Maiombe Forest. Covering 290,000 hectares, the forest is a nature lover's paradise, with towering canopies and various species of trees that are over 50 metres high, including Blackwood, Ebony, and African Sandalwood.

The Maiombe Forest is located in the Cabinda Province in the north of Angola and extends into the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and Gabon. This transboundary ecosystem is known for its dense tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and secluded charm.

The forest is home to a wide array of fauna, including primates such as chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, and several species of old-world monkeys. It also hosts a variety of other mammals like forest elephants, forest buffalo, bush pigs, and forest hogs. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of rare bird species, including the African grey parrot and the great crested lourie, contributing to the area's recognition as an Important Bird Area.

The Maiombe Forest offers a unique opportunity for responsible tourism, with safari packages that include river tubing, wildlife watching, trekking, hiking, waterfall visits, swimming, and camping. As you explore the forest, you'll discover extraordinary landscapes, from the savannah to the rainforest, and gain insight into the rich cultural history of the region.

Don't forget your camera when visiting the Serra da Leba

Angola is a country full of incredible natural attractions and beautiful landscapes. However, it's not a popular tourist destination due to safety concerns and chaotic traffic. If you do find yourself in Angola, there are a few things you should avoid doing for your own safety. For example, it's best to avoid travelling at night or in rainy weather as the roads can be treacherous and lack guardrails.

Now, let's focus on Serra da Leba, a must-see destination in Angola.

Serra da Leba is a breathtaking mountain range located on the boundary of Huíla and Namibe provinces in southwestern Angola. It is famous for its altitude, beauty, and the Serra da Leba pass, a road that winds through the mountains with 56 hairpin turns. The road was built in the late 1960s during the colonial era and is considered a marvel of engineering.

When visiting Serra da Leba, don't forget to bring your camera! The views are spectacular and you'll want to capture the dramatic landscape to remember your trip. The best viewpoint is at the top, where you can see the steepest part of the road descending into the lush vegetation below. It's also worth stopping at the communication masts for even more incredible photo opportunities.

The drive to Serra da Leba is an experience in itself. The road is very steep, with a maximum gradient of 34%, and it traverses through 3 to 4 different climate zones. It's not an easy drive, especially in rainy or dark conditions, but the journey is worth it for the views.

Serra da Leba is about 18-20 miles west of the city of Lubango, which is known for its great food and scenic mountains. Lubango is also a convenient base for exploring the region, including the Tundavala Gap, an enormous abyss in the Serra da Leba mountain range.

So, whether you're an avid photographer or just looking to take in the stunning views, don't forget your camera when visiting Serra da Leba. It's a must-see destination in Angola that will leave you with unforgettable memories and stunning photos.

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