Americas

Discover Angola

Come with us to Angola. One of the most impoverished countries in Africa. Angola is not yet known to the general public. However, this African country has a lot to offer. For example, did you know that Africa’s largest carnival can be found in Angola?

Angola is a country with a long and rich history. It has a diverse geography, from the highlands of the Luanda province to the wetlands of Benguela. It is also home to a large number of different cultures and languages.

From vibrant Luanda to the stunning Kalandula Falls, discover the traditional tribes of Southern Angola and experience the spectacular Serra da Leba pass. Angola offers unique adventures far off the beaten track.

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About Angola

Destination Information

Official Name

Republic of Angola

Capital

Luanda

Population

30 million

Surface Area

1,246,700 km²

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Angolan Kwanza (AOA)

Neighbouring Countries

Namibia, Zambia, DR Congo, Congo

Travel Information

Visa

Visa-free for 98 countries

Best Time to Visit

May – October (dry season)

Climate

Tropical to subtropical

Time Zone

WAT (UTC+1)

Electricity

220V, Type C plugs

Main Airport

Quatro de Fevereiro (LAD)

Attractions & Highlights

Kalandula Falls

The second-largest waterfall in Africa, a stunning natural wonder deep in Angola’s interior.

Traditional Tribes

Meet the Mumhila, Mukubal, and other fascinating tribes with rich cultural traditions.

Serra da Leba

Spectacular winding mountain pass, one of Angola’s national symbols and engineering marvels.

Luanda

Vibrant capital city featuring colonial Portuguese architecture, museums, and beautiful coastline.

Angola Carnival

Africa’s largest carnival celebration, a spectacular display of color, music, and culture.

Kissama National Park

Wildlife sanctuary home to elephants, giraffes, and numerous other African species.

History

The area has been inhabited since early times, first by the San people, then by Bantu tribes. In the 13th century, the Kingdom of Kongo emerged in northern Angola, deriving prosperity from agriculture.

Everything changed when the Portuguese arrived in 1482. The kingdom became a Portuguese vassal, forced to surrender slaves, minerals, and ivory. After Dutch occupation (1641-1648), Portuguese rule continued until 1975, making it one of the longest colonial periods in African history.

Angola gained independence in 1975 but immediately entered a devastating civil war lasting until 2002, costing over a million lives. Since then, the country has been rapidly developing and recovering.

Culture & Safety

Angola’s culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and Portuguese colonial influence, creating a unique identity. The country is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, customs, and artistic traditions.

Music and dance play central roles in Angolan culture, with styles ranging from traditional tribal performances to contemporary semba and kuduro. The country’s growing carnival celebration showcases this vibrant cultural heritage.

Safety has improved significantly since the civil war ended in 2002. While Angola is still developing its tourism infrastructure, the country is increasingly accessible to travelers. CultureRoad works with experienced local guides who ensure safe and respectful cultural experiences throughout your journey.

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