[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]15 Things to Do in Angola, Africa[/highlight]
Africa is the most popular continent for travelers. In fact, more than half of the world’s population lives there. This coupled with its vast and varied landscapes, cultures, and wildlife has made Africa one of the top destinations for travelers. If you’re looking to travel to a lesser-known country in Africa then it couldn’t be any better than Angola. Situated on the western coast of the continent, this oil-rich country is home to pristine white sandy beaches and endless greenery. Explore its capital city Luanda or visit some north eastern coastal towns like Benguela or Cabinda. You can explore Angola as a solo trip but it is also an excellent base from which to explore other countries in southern Africa such as Namibia and Zambia. Read on for 15 things you should do in Angola if you’re traveling there for your first time…
[highlight background=”#FFCAD4″ style=”underline”]Drive on the newly constructed Ring Road
[/highlight]
The newly constructed Ring Road in Angola is a marvel to drive on. It is now 1,800 kilometers long and connects the capital Luanda with the southernmost point of the country – Cabinda. This road is dotted with many beautiful Portuguese colonial buildings and Portuguese-built bridges. The road also passes through many of Angola’s natural ecosystems like the Niassa National Park, the Cunene River, and the Serra do Samba National Park. If you plan to drive on the newly constructed Ring Road then you must check for road closures and detours due to construction or floods.
Visit a Cuia-based folk village
The Cuia people are a people living in the central highlands of Angola. The Cuia-based people are known for their beautiful and intricate beadwork. If you are in the country’s central highlands and you feel like visiting the Cuia people, you can visit the Bonga Bonga village. The village is located in the town of Cuito Cuanavale and is the biggest Cuia-based village in the country. You can visit the village and see their handicrafts, participate in some cultural activities, and enjoy some local food. Visiting this village is a great experience as you get to experience the Cuia peoples’ culture and learn more about their lifestyle.
Go scuba diving
Angola is one of the best diving destinations in Africa. It is home to a number of great dive sites that attract divers from all over the world. One of the most popular dive sites in the country is the Baia dos Sapos National Park. This dive site is located in the country’s north-easternmost part in the capital city of Luanda. Baia dos Sapos National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a rich diversity of marine life. The diving in this park is best between November and April when the weather is calm and the waves are low. During this time, you can also visit the Park’s two islands. Another popular dive site in the country is Isla Queimada, an island off the southern coast in the Benguela province. Visit this island during September to November when the weather is warm and try your hand at scuba diving.
Explore the capital city Luanda or UNESCO World Heritage Site Benguela
The capital city of Luanda is a wonderful place to visit in Angola. It is the country’s largest city and is also its commercial hub. If you visit the city, you must visit the many Portuguese colonial buildings that dot its streets. You can also explore its many museums, art galleries, and parks. Another wonderful place to visit in Luanda is the Cidadela fortress. This fortress was built in the 16th century and served as the Portuguese colonial capitol from 1824 to 1886. It is now a museum where you can explore its historical and military exhibits. While in the city, you can also visit the Museu da Engenharia, Museu do Cine, Museu do Traje e do Desfile, Museu do Comunismo, and Museu de Arte do Homem do Sul.
Go horseback riding
If you want to experience the country’s rich equestrian culture then you should visit the country’s many equestrian centers. The country’s two biggest centers for equestrian sports are in Luanda and Benguela. If you visit Luanda’s equestrian center, you will experience the country’s rich equestrian culture. You can also explore the city’s many Portuguese colonial buildings and play a round of golf at the country’s first-ever golf course. If you visit Benguela, you will experience the country’s rich equestrian culture and will also come across the Luandan river and the Benguela railway.
Relax on one of Angola’s white sandy beaches
Angola may be a former Portuguese colony but its people still have a colonial mindset. This colonial mindset and attitude has made it one of the most peaceful and safe countries in the region. The country’s central highlands is home to the country’s highest peak – Montembebe. This mountain and its many waterfalls is a great place to visit. Another wonderful place to visit in this region is the Cunene river and its many waterfalls. If you visit the country’s many white sandy beaches, you will notice how clean they are. You can also visit these beaches during the warm season – between June and August when the weather is warm and the waves are low.
Sample its cuisine at a local restaurant or bar
There are numerous restaurants and bars in Angola that serve traditional Angolan food. These establishments are run by the country’s immigrant communities and offer great food at affordable prices. One of the best ways to sample the country’s cuisine is to visit one of these restaurants or bars. You can also order food from a local Angolan chef who has travelled abroad and become a chef at a restaurant. You can also try your hand at authentic local cuisine by visiting the country’s many cooking schools. These schools offer courses in the country’s traditional cuisines and many students also attend the schools to learn about the culinary traditions of other parts of the world.
Play golf in the country’s only official course, São Salvador da Baía dos Sapos Golf and Country Club
If you love golf, you should consider playing on one of Angola’s many golf courses. The country’s only official course is in the capital city of Luanda and is the country’s first golf course. The course is a nine-hole public course that was opened in 1902. The course is well maintained and is a wonderful place to enjoy a game of golf during the day or at night. You can also play at other public golf courses in other parts of the country. There are several private golf clubs in the country that welcome visitors.
Visit an Angolan national park – Bailundo National Park or Costa do Dhláfa National Park
There are numerous national parks that dot the country’s diverse landscapes. These parks are home to rich biodiversity, indigenous people, and many geological and archaeological sites. If you are visiting these parks during the dry season when the weather is warm and the water levels are low, you can enjoy a boat ride through the parks.
Don’t forget to take selfies! And share it with us 3
Selfies are the new normal now and you should definitely take a few to remember your trip to Angola. The country’s landscapes and its Portuguese colonial buildings are a great place to take selfies. You should also visit the country’s many cultural sites, museums, and its many Portuguese colonial buildings to take selfies.
Know more about Angola before you travel
Angola is the second-largest country in Africa and the ninth-largest country in the world by land area. It is bordered by Namibia and Zambia on the western coast and has a short border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the eastern coast. Angola has rich natural resources like oil, gas, coal, copper, iron
