solo trip to angola tips

Introduction 

A place which is not your cliche tourist destination with many comforts, a place which was alienated from the outside world for so many years, a place which only now has seen the light of being a progressive nation, a place which is only for those who are adventurous travellers. The place we are talking about is Angola. Having just opened for tourism after the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002, the country is steadily growing its tourism by attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Among those thousands, if you're planning to visit Angola on a solo trip and looking for details on how to approach this trip to Angola. Don't worry, as we are going to provide you with a complete Angola travel guide in this article to facilitate you in having a smooth trip. You need to obtain the Angola visa first to travel which can be easily issued through the Angola E visa.

READ ALSO: ANGOLA VISA AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Angola tourist destinations for solo travellers

Cangandala National Park  

Made to preserve the Giant Sable antelope, which is considered a national symbol in the country, Cangandala National Park is the most popular park, and this is a place you should visit.  

Floresta do Maiombe  

Situated in Cabina Province, this place is a rainforest reserve with high biodiversity, including many rivers and waterfalls. 

Great Escarpment  

It is the steepest mountain in Angola. Great Escarpment offers scenic drive opportunities for adventurous travellers with some breathtaking views, most notably of the Tundavala gap. 

Kissama National Park 

Located near Luanda, this is the most accessible park in the country, which provides accommodations for tourists.  

Mussulo Island  

Mussulo Island, which can be found in the south of Luanda, is best known for the natural beauty it preserves. While visiting this place, you can also enjoy local cuisines such as pirão, funge, and moamba. 

Sumbe Caves  

Catch yourself in awe in these fantastic caves in a forest-filled canyon near the city of Sumbe, which is about four hours south of Luanda. 

READ ALSO: LAWS FOR ANGOLA VISA

Cities to visit in Angola  

Luanda 

The expensive capital of the country, this place screams richness. The city comprised wealthy ex-pats and migrants from the rest of the country. Luanda offers you an overcrowded, wild crowd with nightlife and culture also present here. 

Benguela  

As mentioned above, since Angola is gradually opening to visitors, we can say that Benguela is the most tourist-friendly place in the least touristy country. The place offers Carnavale tradition with a beautiful oceanfront and Angola's best beaches.  

Huambo 

This place suffered a lot during the Angolan civil war in the centre of the Ovimbundu region. This place is enclosed all around with natural beauty.  

Menongue 

A little town in the far southeast that serves as the Moçâmedes Railway's departure point from Namibe is called Menongue. 

Namibe 

Namibe is the seaside region's capital and a starting place for trips to see Khoisan peoples and to explore Iona National Park.  

READ ALSO: ANGOLA VISA APPLICATION

Climate in Angola  

Angola offers alternating rainy and dry seasons throughout the year, just like any tropical African country. In the south of Angola, you will find a short-lasting rainy season from February to April, whereas in summers, it is hot and dry, followed by mild winter conditions. The northern Angola part experiences a dry season from May to October and water showers from November to April. The Interior Highlands of Angola face rainy conditions from November through April, followed by a cool, dry season from May to October.  

How to get around in Angola  

Bus  

If you're in Angola, you can travel through places by opting for the bus as a medium of transport. The country has some private bus companies which offer their services MACOM and SGO being the biggest ones. Through them offering a wide range of services, there are travel route lines that connect most major cities of Angola to the coast of the interior. 

Train  

With the help of Chinese companies, the Angola train services have finally been restored after three decades of inactivity. In Angola prominently, three main lines run from the interior to the coast. These are -  

• The northern line of Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL)  
• The middle line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) 
• The southern route Caminho de Ferro de Mocamedes (CFM) 

Ferry  

Additionally, a passenger ferry connects Luanda with the Cabinda enclave and the oil port of Soyo. The harbour itself is the best place to acquire information on the ship, experts advise. 

READ ALSO: ANGOLA VISA FOR CITIZENS OF DUBAI

Safety tips for Angola  

Angola isn't much of a safe country as there are cases of high crime rates, but by taking necessary precautions, you can experience a smooth trip. Here are some safety tips you should take while planning on visiting Angola-  

• It is recommended you hire the services of a trusted and knowledgeable tour guide to facilitate a smooth experience. 
• It is not recommended to travel alone in the dark.  
• carrying a satellite phone is going to be a help in case of a breakdown or an emergency. 
• Avoid using cameras in front of police. It can result in heavy fines with terrible consequences.   
• If you see red and white Halo trust posts, do not step beyond it, as it is a sign that denotes minefields. 

READ ALSO: ANGOLA VISIT VISA PROCESS

Conclusion  

Here is your complete Angola travel guide for keen solo travellers. If you're planning to visit Angola anytime soon, you're now aware of essential details that will aid you in having a comfortable trip.  

Apply Angola Visa