Five underrated destinations in Angola

By Kuldeep Kumar | 17-Dec-2024 | (0) (0)

Introduction

A country 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, Angola is a place which is only for those who are adventurous travellers. Being adventurous, you tend to seek the hidden treasures of places which are not found by many. Similarly, if you're visiting this new rising nation, the place has some underrated attractions which you can foresee. That's why through this article, you will get to know about 5 underrated places you can visit in your voyage to the Angolan experience.

READ ALSO: THE 30-DAY VISA FOR ANGOLA

5 underrated places to visit in Angola

Cemitério de Navios (The Ship Cemetery)

Those post-apocalyptic Hollywood thriller movies where shipwrecks on the seashore give quite a terrifying visual, right? If you visit Cemitério de Navios in Angola, you can experience that feeling in real life. Located north of Luanda, on this barren beach, you will find 50 rusting ships near the seashore. Officially this spot is called São Tiago Beach as it is located near the town of Santiago. The locals like to call it Cemitério de Navios (The Ship Cemetery).
The history of this ship cemetery is the subject of many tales. One such instance is the fact that, prior to the development of the Port of Luanda, many trade ships would unload their merchandise for the nation's capital at Santiago Beach. As per the saying, since this place was not ideal for sailing, many boats were washed down to the seashore because of storms or heavy seas. As a result, these ships were abandoned after the Port of Luanda was opened following the Angolan Civil War of 2002.
The other narrative about this beach is that it has always been a designated ship wreckage cemetery since the 1960s. Damaged vessels were towed down here and we're left intentionally since this place was uninhabited, making it an actual ship cemetery.
Since this location is not a popular tourist destination, you will need a local with extensive local knowledge and a vehicle to get around. It must be noted that you must bring your eateries as this place doesn't provide any tourist services. There have been reports of tourists being robbed, so it is recommended not to travel here alone or after dark.

The Iron Palace

Also known as Palácio de Ferro is another under-the-radar place you can visit during your voyage to Angola. Located in Luanda, the architectural design, literally being almost made of iron, is believed to be built by the famous man who built the Eiffel Tower- Gustave Eiffel.
The Iron Palace was used as a cultural centre, but as time passed, it was left abandoned to rust away in the humid air. Being left to deteriorate for decades, the place finally saw a revamp in the 2010s. Through the help of a diamond company and municipal funds, it was opened for tourists in 2016. Unfortunately, the work hasn't been completed, nor has it been decided for what purpose this building is to be used.

War Remnants of 'Operation Protea'

Operation Protea was an attack led by the South African Defense Force (SADF) on the area of Xangongo, which was a are home to complex supply bases and had training facilities under the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). When the operation started in 1981, there was a fierce conflict going on between the South African Border War and the Angolan Civil War. When the war finally ended in 2002, many remnants were removed from across the country, but Xangongo and Cunene Province were an exception. That's the reason why, today, throughout the Cunene and Xangongo military, vehicles were destroyed or disabled during the war.
If you're visiting through these war remnants, it is advised to be careful and stay on obvious paths. Follow the advice of locals and don't pick up anything as anything could be live ammunition, bombs or mines, seeing the place was a certain battlefield in the past.

READ ALSO: WORK VISA RENEWAL OF ANGOLA

Miradouro da Lua (Viewpoint of the Moon)

Another underrated place you can visit in Angola is Miradouro da Lua which is an amazing landscape located outside the country's capital city. This enormous carved canyon results from years of soil erosion from winds and rains. At the cliff, you can see rock structures diminishing in size as they stretch towards the sea, known as the karst landscape. Miradouro da Lua offers you a mesmerising view of the moon-like landscape.
You can visit this place by opting for an official tour or less expensive means. You can just rent a car and drive on your own. You can also stop by restaurants near the beachside, which can be accessed by driving down the cliffs.

The Arch Lagoon

Located in Namib, visit Arch Lagoon to see spectacular natural arch rock formations created over the years. Having to offer some breathtaking views this place also aids you to have a relaxing time with its nature and calm surroundings. Relaxing at this place, you can also witness some rarest species that inhabit the area surrounding the Arch lagoon.

Conclusion

So here is your complete guide on 5 underrated places you can visit in the beautiful Angola journey experience. Get your Angola visa and enjoy your trip.

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