The Republic of Angola is a state in southwest Africa, borders Namibia in the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the northeast and north, Zambia in the east, and the Republic of the Congo. It is washed from the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Angola includes the enclave of Cabinda (30 km north of the border with the Congo).

Angola can be roughly divided into three regions: the coastal plain, the transitional zone, and the large inland plateau. The low coastal plain has 50 to 150 km. The transition zone, consisting of terraces, is up to 150 km wide in the north and only 30 km wide in the center and south. To the east of it lies the vast Angolan Plateau, which occupies two-thirds of the country; the average height of the plateau above sea level is from 1000 to 1520 m, the highest point - Mount Mocha - is located in the central mountainous part and has a height of 2620 m.

State

State structure

The state structure is a republic. The head of state is the president. The government is appointed by the president. Legislature of Angola - National Assembly. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers.

Language

Official language: Portuguese

African Bantu languages ​​are widely spoken: Kikongo, Kimbundu, Umbundu, Chokwe, Mbunda, Kwanyama.

Religion

More than 53% of the population in Angola are Christians. Most of them are Catholics (38%) and Protestants (15%). About 47% of Angolans profess local beliefs.

Currency

International name: AOA

One kwanza is equal to 100 levei. Banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 kwanzas are in circulation.

Currency exchange for kwanza is possible quite freely both in banks, specialized exchange offices and hotels, and on the "black" market, but only in the capital and in large industrial regions, in the provinces this causes a lot of difficulties.

Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted in most major hotels, shops and restaurants in the capital, but are almost impossible to use in other cities.

Popular Attractions

Angola Tourism

Where to stay

After decades of civil war, rich in oil and diamonds, Angola has begun to rebuild its world. Despite the fact that the country needs to solve problems in all areas of the economy, Angola does not forget about the tourism sector. Since 2005, the government has been giving Special attention investments in the development of hospitality infrastructure, solving a lot of issues, including the elimination of language barriers in the field of hotel services: in the recent past, even the fact that Portuguese is the official language of the country did not help the economy. New hotels are being built, old rooms are being renovated, and, according to optimistic forecasts of experts, Angola will soon take its rightful place among other African countries in terms of attractiveness for foreign tourists.

Office Hours

Banks are open from 10.00 to 16.00 from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 11.00 - on Saturday.

Souvenirs

In Angola, ancient crafts have been preserved, such as artistic woodcarving and weaving. Figurines of people and animals, ritual masks, as well as furniture are carved from wood. Reeds, grass or straw are used to make mats and baskets with clear geometric patterns. The ancient folk art of Angola is ivory carving and the manufacture of various ebony products. Most of the masters sell their works in the city markets.

Angola located in subequatorial and tropical latitudes in the west of South Africa, the Atlantic Ocean washes its territory from the west for almost 1500 km. Most of the territory is a vast plateau with a height of more than 1000 m above sea level. Only along the Atlantic coast stretches a narrow (50-100 km wide) strip of lowlands occupied by light forests, dry savannahs and semi-deserts

In Angola, there are two climatic zones, due to the prevailing winds, a tropical trade wind climate on the coastal lowlands and an equatorial monsoon climate on the plateaus of the interior of the country. The climate of the coast is arid, despite the moisture brought by the trade winds. The reason for this is the cold Bengal sea current, over which the air is greatly cooled. And above the hot plateaus, on the contrary, it quickly heats up, rises, and only there the moisture brought by it forms raindrops. It receives up to 1500 mm of precipitation per year. Over the coastal lowland, the air does not have time to warm up, and therefore there is little precipitation here, about 50 mm per year. In winter, the coast is shrouded in fog. The climate of the interior is hot, with dry winters and heavy rains in summer when monsoons blow from the ocean to the land.

Above the coastal lowland, the western part of the plateau rises in steep steps. Its eastern outskirts form a huge ledge of Serra de Shela with a height of more than 2000 m. The highest point of the country is Mount Moco (2610 m)

Tropical woodlands or dry forests with low (up to 10-15 m) trees predominate in the interior of Angola. Tropical rainforests grow in the Mayombe mountains and along the valleys of the Congo and its tributaries. Elephants, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes roam in woodlands and savannahs. There are also primitive mammals - for example, a pangolin that looks like a spruce cone, which feeds on insects. Monkeys live in dense forests, and hippos have chosen river banks

First expeditions Portuguese navigators landed on the coast of Angola in the 80s. 15th century By that time, the states of the Congo, Ndongo (Ngola, Angola) existed here, and not the territories of modern Zambia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Luanda. By the 19th century, most states had collapsed and became part of the Portuguese Angola.

Angola became a source of slaves for Europeans, who were sent to Brazil and other countries of the New World. For a long time, the Portuguese controlled only the coast of the country and the lower part of the Kwanza River valley. However, the conquest of inland territories continued until the 1920s. XX century Modern borders were already defined during the division of Africa in the XIX - early XX centuries. between Portugal, Great Britain, Germany, France and Belgium.

After World War II, the country began upsurge of the national liberation struggle. In 1956, a patriotic, communist-oriented organization, the MPLA, emerged, which led the armed struggle against colonialism. As a result of the Portuguese revolution of 1974, an agreement was concluded between the government of Portugal and the leadership of the MPLA on granting independence to Angola. In 1975 it was proclaimed People's Republic of Angola, since 1992 - The Republic of Angola The MPLA was opposed by the alliance of the FNLA and UNITA organizations, which also defended the country's independence, but not in a communist way.

The disengagement of political forces led to a civil war that lasted 15 years. It claimed more than 300 thousand lives and almost completely destroyed the country's economy. In 1992, the Angolan government attempted to hold multi-party elections, but UNITA rejected the results. Another round of war began UNITA again created an armed opposition. Since the end of the 90s. there are UN peacekeeping missions in Angola, but the confrontation continues. The subject of the struggle is no longer so much ideological and political views as control over the country's natural resources.

Angola is one of richest countries Africa- has a large natural resources The most important export items are oil, diamonds, quartz, copper and iron ore, coffee, sugar and tobacco. However, most of the diamonds are mined in the territories controlled by UNITA, and sold through intermediaries (contrary to the UN ban) on the world market, without replenishing the national treasury.

The country is inhabited peoples Bantu-speaking Bakongo, Bam-Bundu, Ovimbundu, Waluchazi, Waluimbe, Wambundu, Ovagerero, Ovambo, Wambue-La, and Wayye Bantu-speaking peoples have no written language Ancient myths, legends and fairy tales have been passed down orally for many centuries. One of the central characters of mythology is Leza (Reza), the deity of rain. According to some African peoples, Leza not only owns heavenly water, he is also the creator and teacher of people. Most of the indigenous Angolans, despite the active work of Christian missionaries - Catholics and partly Protestants - adhere to traditional African beliefs. Protestant-African sects are widespread in the north of Angola, combining the Catholic faith with local traditions.

Capital of Angola- the city of Luanda (about 3 million people), located in the northern part of the country on the Atlantic coast. It was founded in 1575, by 1627 it had become important administrative center colonies, as well as a large slave market. metropolitan status Luanda received in 1975. This is the largest port in the country, a business, commercial and industrial center with oil refining, food and textile industries. Here are the university, museums

Angola retains ancient African art. IN rural settlements weaving and artistic woodcarving are common. Objects of religious cults are cut out of it - figures of people and animals, to which magical power is attributed

The name of the country comes from "ngola" - a distorted name of the title of the supreme ruler.

Capital of Angola. Luanda.

Angola Square. 1246700 km2.

Population of Angola. 25.02 million people (

GDP of Angola. $131.4 billion (

Location of Angola. Angola is a state in the southwest of Central. In the north and east it borders on the Democratic Republic, in the east - with, in the south - with. In the west, Angola is washed by waters. Angola owns a small enclave of Cabinda, separated from the rest of the country by the territory of Zaire.

Administrative divisions of Angola. The state is divided into 18 provinces.

Form of government of Angola. Republic.

Head of State of Angola. President elected for 5 years.

Supreme legislature of Angola. National Assembly (unicameral parliament).

Higher executive agency Angola. Council of Ministers.

Major cities in Angola. Huambo, Benguela, Cabinda, Lobito.

State language of Angola. Portuguese.

Flora of Angola. In the north of Angola and in the province of Cabinda, tropical forests grow, changing to the south. Numerous palm trees grow along the coast.

Fauna of Angola. Almost all large African animals live on the territory of the state - elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, hippo, zebra, antelope, lion and gorilla. Numerous birds and insects. There are also such rare animals as the pangolin, as well as the aardvark, a burrowing insectivore that vaguely resembles a pig.

Rivers and lakes of Angola. The largest rivers - with tributaries, Kwanza and Kunene, Kwango, Kwando, Kubango.

Sights of Angola. In Luanda - the lower and upper city, San Miguel, the Angola Museum, the cathedral; in Benguela - a colonial fort of the 16th century.

Useful information for tourists

Mostly tourists to Angola are attracted by its natural attractions - almost 1600-kilometer ocean coastline, lush tropical, picturesque savannah and the Namib in the south. In areas free from military and interethnic confrontation, unique tribes have survived that still lead a lifestyle close to stone age, which attracts numerous ethnographic expeditions and lovers of "ecological" tourism here. It is forbidden to export: weapons, drugs and raw precious stones, ivory handicrafts, tortoise shells, mollusks.

Angola is one of the most amazing and beautiful countries world, which annually attracts a huge number of tourists. This country is located in the southwest African continent. It borders Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and the Republic of the Congo.

The capital of the state is Luanda, the largest and most populous city in the country. The rest of the cities are much smaller than the capital. The population of the largest of them barely exceeds 500 thousand people. However, among the largest cities in Angola, the following are worth mentioning: Benguela, Huambo, Malanje and Cabinda.

The most developed industry of the state is the oil industry.

The most famous industrial giants are SonangolGroup and CabindaGulfOil.

The country also mines diamonds, marble, granite.

Angola is a fairly young country, gaining independence only about forty years ago. Prior to that, she had long been under the heel of the Portuguese as their colony.

At the moment, this African state is still on the path of its development, but at the same time it has its own original, unlike anything culture and amazingly beautiful nature.

Capital	Luanda
	1,246,700 km²
Population density	14.8 people/km²
	Portuguese
Religion	Christianity, local beliefs
Form of government	presidential republic
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity	Official standards 220V 50Hz
Population	18 million people (2011)

Climate and weather

Angola is a fairly warm country. Its average annual temperature slightly exceeds 20 °C.

There are two climatic seasons in the country: wet and dry. The first of them lasts from October to May, with a short dry break in January-February, while the dry season reigns in the country from June to September. During this wet season, an average of approximately 1400 mm of precipitation falls.

In September and October, the temperature in the country is the highest: starting from 21 °C and pumping 24 °C in the lowlands. The lowest temperature in Angola, oddly enough, in the summer. In June and July it fluctuates from 15 to 22 °С.

The mountainous parts of the country are marked by lower temperatures compared to the lowlands, and in addition, a large amount of precipitation. Coastal temperatures are below the national average due to their proximity to the ocean.

It should be noted that this African state is characterized by significant temperature differences, especially in southern regions Angola. So, the temperature there at night can drop to zero.

Nature

Angola is dominated by plateaus, in some parts of the country the heights exceed 1000 meters.

The Bie massif is the most elevated part of the country, on its territory is the highest point of the country - Mount Moko, located more than 2600 meters above sea level.

The largest rivers flowing in the country are the Kwanza and Cunene, and the highest among the many waterfalls of Angola is the Duqui de Bragança.

Slightly less than half of the territory of the state is covered with forests, as well as light forests. The densest humid tropical are located in the northwest. The interior of the country is mainly characterized by the presence of tropical dry deciduous forests, which are interrupted by enough grass savannahs. long distance. And the territory adjacent to the sea is covered with both shrubby and grassy savannahs. In addition, a huge number of palm trees grow there.

Angola has a fabulously rich fauna. Many representatives of the animal world coexist in this African state: lions, elephants, zebras, monkeys and so on.

However, poaching, so widespread in our time, has caused irreparable damage to many species of animals. Elephants and cheetahs were especially affected.

In the coastal waters you can find turtles, various types of fish, shellfish.

Attractions

The most attractive for a huge number of tourists visiting Angola every year is its nature. Of particular success are the stunning views of the coast, the Namib Desert, located in the southern part of the country, as well as the savannah.

In addition, foreign visitors are attracted by the opportunity to see the life of some tribes living in Angola, where a lifestyle has been preserved that resembles that which could be characteristic of people living in the Stone Age.

There are few sights created by human hands in this African state, which is explained by the centuries-old colonial position.

Most a large number of architectural monuments is located in the capital of the state. In Luanda, one can also observe unusually beautiful mosaics on the sidewalk.

Any tourist visiting the capital will not miss the opportunity to look into the Fortress of San Miguel, which was built about five centuries ago, and now has become a historical museum, as well as at least for a few minutes to go to the Dundu Museum, which contains the most valuable ethnographic monuments of the country.

The Namib region is a unique natural landmark, which also has the most favorable climatic conditions compared to other areas of the country.

The area is also home to the famous Angolan desert, where those who wish can hunt.

And the county of Bibala will appeal to those wishing to improve their health with the help of mineral waters.

Avid fishermen will also not be disappointed in their trip if they visit Tombwa, the largest fishing port in the region.

Tourists should also visit Benguela, where a fort built in the 16th century and survived many battles has been preserved.

Amazing natural splendor national park Kisama, where you can see a rare combination of animals and plants typical of Angola, as well as look at endangered species such as red buffalo, manati and sea turtle.

Nutrition

Residents of Angola, even those living in large cities, tend to prefer to eat at home. This is caused not so much by tradition, but by not enough places. Catering and poor hygiene practices in various eateries and restaurants.

However, the number of eating places that can be visited in Angola is steadily increasing, which is especially noticeable in the capital. But the price level in such establishments is quite high and not everyone is able to afford to visit them regularly.

Tipping is not officially practiced in Angola, but visitors leave about 8% of the order value, or leave cigarettes for the waiter, etc.

Angolan cuisine was greatly influenced by the Portuguese, under whose rule the locals spent a lot of time. As a result, the dishes prepared in the country are a combination of local cuisine and Portuguese cuisine.

The inhabitants of Angola traditionally consume seafood, and various soups are especially popular.

They also cook dishes from corn and rice, but still, if you get to visit an Angolan, there is a high probability that you will see a bean dish first of all on the table. You may also be offered a sauce based on hot peppers, which is added to many dishes.

Salads often use local vegetables and plants, but no housewife will miss the opportunity to buy tomatoes or bananas, which are brought specially.

In any market, those who want to taste exotic fruits will be able to find something new for themselves.

When visiting the southern part of the country, you should definitely visit the wineries to get a taste of the local wine, as well as look into the shop at the brewery.

Accommodation

According to recent studies by one of the renowned consulting agencies based in Europe, the capital of Angola is the most expensive city world for the travelers who visit it.

So, a night in a two-star hotel in Luanda will cost a visitor at least $100, while a night in a five-star establishment will cost at least $500.

Some tourists prefer to rent accommodation during their stay in the country. The prices for renting apartments, as well as houses, are incredibly high. A month of living in a two-room apartment in the capital will lighten your pocket by 7 thousand US dollars, and in a three-room apartment - by 20 thousand.

Food prices are also high, due to the high rate of inflation prevailing in the country. For example, a bottle of wine will set you back $3, while lunch at an inexpensive cafe costs an average of $35.

Despite the apparent high cost of rent, it is in significant demand among foreigners, which is the result of an unceasing flow of employees of foreign oil companies arriving in the country.

Entertainment and recreation

The main type of entertainment that Angola can offer tourists is visiting various attractions located on the territory of the country. Such places include not only museums and ancient buildings that have existed for several hundred years, but also magnificent natural species, capable of making even the most sophisticated traveler excited, which are in great abundance in Angola.

In addition, unforgettable impressions will remain after visiting the country during one of the holidays: New Year, Youth Day (mid-April), Victory Day (end of March), Independence Day (second decade of November). Staying in Angola during the carnival (second half of February) will be one of the most vivid memories of the country.

For those who like to lie on the beach and swim, there are a large number of beaches near the ocean. The most well-equipped beaches are those run by hotels.

Those who want to spend time actively, but are fed up with visiting memorable places and museums, will be able to go fishing (both sports and ordinary), go hiking with an experienced guide, and also hunt.

For tourists who prefer a little more cultural entertainment, there is an opportunity to visit local theaters (mostly located in Luanda). Despite their amateur level, these establishments are always popular with locals and foreigners.

The capital also has the Academy of Music, where you can hear not only the melodies of local authors, but also classical works.

Hotels also offer entertainment.

Purchases

On the territory of the country there are a huge number of various kinds of local shops, as well as markets. Vendors usually offer to purchase locally produced goods.

Basically, these are products made of ivory or wood.

Various figurines, masks ritual nature, wicker baskets and mats with geometric patterns, furniture can be bought in any locality of the country.

Souvenirs made of reeds, straw and dry grass are also available. Many travelers buy ritual masks as a gift.

If you wish, you can buy local clothes, as well as jewelry.

The most visited market in the country is Benfica, located near the capital.

Transport

The main method used by tourists wishing to visit Angola is air travel. But some prefer to get to the country using sea transport or by car.

A brave tourist, of course, may dare to travel along local roads in his own or rented car, but it must be remembered that many of them are currently in poor condition. Driving in Angola is on the right.

If you still decide to go by car to the countryside, then postpone the trip for the daytime - if a breakdown occurs, it will be easier for you to get to the nearest settlement or wait for help on the spot in daylight. But keep in mind that in the event of a breakdown, it is unlikely that you will be able to immediately contact the local emergency service or service center. Therefore, stock up on a sufficient number of tools necessary for self-implementation of minor repairs.

From the sea inland can be reached by plane. Such services are extremely popular. Typically, the cost of a flight is around $100.

You can try to travel by rail, as in Angola there are railways in the amount of three pieces. Train fares are low.

It should be remembered that you are unlikely to find a taxi or any public transport anywhere except the capital, and there are mostly minibuses.

Connection

About ten radio and television stations broadcast in the country.

Despite the huge number of people living in Angola, only a small part of the locals can afford to buy any kind of expensive equipment, be it a personal computer or a mobile phone.

This state of affairs determines the number of Internet users, which is estimated at more than 190 thousand people. However, there are Internet cafes in some large cities of the country.

There are several mobile operators in Angola. The largest of them: Unitel S.A. and Movicel. The main telephone lines are mostly in the use of government agencies, and more than 50% of mobile numbers belong to the military. Thanks to the underwater fiber-optic cable laid under water, telephone communication is carried out with the countries of both Europe and Asia.

Safety

Walking through the streets of Angola alone and without an experienced guide can be unsuccessful. This is primarily due to the fact that begging and hooliganism are widespread among the local population. Don't forget about pickpockets, who will not fail to familiarize themselves with the contents of your bags and pockets as soon as you are distracted.

However, the streets guarded by law enforcement officers are relatively safe.

But be as careful as possible at intersections, as the inhabitants of Angola often do not follow the instructions of traffic lights, moreover, the latter are often absent.

Try not to use cameras in front of government officials dressed in blue uniforms, and in no case take pictures of military installations and government buildings.

Remember that it is forbidden to take the local currency out of the country. Try to spend it on the spot, or exchange it for US dollars.

Business climate

The main type of business in the country is oil production. On the territory of Angola there is a state-owned company (Sonangol) that carries out this type of activity. Many foreign industrial giants are involved in oil production and the search for new deposits in this African state. The most famous of them are Total and Petrobras.

Diamond mining companies are also doing well. Construction is profitable, which is associated with the ever-growing demand for real estate and high prices for it.

One of the most developed business sectors is tourism. They are engaged not only by local residents, but also by foreigners. In Angola, you can easily meet someone from Russia and Ukraine who moved to the country back in Soviet times as a military translator.

Such a service as air travel is also popular, which is associated with the poor quality of roads, which is faced not only by local residents, but also by tourists, if necessary, to get inland.

Purification of water can also be profitable, since its quality in Angola leaves much to be desired.

It is also worth paying attention to the medical industry, which at the moment is not well developed and is not in high enough demand among the local population. So, at the moment, several pharmaceutical plants are put up for sale.

There is a prospect of development of the port business, as well as the construction of a shipyard and a fish factory.

At the moment, the construction of the first wind farm in the country is underway.

Real estate

Real estate prices in the country are high compared to other countries of the African continent, and the European one too. This is primarily due to the huge number of foreigners arriving in the country to work in oil companies, which are quite numerous in Angola.

Demand for office real estate is steadily growing, but the state currently cannot offer a sufficient number of modern buildings for everyone.

The Government of Angola is carrying out a large-scale project to build houses for the poor, as many of them still live in appalling conditions, with no access to clean water or sanitation.

The country's economy continues to develop at a very fast pace, which means that the value of real estate will also grow steadily.

You can exchange your money for local currency at any bank in the country, which are open from 10:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday. Exchange offices also work on Saturdays - from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

Some difficulties with the performance of exchange operations may arise in small settlements, but then you can make an exchange on the so-called "black market".

Credit cards, like traveler's checks, are generally only valid on big cities. For travel to the interior of the country, away from major cities You need to bring enough cash with you.

Please note that community organizations, shops and banks tend to open around 8am, with some not open all day.

When going out for a walk, do not forget to take a closed bottle of water with you, as not all parts of the country have the opportunity to buy it, and the quality of local water leaves much to be desired.

It is also worth stocking up on a first aid kit with at least a minimal set of medicines.

Angola on the map

The official language of Angola is Portuguese. In addition to him, the indigenous people speak several African dialects. Slightly more than half of the population professes Christianity: 38% of them are Catholics, and 15% are Protestants. The rest of the Angolans prefer traditional local beliefs. About 90 religious sects are registered in the country, and their number is growing every year. Since September 2015, Islam has been officially banned in Angola and all mosques have been closed.

Geographically, the country is divided into three regions. The Atlantic coast is occupied by a coastal plain with a width of 50 to 150 km. In the center and in the west there is a plateau - the Angolan Plateau, which covers 90% of the entire territory. Its highest point is Mount Moko (2620 m). Between the coast and the mountains there is a transition zone, which consists of wide terraces.

Perennial Civil War and other military clashes in Angola ceased in early XXI century. The country has the richest natural resources and is just beginning to reveal its tourism potential. The hotel service and tourist infrastructure here are still at the stage of formation.

Climate

In the west of Angola, a trade wind tropical climate prevails. Since the cold Benguela Current runs along the coast, the air on the plains is colder than on the plateau. Its temperature reaches +24...+26 °С in the warmest month of the year - March, and up to +16...+20 °С in the coldest month - July. Precipitation is scarce and rainfall is particularly low in the southern part of the country, in the Namib Desert.

The territory of the Angolan Plateau is located in the zone of the equatorial monsoon climate. From October to May, a wet, rainy summer sets in in the mountains, and a dry winter reigns from June to September. Air temperature is determined by altitude above sea level. In mountainous areas, compared to lowlands, it is always cooler and there is more precipitation.

In the south of Angola, in the desert, there are quite strong temperature drops. Sometimes at night the thermometer can drop to 0 ° C.

What to see in Angola

The coastline of Angola stretches along the Atlantic Ocean for a distance of 1650 km. There are many good beaches and excellent conditions for windsurfing and diving. The best equipped beach areas are run by seaside hotels.

Sports fishing enthusiasts go to Big City Tombwa, which is located on the coast in the Namib region. The coastal waters are home to many species of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans and molluscs. Black whales often swim here. According to experts, the biodiversity of the ocean off the coast of Angola is in no way inferior to the Caribbean Sea.

Eco-tourism is popular in Angola. Almost half of the Angolan lands are covered with forests and savannahs. The densest forest areas are located in the northwest of Angola. National parks are open in the country - Iona, Kissama, Kameya and Milando, where they provide an opportunity to survive and breed rare and endangered species of the local fauna: red buffalo, manati and sea turtles.

Elephants live in the savannas different types antelopes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, lions, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. Unfortunately, the number of cheetahs and elephants has decreased significantly from constant poaching, but the Angolan authorities are making every possible effort to eradicate this evil.

The country is covered with an extensive river network. The Angolan rivers belong to the Zambezi and Congo basins. They are swift and rapids, and the water level in the rivers is highly dependent on monsoon rains. Kwanza, Kubango, Kwito and Kunene are the largest rivers in the country, and hippos are found in them.

In some places, tourists make river rafting on bamboo rafts. The largest waterfall in Angola, Duki de Bragança, the picturesque waterfalls of Luando and Cambabwe on the Kwanza River, as well as tours to the desert expanses of Namib, are very popular among travelers.

The unique culture of local African tribes attracts lovers of ethnographic tourism. In different parts of Angola, tribes leading a distinctive way of life have been preserved. In ethnic villages, tourists are shown ritual costumes, interesting rituals and traditional folk dances. Here you can also hear the game on musical instruments. The Angolans are excellent at drums, shinglu guitar, sonorous longu bells, similar to kissanji and marimba xylophones, as well as mbulumbumba musical bow.

One of the most revered places by the indigenous Angolans is the Black Stones, which stand near the small town of Pungo Andongo, 115 km from Melange. They are large solidified eruptions of volcanic lava. Many local legends associated with this natural attraction have been preserved. According to one of them, the Angolan queen Zinga Mbandi Ngola, who ruled in the 17th century, walked here. The Angolans honor her for her active opposition to the Portuguese colonialists. The queen united several neighboring tribes and founded the state of Matamba in the central part of Angola.

Architecture and arts and crafts

The traditional dwellings of the indigenous people of Angola are rectangular, one-story houses with a flat roof. Due to poverty, the Angolans do not often change the roof, so everywhere you can see buildings with a lot of stones on the roofs. There are no such stones on the dwellings of more prosperous Angolans.

In Angolan villages, there are round huts made of clay using a frame of wooden stakes. The roof for these houses is made of grass and reeds. It can be gable or made in the form of a tent. Almost all doorways and walls of buildings are decorated with carved or painted images of animals, birds and spirits. Some tribes build houses on wooden piles, and in cities they use modern building materials and technologies.

To the first works visual arts Angola refers to the rock carvings in Kaningiri, which were painted by Africans in 8-5 millennium BC. Nowadays, woodcarving is widely developed in Angola. Craftsmen make ritual masks, furniture, figurines to decorate homes and household items.

The Angolans know how to make good pottery. Often clay products are decorated with pricked ornaments. From the fibers of trees, they excellently weave dishes and mats. All these products are distinguished by a multi-colored geometric pattern.

Sights of Luanda

The country's capital is located on the Atlantic coast, near the mouth of the Kwanza River. divided into Lower and Upper City. The lower city is built along a semicircular bay and boasts architectural monuments colonial era. Graceful forms, interesting decor and a mixture of baroque and classicism styles are represented by buildings erected by the Portuguese, Spaniards, French, Americans and Americans. As a legacy from the Portuguese, the city has street signs made of ceramic tiles, and you can see elegant mosaics on the paved sidewalks.

Christian temples are open in Luanda - the Jesuit Church, the temple of the Madonna of Nazareth and the temple of the Carmelites. While walking around the capital, it is interesting to visit the fortress of San Miguel, built in the 17th century. It was the first defensive structure of the European type that appeared on the territory of the country. Today, the well-preserved old fort houses the Central Museum of the Armed Forces. Many beautiful mansions have been built in the Upper City. Here are the buildings of government offices, the local university, the seminary and the Cathedral.

A museum of Angola has been opened in the capital, which exhibits rich collections on the history and ethnography of the country. Many tourists also visit museums of slavery and the armed forces. In addition, in Luanda there are art galleries that are interesting to see and have collected large paintings and graphic collections. They exhibit works by famous Angolan artists whose work has received international recognition - Antonio Ole, Roberto Silva and Victor Teixeira ("Viteix").

From the capital of Angola, travelers go on eco-tours. Their routes run through virgin forests located near the city, just a 30-40 minute drive from the central bus station. Many species of animals and birds live in the wild savanna, but it is better to use the services of an experienced guide for a trip there.

Local kitchen

The indigenous people of Angola traditionally eat at home. This is due to the lack of catering establishments and the low level of sanitary standards in eateries, cafes and restaurants. Thanks to the government program for the development of tourism, the number of cafes, restaurants and bars of an acceptable level of service is constantly growing. Especially many such establishments are opened in Luanda and other large cities.

Several centuries of Portuguese colonization had a great influence on the local cuisine. Today, it combines the culinary customs of local African tribes and Portuguese traditions. In addition, the Portuguese, as Catholics, taught the Angolans to observe fasting days.

The locals love tasty and hearty food. In Angola, seafood, legumes, corn, rice, and soups are popular. In many places they cook "cacusso" - tilapia fried in palm oil. Chicken, fish, shrimp, and even vegetable dishes are often seasoned with a "piri-piri" sauce made from hot peppers. Salads are made from vegetables and herbs grown in the country, but Angolans like to use imported bananas and tomatoes for their preparation.

Several varieties of grapes are grown in the south of the country. Winemaking is developed here.

Souvenirs

As a memento of a trip to Angola, travelers usually bring ceremonial African masks, figurines carved from wood, as well as handicrafts made of stone and bronze. As souvenirs, textiles, clay vases, jugs and trays, wicker baskets, crafts made from straw, reeds and dry grass, mats with geometric patterns, tribal costumes and malachite jewelry are in use. Local spices are also appreciated by culinary specialists.

Markets and shops where you can buy souvenirs are everywhere. Near Luanda, the Benfica market is considered the most visited.

Transport

The main form of public transport in Angola is minibuses, painted blue on the bottom and blue on the top. White color. The fare for a bus or fixed-route taxi is $0.5-1, but foreign tourists are not recommended to use public transport. It is believed that it is easier and safer for them to travel by taxi. For short distances, a taxi ride costs $5-6.

Driving in Angola is on the right. Renting a car costs $45-55 per day, but driving on roads within the country is quite problematic, since most of them are in a broken state. In addition, in the event of a breakdown, it is almost impossible to contact a service center or emergency service. Those tourists who still decide to go on an independent trip by car to the countryside try to stock up on tools in advance to repair the car on their own.

Planes fly from the coast inland. These services are very popular with tourists and locals. The flight costs from $100. Another option for movement within the country is railways. There are three railway lines in Angola, and travel on them is inexpensive.

Safety

Due to begging and cases of hooliganism of the local population, tourists are not recommended to walk the streets of cities alone, especially at night. We must also not forget that pickpocketing is common in markets, transport and shops. It is relatively safe and calm only on those streets that are guarded by law enforcement officers.

It is not customary for local drivers to follow the rules of the road, so crossing the street can be a problem. You need to be careful anywhere - both at unregulated intersections and where traffic lights are installed.

Cameras and camcorders should be used with caution in public places. In Angola, filming of military installations, government buildings and representatives of local authorities in blue is not encouraged.

Currency

The local currency is the kwanza (AOA). You can exchange money at bank branches, exchange offices and hotels. In Luanda and large cities, this is not difficult to do. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 16.00, and exchange offices are open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 11.00. In the provinces, currency exchange turns into a whole problem. It is forbidden to take kwanzas out of Angola, and the currency that has not been spent must be exchanged before departure.

In Angola, travelers face the problem of using credit cards or travelers checks. They are accepted only in some metropolitan hotels, restaurants and shops, so you need to travel in places other than Luanda with cash.

Visa and customs restrictions

To visit Angola, you must apply for a visa and have a medical certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Obtaining a visa usually takes two weeks. A single entry tourist visa is issued for a month. Citizens of Russia traveling around the country for up to 30 days do not need to register. Those who stay longer in Angola must be registered.

You can import cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and food into the country duty-free - within the limits of personal needs. Foreign currency can also be imported without restrictions, but must be declared. It is strictly forbidden to export and import any weapons, narcotic drugs, unprocessed precious stones, as well as products made from ivory, tortoise shell and shellfish.

• Public organizations, shops and bank branches, as a rule, work only in weekdays starting from 8.00. Moreover, some of them are not open all day.
• The national holiday - Angola's Independence Day - is celebrated on November 11.
• The local population mainly lives by subsistence farming. Food sold to tourists is more expensive than in other African countries. This is primarily due to high inflation. A dozen eggs can be bought for $5, 1 liter of milk for $2.5, 1 kg of cheese for $17-20, a bottle of wine for $3. Lunch at the cafe will cost $35.
• Accommodation in hotels is also expensive. A day in a 2* hotel in Luanda costs from $100, and in a 5* hotel - about $500. Most of the hotels are concentrated in the area of ​​the Atlantic coast. There are very few 5* hotels. In the rest of Angola, only family hotels with a minimum level of service are open.
• Many tourists, going to Angola, prefer to rent accommodation. It is cheaper than hotels, but more expensive than in many countries of the world. To rent a two-room apartment in the capital, you will need to spend from $ 7,000 per month, and a three-room apartment - from $ 20,000.
• When going for a walk in Angola, it is better to have a supply drinking water, since you can not buy bottled water in all places. The same applies to medicines. When traveling, a personal first aid kit never hurts.
• Most of the country's inhabitants do not speak English, so it is better for tourists to have phrasebooks with them.
Zimbabwe

By sea. The cities and Lobito have ports where passenger ships call from different countries peace. Ships from Namibia also moor in these and other ports on the country's Atlantic coast.

By bus. Regular bus service connects the territories of Angola and Namibia. Especially a lot of buses and fixed-route taxis run between the border cities of these two states.