Louvet Travel: Angola

Angola Flag

Why visit Angola?

Known for beaches, colonial buildings, desert, jungles and mosaic sidewalks.

Luanda (Capital), Angola. Photo Credit: Bruno Madeira/Pixabay

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Drums, masks and sculptures.
Local Cuisine to Try: Feijão de óleo de Palma (beans with oil). Fish Calulu. Moamba de Galinha.
Local Drink to Try: Mongozo (beer).

Angola Zoo. Photo Credit: nunobranco/Pixabay

Fun Facts

In 1484, discovered by Diogo Cão, Portuguese Explorer.
In 2004, Exim Bank of China approved a $2 billion line of credit to rebuilding their infrastructure.
In 2016, a drought caused the worst food crisis in 25 years.
In 2014, undergoing a project to turn them into a continental hub with optic fiber underwater cable
In 2017, after 38 years of service, José Eduardo dos Santos, President stepped down.
In 2019, homosexual acts was decriminalized.
Estimated to take thousands of years to remove their land mines.
A low literacy rate.
Diamond Mines are known to be under the control of Rebels.
Economy is copper, diamonds, forest, fossil fuels, gold, oil, wildlife and rapid growth in mineral and petroleum reserves.
Their legal system is based on Portuguese Laws.
China is their largest trade partner.
Education is free for eight years. Students are usually responsible for a fee for books and supplies.
African roots are evident in music and dance.
Basketball is the most popular sport.

Photo Credit: juls26/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: Angola Carnival (February), Luanda International Jazz Festival (July), Lubango Festival (August), Muxima Pilgrimage (August), Sumbe Music Festival (September) and Luanda Island Feast (November).
Holidays: Day of the Beginning the Armed Struggle (February), Day of Southern Africa Liberation (March), Day of Peace & Reconciliation (April), National Heroes Day (September), All Souls Day (November) and Independence Day (November).

Photo Credit: Wilhan José Gomes wjgomes/Pixabay

Good to Know

Has approximately 10 million unexploded landmines throughout the country.
Prone to fighting and violent street crimes.
Poor road conditions.
Ravaged by disease and malnutrition.
Medical care is below our standards.
Health risks include cerebral malaria, cholera, hemorrhagic fevers, hepatitis, marburg virus, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever. Skin infections are common. High rates of dengue, filariasis, HIV, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis and tuberculosis.
Pack a bug repellent, first aid kit and sunblock.
Select countries require a 21 Day Quarantine entering after staying in the country.
Do not enter, stand or swim in freshwater lakes or streams due to possible bilharzia (parasite).
Do not eat salads, consume local dairy products or tap water.
Save every receipt as Immgration Inspections are thorough.
Outside Luanda, Special Photo Permits are required for traveling. Take a few extra passport size photos.
Portuguese is their official language but Kikongo, Kimbundu and Umbundu are widely spoken.
Piripiri is a local hot sauce.

Photo Credit: mdccruz01/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
Tourist VISA required.
Required Vaccination for Yellow Fever.
Currency Restrictions for Entry: $10,000USD and Exit: 50,000 kwanzas + $10,000USD.

Not a common tourist destination!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

Photo Credit: juls26/Pixabay

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Thursday, November 19, 2020