Luanda

Luanda’s climate is moderate and semi-arid.

Due to the chilly Benguela Current, which prevents precipitation from rapidly condensing into rain, the climate is moderate to hot yet unexpectedly dry. Even during the entirely dry months of June to October, frequent fog keeps temperatures from lowering at night.

Luanda is home to almost one-third of Angolans, with 53% of the population living in poverty. For the most part, living conditions in Luanda remain poor, with critical amenities like as potable drinking water and electricity still in limited supply, as well as significant traffic congestion. Luxury buildings for the advantage of the rich few, on the other hand, are growing. Luanda is one of the most costly cities in the world for international residents.

Processed foods, drinks, textiles, cement and other construction materials, plastics, metalware, cigarettes, and shoes/clothing are all examples of manufacturing. The city refines petroleum (discovered in neighboring off-shore resources), however the plant was frequently destroyed during the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002).

Luanda has a great natural harbor, and coffee, cotton, sugar, diamonds, iron, and salt are the main exports. The city also boasts a strong construction sector, which is a result of the countrywide economic boom that began in 2002 when the civil war ended and governmental stability was restored.

Despite its low visitor numbers, the city has a surprisingly high number of international links, which mostly serve Angolans residing abroad (such as in Brazil) and an increasing number of enterprises serving the oil and diamond sectors, as well as rehabilitation (done largely by Chinese workers and Brazilian firms). A few airlines continue to run routes based on Cold War relationships (to Havana and Moscow).

The city serves as the hub for the national carrier TAAG Angola Airlines, one of only three profitable airlines in Sub-Saharan Africa, with flights to 15 Angolan towns. They have regular flights to Johannesburg as well as Douala, Cameroon; Sal, Cape Verde; Bangui, CAR; Kinshasa, DRC; Brazzaville and Pointe Noire in the Congo; Windhoek, Namibia; Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe; Lusaka, Zambia; and Harare, Zimbabwe. Dubai, Beijing (via Dubai), Lisbon, Paris, and trans-Atlantic flights to Rio de Janeiro, So Paulo, and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil are among its long-haul destinations.

SonAir, in addition to TAAG, serves around a dozen airports throughout the nation. International service includes flights to/from Dubai (Emirates), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), London-Heathrow (BA), Paris-de Gaulle (Air France), Windhoek (Air Namibia), Brussels (Brussels Airlines), Havana (Cubana, seasonal), Moscow (Aeroflot), Beijing (Hainan, via Dubai), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian), and Lisbon (Brazil Airlines) (TAP Portugal).

When leaving the nation, do not take any kwanza to the airport since it is unlawful to attempt to carry kwanza out of the country; you may be detained by fiscal police and fined (all your kwanza and most of your other money) or imprisoned.

Rail services in Angola have improved dramatically in recent years. Reconstruction and modernisation are being carried out by Chinese companies, repairing what was once Africa’s most extensive rail network under colonial authority. Trains, on the other hand, are only of limited service to tourists since they primarily serve commuters. The long-distance services from Malanje are an exception. It is worth noting that train services continue to have a bad reputation for being unsafe.

All long-distance trains arrive at the ‘Estaço Central de Luanda,’ which is situated north of the city center on Largo Eng. Pedro Folque.

The National Bus Service has just reopened, however routes have not yet been established. Local services are available in Luanda and between cities.

The coastal highway that connects the DR Congo and Namibia will be the primary route for visitors. It’s a beautiful location that’s also in decent condition. Roads, especially a few six-lane roads heading out of the city, are a primary priority in restoration operations. It’s possible to expect a combination of shaky ancient roadways and smooth modern roads.

To encourage more people in Luanda to utilize the bus system, the government is making significant investments in it.

A common mode of transportation for residents of the city is the Candongueiros, a light blue and white minibus cab. Locals utilize them every day, despite the fact that many foreigners consider them harmful. They are a safe, convenient, and generally speedy mode of transportation throughout the city’s core during the daylight hours until 8 p.m. Unless it’s raining or there’s a lot of traffic, the prices are 100 Kwanzas each way.

Macon Taxi, a privately owned taxi service in the area (20-30 USD per trip).

With multilingual drivers (paul@eco-tur.com) and 4×4 and minibus rental, Eco Tur can also assist with airport transportation. (+1 412 501 387).

At +244 222 264 423, B Home provides airport pick-ups and may be hired (drivers) Angola’s capital city of Luanda and Houston, Texas are both B Home’s headquarters. Toll-free: +1 281-444-5988. (Houston Office).

There are some decent roads in Luanda, but the rest of the country’s roadways fall well short of these standards. During the wet season, don’t be shocked if you experience unforeseen difficulties. Luanda’s main thoroughfares are paved, but the slums’ streets are in disrepair, and the vast majority of roadways lack markings or signals of any kind whatsoever. Improvements are being done all across the city, as previously stated. With a dearth of public transportation and an abundance of minibus taxis, congestion is a serious issue.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• Mausoleum of Augostinho Neto, +244 222334835. When arriving in Luanda, the enormous obelisk-like edifice rising over the rest of the city is difficult to miss. If you’re wondering what it is or why it’s there, it’s a mausoleum dedicated to Augustinho Neto, Angola’s first President who spearheaded the country’s war for independence.
• São Miguel’s Fortress (Fortaleza de São Miguel), Calçada de S. Miguel. It was constructed in 1576 and served as the administrative hub of Luanda during the early years of colonial administration. It served as a self-contained city for the early military garrison and an important slave holding area. It has beautiful wall tiles depicting the city’s history, as well as several antiquities, such as cannons and the ancient slave holding cells.
• National Museum of Slavery (Museu Nacional da Escravatura), +244 222371622. Constructed in the region where slaves were imprisoned before being sent to the Americas. The museum is housed in the Capa de Casa Grande, which is where slaves were baptized before to being sent to the Americas. The museum is worth seeing for the church itself as well as the outside cannons. In the chapel’s center is an intriguing stone font that lacks a description. While there are a few genuine historical artifacts (stocks, a whip, and shackles), the framed prints on the walls are primarily reproductions of published works with little supporting information. On a mid-week visit, there was no sign of a qualified guide and no one present to switch on the exhibit’s video flatscreen panel. Nonetheless, the high, windy position is stunning.
• National Museum of Natural History, +244 222334055. Thousands of animal species, including fish, birds, crustaceans, and insects, are housed at this museum. Numerous creatures on exhibit are endangered, and some are already extinct. The museum does an outstanding job of showcasing the vast array of varied species that live in and formerly lived in this country.
• National Anthropological Museum (Museu Nacional de Antropologia), Av. de Portugal 61, Tel. : +244 222337024. The National Museum of Anthropology is dedicated to teaching the public about Angolan history and culture. It has an extraordinary collection of traditional masks, as well as paintings, sculptures, utensils, weapons, jewelry, clothing, and musical instruments. Free.
• Fortress of São Pedro da Barra (Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra). Throughout its history, this fortification fulfilled a number of roles. It was built in the 17th century to stave against attackers. When the slave trade started, it was utilized as a holding facility for slaves until they were ready to be sold. Throughout Angola’s battle for independence from Portugal, from 1961 to 1975, the fort held nationalists who were detained and ultimately imprisoned.
• Igreja Nossa Senhora do Pópulo (Igreja da Sé). Considered to be the world’s first Anglican church, it is a renowned cultural and historical monument in Luanda. This construction goes all the way back to 1482. Apart from its religious importance, the cathedral’s remarkable Baroque architecture and opulent interior attract numerous tourists.
• Igreja da Nazare. A church constructed in 1664. It is renowned for its exquisite altar crafted from Italian rose marble.

Fortaleza de Sao Miguel

Address: Calcada de Sao Miguel, Luanda, Angola

Museu da Moeda

Address: Av. 4 de Fevereiro 151, Luanda, AngolaPhone Number: +244 226 431 231Website : http://www.museudamoeda.bna.ao/ao/

National Slavery Museum

This museum chronicles the history of the slave trade in present day Angola.Address: Km. South of Luanda 18, Luanda, AngolaPhone Number:+244 923 586 173

On The Marginal or on Ilha De Luanda, the bulk of eateries are located. Take caution not to drink tap water while dining out.

Ilha de Luanda is where Luanda’s affluent congregate for dining and entertainment.

The Belas Shopping Center has a food court with a range of cuisines ranging from local fare to pizza and burgers.

Please keep in mind that many crafts DO need the purchase of “stamps” in order to cross customs. This is required, therefore ensure that you inquire before to purchasing.

• Local crafts are really reasonably priced; visit the Benfica HandCrafts Market just south of Luanda.
• Doniel Tomas (Constantino), Maianga Luanda, +244924091680.
• Belas Shopping. From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is Angola’s first retail mall, having opened in 2007. It is home to approximately a hundred unique businesses, a movie theater, a variety of eateries, and a central area with live entertainment.
• Feira de Artesanato (Feira de Artesanato), Ilha de Luanda, Calçadão (Right at the start of Ilha near casa do desportista). Visit the Handmade Craft Fair (Feira de Artesanato) on the first Saturday of each month for handcrafted items.

Luanda is heavily impacted by Portuguese culture; for example, Portuguese beer is commonly consumed, while Heineken and Carlsberg also make an appearance. Portugal’s most popular beers include Super Bock, Sagres, and Cristal (most consumed). Additionally, a diverse selection of regional beers is available, including Nocal, Cuca (the most popular – particularly the superb draught form, or “fino” in Portuguese), and Eka.

Various nations want attractive markets as well, so don’t be surprised if you see other beer brands available in local eateries. Consider Portugalia (Portuguese Beer House) near the Ilha’s entrance or one of the two boat clubs located on the Ilha for a pleasant sundowner (Clube Nautico and Clube Naval).

Not to be overlooked are the outstanding Portuguese wines, which are also readily accessible.

As with the rest of Africa, the old Angolan civilization has a plethora of traditional Luanda celebrations that have survived intact over the decades. They are not only intriguing glimpses into the ancient civilizations that existed here, but also joyful and unforgettable experiences. Therefore, for all those brave tourists to Luanda who want to experience the enchantment of Luanda festivals, here is a list of national festivals and festivities that you will not want to miss.

As with the rest of Africa, the old Angolan civilization has a plethora of traditional Luanda celebrations that have survived intact over the decades. They are not only intriguing glimpses into the ancient civilizations that existed here, but also joyful and unforgettable experiences. Therefore, for all those brave tourists to Luanda who want to experience the enchantment of Luanda festivals, here is a list of national festivals and festivities that you will not want to miss.

Luanda Jazz Festival and Other Festivals

Both the Luanda Jazz Festival and the Feira Internacional de Angola take place in July. Independence Day festivities are vibrant and popular events that are enjoyed by everybody in November in Luanda. In January, you could also choose to celebrate Luanda Day or Martyrs of Colonial Repression.

Carnival and Celebration Days

February commemorates the armed fight against colonial persecution, and it was on April 4 that a cease-fire was announced, thus ending the Civil War. Carnival, which concludes the day before Ash Wednesday each year, is a must-see. Prepare to enjoy Christmas from December 24th through early January of the following year.

Dance and Music

Many of the major art and cultural events will undoubtedly include plenty of song, dance, and music, so it’s unsurprising that the first international jazz festival was recently held in Luanda.

Carnivals and Fairs

Carnivals and fairs are popular in Portugal, owing to the Portuguese influence. In July, Luanda hosts a religious freedom festival, which brings together people of many religions from across the globe to commemorate the aspiration for religious freedom on earth.