I was in Angola in 2002 leading the first foreign press delegation to ever visit the country after the end of the war. Drove some 4oookm from the Namibian border via Lubango past the coast to Luanda, visiting Pungo Andango (for me as a geographer the best place regarding rock formations I have ever seen in my life) – unfortunately still heavily mined – and back to Namibia on a track that is only used by UNO cars.

All in all I love this country very very much. The people have not forgotten the past but want a new future. And nobody is idly waiting for that to happen. They go out and “just do it”. Angolans are very proud, kind and gentle, curious in a very positive sense of the meaning, not menacing curious !!, and very beautiful inhabitans of one of the most beautiful countries I have seen.

Unfortunately, prices are very high – due to the expats with their US$ income and a trip to Angola will cost you a fortune and the quality does not always live up to that. But you will be rewarded with impressions to last for a lifetime. Landscape and people will break your heart.

Mining is still an issue but if you know where to go, you are safe. I would not recommend a self-drive tour at all at that stage. You can only visit with an invitation from an Angolan living in Angola.

Will gladly assist with advice – am also selling tours to Angola should you be interested in actually visiting.

Thanks for reading my entry!