Angola aka: Angola

Bring bug repellent.

This place did change my life. I was there in 1999 for about 6 months. I learned Portuguese there. I recommend anyone who wants to go there to go! However, like previous entries have stated, I don’t recommend going there alone. Knowing an Angolan there, or going with an Ex-pat is the best way, as it is safer and you will be able to experience more.

Boa Viagem!

The first time I learned more about Angola than the superficial fact that it was once a Portuguese colony was during a seminar on politics of African states- it has an incredibly interesting history and is a fascinating place! I wound up doing a policy analysis focusing on Angolan politics post its four civil wars, and then found myself really wanting to go there. A couple former professors of mine who have done some extensive traveling and work in Angola have been more than supportive, so perhaps after I get my master’s degree it will be something I can do.

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!

I was born in Angola-(Lobito) in south of the country!

I’ve traveled with my father to some great places in this amazing country.

It was the most beautiful time in my life!

I’ve been living in Angola for almost 14 years.

Oh i wish so much to go there again!