A Discovery Journey to Angola

Welcoming Heat and Chaos

The smell was the first thing I noticed. This was in late 2009, the smell of petrol mixed with the warm sun, after a 9-hour flight. At that time the traffic was quite significant, everything looked chaotic, but at the same time enigmatic.

Friendly and Curious People

However, underneath the initial chaos, I discovered the Angolan people to be extremely friendly, curious and open to new cultures. They were happy with little, actually happy to meet foreigners and interested in learning about different ways of life.

A Melting Pot of Flavors

The diversity of cultures in Angola means the local cuisine is a melting pot of flavors. Dishes from Portugal, Brazil and various African nations come together in unique and delicious Angolan fusion cuisine. Some popular dishes include muamba de galinha (chicken in peanut sauce), arroz de mariscos (seafood rice) and pão di queijo (cheese bread).

Vibrant Nightlife in the Capital

Luanda, the coastal capital city, never sleeps. By night, the streets come alive with music, drinks and dancing. In the lively nightclubs and beach bars in the capital, locals and visitors alike enjoy the energetic live music scenes and buzzing nightlife culture of the city well into the early hours of the morning.

Natural Beauty Along the Coast

Despite the challenges, Angola possesses spectacular natural beauty. Most notably are the unspoiled beaches and coastlines stretching along almost 700 miles of coastline. In the capital Luanda, the Ilha do Cabo is a peaceful oasis surrounded by turquoise waters just a short ferry ride from the city. Further afield, the seaside town of Benguela and historical city of Lobito offer a delightful coastal escape.

A Welcoming Culture

Perhaps the greatest asset of Angola is its people. Known for their warmth and hospitality, Angolans take great pride in their national identity and welcome foreigners with curiosity, friendship and joy. Visitors will be struck by the sociable nature and polite Angolan culture that promotes harmony between its diverse ethnic groups and incoming influences.

Historical Legacy and Future Potential

Although periods of political instability and civil war have slowed progress, Angola is steadying its recovery. It aims to diversify its economy and translate its bountiful natural resources into sustainability and prosperity. Major investments continue in infrastructure to better connect its people and unlock opportunities across the vast country. With its hospitable culture, Angola stands ready to welcome the world and realise its immense economic potential. Its history may have been turbulent, but the future looks bright.