The former Portuguese colony of Angola has not yet fully opened to tourists. To obtain a visa, any European (and Russian) citizen needs to collect a large package of documents and pay more than $ 200. The country has been in a civil war for a long time, and the economy is still recovering with the help of foreign investment and oil exports.
Angola is interesting, first of all, for natural attractions - there is a magnificent oceanic coastline with a length of 1600 km., Several national parks. Lovers of architecture will be interested in the ancient Portuguese forts preserved from colonial times.
An amazing combination of the traditional way of life and the modern rhythm of life can be observed in the capital of the state, Luanda, as well as in other large cities - Cabinda and Tombwa.
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What to see in Angola?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Serra da Leba
A mountain range and a serpentine road of the same name that connects Lubango with the Atlantic coast. Serra de Leba is the country's trademark; the road is depicted on local banknotes. From the observation deck on the sheer cliff, a breathtaking view of the area, almost always covered with fog, opens up. Serpentine was built by the Portuguese in the 70s. XX century.
Pungo Andongo Black Stones
Lava ejections congealed in the form of huge stones, scattered on the savanna near the town of Pungo Andongo. The tribes living nearby have many legends associated with these formations. For example, there is a male stone, touching which (according to beliefs) has a positive effect on sexual function, there is also a female stone that has a similar effect.
Kisama National Park
The largest nature reserve in the country. The western border is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The park was badly damaged during the Civil War, and even now poachers continue to carry out illegal activities on its territory. Of particular interest are animals such as the black sable and the red buffalo. After the end of the fighting, Kisama began to gradually revive.
Cameo National Park
It was formed in 1937 with the aim of protecting the fauna and flora of the unique area from poaching. The Zambezi River flows through the park, and there are also two large lakes. Due to the presence of a large number of marshes, the reserve is home to a decent variety of wading birds. Due to the lack of working personnel, poaching has not yet been completely eliminated.
Luanda Cathedral of the Holy Savior
The temple is located in the old central part of Luanda, it was built on the site of two small chapels in 1679. Initially it was called the Great Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, later it received the status of a cathedral. The building got its present appearance in 1900, after several restorations and restorations. In 1949, the temple was awarded the status of a national treasure of Angola.
Fortress of São Miguel
It rises on a mountain not far from the capital. This fortress has been the heart of the Portuguese colonial settlement since its construction in the 16th century. Later it began to function as a prison, where the rebels fighting against the colonialists were thrown. At the entrance to San Miguel, there are stone sculptures of the Portuguese kings. Now the fort houses a museum, where many types of weapons are exhibited.
Mount Moko
Located in the province of Huambo, it is the highest peak in the country (over 2600 meters). Endemic birds, numerous reptiles and mammals live in the vicinity of the mountain. Several times they tried to create a nature reserve around Moko, but now this area is not protected in any way, which leads to uncontrolled felling of the valuable myobo forest and a reduction in the population of many animals.
Ruacana Falls
This natural landmark is located on the border with Namibia. The waterfall is formed along the course of the Kunene river. Thanks to the operation of the power plant, during the dry months, Ruacana turns into small streams, and in the rainy season, a powerful current forms strong water flows that rush from the plateau into the gorge. The height of the fall is 124 meters, the width of the river in this place is more than 600 meters.
Kalandula waterfall
It is considered the second largest on the continent after Victoria Falls. The water flow becomes especially powerful during the rainy season. At this time, the waterfall is at its fullest and most picturesque. For guests of the country, Kalandula is a must-see attraction. There is even a hotel opposite the waterfall, where guests can stay during a multi-day excursion and relax to the sound of the water.
Namib Desert
The desert originates in Angola and extends for almost 2000 km. along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean across the whole of Namibia. From the language of the Nama people, the name is translated as "a place where there is nothing." Namib is the oldest desert on the planet, modern natural and climatic conditions existed here millions of years ago. The area is practically uninhabited, except for a few coastal towns.
