Luanda capital of Angola © www.angola.org.uk
Situated in Central Africa, west of Zambia and north of Namibia,
Angola is slowly realising its potential as a tourist hotspot after
decades of bloody civil war, which followed independence from
Portugal in 1975.
A stunning coastline strung with beautiful sandy beaches, a
mountainous interior that gives way to deep gorges and tumbling
waterfalls, and a number of national parks and wildlife reserves
throughout, Angola offers hundreds of opportunities for eco-tourism
to its visitors. Natural resources aside, the country also boasts a
rich traditional culture, culinary specialities and people known
for their hospitality and affability.
The picture is not entirely rosy, however, and the lack of
infrastructure, the difficulties and dangers of overland transport,
poor health services and crime are challenges travellers need to
consider, particularly outside of the capital Luanda. But signs of
economic recovery are evident, and the fact that Angola is rich in
natural resources such as diamonds and gas, as well as being
Africa's second largest oil exporter after Nigeria, brings hope of
development for the not too distant future.
