Backpacking or traveling in Angola?

• Africa's second largest waterfall, diamonds and plenty of adventure, that's Angola! The country offers a rich mix of nature, culture and history, from vast savannahs to beautiful coastlines and lovely people.
• Despite the appeal of its natural beauty, Angola is not yet as developed for tourism, which means travelers should be prepared for limited infrastructure and sometimes challenging conditions.
• Activity spotting: visit the impressive Kalandula Falls - one of Africa's largest waterfalls; explore the dramatic sand dunes and coastline of Namibe Desert; explore Kissama National Park for a safari experience with elephants and giraffes; visit the colonial architecture of Luanda, the capital of Angola; relax on the beaches of Mussulo Island; climb the Tundavala Gorge; explore the historic city of M'banza-Kongo; take a boat ride on the Cuanza River; learn about the history of the Angolan Civil War in museums.
• Animal spotting: elephants, buffalo, giraffe, Angolan lion, giant sable antelope, leopards, zebras, African buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, Angolan pitta, gaboon ibis, black-necked heron.
• Food spotting: a mix of Angolan, Portuguese and Brazilian. Try muamba de galinha (chicken in palm oil), calulu (fish or meat stew), funge (corn porridge), grilled tilapia, caldeirada de peixe (fish soup), muamba de galinha (spicy chicken stew), cachupa (the local form of avg but with beans), kizaca (stewed cassava leaves with rice, generally vega!), feijão de óleo de palma (bean stew, usually vega too).

Studying in Angola?

• Higher education in Angola is growing, but still faces challenges such as limited infrastructure and resources. The quality of education is improving, especially in larger cities such as Luanda, where more universities and technical institutions can be found.
• Technical studies such as engineering, mining, and studies focused on petroleum are popular because of the economic focus on the country's natural resources. Medical studies and economics are also important given the national development needs.
• Study cities: Luanda, Benguela, Huambo.
• Language: Portuguese.
• Internship in Angola?
• There are opportunities for internships in Angola, especially in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, health care and development. International NGOs and companies sometimes offer internships, but these are often limited to larger cities such as Luanda.
• Competencies: cross-cultural communication, project management, technical skills in emerging markets,

Volunteering in Angola?

• Due to the prolonged civil war, volunteer options are still few and far between. Landmines lurk throughout the country, so few people venture outside the cities. The volunteer work that is available can be found primarily with NGOs and international aid organizations.
• Popular projects include community development, education, health care, and conservation. Volunteers can contribute to programs focused on poverty alleviation, helping children, rebuilding after civil war, and improving infrastructure in rural areas.

Working in Angola?

• The oil and gas sector is by far the largest employer for expatriates in Angola. Many foreigners also work in construction, mining and infrastructure. Education (especially teaching English), health care, and international aid are also sectors in which foreigners find work.
• Speaking Portuguese is helpful, though.

Working as a digital nomad in Angola?

• The country is not the most comfortable or easy country, and the infrastructure (both for traveling around and working) is lacking. Should you still want to go there as a digital nomad, it is certainly a nice challenge and can pave the way for others.

Living in Angola?

• Moving to Angola means beautiful beaches, good food, lovely people, but also security measures and limited infrastructure.
• Schools: there are some international schools in Luanda for expats, but outside the capital, educational opportunities are limited. Local schools are often understaffed and poorly equipped.
• Culture: Angolan culture is heavily influenced by Portuguese colonial history and local African traditions. Music, dance (such as kizomba and semba), and art play an important role in daily life. Angola is known for its hospitality and rich cultural diversity.
• Climate: Angola has a tropical climate with a wet season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. Temperatures vary depending on altitude and location, with coastal areas being milder than inland areas.
• Security: Although Angola is recovering from the civil war, security concerns remain, especially in terms of crime in urban areas such as Luanda. It is advised to exercise caution and stay abreast of local security advisories.
• Health insurance: health care in Angola is limited and expatriates usually use private clinics in Luanda. For more complex care, people often travel to neighboring countries, such as South Africa. So it is important to purchase your own well-covered health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Angola