Angola

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Angolan Embassies and Tourist Offices | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance

CLIMATE

Angola's climate varies considerably from the coast to the central plateau and even between the north coast and the south coast. The north, from Cabinda to Ambriz, has a damp tropical climate. The region that begins a little to the north of Luanda and extends to Mocamedes, the Malanje region, and the eastern strip has a moderate tropical climate. Damp conditions prevail south of Mocamedes, dry conditions in the central plateau zone, and a desert climate in the southern strip between the plateau and the frontier with Namibia. There are two seasons: a dry, cool season from June to late September, and a rainy, hot season from October to the end of May. The average temperature is 20C (68F); average maximum temperatures during the hot season do not exceed 26C (79F). The Benguela Current makes the coastal regions arid or semiarid. The annual rainfall is about 8 inches in the southwest, increasing to 80 inches in the northeast.

Climate Chart for Luanda

For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

General Advice
Due to the civil war, internal security procedures are tight. Travellers should carry identity papers with them. Street crime is not a major problem in most Angolan towns, but armed robberies and attacks on travellers on roads outside the main urban centers are on the increase.

VISAS AND INFORMATION

Visas are required by all nationalities. Visa applications made at embassies abroad have to be referred to Luanda, so it is worth bearing in mind it can take up to two weeks to come through.

Listing of Angola Tourist offices and/or embassies location around the world

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 new kwanza=100 lwei
Current Exchange Rate: Today's Exchange Rate

BANKING AND BUSINESS HOURS

Banks: 08:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 15:00 (Monday to Friday)
Business Offices: 08:30 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 18:00 (Monday to Friday) Some are open from 08:30 - 12:30 on Saturday
Government Offices: 08:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 18:00 (Monday to Friday), 08:30 - 12:30 (Saturday)
Office hours are approximate and subject to change

LOCAL TIME

Angola is one hour ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Air:

International Flights to Angola

Click for flights from Europe with KLM


Taxis:
Are difficult to find and are expensive. If you arrive at the airport you will need to arrange to have someone meet you or use a transport service provided by one of the hotels.


Railways / Train Services:
The railway system is under repair, since the damage caused during the civil war. There is a regular passenger route from Lobito and Benguela to Luaubut unless you are travelling first class this is very basis, no sleeping cars or air-conditioning.

Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) - Connects the Atlantic port of Lobito, Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia; ( website in Portuguese)


Bus:
There are buses throughout the country but the service is poor and the buses are generally very crowded


Road:

The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Angola Travel Map   (Maps Worldwide)
Cartographia Series World Travel Maps
Format Folded Map, Scale 1:2 000 000
Full colour travel maps with place name index are produced by one of the worlds longest established cartographers.

Other Maps & Atlases for Sale

The major roads are generally in good condition. There are numerous checkpoints and you should carry identity papers when travelling around. Driving is on the right hand side and a valid national or international license is required.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Angola, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

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