Angola: Oil Wealth, Portuguese Vibes & Harsh Realities Country #123 | 27–29 July 2025
Luanda, the capital of Angola, is a city of striking contrasts — flashy modern buildings rising next to deep poverty. After hearing about its oil riches, I expected more development, but the reality on the ground is still very challenging.
Arrival & Stay in Luanda
I flew from Johannesburg to Luanda with Airlink (a 3-hour flight). The airport is surprisingly small and basic. I exchanged Swiss francs into local currency right at the exit, as taxis only accepted cash. Always carry USD or local cash in Angola.
I stayed at the Hotel Portea by Marriott, one of the better options in the city. The gym was small but well-equipped with new Technogym machines. Due to the visible poverty on the drive from the airport (many people searching through trash), I chose not to wander alone and stayed within the hotel on the first evening. The hotel restaurant offered excellent Portuguese-influenced food — I enjoyed Bacalhau (salted cod) and Picanha steak. Portuguese is the main language here.
Guided City Tour
The next day I did a private guided tour with hotel pickup. The guide spoke perfect English and showed me daily life in Luanda, historical sites, a museum, and even took me to a nice fine-dining restaurant called Alquimia.
One thing I noticed immediately: there were almost no other tourists. I stood out everywhere, and people looked at us with strong curiosity. In places like this, I always recommend using a local guide for comfort and safety.
Challenges & Reality Check
During my city tour, a major taxi drivers’ protest erupted after a big fuel price increase. One person was killed, and the guide mentioned live ammunition was used. We had to wait inside the restaurant for hours until the streets were safe again. The next morning, I left the hotel at 6 AM for my 1 PM flight, just to avoid any risk of further violence.
At the airport departure, officials asked for my Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. I didn’t have one. After some negotiation, they offered to “sell” me one for 50 USD without actually administering the vaccine. I accepted it — something to keep in mind if you’re traveling in Africa.
Final Thoughts
Angola has enormous natural resources but struggles with infrastructure, governance, and poverty. The contrast is quite sad to see. While Luanda has some modern pockets and interesting Portuguese colonial influence, the city feels restricted in its development and not very tourist-friendly yet.
Would I recommend Angola? Only for adventurous travelers who are comfortable with raw, developing destinations and are willing to use guides and stay cautious. Most visitors will get more out of Angola’s beautiful beaches and nature outside Luanda once the country becomes easier to travel. For now, it’s a tough but eye-opening addition to a Southern Africa trip.
