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Angola

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Cabinda (but not including Cabinda city).

For most people, Angola is one of Africa’s last great travel mysteries. Despite its elemental landscapes and boom-bust oil-dependent economy, the country remains closed off to all but the most adventurous travellers thanks to stringent visa policies, high prices and a history that’s been more about war than peace.

It’s a shame. Angola has the potential to be one of Africa’s dazzling highlights. Lurking within its wild borders lies the continent’s second-largest waterfall, scattered remnants of Portuguese colonial history, a handful of emerging national parks, beaches galore and a diverse and unbelievably stoic cross-section of people.

Whether Angola will open up to outsiders any time soon is anyone's guess. The underdeveloped tourist industry has yet to spread it wings and take flight. The sooner the government tackles the country's nagging political issues, the quicker it can emerge from its protracted slumber and show the world what's it's been missing.

Explore Angola

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Angola.

Guidebooks

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Get to the heart of Angola with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.