Port
Luanda, Angola
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$290
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Located on the west coast of Southern Africa, Angola was under colonial rule until November 11, 1975, the date when it became an independent nation. The Angolan Civil War began after the end of the war for independence from Portugal in 1975. The war featured conflict between two primary Angolan factions, the communist MPLA and the anti-communist UNITA. By the time the 27-year war was formally brought to an end in 2002, an estimated 500,000 people had been killed. The Angolan Civil War was one of the largest, longest, and most prominent armed conflicts of the Cold War. Both the Soviet Union and the U.S. considered it critical to the global balance of power, and to the outcome of the Cold War. As a result, both Cuban and South African forces were also drawn into this conflict.
No country in the world has had such a continuously appalling start to independence as Angola, potentially so prosperous from its natural resources, but suffering from lethally self-inflicted wounds.
Today Luanda is undergoing a renaissance of epic proportions, driven by the vast natural resources that the country has in abundance – oil and diamonds. Its people are determined and committed to turn around its fortunes, and rebuild a strong and united Angola.
After departing the quayside, drive along Marginal Bay, with the commercial part of the city on the one side, and views across the bay on the other. Drive past the Igreje de Senhora de Nazare – a small beautiful church and a National Monument. Continue and visit the old Iron Palace “Palacio de Ferro” designed by the famous architect Gustav Eiffel, whose work also features in other African cities.
Drive to photo stop at the Gothic-style church of Los Remedios which was built in 1719 as a chapel. In 1775 he took on the church until the time of the action caused the deterioration of its structure. The church had to be reformed in 1798, at the hands of Francis Xavier, who managed to accomplish the work with donations from the faithful. Currently, dos Remedios Church is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved churches of San Luis.
Visit the Angolan National Museum of Anthropology, featuring an array of traditional masks along with art, sculptures, tools, weaponry, jewelry, clothing and musical instruments.
Drive to and visit at the San Miguel Fort original built on 1576. Its purpose was to defend the port and the city from attack by the marauding French, Spanish and Dutch armies. It was successful until 1641 when the Dutch seized Luanda.
Driving along the new marginal and visit the unique Agostinho Neto Mausoleum, a huge stylized obelisk. Rumor has it that this is the grave of Angola's first president, President Agostino Neto. Having very strong communist affiliations, Neto died in 1979, and it is said that this was erected as a gift from the Russian government.
Thereafter drive through “Cidade Alta”, or uptown, a pleasant, airy and calm suburb above the rest of the city, with several pink colonial buildings. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see Presidential Palace, together with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministries of Defense, Immigration, Justice, Health and the British Embassy. Drive past the beautiful Catholic Church “Igreja de Jesus”, where many important people of Angolan high society get married
Depart to ‘Baixa’ or downtown to view the houses of parliament – both new and old. After driving past many areas in the city which are due for total upgrades, and whole communities being moved, the group will realize that this is truly a city that has a rapidly changing face – well on its way to regaining its mantle of yesteryear - the ‘Paris of Africa’.
After this unique day of touring, make your way back to the quayside along the Marginal and pass the National Bank of Angola – a great example of colonial architecture, where you still find the Portuguese insignia on the main entrance.
Please note:
Although basic, the coaches are maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. PA systems for commentary are virtually non-existent; however, some vehicles are equipped with a GPS-triggered narration system. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Angola and, in order to support the local community, the tour operator uses local guides. Some guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships, but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. curio shops are simply not available yet. Visiting Luanda is a rewarding experience, but it requires some acceptance and understanding that it is markedly different froEnglish is the third language of Angolans. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Angola is a fascinating country and Luanda holds the dubious honor of being the most expensive city in the world. Prices here are fueled by oil revenues; the economy is very sensitive to movements in the price of crude oil. The tourism sector is in its early infancy; some basic tourism facilities such as m some other ports. The trade-off for any inconveniences is that you are witnessing the current character of this developing nation, which will be lost to future visitors. Government authorities reserve the right to limit access to museums and other points of interest. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. Some of the monuments and attractions you will see fall under the rules pertaining to military or state defense objects; you are not allowed to photograph such sites and ignoring these rules can lead to serious problems with the local authorities. Please ask your tour guide's advice before using your camera at all. There are no restroom facilities available during the tour or on the transportation unless specifically stated otherwise. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions. Because Angola is a developing country and things change rapidly, the tour operator also reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary.