Special Feature
Luanda, a very nautical Africa with a Portuguese accent
Located in the north east of the country on the Atlantic coast, Luanda is a Portuguese speaking city which has kept the language and Portuguese traditions. This capital city is far from resembling the atmosphere of neighbouring countries like Namibia or Tanzania. Here everything moves, everything goes quickly, to the sound of car horns and in an indefinable jumble that makes this city so enjoyable. It enjoys a tropical climate all year long and has kept a historic heritage consisting mainly of churches that mix baroque and modern styles.
Stroll along Luanda Bay and admire the port, the Sao Miguel fort and the old colonial town that’s dilapidated but magnificent. The fort offers superb views of the town. From the port you can take a fishing trip with welcoming fishermen, and practice a few words of Portuguese. To start or end the day, succumb to the pleasures of the beach. Not all the beaches are open to tourists as some are polluted and to be avoided. The best beach? Mussulo. It’s also very popular with the town’s sunkissed youth.
See the National Slavery Museum, situated in a beautiful, small 17th century church. The “Capela da Casa Grande” houses an array of historical artefacts that tell in detail the story of the slaves who were baptised in the chapel before leaving on slave ships. Touching, everyday objects punctuate a visit that focuses on historic events that occurred in the country.
Capela da Casa Grande, s/n - Morro da Cruz - Luanda – Angola
Tel: (+244) 222 371 622 / 222 371 743 - mincultura@mincultura.gv.ao
Opening hours: from 9 am to 6 pm
Search for some souvenirs at the Belas Shopping Center. Located in the Talatona district to the south of the city, it opened in 2007 and is the country’s top shopping centre with a hundred shops, from the most modern to the most old fashioned! In the middle of the centre you’ll find a cinema, a mini garden and a multitude of restaurants. Open from 9 am to 10 pm.
Visit Angola’s Natural History Museum that displays, over three floors, a wide range of animal and plant species present in Angola. Founded in 1938, defended ardently by the various directors, it’s a surprising place that gives a good home to a significant library. Specialist guides accompany the visitor who is transported through the evolution of species.
Escape the city to discover the Kissama (or Quicama) National Park, which is 70 km to the south of the city. It’s here that you will notice the country’s work relating to animal protection. Besides the park’s house, which presents species and guides visitors, an impressive acclimatization centre takes in wounded or sick animals and gives us a taste of the effort and commitment involved. The park practices reforestation and tries to repair the damage from 30 years of war. Must-do: a 45 minute trip across the Kwanza River to discover spectacular and varied bird colonies.
GOOD ADDRESSES
To discover
Dine at Noix de coco, one of the most popular places in town, just next to the ocean. A European menu is offered, including the best Portuguese cuisine and seafood platters in the city. The restaurant welcomes local bands that quickly add atmosphere to the place. Don’t miss it!
Avenue Mohammed Mortala, Ilha de Luanda, Tel. (+244) 912 205 777
Stop by Futungo Market, one of the only markets in town. In the south of the capital, it’s the largest market in Angola, with many artisans present, mainly from the Kikongo tribe. Futungo is more than a simple market, go there to chat, meet and haggle. And young ladies may even find their future husband! Only open on Sundays, it is also a meeting place before visiting the nearby beach.
Dance at Casa 70, the town’s trendy venue where local stars meet up and African rhythms play through vibrant nights. It’s tradition for foreigners to hit the dance floor, helped by Angolans amused by their clumsiness. There are concerts nearly every night in this playful and animated atmosphere. 70 Rua da Liberdade in Luanda
Finish the evening at the Teatro Elinga, in the centre of town, a successful combination of night club and lounge bar. It’s the meeting place of expats and NGO’s in Angola. The club offers the best music in the country in a small historic building with old fashioned charm. The barman boasts of making the best cocktails around and it’s true!
Teatro Elinga, Near the BPC building, Largo Tristao da Cunha 17, Amilcar Cabral Rua, Luanda, Tel. (+244) 92 12 71 858
Experience the rhythm of Brazil at the Roque Santeiro, an original and surprising open air market that proposes a wide variety of products from Brazil. It’s the fashion and accessories market. You’ll find everything here: from perfume and DVDs to paintings on canvas from local artists that come to try their luck with the tourists. Arrive late morning to eat a Portuguese speciality on the go.
