Angola: The Return of the Wild

Tourism is still in its early stages in Angola, but if developed in the right way, it has huge potential to support the country’s recovery. It can create jobs, bring valuable income into local communities, and help protect Angola’s landscapes and wildlife for future generations.

Angola’s wildlife populations were heavily impacted during the war, so there is now a strong focus on conservation and restoration across the country. A number of conservation-led projects are helping to rebuild and protect Angola’s extraordinary wildlife so it is a very interesting time to go there and learn about the work being done – as well as spot some of the wildlife that has already been re-introduced or returned (for example the elephants in Cuatir)

Angola offers something completely different from the traditional safari experience. It’s not about seeing huge numbers of animals, but about exploring a new frontier that is only just becoming accessible. With eco-tourism and conservation beginning to grow, travelling here feels like stepping into a destination at the very start of its journey. It’s about being among the first to discover a wild and remarkable place before the rest of the world catches on.

Yes. Angola’s safari regions remain incredibly untouched, with very few tourists and only a small number of lodges. Travelling here feels remote and immersive; you disconnect completely from the outside world and instead feel deeply connected to the landscape around you. The scenery is vast and spectacular, and because there is so little development, it often feels as though you are among the very first people to experience these places.

Seeing the reintroduced elephants in Cuatir is an incredibly moving experience. Knowing they are back after the devastation of the war makes it feel especially meaningful, and a hopeful sign of what the future of conservation in Angola could look like. In Iona National Park, spotting giraffe is exciting and the sight of a herd of oryx galloping across the horizon as well.

Yes, Angola has many projects focused on conservation and community support, making it an exciting destination for responsible travel. Visiting the country helps support the development of sustainable tourism in remote areas, which is hugely important for both local communities and conservation efforts. Travelling to Angola not only contributes to the protection of its wildlife and extraordinary landscapes, but also helps bring awareness to the country itself. Travel allows Angola’s story to be shared, understood, and ultimately supported for the future.

Yes, mine clearance has been a major factor in allowing infrastructure to evolve. There are still plenty of minefields to be cleared but roads, agricultural land and areas where wildlife can now start to thrive have been cleared.

Cuatir is incredibly beautiful (huge open wetlands and grass bordered by denser forest), while Iona National Park offers some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, from the Cunene River to the vast coastal dunes. The Colinas are also particularly beautiful and unlike anywhere else.

There is a heavy Portuguese influence to the food – we ate lots of delicious grilled chicken, steak, beans done in various ways, rice and potato. There is plenty of fresh fruit and we had eggs for breakfast each day – one day we even had pancakes! There are also traditional local dishes such as funge, a smooth porridge made from cassava flour whisked with boiling water.

Luanda has a slightly more contemporary food scene with some very good restaurants including Monte Velho and Club Naval de Luanda. Again, there is a heavy Portuguese influence and some might think they are reading a menu from a restaurant on the coast near Lisbon.