The average cost for backpacking in Angola can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. Budget accommodation options such as hostels and guesthouses can range from $20 to $50 per night. Meals at local restaurants or street …
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backpacking Africa
Angola
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Backpacking Angola in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Angola with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Angola
Venture into the unexplored beauty of Angola, where diverse landscapes and rich culture await backpackers seeking authenticity. Pros? Experience the stunning beauty of waterfalls, untouched coastlines, and vibrant local markets, all off the beaten path. Angola offers a genuine African experience. However, limited tourist infrastructure and occasional safety concerns require cautious planning. For intrepid backpackers craving an extraordinary African journey, Angola stands out as a unique destination, offering a rare blend of natural wonders and cultural richness that sets it apart from more traditional backpacker routes.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Angola
Cheap
People
Angolan people are incredibly welcoming and hospitable, often going out of their way to make guests feel at home. They are known for their warm and friendly nature, always ready to offer a helping hand or share a meal with visitors. Whether it’s …
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Beach life
Angola is great for beach life and snorkeling because it boasts a stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean with pristine, uncrowded beaches. The warm waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving. The …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Angola
- Explore the capital city of Luanda: Luanda is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore its colonial architecture, visit the National Museum of Angola, and enjoy the lively nightlife.
- Visit the stunning beaches of Benguela: Benguela is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Baía Azul and Praia Morena. Visitors can relax on the golden sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving.
- Go on a safari in Kissama National Park: Kissama National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Visitors can go on guided safaris to spot these animals in their natural habitat and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
- Explore the ancient rock paintings of Tchitundo-Hulo: Tchitundo-Hulo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the history and culture of the people who created these unique artworks.
- Discover the natural wonders of the Tundavala Fissure: The Tundavala Fissure is a breathtaking natural formation located near the city of Lubango. Visitors can hike to the edge of the fissure and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including lush valleys and rugged cliffs.
But Angola offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Angola
The best time to visit Angola for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. Additionally, the dry season is also the best time for wildlife viewing and visiting national parks. However, it's worth noting that Angola can be quite hot during this time, so it's important to pack appropriate clothing and stay hydrated.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Angola
- Demonstrations and civil unrest are common, particularly in Cabinda, Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul. Protests can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Angola has a high crime rate. Common crimes range from petty theft to armed robbery and carjacking. The risk of violent crime is much higher at night. Don't walk alone or at night.
- In and around Luanda, criminals have kidnapped foreigners from vehicles. Lock your doors and windows, even when moving. Be alert for attempts to stop your vehicle.
- Flash flooding may occur during the rainy season from October to May. It can damage infrastructure and disrupt services. Follow the advice of local officials.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
AngolaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Angola sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Angola. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Angola may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Angola. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Angola may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Angola, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Angola, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 27 September 2024