ANGOLA
THE GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Angola is located south of equator in central Africa bordered by 1600 km of South Atlantic and sandwiched between 2511 km of Zaire, 1110 km of Zambia, and Namibia with 1376 km. Angolan territory includes Cabinda which is frozen between the 201 km of Congo in the east and Zaire.
The land has four types of geographical topology. The low and relatively narrow arid coastal strip in the stretch between Luanda and Namibia is overgrown with tropical rain forest in northern region and Cabinda. The thin coastal strip lifts unexpectedly into wide plateau. Plateau is covered with dry savanna grassland. To the south lie desert. The elevation variation is between 1000 to 1500 meters.
Angolan farmers grow maize, rice, bananas, coconuts, oil-palm, Kernels, cotton, and tobacco.
Many parts of the country offer excellent grazing. Cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, asses, and horses are raised with merino and Karakul sheep a specialty.
The most significant industry is mining because the country has much copper, oil, diamonds, and iron ore. Manganese, uranium, sulphur, bauxite, phosphates, and other minerals are also mined in large qualities.
Angola has a relatively well-developed food-processing industry but also produces textiles, chemicals, tyres, paper, and pulp, cement, and other much needed commodities.
Major cities are Huambo, Lobito- Benguela, Malanje Lubango, Amboim, Caala, Bailundo, Calandula, and Camacupa. Benguela is an important port and railway junction.
Highest elevation is Moco at 2620m; the lowest depth is in the Atlantic Ocean at 0m.
Chief rivers are Kwango, Cuanza, and Chicapa. Torrential rains flood some of the rivers and it is a common phenomenon. There are several major ports including Luanda and Lobito. Five railway lines run inland from the coast. The major roads are paved and there are internal air services.
Some tributaries of Congo River and the Zambezi River commence from this nation.
THE CAPITAL
The capital Luanda is situated in shoreline indentation. Some of the architecture belongs to colonial period but being a vital port and the capital city a lot of new construction is visible in modern format. The Atlantic Ocean is in the vicinity. Within the city is the Museum of Armed Forces and another one based on Anthropology and yet one more on Slavery. These are interesting for a quick round.
Water based leisure activities are possible here. Llha beaches are a major attraction for visitors. Those who enjoy a good fish catch head for the Santiago beach north of the capital city. For adventurous water sports Mussolo Peninsula is the best choice. Palmeirinhas is an isolated beach because it is unsafe to swim here; still a small percentage of the tourists patronize it.
The attraction of Kissama National park south of the city, increases many folds when night stay is made in the midst of the forest viewing animals from safe distance when on a safari trip like black palanca antelope and other ferocious breeds.
Mussolo is an island at easy reach with remains of the rich past. The building style of Church Igreza Nossa Senhora dos Remedios da Praia is admired to this day.
THE CLIMATE
Climate is tropical in savannah; the desert is naturally arid, but elevation brings down the temperature in the places where it exists. The monsoon months begin in February and ends in April; the summer heat radiates from May till October. The winter temperature is more agreeable.
THE POPULATION
National composition consists of Ovimbundu, Kongo, Mbundu, Bakongo, Lunda, Cholwe, Mestico a blend of Europens and the native and more than 100 other ethnic groups; Europeans
Religions practiced are Animist, Roman Catholic, and Protestant.
Official language for day to day interaction is Portuguese. The natives freely make use of 6 Bantu, Kimbundu and some African dialects.
The currency in use is Kwanza.
Fishing and forestry are also important occupations.
HISTORY
If historians are to be believed then this region has been populated from the period of lower Palaeolithic times. Khoisan hunter tribe lived here for a long time till they had to flee the Bantu tribe. The presence of Europeans is first reported in 15th century. By 1700 Portuguese governed a portion of the land area for strategic reasons; it was the vital slave route leading from the plains. Slavery became illegal by law in 1878. Henceforth the endeavor for independence gradually gained momentum cumulating in struggle by 1960; ultimately it became an independent state in 1975.
TOURISM
The name of the country may sound unfamiliar but it has abundance attractions to lure tourism. It has rich past and the remains still exist, it is culturally a wealthy nation and the art shows that, moreover its location is best suited for outdoor leisure. What more can a holiday maker want?
Horde of tourists can be seen at any time of the year at Malanje region because of Kalandula Waterfalls and more so during the monsoons when the water is difficult to tame and it falls with full might. The fall is part of Lucala River.
Benguela city has the well known revered churches of S.Felipe ans S. Antonio. The old fort and a hospital are visited for its unique construction style of previous years. Here tourist can take an excursion to salt and sulfur processing sites. The most marvelous is the Baia Azul beach ideal for lethargic sun-bathing and swim.
Tourists admire Huambo for its greenery in big and small parks and gardens. Parque Almirante Tomas in the middle of the city is a hub for adults and children. Kovonogue Forest Reserve in a radius of 39 sq km is full of creatures and forest life; there are trails to explore the jungle interiors. The water enthusiasts make a beeline for Dam do Ngove where they can swim angle and sail. Those addicted to fishing visit Centro de Estudos de Sacaala; here they can appreciate the flora species scientist specifically come here for studies. Moco Hill at 2619 m has good accommodation with amenities and the weather is pleasant air pure. Historical bend of mind tourist can spend time at the local well displayed museum. Nova Lisboa is the airport here.
ACCOMMODATION
A lot of hotels have sprouted all over the country. It is unlikely that tourist goes without a proper shelter but not all the hotels are well equipped with comfort giving facilities. Some of them do have amenities meeting international standards. There is luxury as well budget hotels for all type of tourists. There are bungalows for stay at National Parks.
Nightlife
The coastal culture of bars, nightclubs and pubs prevails here.
SHOPPING
Shopping can be done at bazaars, souks, or street markets. At festival times discounts and deals attract lot of people for shopping. The local souvenir items liked by tourists are Zulu bead items, jugs made from copper, famous African masks traditional necklaces, coral, and shell and hardwood show pieces.
Visit this unique African country and relish their spicy food, fish delicacy and aroma filled stews such as Doro Wat made from chicken. Kakusso is a local dish enjoyed by all. The basic ingredients used are fresh peas, beans, green vegetable steamed to taste, cassava, and sweet potatoes.
In this land still untouched by man slaughter view rare sights of gorillas’ chimpanzees, elephants, hyena roaming the vegetation. The nature here is still intact. Plan a holiday before it is too late.
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