"A city coming alive" Top 5 Page for this destination Luanda by jungleboy

Luanda Travel Guide: 136 reviews and 244 photos

Luanda

I first visited Luanda in2003 and it was totally not what i expected. I guess it depends what you are coming to Angola for but I like Luanda a lot. It has many problems to solve and the war has left a scar on Angolas people, buildings and surroundings but I feel pretty lucky to see a city finding its feet after such a long period of conflict. My parents have lived in Luanda for three years now and I have just spent another Christmas in Angolas capital city. Everytime I come here there are so many changes and it is really exciting to see the place coming back to life. I hope that the Angolan Government continue on this path towards rebuilding Angola into the prosperous and peaceful nation that really is a wonderful place.

The rebuilding has begun

The residential area Alvalade

There were a lot of changes that I noticed on my latest visit which many people would take for granted or possibly not even care about... but the traffic lights are being repaired, the streets are being cleaned, hospitals and schools are being built, buildings are being renovated, lots of shops and cafes are opening and cranes are beginning to tower over the city centre and the economy kicks off and offices are being built.

All signs that Luanda is on the move and there is a real buzz in the city.

A beautiful City

Hospital Josina Machel-Maria Pia

Angolas colonial past has left its mark in many ways. The portugese architecture is one of the most noticable and really makes Luanda a beautiful city. Of course it has it's problems but the city is full of amazing streets, avenues, statues and buildings.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Relatively small, on the coast, beaches, history, old colonial architecture, nightlife
Cons:poverty, dirty streets, traffic
In a nutshell:A very different destination!

Last visit to Luanda: Jan 2005
Intro Updated Jan 18, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (21)

Elephants arrive in Angola Things to Do (7)

The relocations of September 2000 form part of a project of the Kissama Foundation named “Operation Noah’s Ark”. The... more travel advice

The Angolan National Bank Things to Do (7)

This building really is a landmark and you can't really miss it when visiting Luanda. Right at the centre of the... more travel advice

National Monument Things to Do (7)

This imposing monument towers above the local area. It is not far from the Presidential Palace and can be seen from... more travel advice

open sided restaurant with great views - Luanda

Lunch by the sea Restaurants (3)

A great chinese restaurant down on the Ilha with an open balcony looking out over the sea. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Check out the view
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Sumbe Falls
Shopping (2)
See All Luanda Supermarkets
Favorites (2)
See All Baobab Trees

Comments (6)

Reply
- Report abuse
dejavu2gb Jan 28, 2005 at 1:55 AM

What a fantastic Luanda page. I never thought Angola looked the way it did on your photos. I will have to add that on my list of places to visit.
Reply
- Report abuse
thelittlevoice Jan 27, 2005 at 5:22 AM

What a great page. I truely hope I'll get there one day.
Reply
- Report abuse
canuckmike Oct 19, 2004 at 1:00 PM

Jungleboy, I am impressed with your Luanda page. Keep up the good work. I have wanted to go to Angola for a while and if I do I just might have to ask for some more of your advice.
Reply
- Report abuse
Cabana_Boy Apr 1, 2004 at 3:34 PM

Yum, bush meat!!! Extra crunchy? Yes please! I had some questionable “hamburgers” in Cameroon once that I swear was from the bush, but it’s all good until someone gets the Ebola…anyway, great page, you’ve given me some ideas for my return trip to Angola.
Reply
- Report abuse
creativechuckie Mar 16, 2004 at 8:27 PM

It is very hard to find information about Angola, especially photos. We will be moving to Luanda to start an orphanage in about 2 years, so this has been great. Would LOVE to see more photos and hear more about the area!
Reply
- Report abuse
Narviking Dec 28, 2003 at 5:16 PM

WOW, nice page about interesting destination. Would love to go there. Greetings from Norway !