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Angola Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Luanda Luanda saghia After decades of civil war, Angola is picking up the pieces and rebuilding the country. It is potentially a rich country, with vast reserves of oil and diamonds, but the civil war and ruling elite have not helped the distribution of its resources. While in 2005 the country is still quite tough for travellers (who do not speak Portuguese), it is improving by the month and may become a worthwhile extension of a visit to southern Africa or even a destination in its own right in a few years. Luanda is the capital of Angola and the biggest city; quite overwhelming for the average traveller. Along the coast, the cities of Lobito and Benguela are more tranquil, but certainly worth a visit. Further south Lubango offers magnificent scenery and quiet surroundings, connected by Angola's best road, to Namibe - a lovely and quiet coastal town. Kissama (Quiçama) National Park is located some 70 km south of Luanda. Iona National Park is located some 200 km south of Namibe and borders Namibia's Skeleton Coast. _________History Edit This In NOVEMBER 1975 after nearly five centuries as a Portuguese colony Angola became an independent state. By late 1988 however despite fertile land large deposits of oil and gas and great mineral wealth Angola had achieved neither prosperity nor peace-- the national economy was stagnating and warfare was ravaging the countryside. True independence also remained unrealized as foreign powers continued to determine Angola's future. But unattained potential and instability were hardships well known to the Angolan people. They had suffered the outrage of slavery and the indignity of forced labor and had experienced years of turmoil going back to the early days of the indigenous kingdoms. The ancestors of most present-day Angolans found their way to the region long before the first Portuguese arrived in the late fifteenth century. The development of indigenous states such as the Kongo Kingdom was well under way before then. The primary objective of the first Portuguese settlers in Angola and the motive behind most of their explorations was the establishment of a slave trade. Although several early Portuguese explorers recognized the economic and strategic advantages of establishing friendly relations with the leaders of the kingdoms in the Angolan interior by the middle of the sixteenth century the slave trade had engendered an enmity between the Portuguese and the Africans that persisted until independence. Most of the Portuguese who settled in Angola through the nineteenth century were exiled criminals called degredados (see Glossary) who were actively involved in the slave trade and spread disorder and corruption throughout the colony. Because of the unscrupulous behavior of the degredados most Angolan Africans soon came to despise and distrust their Portuguese colonizers. Those Portuguese who settled in Angola in the early twentieth century were peasants who had fled the poverty of their homeland and who tended to establish themselves in Angolan towns in search of a means of livelihood other than agriculture. In the process they squeezed out the mestiços (people of mixed African and white descent; see Glossary) and urban Africans who had hitherto played a part in the urban economy. In general these later settlers lacked capital education and commitment to their new homelands. When in the early 1930s António Salazar established the New State (Estado Novo) in Portugal Angola was expected to survive on its own. Accordingly Portugal neither maintained an adequate social and economic infrastructure nor invested directly in longterm development. Ideologically Portugal maintained that increasing the density of white rural settlement in Angola was a means of civilizing the African. Generally the Portuguese regarded Africans as inferior and gave them few opportunities to develop either in terms of their own cultures or in response to the market. The Portuguese also discriminated politically socially and economically against assimilados (see Glossary)--those Africans who by acquiring a certain level of education and a mode of life similar to that of Europeans were entitled to become citizens of Portugal. Those few Portuguese officials and others who called attention to the mistreatment of Africans were largely ignored or silenced by the colonial governments. By the 1950s African-led or mestiço -led associations with explicit political goals began to spring up in Angola. The authoritarian Salazar regime forced these movements and their leaders to operate in exile. By the early 1960s however political groups were sufficiently organized (if also divided by ethnic loyalties and personal animosities) to begin their drives for independence. Moreover at least some segments of the African population had been so strongly affected by the loss of land forced labor and stresses produced by a declining economy that they were ready to rebel on their own. The result was a series of violent events in urban and rural areas that marked the beginning of a long and often ineffective armed struggle for independence. To continue its political and economic control over the colony Portugal was prepared to use whatever military means were necessary. In 1974 the Portuguese army tired of warfare not only in Angola but in Portugal's other African colonies overthrew the Lisbon regime. The new regime left Angola to its own devices--in effect abandoning it to the three major anticolonial movements. Ideological differences and rivalry among their leaderships divided these movements. Immediately following independence in 1975 civil war erupted between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola -- MPLA) on the one hand and the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (Frente Nacional de Libertação de Angola -- FNLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola -- UNITA) on the other hand. The MPLA received support from the Soviet Union and Cuba while the FNLA turned to the United States. UNITA unable to gain more than nominal support from China turned to South Africa. Viewing the prospect of a Soviet-sponsored MPLA government with alarm South Africa invaded Angola. The Soviet and Cuban reaction was swift: the former provided the logistical support and the latter provided troops. By the end of 1976 the MPLA under the leadership of Agostinho Neto was in firm control of the government. Members of UNITA retreated to the bush to wage a guerrilla war against the MPLA government while the FNLA became increasingly ineffective in the north in the late 1970s. The MPLA which in 1977 had declared itself a Marxist-Leninist vanguard party faced the task of restoring the agricultural and production sectors that nearly had been destroyed with the departure of the Portuguese. Recognizing that traditional MarxistLeninist policies of large-scale expropriation and state ownership would undermine redevelopment efforts Neto permitted private involvement in commercial and small-scale industry and developed substantial economic relations with Western states especially in connection with Angola's oil industry. After Neto's death in 1979 José Eduardo dos Santos inherited considerable economic difficulties including the enormous military costs required to fight UNITA and South African forces. By the end of 1985 the security of the Luanda regime depended almost entirely on Soviet-supplied weaponry and Cuban troop support. Consequently in the late 1980s Luanda's two main priorities were to end the UNITA insurgency and to make progress toward economic development. By late 1988 a United States-sponsored peace agreement held out some hope that given time both priorities could be achieved. _________Practical Information Edit This Angola is a very special country. It figures amongst the top ten of the most expensive cities in the world. Very poor hotels cost about 100 USD. Normal 3 stars standard around 300 USD! A pizza 20 USD. Nearly everything is imported and prices are between 50 and 250% above European prices. And hotels are fully booked couple of weeks in advance. There is no public transport and the traffic is the most terrible I have seen (and unfortunately I have to go through every day). Between 0700 and 1900 the streets are blocked. The average speed is 6-10km/h. Currency The local currency is the Angolan New Kwanza (AOA) ________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] By air Edit This Angola's national airline is TAAG Angola Airlines International airport. Luanda is located 4 km (2.5 miles) from the city. There are no taxis: visitors must be met by their sponsors. Airport facilities include a restaurant bar post office currency exchange (0800-1230 and 1430-1800) and 24-hour medical facilities with cholera and yellow fever vaccination available. Most foreign visitors with business interests in the Cabinda enclave bypass Luanda by flying to Gabon by then on by private jet. On arrival they are taken by helicopter to the more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] By rail and road Edit This All land frontiers are currently open. The Benguela railway is open from Lobito to Cubal and is under Chinese reconstruction towards the Zambian/DRC border (2006) type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.anotherdayoflife.org email: gert@anotherdayoflife.org By boat Edit This The main ports are Cabinda Lobito Luanda and Namibe. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Angola is an economy in disarray because of more than 20 years of nearly continuous warfare. Despite its abundant natural resources output per capita is among the world's lowest. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy contributing about 50% to GDP. Notwithstanding the signing of a peace accord in November 1994 sporadic violence continues millions of land mines remain and many farmers are reluctant to return to their fields. As a result much of the country's food must still be imported. To take advantage of its rich resources—gold diamonds extensive forests Atlantic fisheries arable land and large oil deposits—Angola will need to implement the peace agreement and reform government policies. Despite the high inflation and political difficulties total output grew an estimated 9% in 1996 largely due to increased oil production and higher oil prices. GDP: purchasing power parity—$8.2 billion (1996 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 9% (1996 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$800 (1996 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 56% services: 32% (1994 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 92% (mid-1997 est.) Labor force: total: 2.783 million economically active by occupation: agriculture 85% industry and services 15% (1997 est.) Unemployment rate: extensive unemployment and underemployment affecting more than half the population (1997 est.) Budget: revenues: $928 million expenditures: $2.5 billion including capital expenditures of $963 million (1992 est.) Industries: petroleum; diamonds iron ore phosphates feldspar bauxite uranium and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textiles Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity—capacity: 617 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 18.62 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 185 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: bananas sugarcane coffee sisal corn cotton manioc (tapioca) tobacco vegetables plantains; livestock; forest products; fish Exports: total value: $4 billion (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: crude oil 90% diamonds refined petroleum products gas coffee sisal fish and fish products timber cotton partners: US 70% EU Imports: total value: $1.7 billion (f.o.b. 1995 est.) commodities: capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment) vehicles and spare parts; medicines food textiles and clothing; substantial military supplies partners: Portugal Brazil US France Spain Debt—external: $12.5 billion (1996 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $451 million (1994) Currency: 1 kwanza (NKz) = 100 lwei Exchange rates: kwanza (NKz) per US$1—265 000 (August 1997) 201 994 (November 1996) note: the exchange rate is set by the National Bank of Angola (BNA); adjusted by BNA on 19 July 1997 at 265 000 kwanzas per US$1; black market rate was then 360 000 kwanzas per US$1 Fiscal year: calendar year __________Geography Edit This Angola is the seventh largest country in Africa, covering an area greater than France and Spain put together. The geography of Angola is diverse. From the coastal plain, ranging in width from 25 kilometers in the south to 100-200 kilometers in the north, the land rises in stages towards the high inland plateau covering almost two-thirds of the country, with an average altitude of between 1,200 and 1,600 meters. Angola's two highest peaks are located in these central highlands. They are: Moco Mountain (2,620 m) and Meco Mountain (2,538 m). _______People Edit This i Angola's population in 1994 was 11,233,000 inhabitants and it is estimated that it will grow to approximately 13.3 million in the year 2000, with a population growth rate of 2.9 percent. The population density is 9/square kilometer and the urbanization rate is 42.9 percent. Sixty-five percent of the population is under 25 years of age. The population is made up of nine ethnolinguistic groups: the Quicongo (or Bakongo), the Quimbundo, the Lunda-Quioco (or Tchokwe), the Mbundo, (or Ovimbundo), the Ganguela, the Nhaneca-Humbe, the Ambo, the Herero, and the Xindonga. They in turn are sub-divided into about 100 sub-groups traditionally called "tribes". The largest groups are the Ovimbundu, and the Bakongo. The major languages are Portuguese (which is the official language), Ovimbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Kichokwe, Kwanyama, Nganguela, and Luvale. The most important religions are: Roman Catholic (68 percent), Protestant (20 percent) and traditional belief systems (12 percent). ::::::::Cabinda Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cabinda is a small piece of land that is separated from the rest of Angola by a small strip of Congo. The sea just off the coast of Cabinda is very rich in oil. It was declared independent in 1975 but was occupied by Angolan forces. The Republic of Cabinda claims sovereignty and is based in Paris. Most of the local population lives from subsistence agriculture and hunting or fishing. Timber cultivation is also a source of revenue for some. The vast majority of the wealth produced in Cabinda , however, comes from petroleum. Adjacent to Cabinda ’s coast lie some of the world's richest oil fields. Cabinda currently produces 700,000 barrels of crude oil each day, generating some 60 percent of the revenue which Angola receives from the petroleum industry. Today the Cabinda Gulf Oil Company in association with Sonangol, Agip Angola Ltd. And ELF Petroleum Angola Ltd. is operator of the offshore concession of Cabinda . The most active oil companies in Cabinda at the moment are Sonangol (41%), Chevron (39,2%), Elf (10%) and Agip (9,8%). Rival Cabinda National Petroleum licensed by the Republic of Cabinda claims all onshore oil rights. :::::::::Capanda Dam Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Hydroelectric power plant and dam at Capanda Hydroelectric power plant and dam at Capanda Unknown The Capanda Dam is one of the major electrical power sources of the country. It is situated in the Malanje province. This is one of the dams in the Kwanza river, the biggest river of Angola. From Malanje you drive to Cacuso and then enter to the left. 50km on a good track you pass the famous "Pedras Negras" and another 30km to Capanda. Unfortunately you cannot enter the area to visit the dam. The Angolan police and military are still too much afraid of all foreigners. Even showing some public pictures from Google Earth could not convince the police officer at the entrance gate that they cannot hide the dam. It will change the day the road is ready and when they figure out that they can make money with guided tours... Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda :::::::::Catumbela Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Originally called Quitumbela, the city was named for a "soba" or traditional leader in the area. Catumbela provided excellent water and a much friendlier climate than Benguela and at one point in 1650 there was talk of moving the provincial capital from Benguela to Catumbela for these reasons. Catumbela grew out of the profitable inland trade that mushroomed following the opening of the road to Bailundo and Bie. Large-scale trade in rubber began in 1888 and was the basis for Catumbela's quick development. As the rubber trade boomed Catumbela grew in importance, reaching its peak in the last two decades of the 19th century. ::::::::Iona National Park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Iona National Park, located about 200 kilometers from Namibe, was an animal paradise, rich in big game. Unfortunately the fauna has been reduced as a result of illegal hunting and poaching. Efforts are now underway to replace some of Iona's lost wildlife. The 'big five' of Iona now include: Springbok (Gazelle), Kudu, Ostrich, Oryx and presumably cheetah. The landscape is empty, although hordes of animals (especially Springbok) can still be found inside and outside the park. At the Namibian border, the river Cunene provides a wonderful setting for camping and the Foz du Cunene and the Baia dos Tigres is said to be worth a trip. :::::::Kissama Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see an image of Kissama Tourist base an image of Kissama Tourist base K.Misheva Kissama, or Quiçama National Park is located some 70 km south of Luanda, the capital. The Park consist mostly of dense thicket, tree savanna and large open grasslands. Due the 21-year war as well as widespread and persistent poaching, wildlife is not what it used to be. At this stage the remaining number of elephant, rhino and buffalo are unknown. Animals you can be sure to see include: dwarf forest buffalo, roan antelope, eland, bushbuck, and waterbuck and many, many birds. There are accomodations at the Park. These are nicely decorated rondavels with a moquito net covered bed, shower, toilet and air conditioning. The Kissama Foundation is attempting to restore the animal population to the park and has imported elephant from Botswana. For more information on this see www.kissama.org ::::::Lobito Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo The construction of the Benguela Railway and the Lobito harbor were the genesis of the city of Lobito. By order of 28 November 1902 the great statesman and council president, Teixeira de Sousa, in the name of the Portuguese government, granted to Sir Robert Williams, the contract of concession to construct and explore for 99 years the railway road that would ultimately link Lobito to the highlands. Construction began in March 1903 and the city and harbor of Lobito were born. By the Right of Administration of 17 November 1948, Lobito became a city and an urbanization plan was approved for the area. Lobito's harbor measures approximately 5 kilometers in length and has an entry of 600 meters, the wider part measures 1.5 kilometers with depths between 15 and 36 meters . The first phase of harbor construction was completed in January 1928. In 1957 the quay was enlarged to 1,122 meters. A shipyard was also built at that time. The shipyard known by its acronyn "estalnave" and is the largest shipyard in Angola. ::::::::Luanda Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Luanda Luanda saghia Luanda is the capital of Angola and the biggest city. During the years of civil war the city has been badly damaged. Not so much by fightings but by not maintainig the infrastructure for nearly 40 years! Since peace came in 2002 it is getting back on its feet again, especially since 2005. Prior to the arrival of the Portuguese, the island of what today is part of Luanda was known among the native African population as Loanda, meaning "flat land" whose inhabitants lived in small villages known as "libatas." They were ruled by a local governor who was, in turn, a subject of the King of Congo. On February 20, 1575, carrying credentials from King D. Sebastião, Paulo Dias de Novais landed on the island of Luanda in command of a fleet of seven ships carrying a hundred families of colonists and 400 soldiers. The following year, de Novais moved to the mainland opposite the island and established the settlement that was to become São Paulo de Loanda. What attracted de Novais to the area was the prospect of controlling the legendary silver mines of Cambambe. Loanda and the São Paulo settlement offered a sheltered port in an excellent spot very close to the river Kwanza, the route to the mines. From 1950 onward, the city grew with astonishing rapidity. The population of the Luanda municipality soon reached 200,000, of whom 70 percent were black. Many new districts appeared and civil construction increased apace. One of Luanda's most famous landmarks, the National Bank of Angola building, was built at this time. The large pink structure overlooking the Luanda bay is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Today, Luanda is home to some 4 million people. It is recovering from its years of strife. The first buildings built during the post-independence period are finally completed and are in use. Stores, restaurants, hotels and offices are multiplying and the city is returning to its former status as a major commercial hub. The Ilha, the peninsula in the bay of Luanda, is a good spot to catch some tan and eat (as everything but fuel very expensively). Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda ::::::::Lubango Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Serra da Leba Serra da Leba Thomas Weber Lubango is the capital of the province of Huila, located at an altitude of 1700-1800m. The climate is very moderate, in July and August cold. It is indeed one of the most beautiful cities of Angola. There are daily flights from Luanda to Lubango. By car it is getting much easier day by day as the roads are improving. From Benguela to Lubango you still need around 6 hours. The road should be end of 2008. There are a lot of hotels, lodges and guesthouses. Again 100 USD is the standard price. Somitel near the Casino is good and quite. Hotel Amigo downtown is the headquarter of cockroaches. Even on the breakfast buffet... For the evening I can recommend the "Huila Café" not far from the central place and just nearby of the police station. Lubango is surrounded by mountains up to 2.200m. One of the mountains has the statue of "Christo Rei" with a fantastic view on the city. Tundavala 25km from Lubango (passing the Ngola brewery) is at the edge of the mountains. You have a breathtaking view from 2.200m down to 1000m! One of the musts of Angola. The same applies to the "Serra da Leba". The road to Namibe also has to descend from the top of the plateau down to the desert. Road from Lubango to Namibe is good. Don't try to drive from Lubango to Huambo on the old main road. Even my Mitsubishi Pajero had to give up after Cusse. Following the wildest tracks through nowhere finally brought me to Huambo. If you drive take the road to Benguela and turn left in Catengue. That road is under construction but much better. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda :::::::Malange Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kalendulo Falls Kalendulo Falls saghia Inland from Luanda, Malanje is a good starting point for visiting the Kalandula waterfalls - a spectacular site. Getting to Malanje can be done easily by plane (TAAG) from Luanda or by car on the brandnew highway. Once arrived in the capital of the Province of Malanje you'll find a small town, calm and quite clean. Infrastructure is improving constantly. Communications (cellphone, telephone, internet) are accesable & with the Hotel "Palanca Negra" you can find a new and modern hotel. Unfortunately the managment does NOT have western standar. They cancel confirmed reservations without any notice. So you never can be sure to get the room you reserved! The trip out to the falls via Lomba is tough. Around 50 km on a very bad road. Without a car your options are to hitch a ride on a truck or pay over the odds to a friendly local. No buses or taxis are available. The falls are a popular destination for local day trippers so a day or two of friendly networking should get you a ride. The Kalandula falls themselves are an awesome sight & said to be Africa's third largest waterfalls. A short walk from the 'car park' takes you to the edge of sharp presipice over which the falls thunder casting showers of spray into the air. There are no facilities at the falls, maybe sometimes just a few kids selling warm coke & beer, & ,despite the day trippers, the wild bush & lack of pathways, barriers, & other tourist trappings give you an idea of how Livingston must have felt on arriving at Vic falls 150 years ago. If there is one out of the way place in Africa left to visit the Kalendulo Falls are it. Another great site nearby Malanje are the "Pedras Negras", huge black stones. 70km on the road to Luanda you turn left (south) in the topwn of Cacuso. Then another 35km und you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. In GoogleEarth you have a fantastic view on them but the original for sure is much better. (Impressions from my trip by car in January 2008) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda ::::::::Massoulo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Mussulo is a peninsula starting 40km south of Luanda to the north. Its end can be seen from the southern parts of Luanda. There are a couple of ressorts and many private houses. Both the bayside and the oceanside have wonderful sandy beaches. Mussulo can be reached by taxi boats from a pier at Capisoca, about 15 km south of Luanda. Or by car but a 4 wheel drive is absolutely necessary. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda :::::::Namibe Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Igreja/Colegio Porto Alexandre Igreja/Colegio Porto Alexandre Joaquim Furtado The Portuguese first arrived in the area of Namibe in 1485. The region was named Mocamedes and was the first district to be created in southern Angolan. The organized exploitation of the region's natural resources began in 1849 with the arrival of the first Brazilian settlers. Namibe is the third most important harbor in Angola and has the potential to become one of the most important harbors on the western coast of Africa. Today the harbor is mostly used for the exportation of fish caught in the waters off the coast as well as for agricultural goods grown in neighboring Huila province. Namibe has asphalt roads that link the capital to Tombwa, Lucira and Lubango. In the province of Namibe the sea, desert and savanna meet, providing breathtaking scenery and probably the best climate on the Angolan coast. Between Namibe and Tombwa may be found the Welvitchia mirabilis, a unique desert plant that looks like a giant octopus. The Namibe desert is excellent for hunting while the coast provides spectacular beaches. About 150 kilometers from the capital is the county of Bibala, Iona National Park is 200 km away. Both merit a visit. ::::::::Ondjiva Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Small town, in the south of angola, 42km from the border with Namibia. 15.000 hab. Capital of the province of Cunene. There is nothing special to see. A small little church, the ruins of the old governors palace (blasted by the South African army long time ago) and finally the first fuel station! The Motel SOS Tropical is ok and quite cheap for 50 bucks per night. Ondjiva as the whole region has been heavily hit by the rain falls since January. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda ::::::::Porto Amboim Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Vista Parcial Porto Amboim Vista Parcial Porto Amboim MBinga Ya Lamba Quiet little town on the coast between Luanda and Lobito. Not much to do here except enjoy the very nice beach. Great wav ::::::Saurimo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see District Capital of Lunda Sul, Saurimo is a pleasant rural town with not much going for it. The town acts as a kind of crossroads as the main road from Luanda intersects here with the North-south road connecting Dondo in Lunda Norte(border crossing to DRC) with the province of Moxico. This has turned Saurimo into a bit of a truck stop as vehicles heading in from the coast(a 5 day journey) refuel & rest before heading north or south. This makes Saurimo a good place for hitching. Accomodation is scarce but for a few kwanzas you can buy space on someones floor. Prices tend to be much higher this far inland as transport costs add as much as 50% to the Luanda price. Trips made south of Saurimo need(at the time of visiting) to be done with some care as banditry is rife & local police contribute by expecting 'bakshish' at road check points etc. Despite these inconveniences the virgin bush of this part of Africa is extraordinary & the colourful local people make the visit worth while. ::::::::Soyo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Soyo, Angola, second largest city of the province of Zaire, located at the Congo River and the Atlantic Ocean. You can reach Soyo by plane (national carrier TAAG is blacklisted by the EU) or by car which is an adventure. APart from the road between Luanda and Caxito the remaining 360km are not paved and mostly in bad shape. Bizarre but a nice landscape. The city is dominated by the oil base Kwanda. There is one small hotel and some guest houses. Price as always in Angola around 100 USD per night. Electricity and water are not guaranteed. One acceptable restaurant and that's it. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Thomas Weber, Luanda