Angola Travel Guide - Getting Around

TAAG Angola Airlines operates flights within Angola. There are scheduled services between major towns. However, aircraft run by this airline may not be properly maintained, and travellers should aim to use flights run by reputable international organisations. Private jets are operated by some Portuguese, French and Italian business interests (trading most notably in oil and diamonds) in the north of the country, particularly to and from the Cabinda enclave, which is only accessible by air. Air Gemini and Sonair are recommended. Helicopter access to Cabinda is also possible. Passengers on internal flights must carry official authorisation (guia de marcha).

Rail services are erratic, and tickets hard to purchase. Trains run on three separate routes inland from Luanda: to Malanje (daily) with short branches to Dondo and Golungo Alto; Lobito to Dilolo (the Benguela Railway, daily); and Namibe to Menongue (daily). There are no sleeping cars and no air-conditioned services, though food and drink is available on some journeys.

Traffic drives on the right. Driving outside of Luanda may be risky. Outside major urban areas, unexploded ordnance proves a risk. There were once nearly 8,000km (5,000 miles) of tarred roads but much of the infrastructure was destroyed in the conflict after 1975. Many roads are unsuitable for travel at present, and local advice should be sought and followed carefully. It is hard to hire a car: taxis are the best way to travel. Car-jacking is a risk. Identity papers must be carried.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended (or translation of national licence), although, in theory, visitors may drive with a national licence for up to 30 days.

Local buses run in Luanda. A flat fare is charged.