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| Country Guide > Africa > Angola |
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Travel - Internal Note All travel in the country is very strictly controlled and limited, owing to the unstable political situation. Business travellers should contact an embassy or official representative before travelling. Most of the country is only accessible by air. Air 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. Helicopter access to Cabinda is possible as well. Passengers on internal flights must carry official authorisation (guia de marcha). Approximate flight times: From Luanda to Benguela and Cabinda is 50 minutes, to Huambo is one hour, to Namibe is one hour 45 minutes and to Lubango is one hour 10 minutes. Rail Owing to the instability of the political situation, 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. Children under three travel free and children aged three to 11 pay half fare. Road Traffic drives on the right. Driving outside of Luanda may be risky. There were once nearly 8000km (5000 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 required. Urban Local buses run in Luanda. A flat fare is charged. |