May 28, 2025 – May 28, 2025
Angola’s capital and most populous city, Luanda has enjoyed a massive boom in construction in the last decade following the end of the Angola Civil War. Learn about the history of Angola at the many superb museums, historical sites and monuments throughout the city. The Parque Nacional da Kissama, south of Luanda, is an expansive wildlife park with elephants, water buffalo, antelopes and nesting sea turtles.
See the new face of rapidly changing Luanda and its historical landmarks, many built by the Portuguese, who occupied the city during much of its colonial period. Tour Angola’s capital to see the city’s inspiring rebirth and learn how the country’s vast oil and diamond resources fueled much of the growth and affluence evident along crescent-shaped Marginal Bay. You’ll pause for photos at the renovated colonial Church of Our Lady of Remedies and perhaps at Iron Palace, a pre-fabricated structure possibly designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. Visit the National Anthropology Museum to understand Angola’s turbulent history and traditional culture. View Portuguese-built San Miguel Fort, altered in 1664 to a star shape, and the rocket-like Agostinho Neto Mausoleum tower, honoring Angola’s first president. Uptown, view the Presidential Palace and the Ingreja de Jesus Catholic Church. Downtown, you’ll see the old and new houses of parliament and other stunning examples of colonial architecture and soon appreciate how this fascinating city is reclaiming its nickname, the Paris of Africa.
