This city of about five million inhabitants is Angola’s capital. Luanda is located in a bay and it is the most important port of the country. The architecture of the city is colonial in style and very colourful, but there are modern constructions, too. The climate is mostly mild due to the presence of the Atlantic Ocean. Luanda’s economy is based on the production of coffee. Bantù is the prevalent ethnic group of the city.

Official language
Portuguese is the official language spoken throughout the country, but there are also about 42 different dialects.

Currency
The national currency is the Kwanza, and leaving the country with this currency is not allowed by authorities.

Religion
Catholicism is by far the most widely practised religion, with 51% of Angolans being Catholic. Protestants make up about 17% and about 30% practise the traditional religion. Other religions represent 2% of the total.

Geographical location
Located in the southeast of Africa, Angola has the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to its north and northeast, Zambia to the east and Namibia to the south. Its shoreline is about 1.650 km.

Population
Angola has 12 million inhabitants, distributed mainly along its shoreline and the Huambo region.

Climate
Tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: Cacimbo (dry season) that extends from May to September, and the rainy season (hotter), that extends from September to May. The temperatures are about 17ºC (minimum) to 27ºC (maximum).

Healthcare
Precautions to avoid mosquitoes must be taken during the stay, as well as care in everything relating to food and water, in order to minimise the risks of intestinal infections, frequent in tropical climates. Always use insect repellents and sun-screen protection. In case serious medical assistance is required, there are several fully equipped clinics at the visitor’s disposal.

Water
Despite the fact that the water is of reasonable quality, it’s not advisable to drink it. Bottled water is widely availablel.

Driving
In order to drive, visitors should have an International Driving License, or a local driving license. If you wish to visit a city far from the capital, air travel is the best option, since roads are not always considered safe. Angola has a good airport network that covers most of the country.

Security
Caution is advised while using cameras near military facilities, since this activity can be misinterpreted by the authorities.

Valuables
Caution is advised regarding jewelry, video cameras and other valuables while visiting crowded places. When possible, store the jewelry and money that you’re not going to use in the hotel safe.

Our preferred carrier, South African Airways are offering delegates special fares over the period of the event on a first come, first serve basis. Early booking is strongly suggested as flights to, from and within South Africa are generally in heavy demand. These fares are available for flights booked directly with SAA services subject to the relevant class availability. Conditions will apply. Any flights undertaken on foreign carriers will be for the delegate’s own account. Enquiries can be made immediately by contacting your nearest SAA office. Contact details for all the SAA Offices can be obtained from the website www.flysaa.com.  South African residents should contact Mmabatho on telephone 011 978-1100. In all instances please quote reference numberAIR.GR.10.000006

All countries require visas.
The ordinary visa takes up to four days to process from the day of receipt of all the requirements. For ordinary visas, the time of stay may not exceed 30 days.

South African citizens may apply for their visas through the South Africa-Angola Chamber of Commerce:

Chamber Manager: Ms Josefa Muteca
41 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank 2196, Johannesburg
Telephone: +27 11 252 4635
Fax: +27 (0) 86 537 0592
Email: info@sa-acc.co.za
Website: www.sa-acc.co.za