Flight tickets from East London to Luanda

Welcome to this guide exploring the fascinating city of Luanda! Luanda is the largest city and capital of Angola, located in the nation's northwest on the Atlantic coast. It is a sprawling, vibrant, and diverse port city that serves as a gateway to the world and is also home to one of Africa's largest urban populations. It has an interesting history, unique cultural identity, and numerous iconic attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. In this guide, we will explore the highlights of this fascinating city, providing insight into what makes Luanda special.

Getting to Know Luanda

Luanda is the capital city of Angola, located in the country’s north-west region on the Atlantic coast. It is the largest city in Angola with a population of over 6 million people. Luanda is in the Western Africa Time Zone (WAT), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Most of the population of Luanda is native to Angola. The main spoken language is Portuguese, but the local Kikongo and Umbundu languages are also widely spoken. English is also spoken by a growing number of people. The currency used in Angola is the kwanza (AOA). The official rate of exchange to the Dollar is listed as 1.00 AOA = 0.0019 USD as of January 2021. Credit cards are slowly becoming more commonly accepted in Angola and are mostly accepted in larger cities and malls. ATMs and banks are available in Luanda and provide services in kwanza.

Climate and Weather

The climate of Luanda, the capital of Angola, is a tropical savanna climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season in Luanda typically runs from May to October with temperatures ranging from 16 and 33 degrees Celsius, while the wet season runs from November to April with temperatures ranging from 18 and 32 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is November where temperatures can reach an average of 30 degrees Celsius while the coolest month is June with an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. Rainfall in Luanda is consistent throughout the year with an annual average of 1040mm and can reach as high as 2000mm during the wet season, the wettest months being January and February. The high humidity (relative humidity being 80-90%) contributes to the uncomfortably warm climate in Luanda. The temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees Celsius and as a result air conditioning is commonplace, especially during the summer months.

Touring Luanda: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Luanda, the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport and the Luanda Air Base. You can get from the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport to downtown Luanda by taxi or bus. A taxi ride should cost around $13-20. Yes, you can change money at Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport at the Bureau de Change.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Luanda

1. Luanda has a vibrant blend of cultures, with historical influences from the Portuguese Empire, indigenous African cultures, and Middle Eastern and Latin American immigrants
2. As the city grew, so did its diverse range of culture, evident in the traditional music, food, art, and architecture
3. Tourists can explore the city’s history through its many museums, monuments, and public squares. Cultural activities are also widely available, from street markets and craft fairs to jazz clubs and art galleries