Hostels in LUANDA, ANGOLA

The Trendy Capital City Luanda in Angola

Luanda, the capital and the largest city of Angola is famous for at least a million reasons. There are many things to do and see in this flamboyant city, famous for its shopping and sight seeing options. The old town area has some of the best ensemble of colonial buildings and Portuguese architecture and universities where as the new town represents the city on the move.

Accommodation Options
From guest houses, game lodges, jungle resorts, B & B, hotels and hostels Luanda spreads out a wide variety of accommodation options. Most of the hostels are in and around city centre that offers easy access to the shops and tourist places around. Showers, breakfast, parking areas and well equipped bedrooms and dormitories are offered at easy prices.

History
Founded in 1575 by the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, Luanda was a small city of over a hundred families of settlers and four hundred soldiers. Luanda was Portuguese Angola's administrative centre from 1627. Angola gained independence in 1975 after the Carnation Revolution. However what followed was a bloody civil war (1975–2002) that killed millions and left many homeless.
 
Popular Places
There are many tourist destinations in Luanda including the Kissama National Park, which is home to an enchanting range of flora and fauna. The beach lovers would find the Mussulo Island a real banker. It is a great place to soak up some sun and surf. The 16th century Portuguese Fort takes you on a historic sojourn through its past. The Museo Escravidao, the slavery museum unfurls the macabre tales of the olden days when slavery was in practice.

Getting Around
As the civil war has crippled the railway network and left the roads non-motor-able, moving around could be a major problem. Traffic congestions are common. The travel guide of this city would rate the privately owned combi taxis as the most popular mode of transport. Though a public bus system is available, it could be slow and crowded.

Places of Entertainment
Luanda has a happening night life and has many hang out spots like bars and dance clubs that remain open late into the night. The beach are has many trendy night clubs and discos with live DJ shows, dance floors and pool rooms where you can mingle with a hip crowd. Dine and wine options could be costly but are hugely popular. There are open air clubs where people gather to dance the ethnic dance forms like Kizhomba and to savour local delicacies.

Currency
The official currency is the kwanza (Kw) and many shops in Luanda accept traveller’s checks or credit cards. Currency exchange facilities are available in banks, hotels and shops and you can keep a tab on the exchange rates by browsing the financial news papers or the internet.

Luanda group accommodation | hostels accommodation & budget hotels