Miss Angola, Leila Lopes is one of the most beautiful women I have seen in the last few years of Miss Universe and she was an eye opener for me in revisiting my geography lessons on the hidden gem that is Angola. Until the 1970s, this remote country was hidden amid the cultural riches that it offers. For an outsider, Angola presents a humbling place with natural beauty and historical depth. At the intense heat of Equatorial Africa, you will find the loveliest people and some really interesting secrets.
Luanda and the Atlantic coast
Even with infrastructures being built to connect various areas, adventure is still the biggest advantage of Angola for tourism. This is not for the faint of heart and those who like to travel on a budget since cost of living here is pretty low. One of the best places to visit in Angola would have to be the capital city of Luanda. At the turn of the millennium, this once poor city has started to show signs of progress with an increased number of construction projects happening here and there. The incredible Atlantic coast, architecture (Old Portuguese churches) and museums offer incredible appeal to travelers who want to take it slow and easy without leaving the city.
Other areas of interest
Benguela is a popular spot due to its incredible desert beaches. You will also find some really nice architecture inspired by Art Deco movement. For those who like to explore the wilderness, travel across the Cubal Canyon at Kwanza Sul, and the plains at Waka Kungo. Visit areas like Cunene, Huambo, Malange, Huila, and others to find lovely waterfalls and generally lovely scenes. The city of Lubango is a perfect place that was perfectly pristine despite the difficult years in Angola. Lastly, you should take the time to visit Parque Nacional da Kissama. This is considered as one of the most expansive national parks. It is a true wilderness with expanses of empty quarters and a surreal landscape that is different from anything you might have seen or not imagined before.
Surely, the new Miss Universe is the pride of her country and we all can’t help but to be mesmerized and inspired also by this incredible country with a lot of potential for the wandering tourists.