Angola

Angola offers a heady combination of wildlife-rich rainforests, world-class surfing and beaches, remote deserts, and richly diverse human culture. Luanda, the capital, is a city of contrasts – from colonial Portuguese ruins and sophisticated nightclubs to $100-a-plate sushi bars and vibrant carnival celebrations. Venture beyond the urban centre on the recently rehabilitated Benguela railway to discover frontier diamond towns, relaxed beach resorts, excellent sea-fishing, and some of the world's most enthralling surfing at Cabo Ledo.

The country's Atlantic coastline stretches through dramatically varied landscapes – tropical rainforest in the north, desert in the south – and boasts over 1,000 km of unspoilt sands. Eight national parks are reintroducing large mammals lost to poaching, with African Parks-run Iona as the jewel in the crown. Meanwhile, Luando remains one of the few places to spot the critically endangered giant sable antelope, Angola's national symbol. Other unmissable attractions include Africa's third-highest waterfall at Kalandula, world-renowned birding spots, ancient rock paintings at Tchitundo-Hulo, and M'banza Congo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of power for the Kilukeni dynasty.

This thoroughly updated fourth edition reflects Angola's rapid transformation, with reinvigorated tourism infrastructure including a new international airport, improved flight costs, high-quality roads, and streamlined visa processes. Across 19 chapters, Bradt's Angola provides comprehensive practical and background information covering the entire country – an essential companion for surfers, birdwatchers, adventurous travellers, fishing enthusiasts, overlanders, and NGO workers alike.