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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Seasonal Attire

Angola's climate varies by region and season, pack clothing that adapts to different conditions.

Recommendations

  • Dry Season (May-Oct): Lightweight, breathable (cotton/linen), light jacket for evenings.
  • Rainy Season (Nov-Apr): Lightweight, quick-drying clothing, lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
  • Layering Guidance: Pack versatile items to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.

Cultural Dress Code

Angola is generally a conservative society, especially outside Luanda. Respect local customs.

Modesty Guidelines

  • General Public: Avoid overly revealing clothing. Shoulders and knees covered for women.
  • Religious Sites & Government Buildings: More conservative attire expected, shoulders and knees fully covered.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Modest dress shows respect and avoids unwanted attention.

Footwear Selection

Urban Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals for city streets.

Broken-in is best

Adventure & Hiking

Sturdy hiking boots for rugged terrain and national parks.

Ankle support

Versatile Options

Water-resistant shoes/sandals for rainy season or coastal areas. Dressier shoes for formal events.

Quick-drying fabrics

Essential Documents

Papers

Keeping your documents organized and secure is a top priority. Carry both physical and digital copies.

  • Passport & Visa: Valid 6+ months, sufficient blank pages. Physical visa/e-visa confirmation.
  • Travel Insurance: Physical and digital policy details, emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit: If driving, with national driver's license.
  • Vaccination Records: Yellow Fever certificate (yellow book) is mandatory for entry.
  • Prescription Meds: Sufficient supply, copy of prescription or doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies for flights, accommodations, tours.
  • Emergency Contacts: Family, embassy, local services (police 113, medical 112, fire 115).
  • Digital Copies: Store on secure cloud service or email to yourself for offline access.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Plan for your electronic needs, considering power, connectivity, and communication.

Electrical & Network

  • Power Adapter: Voltage 220V. Plug Types C & F. Bring a Universal travel adapter.
  • SIM Card Options: Purchase local SIM from Unitel, Movicel, or Africell. Passport needed for registration. Airalo eSIMs are an alternative.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Networks use GSM technology. Ensure your phone is unlocked.

Digital Preparedness

Consider essential accessories and data solutions for a smooth tech experience.

Essential Gear

Photography & Protection

Camera Gear

A camera with good zoom for wildlife viewing. Extra batteries and memory cards recommended. Check B&H Photo for gear.

Protection

Dust (dry season) and humidity (rainy season) may affect electronics. A Waterproof bag protects gear. Consider Pacsafe for anti-theft solutions.

Charging

Specific electronic chargers or high-quality insect repellent may be difficult or expensive to purchase locally. Bring these from home.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit is a smart addition to your packing list for Angola.

First Aid & Meds

  • First Aid Kit: Malaria tablets (if prescribed), antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers (Ibuprofen).
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), rehydration salts, blister treatment.
  • Prescription Medications: Sufficient supply for trip duration. Carry a copy of the prescription/doctor's note.

Protection & Hygiene

Protect yourself from sun and insects, and maintain personal hygiene on your journey.

Sun & Insect Protection

Special Health Concerns

Motion Sickness

  • Remedies: If prone to motion sickness, bring your preferred remedies for long, bumpy road journeys.
  • Over-the-Counter Meds: Antacids, allergy, cold and flu remedies.
  • Water Purification: For rural areas, a Water filter bottle or Purification tablets.

Altitude Concerns

  • Higher Elevations: Useful if traveling to higher elevations inland.
  • Acclimatization: Allow time for your body to adjust to changes in altitude.
  • Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing conditions that altitude might affect.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Camping

Tailor your packing to the activities you plan to enjoy.

Water Activities

For snorkeling, diving, or general beach enjoyment.

  • Mask and snorkel (good fit and hygiene)
  • Swimwear and beach towel
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
  • Dry bag for electronics near water

Photography Safaris

Capture Angola's wildlife and landscapes effectively.

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Camera with good zoom lens
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Dust-proof camera bag

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Bring Your Own

  • Critical items like well-fitting hiking boots or personal snorkel gear.
  • Specialized photo equipment that you rely on.
  • Items for hygiene, personal comfort, or medical needs.
  • Consider buying clothing from Amazon before travel.

Consider Renting

  • Bulky items like camping gear, often available through tour operators.
  • Assess quality and availability of rental gear at your destination.
  • For travel bags, check options at Nordace before deciding.
  • Renting saves luggage space and potential fees.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your comfort, security, and preparedness.

Travel Essentials

Eco-Friendly & Local Items

Embrace sustainability and local communication.

Sustainable Travel

Special Travel Considerations

Robust Luggage

Choose durable luggage for varied travel conditions.

Local Currency

Carry small denominations of Angolan Kwanza.

Offline Access

Download maps and translation data for areas with limited internet.

Connectivity

Local SIM cards usually offer the most reliable internet access.

Destination-Specific Gear

For Safari & Wildlife

  • Binoculars: Essential for observing wildlife from a distance.
  • Long Lens: A camera with a good zoom lens for capturing wildlife.
  • Dust Covers: For cameras and sensitive electronics during game drives.

For City & Culture

  • Small Bills: For markets and local vendors.
  • Offline Maps: Navigating city streets without constant internet.
  • Phrasebook/Translation App: For basic communication in Portuguese.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack clothes in quick-drying fabrics to handle humidity and potential rain. Roll your clothes to maximize space and reduce wrinkles.

Consider packing cubes for organization and to compress items. Label your luggage clearly.