Belas, Angola
Region: Belas
Geographic Coordinates: -8.998300, 13.265000
Climate: Belas, Angola experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 500000
Language: Portuguese
Belas is a municipality located in the province of Luanda, Angola. It is situated on the western coast of Africa and covers an area of approximately 1, 200 square kilometers. The municipality has a population of around 250, 000 people and is known for its beautiful beaches, Lush greenery, And rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions in Belas is the Mussulo Island. This stunning island boasts crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, Windsurfing, And kayaking.
The island also offers several restaurants that serve delicious seafood dishes. Another popular attraction in Belas is the Kissama National Park. This park spans over an area of approximately 9, 600 square kilometers and houses various wildlife species including elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Lions among others. Visitors can take guided tours to explore this vast park or go on safari drives to see these majestic creatures up close. Belas also has several historical sites that offer visitors a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
One such site is Fortaleza de São Miguel which was built by Portuguese settlers during colonial times in Angola’s history to protect against intruders from other European powers who were trying to establish their presence in Africa. The municipality also features several shopping centers where visitors can shop for souvenirs or everyday items such as clothing or electronics at affordable prices. Belas’ cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences with Portuguese-style seafood dishes being particularly popular among locals as well as visitors alike.
Belas offers something for everyone – from beautiful beaches to wildlife safaris – making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience Angola’s natural beauty while exploring its rich history and culture all at once!
- Kissama National Park: This national park is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, zebras and more.
- Kalandula Falls: These waterfalls are located in the northern part of Angola and are considered one of the largest waterfalls in Africa.
- Fortaleza de São Miguel: A historic fort built by the Portuguese in 1576 to protect against Dutch invaders.
- Ilha de Luanda: A beautiful island off the coast of Luanda that boasts white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
- Miradouro da Lua: Translated as Moon Viewpoint, this natural wonder offers breathtaking views over a lunar-like landscape.
- Mausoleum Agostinho Neto: This mausoleum is dedicated to Agostinho Neto who was Angola’s first president after independence from Portugal.
- Cidade Alta (High City): The historical heart of Luanda where you can find colonial-era buildings such as churches and museums.
- Museu Nacional de História Natural de Angola: A museum showcasing Angola’s natural history with exhibits on geology, paleontology, botany and more.
- Talatona Convention Center & Hotel: This modern complex features a convention center, hotel accommodation, and shopping mall all in one place.
- Belavista Shopping Mall: One of the biggest shopping malls in Belas district with shops for clothes, electronics, restaurants etc.
- Belas, Angola is mainly a residential area with limited major industries or businesses.
- Notable businesses in the region include:
- Retail shops and markets that sell groceries, clothing, and other household items.
- A few restaurants serving traditional Angolan cuisine and some international dishes.
- Several construction companies operate in Belas due to recent residential development growth in the area.
- Many real estate agencies also operate due to high demand for housing.
- Several schools and educational institutions exist within Belas.
- A few healthcare facilities provide medical services to residents of the area.
- The Battle of Kifangondo was fought between the Portuguese colonial forces and the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) on 10 November 1975, just a day before Angola gained independence from Portugal. It took place near Kifangondo, which is now part of Belas.
- Agostinho Neto played a key role in Angola’s struggle for independence from Portugal and became its first president after independence in 1975.
- Jonas Savimbi founded UNITA, one of Angola’s main political parties during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002.
- The National Stadium of Cidadela, located in Belas, was built by China as a gift to Angola in 2010 for hosting the African Cup of Nations football tournament.
- The Luanda International Airport serves as one of Angola’s main international gateways and is located in Belas.
- The Miramar neighborhood is an upscale residential area home to many wealthy Angolans and foreign expatriates living in Luanda.
- The Kissama National Park is located on the outskirts of Belas and known for its diverse wildlife including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras and lions among others.
- National Museum of Anthropology
- Museu Nacional de História Natural de Angola
- Fortaleza de São Miguel
- Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto
- Memorial Dr António Agostinho Neto
- National Museum of Slavery
- Chissaca Falls
- Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint)
- Cidade Alta (Old Town)
- Benfica Market
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some of these places may have restrictions or closures in effect and it is always advisable to check before visiting any place during these times for safety reasons and to avoid any inconvenience caused by such measures taken by the authorities to contain the spread of the virus.
- Football (Soccer): The most popular sport in Angola is football. The national team is nicknamed Palancas Negras and has participated in several international tournaments.
- Basketball: Angola has a strong basketball culture, and its national team has won multiple African championships.
- Handball: The Angolan women’s handball team is one of the best in the world, having won multiple African championships and finishing second at the 2013 World Championships.
- Volleyball: Both men’s and women’s volleyball are popular sports in Angola.
- Athletics: Angola has produced several notable athletes, including marathon runner Francisco Calado and sprinter João N’Tyamba.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much coverage available online for this region when it comes to sports history or current events; hence I couldn’t find any specific information about sports teams’ histories or current standings for Belas specifically.
- Carnival of Luanda – a colorful and lively carnival held every year in the capital city of Luanda.
- Festival Internacional de Música do Sumbe – an international music festival held annually in Sumbe, featuring various genres of music from around the world.
- Festa da Cidade de Benguela – a celebration of the founding of Benguela, featuring parades, traditional dances and music performances.
- Festival Nacional de Teatro do Namibe – a national theater festival held every year in Namibe province showcasing some of the best Angolan theater productions.
- Festival Internacional de Cinema Independente de Angola (FICIA) – an independent film festival that celebrates Angolan cinema and promotes independent filmmakers from around the world.
Please note that these events may not be specific to Belas but rather happen across different provinces or cities within Angola.
- Muangolé Restaurant – serves traditional Angolan cuisine such as muamba de galinha (chicken stew), funge (cornmeal porridge), and moamba de peixe (fish stew).
- Restaurante O Pescador – specializes in seafood dishes like grilled lobster, shrimp curry, and fisherman’s soup.
- Churrasqueira do Miramar – known for its grilled meats like picanha (beef sirloin) and frango no churrasco (grilled chicken).
- Restaurante e Bar Avenida – offers a mix of Angolan and Portuguese dishes like feijoada (bean stew), bacalhau com natas (codfish with cream), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).
- Casa dos Sabores – serves homemade-style food including grilled meats, stews, and rice dishes.
- Sabores do Sul Restaurant & Grill – specializes in Brazilian-style barbecue with a variety of meat cuts cooked to perfection.
- Camarões do Kikuxi – famous for its prawns cooked in different styles such as garlic butter sauce or coconut milk.
- Tio Pepe Restaurant – offers traditional Portuguese cuisine including seafood paella or roasted lamb chops.
- Restaurante da Vila – serves typical Angolan food such as calulu de peixe or cabrito estufado com batata-doce among others.
- Lobito Grill & Lounge – known for its grilled meat platters served with sides like fries or salad along with refreshing drinks from the bar menu.
- Kissama National Park
- Belas Shopping Mall
- Miradouro da Lua viewpoint
- Kalandula Falls
- Parque da Independência (Independence Park)
- Golf Course Mangais
- Cine Atlântico movie theater
- Beaches of Cabo Ledo and Mussulo Island
- Serra da Leba mountain range for hiking and rock climbing
It is recommended to check with local tourism boards or travel websites for updated information on the availability of these parks and activities before planning a visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that may apply in Angola or your country of origin/destination at this time.
Note: This answer was last updated on September 2021 and may be subject to change in the future as per local regulations or other factors affecting tourism in Angola.
