Explore Angola

Explore Angolahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/africa/angolaExplore Angolahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/africa/angola/amazing-nomads-mike-dawsonMike Dawson is an Olympic slalom kayaker, using sport to fuel his desire to travel and take on the dangers of wild rivers.2018-09-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/africa/angola/amazing-nomads-mike-dawsonhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Alongside delivering our fortnightly World Nomads destination podcast we now share bonus episodes featuring amazing people doing amazing things while traveling that demonstrate discovery, connection, transformation, fear and or love through travel.</p> <p>Mike Dawson is a New Zealander Olympic slalom kayaker. Mike is also internationally renowned for his extreme kayak feats, tackling some of the biggest rapids on the planet and paddling some of the wildest rivers in the US, Mexico, Europe, and Africa.</p> <h2>In This Episode</h2> <p>00:12 Introducing Mike Dawson</p> <p>00:55 He’s not only an Olympian</p> <p>01:53 How he lost his funding</p> <p>03:53 The idea he cooked up to fund his Olympic campaign</p> <p>06:10 Giving back in Rio</p> <p>09:22 Tackling the wild rivers</p> <p>10:26 Running the rapids of the Cuanza River</p> <p>11:12 What could go wrong?</p> <p>12:35 Preparation needed to tackle wild rivers</p> <p>14:34 Losing our clean rating for the Podcast</p> <p>17:18 Travel from a sport</p> <p>18:58 The Tokyo games</p> <p>19:40 When a croc chases you</p> <p>20:10 How to get in touch with us</p> <h2>Who is on the Show</h2> <p>Mike Dawson is a <a href="http://www.olympic.org.nz/athletes/mike-dawson/">New Zealand Olympian</a>. Born and bred in the Bay of Plenty, he grew up paddling the local rivers in his backyard<g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">.</g></p> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/Amazing Nomads/mikedawson.jpg" /> <p><g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear Style replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">In</g> November 2016, fresh from winning the extreme kayaking world title, Spaniard Aniol Serrasolses, New Zealander Mike Dawson and Irish filmmaker Ciarán Heurteau headed to Pakistan to attempt a descent of the fabled Rondu Gorge, on the Indus river.</p> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/insidetheindusmovie/202384268?autoplay=1">Follow</a> Aniol, Mike, and Ciarán as they make their way down the river.</p> <p>Produced by: Mike Dawson in association with Twelve Productions, Kiwi Creations, and Serrasolses Bros Productions</p> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/Amazing Nomads/pakistan.jpg" /> <h2>Scholarship Newsletter</h2> <p> <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create">Sign up for scholarships news and see what opportunities are live here</a>.</p> <p>Want to Republish this Episode?</p> <p><iframe width="100%" height="200" src="https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/269701?visual=true&sharing=true" frameborder="0" style="width: 100%; height: 200px"></iframe></p> <h2>Want to Talk to Us?</h2> <p>We want to hear from you! If you have any travel insurance questions to <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">Ask Phil</a>, want to give us feedback on the episode, or have suggestions for topics you'd like us to cover, email us at <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a></p> <h2>Sign Up for Podcast News</h2> <p>Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads' Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. Kim and Phil will share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel podcast; it’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today.</p>Mike Dawson 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/africa/angola/angola-local-ways-and-logisticsAfter years of civil war, Angola is largely undiscovered by travelers but it has so much to offer. Here's what to know about the cash economy, the nature and wildlife, and more. 2019-01-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/africa/angola/angola-local-ways-and-logisticshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1. Local Markets</h2> <p>The markets are a great way to experience local life. They are also good spots to pick up handcrafted goods and taste the local cuisine including <em>funge</em>, which is a cassava based pudding dish usually served with condiments and other dishes. Some of the markets worth checking out include the Tunga N'go market in Rangel, Benfica markets just south of the capital, Luanda and Feira de Artesanato market (which operates every first Saturday in the month).</p> <p>Bargaining is encouraged and you should usually aim for one-half to two-thirds of the original price.</p> <h2>2. Angola Has Spectacular Nature</h2> <p>For nature lovers, Angola has something for everyone. The south coast is a great spot for whale watching, scuba diving and other water based activities. Near Luanda and Ambriz, surfers can find <a href="https://gosurfafrica.com/angola/">fantastic spots</a> to catch a wave. Don't miss out on Kissama National Park (Angola's only functioning national park), where you can spot African elephants, giraffe, zebra, sea turtles and an abundance of wildlife.</p> <h2>3. Book Your Accommodation in Advance</h2> <p>You might hit a roadblock if you're trying to book a hotel in Luanda, as they fill up a few months in advance. Try to plan your trip as far ahead of time as possible.</p> <h2>4. Cash is King in Angola</h2> <p>Travelers are advised that the local currency, the New Kwanza (AOA) is the best way to pay for things. Major hotels do welcome payment by credit card. US dollars are also accepted widely across the country. There are no ATM's in Angola so you will need to bring enough money to exchange for your trip. Change your money with street vendors (the licensed ones have their ID around their neck) as they are likely to give you a better rate. You can change money in banks, however their rates are generally lower.</p> <p>You can take the value of 50,000 AOA (US$160) in and out of Angola however you may find it difficult to exchange outside of the country so spend up while you're there. You also can't exchange AOA back into USD in Angola.</p> <h2>5. Prehistoric Angola</h2> <p>If you're into ancient history, Angola has some great spots where you can see examples of prehistoric events and art. One such place near the coastal town of Namibe is Tchitundu Hulu, which features some of the most spectacular examples of prehistoric in-situ rock art dating back 20,000 years. Many of the paintings feature wildlife, people (some even show when Europeans arrived) and sacred geometric symbols. Best to grab a guide before you go as finding it can be a challenge.</p>Getty Images/Fabian Plock - EyeEm 0