Explora Palanca Safaris is a local tour operator specialising in exploration tours. Our mission is to share Angola while respecting local communities and ecosystems. Thanks to our field expertise and local network, we offer authentic, well-organised experiences.
Palanca Safaris was born from a shared passion: showing Angola in a different way. We believe that travelling means meeting a country, its nature, its history and its people, with respect and authenticity.
We want to share the unique beauty of Angola, still spared from mass tourism. Our mission is to offer exclusive travel experiences, where every tour combines immersion, comfort and respect for local communities.
With our local expertise and our network of trusted partners, we help you discover Angola with complete peace of mind. Whether you want to go on a photo safari, explore spectacular landscapes or meet traditional peoples, we create unique and memorable itineraries.
Meet Erick, founder of Explora Palanca Safaris
Erick has lived in Africa for more than 40 years and fell in love with Angola over 25 years ago. He has lived there ever since, building an in-depth knowledge of the country, its people and its landscapes.
In 2017, driven by his passion for exploration and off-the-beaten-track travel, he founded a paramotor safari company in Namibia, Wild Air Safaris. At the same time, he began to realise a long-held ambition: sharing the country closest to his heart, Angola, with travellers looking for truly different experiences.
This vision took shape in 2019 with the creation of Explora Palanca Safaris. Since then, many French partners have placed their trust in us, and the travellers who have discovered Angola with Explora Palanca Safaris have become our best ambassadors.
Particular importance is given to the overall travel experience. For Erick, travel is not only about landscapes or wildlife, but also about moments of sharing, especially around the table. Good food and fine wines are an integral part of the experience, whether inspired by local traditions or carefully chosen along the route.
Comfort, conviviality and attention to detail are built into every expedition, so that the adventure is as enjoyable as it is authentic. Erick is deeply committed to promoting Angola and wants, in his own way, to help develop responsible tourism, with the firm aim that local communities benefit directly.
Stéphane, tour guide
Stéphane has been a professional guide in southern Africa for more than 20 years. He is now based between Namibia and Angola, two countries he has travelled and guided in for many years.
Over his career, he has led and supervised training programmes for well-known operators such as African Eagle, Terres d'Aventure and Wild Air Safaris. He is especially appreciated for his calm, reassuring presence in the field and his constant attention to travellers, with the aim of making every trip a memorable experience. Stéphane has specialist knowledge of southern African reptiles and arachnids, and a deep understanding of the region, from its history, wildlife, flora and astronomy to its cultures, peoples and regional economies. He is driven by the wish to help develop tourism in the country by bringing the best of his experience and field know-how.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Entry requirements
Many nationalities, including citizens of the EU, the UK and the US, can visit Angola visa-free for short tourist stays. A passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date and a return ticket are required on arrival. Check the current rules for your nationality before booking.
Currency
The local currency is the kwanza. Euros and US dollars can easily be exchanged in Luanda, at banks and bureaux de change.
Electricity
Sockets are the European type (two round pins). UK and US travellers will need an adapter.
Safety
Angola has been a stable and safe destination since the end of the civil war in 2002. As in any large city, stay alert, avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables in a safe place.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and must be recorded on your international certificate of vaccination. Antimalarial treatment is strongly recommended, and routine vaccinations should be up to date.
Seasons
Angola can be visited all year round. The dry season, from May to October, brings pleasant temperatures, ideal for tours and safaris. The rainy season, from November to April, is still pleasant, with mostly short showers and slightly warmer temperatures. In the desert south, temperatures vary more: hot during the day, cooler in the morning and evening.
