Angola is re-emerging from decades of civil war, and adventurous travellers are beginning to tentatively discover its Portuguese architecture, 1650km (1025 miles) of coastline and little-visited wildlife parks.

Thick forest, elevated plains and forceful rivers define the country's landscape - along with the sands of the Namibe desert. Visitors can search for African wildlife, including the black palanca antelope, a species unique to Angola.

A ceasefire was finally achieved in 2002, paving the way for a final political settlement and, in April 2003, the people and government of Angola celebrated their first year of continuous peace for more than a quarter of a century.

Although there is still some sporadic fighting, notably between government forces and separatist groups in the oil-rich Cabinda enclave, most of the country has now embarked upon the monumental task of reconstruction.