apologies for asking the same question(s) that are constantly renewed... perhaps i'm being too hopeful but i wondered if there were any hubbers with the latest news & contacts...

i'm travelling on an australian passport. there is no angolan embassy in australia. i'm heading from south (i.e. RSA / NAM) north into Angola. I'm really hoping to get a 30 day visa rather than have to rush through on a 5 day transit...

i've tried the following 'contacts' chasing visa information and a letter of invitation thus far without much luck (i'm not planning to book tours, and don't want to book expensive hotels etc.);

• Eco-Tur - Angola Tours, Nature Tours, Safaris, Hotels, 4x4 Hire
• Travel Services & Visas | AA Safaris - Angola Travel
• Angolan Getaways - Safaris & Adventures

Paul @ Eco Tur suggested the angolan embassy in singapore for the visa application in advance, which seems to align with a thread from an NZ traveller here
Getting visas for Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola - Lonely Planet travel forum
though i'm yet to find out whether the email address is still correct (anyone have updates?), and I still need an LOI before applying.

Mandy @ AA Safaris suggests Pretoria will be the 'only' likely place for the visa but includes a caveat that begging will be required... also booking with Flamingo lodge provides her clients with the LOI, likewise for Lezle @ tripostravel Sure Travel Contact Details according to the author of this blog. Angola, Angola - a tale of “três cavaleiros” - Page 4 - ADVrider

can anyone suggest another 'reliable' or 'potential' sources for providing the LOI that doesn't involve hotel bookings? or is flamingo lodge really the only way to go? anyone know what accommodation is worth / minimum booking requirements there? (google search for the lodge doesn't seem to list prices).

I read some time ago about a lady working for a charitable organisation who worked on the 'trust' system for payment etc. but i can't seem to find a link now. i do recall reading that she may have left angola or no longer provide the LOI 'service' based on non-responses to some hubbers email requests...

any other information would be much appreciated!

thanks in advance
dave