This tour is going to be an expedition. The itinerary serves as an indication of the route, but due to road conditions, breakdowns and unforeseen circumstances, the day-to-day programme may be adjusted while on tour.
Contact us for fixed departure dates for 2010
Rendezvous Ruacana
17:00 Meet the rest of the group and the guides at the Cunene Island Camp near
Ruacana. Set-up camp and enjoy an informal briefing session around the campfire during dinner.
O/N Cunene Island Camp (D)
Day 1 & 2: Cross Border into Angola
After breakfast the group proceed in convoy to the Ruacana Border Post. We officially enter Angola and start our overland trek to reach Namibe via Oncocua.
This drive is only negotiable by 4 x 4 vehicles and takes at least two full days.
Namibe (previously known as Mocamedes), is Angola’s southern most harbour and fishing town. The beauty and prosperity of yester-years still very much visible.
O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Day 3 & 4: Namibe
After refueling and topping up on supplies in Namibe we will make our way north towards Foarado, a private secluded bay offering the most beautiful scenery and rock formations as well as an ideal spot for fishing. Spending the next two nights here, we will explore the surrounding area. Fishing opportunities will be available.
O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Day 5 & 6: Lubango
Depart for Lubango via the spectacular Leba Pass with its awesome hairpin bends and waterfalls. The road ascend from the coastal plain to an altitude of over 6 000 feet in just a few kilometres.
We drive to Humpata to see the monument that was erected to commemorate the Dorsland Trekkers and visit their church and cemetery. Lubango was formerly known as Sa da Bandeira and lies within a beautiful mountain. In Lubango we visit the Statue of Christ, which is situated on top of the mountain and Tunda Valla, a breathtaking view from huge cliffs hundreds of feet below. The night is spent around a campfire on top of the mountain.
O/N Bush Camp at Tunda Valla (B, L, D)
Day 7 & 8: Benguela / Lobito
We then continue further north to visit Benguela and Lobito. This is a main route used by heavy trucks transporting goods between these centres. Progress however is slow due to the very poor condition of the road. The scenery and friendly people of the rural areas will make it worth your while. Benguela is the capital of the province by the same name. Benguela is surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive beaches such as Baía-Azul (Blue Bay), Praia Morena (Brunet Beach). We will set-up a beach camp here and make this our base from where we will explore the surrounding area and explore the town of Benguela and Lobito, the surrounding areas and the picturesque secluded beaches. Benquela is Angola's most important port after Luanda, it is also a road hub and the western terminus of the trans-African Benguela railroad, which connects the port with the mines in the Congo and Zambia. The city is built mainly on reclaimed land. The harbor, protected by a sandbar, is among the best on Africa's west coast, but the Angolan civil war, which closed the railroad, caused the port to fall largely into disuse. Lobito was founded by the Portuguese in 1843. The completion of the railroad from Benguela in 1929 made Lobito an important commercial center and Angola's chief port, but it declined in the 1970s due to damage of port facilities during the war of independence from Portugal.
O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Day 9 & 10: Sumbe ~ Quibala
Heading further north, hugging the spectacular coast, via the town of Sumbe, the administrative capital of Cuanza Sul Province and known for its excellent beaches. We then turn inland towards Gabela & Quibala through beautiful countryside and crossing the highest mountains in Angola. The scenes are picturesque and a photographers dream: tropical forests, big rivers and country villages.
O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Day 11 & 12: Huambo ~ Menongue
Next, Huambo is the main town of inland Angola with an approximate population of 203 000. The town served as a road, rail and air hub for the rich agricultural region during `hay days'. From there grain, rice, hides, skins and fruit were exported. During the civil war the economy was devastated. Huambo was also the stronghold of the UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi. We then head for Katchiungo, the source of the Kavango River. The roads from here leads us south keeping close to the banks of Kavango River via Menongue towards Namibia.
O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cross Border at Rundu
Today we will cross the border at Katwitwe / Nkurenkri / Rundu where each party will go their separate way.
3 meals daily, experienced guide with own vehicle, tour leader, radio’s, camping fees, consession fees
