Our Northern Explorer samples the very best of Angola; the vibrant capital Luanda, remote waterfalls, stunning landscapes,coffee plantations and a fabulous coastal drive.
Overall operator rating 10.0/10 from 1 trip review
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Our trip was wonderful- The staff in Angola met all of our expectations and went above and beyond- a special thanks to Ray who met us at airport, got us started on our trip, entertained us at the Flamigo Lodge and met us again on our return to Lumabgo and took us to airport for our departure to Namibia
Itinerary
Our Northern Explorer samples the very best of Angola; from the vibrant capital Luanda to remote waterfalls, stunning landscapes scattered with coffee plantations, a fabulous coastal drive as well as a stop at Kissama Game Park. Although still pioneering and including a lot of travel over some of the worst roads in Africa, this tour will appeal to those looking for a slightly softer adventure. Being a hotel based trip; with no camping this is the perfect way to discover a hidden and most remarkable corner of Angola.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Luanda Arrive in Luanda and transfer to your hotel. Time to freshen up before taking in some of the capital’s sights on a short city tour. Get to know your fellow travellers and our local team over a leisurely dinner. Overnight tourist class hotel.
Day 2 - Malanje A full day drive to the east, passing little visited forests where we hope to catch sight of monkeys, as well as birds endemic to the area. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 – Kalandula Falls Today we make an excursion to the Kalandula Falls. As with much of this tour we pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Angola. Return to Malanje for the night. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 4 - Cambambe Today we return to the west travelling via Pedras Negras to Cambambe. Site of a large hydroelectric dam, Cambambe supplies power to Luanda as well as irrigation water for the valley of the Kwanza River. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 5 – Waku Kungo Today we travel directly south, passing through more amazingly beautiful landscape to Waku Kungo, the southernmost point of our tour. The journey will be fascinating as with all our tours in Angola, you will be amongst an elite group of pioneering travellers to explore this incredible country. Throughout you will have plenty of opportunity to meet the local people and learn about their culture and traditions. (BLD)
Day 6 – Sumbe Probably one of the most scenic days of the trip, we head towards the Atlantic Coast passing through Gabela, an area known for its endemic birds. This is also one of the main coffee growing regions and we will pass hills covered with plantations. Before reaching Sumbe we stop at the Cachoeiras Falls. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 7 - Cabo Ledo We start our journey north, hugging the spectacular Atlantic coastline. We travel through the town of Porto Amboim before reaching our destination, Cabo Ledo. With its deserted, pristine beach, Cabo Ledo is a welcome break. Simply relax on the beach, take a swim or enjoy some of the finest seafood in Southern Africa. Overnight Cabo Ledo Beach Cabanas. (BLD)
Day 8 – Kissama National Park After a couple of hours drive we enter the Kissama Game Park, home to a growing number of animals. We believe that Kissama is typical of the spirit of Angola and its proud people. It is at the forefront of the country’s wildlife regeneration efforts, thanks largely to a pioneering relief project known as Operation Noah’s Ark. The project seeks to rehabilitate the park by importing elephants from game reserves in South Africa and Botswana. The project has gone on to introduce zebras, ostrich, wildebeest and giraffe. Visitors may also be lucky to spot the indigenous palanca antelope that was thought to have been on the brink of extinction. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 9 – Kissama National Park Today is set aside to explore Kissama. In the morning there will be an early game drive, followed by a sumptuous and lazy breakfast on the veranda overlooking the Kwanza River flood plains. Later in the morning, we will take a river trip on the Kwanza (subject to local confirmation), followed by another game drive. There will also be time to relax and take in the spectacular views across the Kwanza basin. Depending on availability we will then travel to the coast and spend some time at the Kwanza River Lodge. Being just two hours from the hustle and bustle of Luanda, it makes a perfect base for our last night, before returning to the capital the next day. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 10 – Luanda Return to Luanda where the tour ends on arrival. (B)
Price Includes All accommodation based on twin/double share All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner Park entrance fees An English speaking guide
Price does not include International flights Travel insurance Drinks Angolan Visa Single Supplement
Departure Dates 19 April 2010, 6 September 2010, 18 April 2011, 5 September 2011 -------------------------------------------------------- Important Information Clients travelling on this tour must be aware that tourism in Angola is in its extreme infancy. Basic infrastructure and in particular suitable accommodation is in short supply. Therefore it is very unlikely we can provide single room accommodation. All clients must be willing to share lodge and hotel rooms with another traveller of the same sex. However, we can normally supply tents for single occupancy for the nights camping. In addition when we have shown an overnight stay as lodge/hotel or camping, i.e. at Flamingo, we will do our best to secure sufficient lodge/hotel rooms for the complete group. Nonetheless all clients must be prepared to camp as very often this will be our only option. Again, we stress that this is very much the nature of travelling in Angola and we thank our clients for their understanding.
Visa Information It should be noted that the process for obtaining an Angolan entry visa can be very time consuming. We recommend that you make your application at least two months before travel.
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