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| Viewing: Angolan Coastal Explorer |
Package ID: 1486 |
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| Angolan Coastal Explorer |
Travellers will have the chance to discover deserted beaches, charming colonial towns, national parks and a desert landscape.
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Introduction
The Coastal Explorer is the latest edition to our growing programme of Angolan tours. Hugging the stunning coastline our journey south from the vibrant capital, Luanda is based on stays at comfortable lodges and hotels, as well as some camping before reaching our final destination, the pleasant city of Lubango. Travellers will have the chance to discover deserted beaches, charming colonial towns, national parks and a desert landscape, best explored by quad bike that is even more spectacular than Namibia’s famous Skeleton Coast.
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1 - Luanda to Kwanza Lodge – 2hrs
Arrival in Luanda and transfer by road to the comfortable Kwanza Lodge.
Kwanza Lodge is built on stilts on the bank of the Kwanza River close to the mouth of this mighty
960km long river. The lodge has a central restaurant with full bar catering to 10 luxury bungalows. All bungalows are built to fit in with the natural environment while ensuring a comfortable stay in a picturesque setting. All bungalows have private verandas for enjoying an afternoon sunset and are air-conditioned to allow for climate control during the hot summer months.
Optional activities include fishing or river cruises, spotting rare birds, crocodiles and various game species.
Overnight Kwanza Lodge
Day 2 - Luanda – 2hrs
Today we will make a day trip to the capital, a couple of hours from the lodge. Luanda, home to four million, is a bustling city with many places to see. Luanda’s Ihla is famous for beach bars and is a must for any visitor to the city. The city is a true African capital with amazing contrasts and excitement
Overnight Kwanza Lodge
Day 3 - Kwanza Lodge to Rio Longa Lodge – 4hrs
Following the Atlantic coast we continue south to our next lodge, Rio Longa situated on an island near the mouth of the Longa River. The Rio Longa forms the southern most border of the Kisama National Park. This park achieved international recognition following a well-publicized elephant relocation project during the year 2000. Surrounded by the fresh waters of the Rio Longa, the island is literally only meters away from the Atlantic Ocean. This huge body of water is kept at bay by a permanent sand split that forms the barrier between the river and the sea.
This unusual marriage between fresh and salt water created a unique ecosystem that abounds with a variety of natural life. Fish eagle and osprey, boabab and mangrove, crocodile and shark all existing in an unusual harmony, unique in its difference and variety.
Built under a canopy of Makalani Palms, the lodge consists of a main dining and entertainment area and six twin bedded luxury safari tents, with en-suite facilities. The luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms all connected by wooden walkways. The wooden walkways are dimly lit by storm lanterns at dusk and connect all the tents with the entertainment area.
Overnight Rio Longa Lodge
Day 4 - Rio Longa to Sumbe – 5hrs
Heading further south, hugging the spectacular coast, we reach the town of Sumbe, the administrative capital of Cuanza Sul Province and known for its excellent beaches
Overnight hotel Sumbe
Day 5 - Sumbe to Lobito – 5hrs
Lobito is a city and a municipality of the province of Benguela. It dates from 1905 and owes its existence to the bay of the same name having been chosen as the sea terminus of a railway to the far interior, passing through Lua to Katanga. The city, with a population of 150,000 will be our home for the next couple of days, and is the half-way point on our journey south.
There are many places of historical and cultural interest around Lobito; Palácio do Governo (old colonial style architecture), Igreja (Church) da Nossa Senhora da Arrábida (17th century), Quilve lighthouse, Termas (Spa) da lomba (22 km.), Barra do Rio Cumbal (32 km.), Bela Vista belvedere, Vila da Catumbela (8 km.), São Pedra da Catumbela lighthouse (9 km.), Nossa Senhora Aparecida belvedere (9 km.)
Overnight hotel Lobito
Day 6 - Lobito
Day at leisure or explore more of the city with our guide
Overnight hotel Lobito
Day 7 - Lobito to Baía Farta – 6hrs
Leaving the city of Lobito we will have a chance to stop in nearby Benguela, 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). Tonight will be our first night camping, right on the beach, south of Benguela at Baía Farta.
Overnight beach camping
Day 8 - Baía Farta to Bentiaba – 5hrs
Today is a particularly scenic drive along the coast south to the small town of Bentiaba.
Overnight lodge or camp
Day 9 - Bentiaba to Chapeau Armado – 5hrs
Another scenic drive will take us to the settlement of Chapeau Armado located in Namibe Province.
Overnight camp
Day 10 - Chapeau Armado to Flamingo – 5hrs
Our final leg of the trip south will take us to the city of Namibe, where visitors will see many fine examples of colonial architecture including a cinema and post office building. Moving on we reach the excellent Flamingo Lodge located in the middle of 70 km of uninhabited coast. The area is known for its highly diverse desert landscapes containing some areas of special beauty.
Overnight lodge or camping
Day 11 - Flamingo
Today we will explore the local area and there is a good chance we will meet some of the local tribal people, including the Mucuval. For many this will be one of the highlights of the trip, because any form of tourism in this part of Angola is extremely rare and the local people will have had little previous contact with foreigners. Nonetheless their welcome will be warm and very genuine. Unlike similar encounters in other African countries our meeting with the locals will not be pre-organised or managed in any way.
Overnight Flamingo Lodge or camping
Day 12 - Flamingo to Lubango – 6hrs
Today we complete our trip with a journey inland climbing through the breathtaking Lebba Pass to the city of Lubango and capital of Huíla province. We will take a tour of the city, including a visit to the spectacular Tunda-Vale, volcanic fissure (1,300m)
Overnight Somitour Hotel or similar, Lubango
Day 13 - Lubango to UK, via Luanda
A short domestic flight will take us back to the capital, where you will connect with your international flight
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Price Includes
All accommodation, based on twin share
All camping facilities
All meals except in Lubango when only breakfast included
Local beverages including beer and soft drinks except in Lubango
English-speaking guide/tour leader
Price Does Not Include
International Flights
Angolan Entry Visa
Travel Insurance (mandatory, must include emergency repatriation – proof may be required)
Optional activities at Flamingo Lodge; quad bike rental USD 120 per day, boat trip for fishing $100 per person (minimum of 4 clients)
Departure Dates
Please contact us for departure dates
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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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