DEPARTURE DATES 2010

INFORMATION ON AREAS VISITED:
Oshakati, Ruacana, Lubango, Leba Pass, Namib, Foz do Cunene, Iona National Park

Angola
Commonly referred to as ‘the last true wilderness, and located on the West coast of Southern Africa, Angola extends over an area of 1,246,700 Km2. The country is divided into 18 provinces, Luanda being the capital. With a total of a 4,837 Km long borderline, Angola is bordered with Congo-Brazzaville at the Northern province of Cabinda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaïre) to the North and East, Zambia to the East, and Namibia to the South. Although Angola is located in a sub tropical zone, its climate is not typical of such areas due to the following factors: the cold current from Benguela running along the southern part of the coast; the highlands in the interior; and the influence of the Namibe desert, situated southwest. As a result Angola has its own specific climate, with two distinct seasons, the rains, from October to April and the mist or “Cacimbo” from May to September, a
much dryer season with lower temperatures.

With an Atlantic coastline stretching for over 1.650 kms, mighty rivers flow into wide estuaries depositing sediments they have brought with them from the high plateaus to form numerous small islands, bays and sandbanks and where excellent beaches can be found. In Luanda, special mention must be given to the beaches of Ilha do Cabo, Mussulo, Palmeirinhas, Corimba and Santiago. In Benguela there is Morena, Restinga, Caóta, Caotina, Baia Azul and Baia Farta and finally in Namibe, two more, Das Miragens and Azul.
The orography and the climatic characteristics of the land provide Angola with a vast diversity of animal and vegetable species.

Ruacana
A few kilometres west of Ruacana the highland of Ovambo drops steeply.
This stretch of the road is particularly beautiful in the early morning light, with the huge water surface of the dammed-up Kunene glittering on your right side. Despite the Ruacana Falls not being the destination they once were, this corner of the country is still worth a visit. Ruacana Falls are 15 km from Ruacana, and the falls can still be spectacular, but this requires consistent heavy rains (i.e. summer). For views of the falls, March to April are your best bets to see water crashing over the rocks.

Lubango
Largely unaffected by the war, Lubango provides access to the beautiful beaches of Namibe. En route, watch for the Tunda-Vala volcanic fissure, where you can climb to 2600 meters above sea level. The view of a sheer drop to sea level is quite spectacular. Barely touched by the fighting, Lubango is Angola without the war-wounds. It is a bustling and vibrant
highland settlement embellished by attractive parks and dominated by a dazzling white marble statue of Cristo Rei (Christ the King) that towers above the pastel-pink colonial buildings like a miniature Corcovado Christ.

Leba Pass
This breathtaking mountain road takes you to an altitude of over 5000 feet in just a few kilometres. We pass by waterfalls and cantilevered hairpin bends on our way to the top, where we will over look the semi-tropical area, abounding with Mango trees.

Namib
Namibe is known as one of the cleanest and best kept towns in Angola. This port town has a strong fishing community which supplies much of the country with fresh and dried fish. Namibe harbour is lined with sandstone cliffs falling into the Atlantic and the harbour is key to the economy of southern Angola as all imports come through the port.

Foz do Cunene
'Foz do Cunene' is where we will amaze you with some adventurous dune driving. This is also good fishing terrain. Enjoy the contrasts of sand dunes, rocky plains, thick riverine vegetation and the sea. The Cunene River flows through this part of the country and is a large perennial river that forms part of the boundary between south-western Angola and Namibia. It is bordered by lush vegetation which forms striking contrasts with the surrounding desert.

The settlement of Foz do Cunene is situated on the banks of the river 6 km from the sea and is within the vast Iona National Park. The settlement was built to house the operators of a pump station which supplied water to the fishing town on the peninsula of Baia dos Tigres. When the sea broke through the isthmus of the peninsula in the 1970's the water line was severed. Tigres became an Island overnight with no water supply, Tigres and the pump
station at the Cunene river mouth were abandoned, and have become ghost towns slowly being reclaimed by the desert.

Iona National Park
This park is home to many indigenous peoples such as the Mucubal and himba, as well as many kimbundu groups. Most are subsistent farmers and herders who remain isolated and oblivious to the outside world. The landscape is diverse & once can see herds of game, indigeonous tribal people, plains littered with Welwitschia, and fascinating rock formations.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Arrival to Lubango, Angola D
Arriving to Lubango Airport, you will be met by our guide, and transferred to our lodge where we will camp for the evening. We will go on a tour of Lubango town, ending with scenic sun downer drinks at Tundavalle.
Tundavalle is a must see in the city of Lubango. This volcanic fissure climbs to 2600m (8528 ft) above sea level and offers breathtaking views from the edge of the escarpment over rolling hills well above the clouds.
Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Camping at Lodge in Lubango

DAY 2: Lubango to Flamingo Lodge BLD
Lubango is set in a lush tropical valley guarded by the statue of Christ built high above on the cliffs overlooking the city. Rich in colonial architecture, and mixed with the confusion of Africa, Lubango has many bars and restaurants that offer interesting variety with rich Portuguese heritage. After breakfast and break down of camp, we visit the iconic statue of Christ, which towers over the city keeping watch night & day. This statue is only one of
three in the world and is a replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro – one of the few remaining signs of hope and peace. After a fantastic photo opportunity at the top of the breathtaking Serra de Leba pass, we make our way down the winding mountain road. Designed by a woman, the pass twists its way down the mountain from a height of 1845 meters above sea level.
We continue our journey west towards Namibe, and leave the lushness of Lubango behind us, for the desert of the coast. Before arriving to Flamingo Lodge, we stop at Lake Arco – a hidden treasure located within a canyon, & we relax by the waters & watch the birdlife.
Arriving to Flamingo Lodge, we set up our camp site, and prepare dinner.
Distance: 330 km
Accommodation: Overnight Flamingo lodge (camping with ablutions
& hot water)

DAY 3: Flamingo lodge- Campsite BLD
We use today to relax & explore the fascinating area around Flamingo Lodge. The fishing on this coastline is legendary - perhaps try your luck on catching the big one! We take a drive into the nearby canyon to hike & explore – hopefully seeing some families of Black-backed Jackals along the way. Our accommodation is located amidst 70km of uninhabited coast
which supports virtually untouched fish populations and a highly diverse desert landscapes containing some areas of special beauty. Indulge yourself with a day of fishing, snorkelling, or just leisure on the beach, enjoying the open space and clear blue skies.
Distance: 30 km
Accommodation: Overnight Flamingo lodge (camping with ablutions
& hot water)

DAYS 4 & 5: Beach Drive (Flamingo Lodge to Foz du Cunene) BLD
Our departure time will be dependant on the tide. We will depart Flamingo lodge for Foz du Cunene, stopping en-route at Baia dos Tigres, where we will spend a night camping in the dunes. One of the highlights of this tour is the exhilarating 230km drive down the beach. Driving on the beach is a unique experience not permitted in most countries, and it makes this specific journey hugely exciting. The drive can only be done at Spring tide, as the coast is
bordered by high dunes which fall precipitously into the sea, leaving just a narrow stretch of sand between the ocean and the dunes. Join us in our excitement as we squeeze the vehicles between the ocean waves & enormous sand dunes!
On our way from Flamingo lodge, we pass by two shipwrecks, one a quite recent addition to the coastline.
Behind the dunes are a number of green oases, and near the southern end of Baia dos Tigres, there are vast lagoons teeming with fish and birds such as Pelicans and Flamingos.
Day 5 sees us completing this journey, finally arriving to Foz du Cunene, where the dunes subside and the beach widens. We take the remainder of the day to explore the area and the river mouth, and spend the evening camping at the basic Foz du Cunene houses, protected by the wind.
Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Day 4: Camping in the dunes
Day 5: Overnight Foz do Cunene (campsite
with basic ablutions & hot water)

Day 6: Iona National Park BLD
Leaving the coastline, we enter the Parque National du Iona. This offers an outstanding drive with scenery similar to the Koako Veld (a famous area in Northern Namibia) and is quite magnificent to pass through.
We stop to explore the hundreds of Welwitschia lining our route, as the desert changes face today from an endless sandy desert to rocky landscapes.
Distance: 165 km
Accommodation: Overnight Bush camp in open plains with no facilities

DAY 7: Iona National Park BLD
Today is a long & slow drive with some exciting 4x4 driving. The scenery changes dramatically from large open plains to Mopane forests. We pass by some interesting rock formations, and hope to see our first signs of the nomadic Himba people.
Distance: 155 km
Accommodation: Overnight Bush camp in a dry riverbed, with no facilities

DAY 8: Arrival to Ruacana, Namibia BLD
Today will have an interesting drive, passing a major stand of enormous Baobab trees. With some imagination – and compared to the prevailing vegetation dominated by bush and grass – this patch could be called a ‘forest’. This “Baobab Forest” is home to many Prehistoric stones, left untouched on the ground by the villagers ancestors. We will have plenty of time to stop & see the many Himba people who live in the area. These nomadic people of Angola are completely untouched by modern society & live with very little.
Leaving Angola behind us, we pay a quick visit to the Ruacana Falls.
Located on the border of Namibia and Angola, the falls are mostly controlled by a dam upstream, & they provide fresh water to the northern part of Namibia and the southern part of Angola. They are a valuable source of hydroelectric power and a main attraction of Namibia. They are about 120 m deep and 700 m wide, but these days water gushes over the falls only after particularly good rains, when the sluice gates have to be opened.
Otherwise the water is fed through the turbines of the hydroelectric power station.
Distance: 145 km
Accommodation: Overnight Ruacana Eha Lodge. Camping with ablutions

DAY 9: Ruacana to Etosha National Park BLD
We depart early, making our way to Etosha National Park, through the North gate, arriving to Namutoni Camp. After a rest and a swim during the hottest part of the day, we will go on an afternoon game drive through the park.
Distance: 415 km
Accommodation: Overnight at Namutoni or similar

DAY 10: Etosha National Park BLD
We enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in the park, and the luxuries of hot showers!
Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: Overnight at Namutoni or similar

DAY 11: Etosha National Park – Windhoek BL
An early morning departure will take us back to Windhoek, where we relax after our travels at the Roof of Africa Lodge.
You can catch a flight to your onward destination, or stay for a few days, at your leisure.
Distance: 540 km
Accommodation: Overnight at Roof of Africa

DAY 12: Windhoek - Onward destination B
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Distance: 0 km

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Departure:
When arriving in Ondangwa on the morning of Day 1 of the tour, you will be picked up from the airport and embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre tour accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day 1. (Pick up time will be confirmed on arrival).

Transport:
We will use a Toyota landcruiser or similar 4x4 vehicle.

Accommodation:
Accommodation will be camping and there will not be options to upgrade to accommodation, apart from at Etosha. Please note that Angola is a country which is in its infancy when it comes to tourism. The route we follow is remote, and there will be few or no facilities that have not been brought along with us.

Spending money:
Angolan currency is the Kwanza. As this tour takes you to remote & much undiscovered territory, there are very few opportunities to use spending money. The majority of your money will be spent on purchasing a cold cola when they can be found.
In Namibia the currency is the Namibian Dollar, however the South African Rand can also be spent in Namibia, as the two currencies are interchangeable.

First Aid:
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance on the plane will be 12 kg. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Please bring enough clothing, as there are few washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travellers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home country. Comprehensive public liability insurance.

Clothing and other items:
• Shorts Track suit
• Walking shoes
• Light trousers/jeans
• Swimming costume Sandals
• T-shirts Sun hat
• Windbreaker
• Warm clothes
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Towel
• Torch & spare batteries
• Water bottle
• Camera UV protection
• Mosquito protection

Visas:
These should be applied for before arrival in Angola in your country of residence. We can assist with a letter of introduction.

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above.

GENERAL NOTES:

PASSPORTS must be carried with you at all times whilst on safari and in the vehicle. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your safari finishes/you leaving the country.

PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE is not included but is compulsory when travelling on any safari. Travel insurance is for your own protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. Please consult your travel agent prior to leaving home or contact us. 

VISA REQUIREMENTS – Visas are your own responsibility; persons arriving without the relevant visa for their safari will not be refunded in this scenario.

	Enquiry - Form
Your Name:
Your Email *:	* required
Alternative Email address:
Phone:	Fax:
Your Country:
Date of departure:
Number of travellers:	Adults:   Children (under 12):
Additional comments:
Interested in our newsletter?	Please select ... Add my address to your newsletter Remove me from your newsletter
	Reload security code Security code :
Send this form: Important:	We promise you a maximum respond time of 24h on working days. If you do not get an answer from us within this time we might not have received your message or there was an error with the email address you provided. Alternatively you can send us an email to Enquiry@NewAfricanFrontiers.com or please feel free to use our other contact options..

Our safaris are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs: Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel