This tour is going to be an expedition.  The itinerary serves as an indication of the route, but due to bad road conditions and unforeseen circumstances the day-to-day programme may be adjusted.

Day 0: Rundu

17:00 Meet the guides and rest of the group in Rundu. Plan your travels to arrive no later than 17:00. Set-up camp and get acquainted with the rest of the group during dinner around the campfire.

O/N Camping Rundu (dinner)

Day 1 & 2: Cross Border into Angola

Border crossing – Katwitwi

After breakfast the group proceed in convoy to the Rundu Border Post. We officially enter Angola and start our overland trek to reach Menongue.

This drive is only negotiable by 4 x 4 vehicles and takes at least two days.

Menongue is a town and municipality in Cuando Cubango Province in Angola.

It is the terminus of the southern railway from Namibe.

Menongue was called Serpa Pinto during the Portuguese rule of the territory. It was named so after Alexandre de Serpa Pinto, a Portuguese explorer of southern Africa and a colonial administrator. After independence in 1975, MiG 23 aircraft from the nearby airbase launched air strikes against the SADF during the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (1987-1988), a battle of the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002).

O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)

Camp shower and toilet

Day 3 & 4: Menongue – Huambo

Next, Huambo is the main town of inland Angola with an approximate population of 203 000. In 1928 Huambo was renamed Nova Lisboa, indicating that the colonial administration intended making it the capital of the colony. Until the independence of Angola in 1975, the city of Nova Lisboa expanded and its economic growth and development boomed, making it one of the most important urban centers in the country. 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.

After independence from Portugal in 1975, Nova Lisboa was given back its original name – Huambo. The Angolan Civil War (1975-2002) halted Angola’s and Huambo’s development, destroying a great part of its infrastructure.

Huambo became the site of a brutal battle during the bloody civil war between the government and UNITA from independence until the death of rebel UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi. The city was besieged, extensively damaged, and its civilians fled the city.

O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)

Camp shower and toilet

Day 5 & 6: Quibala – Sumbe

We head further north towards Quibala and Gabela. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside and the highest mountains in Angola. The scenes are picturesque and a photographers dream: tropical forests, coffee plantations, big rivers and country villages.

The route then turns towards the coast as we head for the town of Sumbe …the administrative capital of the Cuanza Sul Province. The area around Sumbe is also known for excellent beaches.

O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)

Camp shower and toilet

Day 7 – 9: Lobito and Benguela

Hugging the coastline we proceed south towards Lobito and Benguela. This is the main route used by heavy trucks transporting goods between these centers. Progress is slow due to the very poor condition of the road. The scenery and friendly people of the rural area 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 Baia-Azul (Blue Bay), Praia Morena (Brunet Beach). We will set-up a beach camp and explore the surrounding area and the towns of Benguela and Lobito.

Benguela 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 of Africa’s west coast, but the Angolan civil war, which closed the railroad, caused the port to fall largely into disuse.

The Portuguese founded Lobito 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 1970’s due to damage of port facilities during the War of Independence from Portugal.

O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)

Camp shower and toilet

Day: 10 – 12 En route to Namibe

Continue further south via the notorious Dombe Grande and Lucira to Namibe. Due to bad road conditions it will take a couple of days before reaching Namibe. Namibe, formerly known as Moçâmedes is the capital city of Namibe Province in Angola. Namibe is located in southwestern Angola and was founded in 1840. The city’s current population is 132,900 (2004 estimate). Namibe has a cool dry climate and desert vegetation.

O/N Bush Camp (B, L, D)

Day 13: Lubango

We head for Lubango … the capital city of the Angolan province of Huíla. Drive 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.

Until 1975, the city’s official name was Sá da Bandeira and it lies within a beautiful mountain

We will drive to Humpata to see the monument that was erected to commemorate the Dorsland Trekkers and visit their church and cemetery. 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.

O/N Bush Camp at Tunda Valla (B, L, D)

Camp shower and toilet

Day 14 – 15: Towards the border

The journey south to the Ruacana border post starts. We will drive through the Cunene Province that was founded on 10 July 1970. Forests, savannah and steppes characterize the geographical make-up of the province.

When we reach the Ruacana Dam and waterfall the end of this wonderful adventure is in sight. The Ruacana Dam is very near the Namibian border. The waterfall at Ruacana is a must for the visitor.

After crossing the Cunene you will be back in Namibia and it is time for sad farewells.

You will be responsible for own arrangement from here on.

End of service

Period : 15 days

Rate : based on a group of 8 people:
adult:  R20 800 pp    6 – 11 yrs:  R5 200 pp    12 – 17 yrs: R6 870 pp
based on a group of 10 people:
adult:  R16 800 pp    6 – 11 yrs:  R4 200 pp    12 – 17 yrs:  R5 550 pp
based on a group of 12 people:
adult:  R14 800 pp    6 – 11 yrs:  R3 700 pp    12 – 17 yrs:  R4 890 pp
based on a group of 14 people:
adult:  R12 300 pp    6 – 11 yrs:  R3 075 pp     12 – 17 yrs:  R4100 pp

Date : 13 – 28 June 2010   &   12 – 27 July 2010

Included : 3 meals daily, experienced guides with own vehicles, one of the guides is Portuguese speaking,  tour leader,  two way radio’s for vehicles, camping fees, consession fees, camp shower and
toilet. (irrespective of the number of people, two guide vehicles will always accompany the group)

Excluded : transport, fuel, camping gear, visa, travel insurance and vehicle insurance, drinks, cross border taxes and things of a personal nature.

Note : To optimise your experience the number of participants will be limited.  Bookings are essential.