Angola & Namibia

Right on the first day of the off-road trip, we will have a long drive on Namibia's low-traffic tarmacked roads after an early departure from Windhoek, in order to enter Angola in the afternoon. Behind the border and just before Naulila, we will reach our first bush camp.

Our exploration journey continues with a long driving day over new and well-developed tarred roads to the north. Along the way, there is a first supply stop at a typical African market. With our entry into the city of Benguela, we reach the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Angola is making great efforts to rebuild its cities, but some districts are still submerged in garbage, while in contrast, many houses shine freshly renovated. In the evening, we will reach the port city of Lobito. On the adjacent peninsula, we will find a campsite next to one of the many beach restaurants right on the Atlantic.

Today's highlight is the descent into a mighty cave on the Rio Cambongo. After a short hike down to the river, we enter an underground "dome," which is illuminated in places by openings that let in sunlight, a fascinating spectacle. In the afternoon, we reach the Cacheoira Falls near Binga. Above the falls, we set up our camp in the courtyard of a simple lodge.

We leave early in the morning to experience Luanda with little traffic. The contrasts of this city range from slums, villa neighborhoods, the newest skyscrapers in the city to the historic city center with old Portuguese buildings. Finally, we drive to a beach north of Luanda, where many wrecks of old ships lie that were driven during the war.

In the next two days, steep passes will take us up to over 1000 m high. Our goal is the largest waterfalls in Angola: the beautiful Calandula Falls. Depending on the time of day, we may also stay overnight directly at the falls. After visiting the waterfalls, our path will lead us to the "Pedras Negras," the black stones.

We continue south. On a paved main road, our route today takes us to Huambo, the second-largest city in Angola. As part of a small city tour through Huambo (formerly: Nova Lisboa), we learn a bit about the interesting history.

Meanwhile, we have been on an adventurous off-road safari for two weeks, time for a one-day breather. On new roads, we continue until we reach the Atlantic Ocean. At the coastal village of Equimina, we drive to the beach and set up our camp for the next two nights.

Along beautiful coastal landscapes and through the southern Angolan port city of Namibe, today's route takes us to the northernmost foothills of the Namib Desert. Deep erosion cuts in sandstone layers create interesting shapes.

We leave the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and drive inland. We ascend the continental fault edge over the famous and dramatic Leba Pass.

Today we are leaving Angola. After crossing the border, we are practically "flying" over the best asphalt road to the northern Namibian town of Tsumeb.

Today is the day of the return journey and you will be taken to the airport.