Angola – Southern Africa’s final frontier

Mention of Angola still provokes immediate associations with perpetual conflict, characterising yet another violent former colonial African basket case. However, it’s been six years since the civil war ended and Angola has been rebuilding – following the 2002 ceasefire over four million refugees have returned to their homes, agriculture is resurgent, rail and bus services are being restored.

Peace has allowed the country’s oil industry to catalyse the economy into the second fastest growing in Africa and in 2006 Angola joined OPEC. Undiscovered Destinations’ MD Jim Louth has visited all Portugal’s former African colonies and has been at the fore in promoting adventure tourism in Angola. Angola is truly Southern Africa’s final frontier. For those who like their travel on the wild side, it has everything, except the tourists. The 12-day Northern Angola tour explores the positive attributes of the country’s remarkable progress in wildlife tourism infrastructure, departing London 8th November 2008.

From the beaches and thronging Benfica handicraft markets of Angola’s coastal capital, this pioneering tour heads east via the endemic birds and monkeys of little visited forests, to Malange Province. Here, the almost forgotten Kalandula Falls, second only to Victoria Falls in Africa, is a remarkable highlight amongst some of Angola’s most scenic landscapes. Later, after taking in the Cambambe hydroelectric and irrigation project there is an opportunity to meet local people and learn about their culture and traditions at Waku Kungo.

Heading once more towards the Atlantic coast through the coffee-growing areas of Gabela, the pristine beaches and beach cabanas of Cabo Ledo invite relaxation and time to indulge in some of Southern Africa’s best seafood. Close by, the 10,000 square kilometres of Parque Nacional Da Kissama epitomise the emerging spirit of the new Angola. Wildlife regeneration efforts instigated by Operation Noah’s Ark have seen wild elephants return to the park with further planned translocations of once native species from Botswana and South Africa, where overpopulation is causing habitat destruction.

Surprisingly good accommodation at Kissama is provided at Kwanza Tarpon Lodge, where individual cabanas, all with private verandas, overlook the mouth of the Kwanza River. Returning along the coast to Luanda there’s time to take in fine views of the Mussulo Islands before a final night in the capital and homeward flights next day.

The tour costs £3,190 p/p including scheduled flights from Heathrow (TAP), 3 to 4-star hotel and safari lodge accommodation with all meals, 4wd transport on tour, expert English-speaking guide.

For more information, visit Undiscovered-destinations.com.