In the area south and west from Lubango to the border with Namibia, great geological, climatic and ecological diversity exists that will provide an unforgettable trip for any 4 x 4 travelers or outdoor enthusiasts. The coastal plain increases in width and aridity southwards, and its eastern border is a high escarpment. Average rainfall ranges from less than 10 to over 750mm and the vegetation from bare desert sands to mountain forests. There are some large towns, and the areas along the main roads may be fairly heavily populated. Away from these areas population is sparse and in the drier areas it is almost non-existent.
 

Angola Adventure

 

 Cunene River Mouth

The Cunene is a large perennial river that forms the boundary between southwestern 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. It 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 1960's the water pipe was severed, the fishing settlements and the pump station were abandoned, and have become ghost towns slowly being reclaimed by the desert.
Typical 'Koaokoland' landscape The overland route to Foz do Cunene from the south (Ruacana) is via Oncocua and Iona. This drive is only negotiable by 4 x 4 vehicles and takes at least two full days. The rest of the route involves driving in sand and over very broken rocky terrain.

 

Angola Adventure Safaris commenced operations in 1986 with the establishment of a tented camp catering primarily for hardened fishermen. Since then they have greatly increased the range and scope of their activities to the extent that they offer comfortable accommodation at their Flamingo Lodge situated on the beach 40km south of the town of Namibe, and in renovated houses near the mouth of the Cunene River. To date the bulk of visitors to this area arrived either by 'fly-in ' or via the route from the north via Lubango. URI Adventures offers this adventure in co-operation with Angola Adventure Safaris and the emphasis is on the 4x4 adventure and including the southern route along the Cunene in this adventure.

 
Once at the mouth of the Cunene River one may expect the finest shore fishing available anywhere in the world. The warm-water in the mouth attracts and concentrates huge shoals of fish. Massive catches are made on bait or artificial lures, large cob (18kg+) are well represented, with fish weighing over 30 kg an almost daily occurrence. One memorable catch was 11 leervis in 13 consecutive casts and then a cob of 50 kg - all on fly tackle! For those interested in catching large sharks and rays, the visit to the Baia dos Tigres lagoons will see them well-satisfied. Fishing in Angola
Dunes along the Angola Coast The coastal route consists of a 230 km drive, most of it along the beach which, for much of the way, is bordered by high dunes which fall precipitously into the sea. Behind these dunes are a number of green oases and, near the southern end of Baia dos Tigres, massive lagoons teeming with fish and birds, must be negotiated. Once again guidance by experienced guides will ensure that this route, which could be dangerous for the inexperienced, will be a memorable and safe experience.
After the 'coastal visit' the route turns inland towards Lubango via the Leba pass and from Lubango back to Namibia via the 'main road'.