January 19 – Leaving Luanda
Good day. January 19th. Today I’m leaving Luanda. First, I had to collect the car from its parking spot under the hanging laundry, which worked out just fine.
Luanda has many one-way streets that aren’t clearly marked, so it’s easy to get turned around. After navigating through that, I needed to sort out some money — specifically withdrawing cash using my wife’s card. Finding a working ATM took some effort, but eventually it all worked out. Every country is different, and if you can’t access money, you’re limited to whatever cash you already have.
Ilha do Cabo – Beaches and Ocean Views
Eventually, I made my way to Ilha do Cabo, the peninsula off Luanda known for its several kilometers of beaches. It was enjoyable driving along the coastline.
One thing about many roads in Angola is that left turns aren’t always allowed. Often you must drive extra kilometers just to find a place to turn around. At the end of the peninsula, I could see the ocean dotted with ships waiting to load or offload cargo — a situation that seems common along parts of the African coast.
Heading South to Kwanza Lodge
From there, I began heading south toward Kwanza Lodge near Barra do Cunene. The drive was straightforward and not confusing at all.
Angola has a relaxed feel, especially compared to the DRC, where cities are much more crowded and hectic.
Arrival at the Lodge
Kwanza Lodge is located off the main road, accessible by a good side road. The hosts were very welcoming — a South African couple who have been in Angola for about ten years, along with their two children.
The kids are already old enough to help run boat excursions for fishing, bird watching, or even crocodile spotting, which requires going out at low tide.
The river beside the lodge had a thick layer of green vegetation moving along the surface. Interestingly, it appeared to be flowing both in and out at the same time — quite a curious sight.
Stories and Shared Experiences
We spent time sharing stories with several other guests. The family running the lodge had previously been involved in farming, but two years ago they transitioned to operating the lodge full-time. They all seem to genuinely enjoy the lifestyle.
There’s no camping available — only cabin rentals — which suited me just fine.
Dinner and a Perfect Ending
Dinner was mashed potatoes with minced meat, and it didn’t take long for me to be very happy about that. It was absolutely delicious.
So much fun, and some great photos to remember the day.
Thank you for coming along. See you tomorrow.
