Three great natural creatures - the silent desert, the endless sea and the beautiful savannah met in the Namib region. This gives tourists, who come to this region, an incredible experience. The favorable climate, luxurious beaches on the seashore and exciting hunting in the desert attract a large number of travelers. It is here, between Tombwa and Namiba, that a unique miracle of the desert grows - Velvichia mirabilis. This plant looks like a giant octopus, which attracts the attention of tourists. The town of Tombwa is the fishing center of the country, hundreds of ships leave the port every day to fish. Tourists are offered an exciting boat trip with an unforgettable fishing trip. A large number of different species of fish attracts lovers of sport fishing here, and the magnificent sand dunes on the coast are popular with fans of sand slalom. The great Namib desert is still inhabited by tribes who lead a lifestyle close to that of the Stone Age, which attracts ethnographers from all over the world.
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| Capital: | Windhoek |
| Square: | 825.600 km 2 |
| Population: | 2.110.000 people |
| Currency: | Namibian dollar (NAD) |
| Language: | English |
| Traffic: | left-handed |
| Telephone code: | +264 |
| Visa for the Russian Federation: | not required |
This visa-free country for us in Africa became such in 1990 - the year of gaining independence from the former mistress, South Africa. Citizens of about twenty bourgeois countries, as well as residents of the USSR, Angola and Cuba, who most of all contributed to the liberation of Namibia from the bonds of apartheid, genocide and world imperialism, received the right to enter Namibia for up to 90 days. After the collapse of the USSR, all residents of its former republics, except for the Baltic, received the right to visa-free entry.
Namibia is the most sparsely populated country in Africa and one of the most sparsely populated in the world. On an area of 824,000 km² (which roughly corresponds to Ukraine and Belarus combined), only 2.1 million people live. Huge desert spaces, hundreds of kilometers apart, are separated by rare Namibian cities. The village with a population of 5,000 is considered a large city here, while the capital, Windhoek, has a population of only 240,000.
Climate and landscapes
Namib Desert
Namibia is a country with extremely diverse landscapes, in fact, for the sake of which many people from all over the world come here. But if we characterize the country and these very landscapes as a whole, then we can safely say that this is a rather dry country. It is understandable - there are two whole deserts. The Namib Desert along the entire Atlantic coast and a piece of the Kalahari Desert in the southeastern part of the country. It almost never rains on the coast, but there is often a cold wind blowing from the sea. Sea temperature - no more than +20. And there is almost no vegetation, but there are large sand dunes, the largest in the world (up to 300 meters in height).
In the central regions of the country, raised above sea level (Windhoek is located at an altitude of 1600 m), it rains in January-February. They happen, and often, in the north of the country, closer to Angola, where the climate is more like a subtropical one. When there is no rain, the summer (January-February) temperature in Windhoek reaches + 30º and higher. But in winter (June-July) it is cold in Namibia, sometimes even 0ºC - because the mountains.
The main landscape is deserts and rocks scorched by the sun. Sometimes there are areas covered with thorny bushes, apparently, he lives off the moisture from the morning fog. In summer, all small and medium-sized rivers in Namibia dry up, except for the Orange River in the south and the Kunene with the Okavango in the north.
Across the entire country from the Atlantic coast near the village of Tora Bay (or rather from the border of the National Park "Skeleton Coast") and to the border with Botswana, there is the so-called "Red Line", which divides the country into a southern farming part and a northern one, where various national minorities live. and the lands there belong to different tribes. The border is not virtual, but very real - 2 mesh fences, one after the other. There are veterinary check-posts on all the roads crossing this very "red line". All transport is stopped on them and a random check is carried out. Sometimes they even ask to dip the soles of shoes in a disinfectant solution and spray the bottom of the car. Here, theoretically, there can be a document check, which is so rare in Namibia.
In the southern, farming part of the country, low fences are everywhere along the roads, showing the boundaries of private estates. It is categorically not recommended to enter and even more so to spend the night on a private territory without the permission of the owner, since you can simply be shot, mistaking for a cattle thief or some other bad person. Fortunately, every farmer has a weapon here. It is better to find the owner of the land and ask for his permission, or just find a free space outside the territories enclosed by fences. Often along the roads, especially in the southern part of the country, there are good places for a tent, right next to these very fences.
But it doesn't matter whether it is the northern or southern part of the country - you can see a large number of animals along the roads, which cannot be said about all neighboring countries. Even in the "super-animal" country of Botswana, there are fewer animals along the roads (although it is much more realistic to see elephants and giraffes there). In Namibia, there are mainly: warthogs, ostriches, baboons, mongooses, foxes, zebras, meerkats, marmots and a bunch of different antelopes (springboks, dik-diki, stenboks, kudu, oryx, impala, etc.). In short, it is interesting to travel around this country with the identification of the animal, because the feeling that you are in the zoo, with the only difference that it is not animals in cages, but you. In Windhoek, if you wish, you can purchase these same qualifiers.
History
Previously, the country was inhabited by black African tribes, but even in the First World War, immigrants from Germany flooded here, whose descendants still make up the majority of the white population. After the First World War, due to the loss of the Germans in the war, the territory fell under the control of the Union of South Africa (since 1961 South Africa), which tenaciously held it in their hands until the end of the 80s. And this despite the fact that the world community in every possible way condemned the actions of South Africa and persistently issued various resolutions on granting Namibia independence. But South Africa with its apartheid did not want to know anything until the moment when it realized that the people of Namibia, supported by countries such as Cuba, Angola and the USSR, took up arms and began to fight for independence. In 1989, South Africa lost on all fronts and agreed to grant independence. The first president of the country was Sem Nujoma, the leader of the People's Liberation Party.
Namibia is a country of European civilization, a country of excellent roads and fast cars. Excellent highways connect all Namibian cities, and even near the Angolan and Zambian borders you will not find holes in the asphalt. A lot of white people have stayed in Namibia since apartheid, and even more (mostly Germans) fly here for the Christmas holidays. There are also many Russian people who came after the collapse of the Soviet Union to work, and who remained here forever. There are also enough of our various contracted specialists. These are mainly: doctors, sailors, geologists, engineers, pilots, etc. people. This is explained by a banal shortage of qualified personnel, combined with extremely positive relations between our countries. At some point, it got to the point that about 25 Russian ships were fishing in Namibian waters, and in the main port of the country, Walvis Bay, there were not only Russian shipping companies, but also a pilot and even a port captain. Now everything has changed and the ranks of Russian sailors are in order, but still Namibia remains the most Russian-populated country in Africa.
Population
Language
The official language is English, a legacy from the times when Namibia was part of South Africa (from 1915 to 1989). But the memory of the fact that this land was once German is so strong that the people for the most part speak, or at least understand German. Well, in addition to English with German, the language that is called "Afrikaans" is used. It is a mixture of German, Dutch, French and other languages, which plays a huge role in interpersonal communication not only in Namibia, but also in other countries of South Africa.
Peoples
The ethnic composition of Namibia is extremely diverse. These are all kinds of tribes Ovambo, Kavango, Herero, Dammara, Nama (Hottentots), Saan (Bushmen), etc. Many of them have preserved their original way of life and can be observed live, traveling around the country, especially in its northern territories. In addition, there is 6% of the white population, formed by Afrikaners, as well as later communities of Germans, British and Portuguese. The so-called "Colored" - descendants of mixed marriages between blacks and whites, which are not accepted by either one or the other.
Visa-free
Namibia for residents of the former USSR, with the exception of the "Balts", visa-free. Upon reaching the airport or any ground border crossing, you must fill out a small form (arrival / departure form), where you tell the purpose of the trip, its duration, the nearest place of residence and other information. In a special paragraph, at the bottom left, near the N $ icon, you need to indicate the amount of money that you plan to spend in the country. It is recommended to write an amount of several thousand Namibian dollars here, even if you do not have one. The calculation of the amount should be based on N $ 150-200 per day of stay in the country. It is not recommended to show your lack of money. Next, you will be given a free stamp ("Entry permit"), which takes about half a page of your passport, indicating that you are allowed to stay in the country for as long as you request, but no more than 90 days. By default, especially if you are arriving, they set the full 90 days.
Extending this stamp is difficult - the easiest way is to leave Namibia, for example, to go for a couple of days to neighboring visa-free Botswana and then enter again.
You need to know that your stamp does not give the official right to work. Changing your tourist "Entry permit" to a work visa is not easy and will require a lot of time and money from you. And your potential employer, before hiring you, will have to print an advertisement in the newspaper about who he needs, and only if after two weeks the necessary specialists are not found, only then can he hire you. In addition, each enterprise should have no more than 20% foreign workers, so if everything is done legally, the owner will have to hire four more Namibians with you. Although if the employer is interested in you as an employee, then all these bureaucratic obstacles are overcome and in a couple of days you can get a new work visa. There would be a desire.
When leaving the country, you must fill out the same questionnaire again, only this time without indicating any amount of money. You can clarify information about Namibia at the embassy in Moscow, 109180, 2nd Kazachiy per., 7, tel. 230-0113. Metro station "Polyanka".
Hit
Namibia has the following auto transitions.
With Angola
Two crossings (Oshikango and Ruacana) operate from 8 am to 6 pm. The passage to Rundu, marked on many maps, has been closed for several years. The main flow of cars, goods and people goes through Oshikango, where a large world bazaar is located and heavy Angolan trucks are filled.
With Zambia
One crossing (Katima Mulilo), also works from 8 to 18 hours. It is located in the very northeast of the country, at the end of the area called Caprivi. Not far from the border there is a small and moderately pleasant town, which is also called Katimo Mulila. Until recently, the road here was not of the best quality, and through the Zambezi it was necessary to sail by ferry, so many cars went bypassing - through a small piece of Botswana. Now everything has changed: the road has been repaired, and a modern bridge has been built across the Zambezi. The new border post on the Namibian side has not yet been completed (a small shed for now), but this final touch will soon be completed. On the Zambian side, there are several few presentable buildings, one of which houses the customs. It should be borne in mind that the Zambian customs office is located on the Namibian coast, almost reaching the bridge, on the left if you leave Namibia. It is very easy to pass by and not notice them, be careful and do not get into Zambia without an entry stamp! Zambia visa can now be obtained at the border for $ 25 and 5 minutes. Moreover, if you make a reservation for the Jolly Boys hostel located in Livingston, then they in return provide this very visa, almost free of charge - they send lists of people to customs and there they put a visa for it. True, the percentage of lost lists (“not made up” to customs), according to the hostel's employees, is very high ... so there is no point in hoping for it, this is Africa. But you can try.
With Botswana
Three crossings (Buitepos, Bagani, Ngoma). Buitepos - the main crossing located on the Transkalahar highway (between the Namibian village of Buitepos and the Botstvan Mamuno), operates from 6 to 24 hours and is quite busy. It is through it that the bulk of cars travel from Windhoek to Botswana and further to South Africa, because this is the most direct route to Gaborone and Johannesburg with Pretoria. On the Botswana border, they may still be surprised at the fact that Botswana is visa-free for citizens of the Russian Federation, do not get lost! The other two crossings are in Caprivi and are rather minor. The Bagani - Shakave crossing works from 6 to 18 and is located in a remote area - only 10-15 cars a day, but it allows you to drive along a rather interesting road along the Okavango Delta and, if you are lucky enough, to catch a ride to one of the villages in the floodplain itself. The third, Ngoma, was actively used by cars going to Zambia through a small piece of Botswana, so as not to go through Katimo Mulilo. It is not clear how things are going there now and how much traffic is.
From South Africa
There are 7 active transitions. There are two key crossings, and both of them work 24 hours. The first is located in the very south of the country, on the main Namibian highway B1, which turns into the South African N7. At this point, the border runs along the Orange River, and, interestingly, the border does not run along the middle of the river, as is usually done, but along the Namibian coast (the river belongs to South Africa). The second crossing is called Nakop and is located in the very southeast of the country, in the Kalahari Desert, on the B3 highway, which turns into the South African N10. Here, parallel to the road, passes the only active international railway line in Namibia with trains to South Africa's Upington.
By sea
It is possible to enter or leave Namibia by sea, through the port of Walvis Bay. However, most of the Russian steamers hanging out there go only in the vicinity of Namibia (fishing) or, in more rare cases, go to neighboring South Africa or Angola. Once or twice a year, according to the head of the port, there may be opportunities across the ocean (to South America), but they cannot be counted on, especially since there are no South American embassies in Namibia, except for the Brazilian one. Steamships do not go to Russia.
At one time in Namibia there were many Russian pilots who flew to Luanda (Angola) from Walvis Bay, Rundu and Oshakati. However, at the end of 2000, the President of Angola closed these flights, and the possibility of such an air stop to Angola is now not visible.
By plane
You can only fly from Namibia to Russia with transfers, since there are no direct flights. In general, almost all air routes to the outside world have a connection in Johannesburg (and for a connection, a South African visa is required). Alternatively, the transfer will not be in South Africa, but in one of the European "hubs" - Frankfurt or Munich. It is difficult to fly from Moscow cheaper than $ 1000. The real cost of round-trip tickets with two (three) transfers will be about $ 1400-1500.
But about once every couple of months, charter direct planes fly closer to home (to Kaliningrad, Ukraine, etc.), transporting shifts of sailors and other Russian specialists home. About flying on these flights, you should talk in advance with the Russian steamship companies in Walvis Bay, with the Armenian cutters in Windhoek, etc. Theoretically, you can fly with them.
Transport
Roads
As already noted, the roads here are excellent, almost of German quality. Moreover, not only asphalted (5500 km), but also gravel, of which the absolute majority (37000 km). The trails are divided into categories: B, C, D, M, etc. Trails "B" and some "C" are always paved and of very good quality. "C" and "D" - high-quality primers, on which the grader regularly passes, and sometimes their width is 3-4 or even more strips. Some tracks of category "D" and "M", especially in the very north-west of the country, can be of much worse quality, and are passable only by jeep and only in the dry season. But few people go there at all, even locals.
In general, if we talk about the country, then the roads are gorgeous, the cars too. And although the traffic is small, but if you have already caught a car, then most often you go quickly (120-160 km / h) and far, since the distances between cities are decent.
Main tracks:
- IN 1. The main highway of the country, with a length of about 1500 km. It goes from the north, from the border with Angola, to the south, to the border with South Africa, through such cities as: Ondangwa, Tsumeb, Ojivarongo, Okahandja, Windhoek, Rehobot, Marienthal, Ketsmanhop, Grunau and Nordover. In order to stop from Windhoek to the north, you need to go to Independence Avenue and walk further along it in a northern direction and then stop at any suitable position. To get out of Windhoek in a southerly direction, it is better to use the free minibus ("shuttle") of the Hotel Safari, which leaves every 30 minutes from the information office at the intersection of Fidel Castro Street and Independence Avenue towards this hotel. The hotel is located just on the very southern edge of the city, right on the B1 highway. The shuttles are signed "Safari".
- IN 2. The second most important route in the country, but probably the first in terms of traffic, since it connects the capital with the resort town of Swakopmund, as well as with the country's main port, Walvis Bay. It starts in Walvis Bay, passes through Swakopmund, Usakos, Karibib and ends in Okahandja, merging with the B1. The length is about 300 km.
- B8. A route that branches off from B1 in the Otavi area and further extends to the north-east of the country towards Zambia. It passes through Grotfontein, Rundu, Divundu, Katimo Mulilo and arrives at the border with Botswana in the village of Ngoma. The length is about 900 km. It goes through daylight hours without any problems, the main thing is not to hang out on the locale on the Rundu-Divundu section, where there are many small villages. If you go in the direction of Windhoek, then already beyond Rundu you can feel the attraction of the capital very strongly: there is a high probability that a direct car will stop there right away.
- AT 6. It is part of the Transkalahari highway, which originates on the Atlantic coast of Namibia and, crossing the entire country, goes to Botswana. The B6 highway itself leaves Windhoek in the form of Sema Nujoma Street and goes east, through the city of Gobabis towards the border with Botswana, to the village of Buitepos. Its length is just over 300 km. On the 37th kilometer of the highway is the country's main airport - the airport. Joseo Kutako. At any locale, it is better to leave for the airport, or at least before it, since three quarters of the cars go to it. From the center of Windhoek to a suitable position located around all the bends, get off on foot for about 40 minutes.
Hitch-hiking
Some Namibian drivers have a love of money. It is especially shown by black drivers with a body. They sometimes hammer a lot of paid passengers into their back, it turns out about fifteen people per passenger car. Local residents, who vote at every major turn, only support the tradition of toll travel - after all, there are not enough places in minibuses for everyone. Therefore, warn drivers before boarding! Often, if there is free space, they will give you a lift, completely free of charge. Minibuses with a trolley in the back have similar properties - most likely, this is a paid regular transport, and the trolley contains passengers' luggage. But even there, if there is free space, you can hitchhike, though less often than in the bodies of various pickups.
White drivers stop often and in most cases there is no talk about money, but it's still worth voicing your essence. Often they are too lazy to stop, and they pass by, but if they pick it up, there are chances for a treat and even for a registration. White people often invite their own kind to their home for the night.
Railway
Namibia Railway Scheme
There is also a railway in Namibia. True, people hardly ever travel along it, preferring much faster highways, since the average train speed is only about 30 km / h. A passenger train usually carries only 2 human wagons and a bunch of freight cars. Train routes are available these:
- Windhoek - Tsumeb 17.45-9.40 (Sun, Tue, Thu), arr. 10.30-5.20 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
- Windhoek - Gobabis 21.50-5.25 (Sun, Tue, Thu), arr. 20.50-4.25 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
- Tsumeb - Walvis Bay 10.30-4.00 (Mon, Wed, Fri), arr. 16.15-9.40 (Sun, Tue, Thu)
- Windhoek - Walvis Bay 19.55-7.00 (cr. Sat), arr. 19.00-7.00 (Monday to Saturday)
- Windhoek - Ketmanskop 19.10-6.30 (early Saturday), arr. 18.25-6.20 (cr. Sat)
- Ketmanskop - Upington 8.50-21.30 (Wed, Sat), arr. 5.00-17.40 (Sun, Thu)
Train fares are low, but depend on the day of the week. On a non-peak day, a ticket from Windhoek to Walvis Bay costs about N $ 35.
Money. Prices
The currency is the Namibian dollar, pegged to and equal to the South African rand. The South African rand is also a legal means of payment here. The opposite is not true, that is, Namibian money is not accepted in South Africa. In recent years, the dollar and the rand have fallen in price, the exchange rate is 10-11 N $ per US dollar.
Be careful in the following text and do not confuse US $ and N $.
In the course there are banknotes in 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 N $, coins in 5 and 1 N $, 50, 10 and 5 Namibian cents and various rand and cents of South Africa. Namibian 1 cent coins are not issued, but all available pennies are South African.
You can easily exchange ordinary dollars for Namibian dollars at a bank in any more or less large city in the country. You just need to keep in mind that when exchanging in banks, a rather large commission is charged, 7-10% of the amount. In this respect, it is much more profitable to withdraw money from the card (as a rule, 3% of the amount, but not less than 3 USD) or direct purchase on the card, then without any interest at all. Credit cards are successfully accepted in almost all major stores, supermarkets and gas station stores. As for withdrawing money from the card, there is such a nuance - you cannot withdraw more than 1000 N $ at a time, so if you need a large amount, you will have to make several transactions and lose commissions several times. There are ATMs (ATM), again, in almost any small town.
The reverse exchange of money (from Namibian to hard currency), as a rule, is not performed. If you have withdrawn money from an ATM designated "BOB" (aka First National Bank), you have a slim chance of changing money if you have a receipt from his ATM. But the commission will be considerable. It is better to go to Walvis Bay and exchange money with sailors - they are given a salary in hard currency, and they are often preoccupied with the problem of profitably exchanging it for local money. This is where you will find each other. Also, if you are traveling to neighboring Botswana or Zambia, then there, in the border areas, it will be quite possible to exchange Namibian dollars for the local currency, and in general, even at the normal exchange rate.
Civilian supermarket food in Namibia costs about the same as in Moscow. Extreme cheapness and high cost are not available there, but a large selection of tasty products leads to the fact that, if you do not limit yourself, 30 or more N $ is easily eaten per day.
Here are the typical Windhoek prices (in Namibian dollars): loaf of bread 3-4, milk 5-10 (liter), large SPAR juice 12-17 (2 liters), sugar 4 (kilo), mayonnaise 10 (for a can of 750 grams), Coca-Cola 8-10 (two-liter), yogurt 6 (500 grams), bananas 5 (kilo), stamp for postcards to Russia 2.20, Internet 20-30 per hour (in Tourist Junction on Peter Muller Str - 10 in hour). If you see aunts sitting on the street with buckets - this is proletarian food, then what is called ishima in Zambia (1 plate of ishima - 1 N $, 1 liter of white sour kvass - also 1 N $).
As for catering, it is very widely developed and very inexpensive, relative to the same Russian prices. So in various local fast foods you can have a hearty meal for the amount of 20-25 N $ ("Hungry lion"). If we talk about inexpensive eateries and restaurants, then on average in the country a large half-kilogram steak of an antelope or a cow with salad and potatoes costs 55 N $, if instead of meat there is fish ("hake", "kinklip", etc.), then dinner will cost 35-50 N $. That is, taking into account beer, you can keep within 45-65 Namibian dollars. In these same restaurants, you can usually have breakfast with something like an omelet with coffee and croutons for N $ 20-35.
Information and communication
Every major city has internet cafes that cost 15-30 N $ for 30 minutes. The speed is average in quality and usually correlates with the price. Not all places can use USB ports, so you should ask in advance if you are interested in any. Mobile communications are widely developed throughout the country. The coverage is good. It is useful to purchase a local SIM card and a card for 20, 50 or 100 units. When purchasing cards with a bonus, there are free SMS - according to the number of units on the card. You can write to the Motherland; in turn, if you tell your new number to friends, they will be able to call you almost free of charge via Skype or via IP-telephony, via the same Internet. Modern technologies can and should be used, especially when you are so far from home.
Other
Obtaining other visas
There are 34 embassies in Windhoek. Some of them are listed below.
- Angola- Angola House, 3, Dr. Agostino Str, tel 227535. To obtain a visa you need an invitation, 1000 N $ and 4-5 working days (for November 2008).
- Botswana- 101 Nelson Mandela Avenue, tel 221941/7. For citizens of the Russian Federation visa-free.
- Brazil- 52 Bismarck Str, tel 237368/9. There are no other South American countries in Namibia.
- Congo Brazzaville- 9 Corner Str, tel 257517. The visa costs 250 N $, is issued on the same day, but has a very short expiration date. There is no Embassy of the Congo-Zaire in Namibia.
- Kenya- 5th Floor, Kenya House, tel 226836.
- Malawi- 56 Bismarck Str, tel 221391. Visa is expensive.
- Nigeria- 4 Omburamba Str, tel 232103.
- Russia- 4 Christian Str, tel 228671.
- South Africa- RSA House, c / o Jan Jonker and Nelson Mandela Avenue, tel 205711. Most Soviet citizens travel to Namibia in hopes of infiltrating its wealthy southern neighbor. But the South African authorities have long ago cut through this "Kutuzov maneuver" and will not allow you to swiftly "cross the Alps." Even with a lot of money, invitations and a private car, get ready to be denied a South African visa at the Windhoek embassy. Although some do, especially those with valid Namibian work visas. The cost of a South African visa is 425 N $, which in case of refusal will not be returned.
- Zambia- 27 Sam Nujoma Drive, tel 237610. A single entry visa can be obtained instantly both at the embassy for 180 N $, and at the border, for a similar amount of 25 US $. There are multiples as well.
- Zimbabwe- C / o Independence Avenue and Grimm Str, tel 228134.Since November 2008, a Zimbabwe visa for Russian citizens is issued right at the border for $ 30. Checked - it works. But you can, if you wish, get it in Winduk, for the same money.
There are no embassies of Mozambique, Tanzania and other interesting countries in Windhoek.
Around the country
Windhoek
Christ Church, Windhoek
The capital of Namibia, the hero city of Windhoek (pronounced Winduk) is the most remarkable city in Namibia. Despite the small population (only 240,000 people), this city stretches 15 km from north to south and 10 km from west to east, since most of the buildings are one-story. The only exception is the business center, located along Independence Avenue, where all the main banks, ministries, etc. are concentrated.There is also the main city park, where you can pleasantly lie on the grass under the palm trees during the day overlooking the local workers of Downtown ...
On the left side of the Independence, a little further back, is the Information Office, where you can get a lot of maps of Namibia and Windhoek as a gift. The office "Namibia Tourism", located on the right side of Independence, a little to the north, has the same good property (to give cards).
Further along this street there are all sorts of other supermarkets, and two kilometers later, crossing the bridge over the railway, you will come to the junctions of the highway leading to the city of Okahandja (70 km). From there, you can continue north (Angolan border and Etosha National Park), northwest (Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Walvis Bay) or northeast (Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Zambia).
Another useful street is Jean Jonquer Road, which leads from Angola House to the southeast. First, you will see a large swimming pool and sports complex on the right. Here you can swim indefinitely in the pool or lie on the grass under the palm trees surrounded by other, mostly white, people for only N $ 1.5 per person on weekdays (N $ 3 on weekends). If you do not need to go to the pool, then this street gradually curves to the northeast, and on the right you will see an uninhabited mountain along which the railway passes. In January 2001, we lived in tents on this mountain for over a week, taking turns to go to the pool, to supermarkets or to the Russian embassy located nearby. There is firewood on the mountain.
The Russian Embassy, located at the corner of 101 Jean Jonquer Road and Christian Road, is a twenty minute walk from Angola House and half an hour from the city center. Embassy officials treat free travelers well. Going to the ambassadors, convey our greetings to them and present them with this book. It is not possible to list travelers at the embassy.
Public transport in the city is represented by only more than 100,000 private cars driving through its wide, deserted streets. There is only one bus route, from Katutura (a northwestern suburb with a predominantly black population) to the city center in the morning and back in the evening. This bus, which is not useful for us, is apparently the only public transport route not only for the whole city, but for the whole country!
The city hitchhiking works, but most cars are too lazy to stop, so it is most effective to get into the coach cars at intersections. About getting from the center to the southern outskirts of the city and vice versa, on a free shuttle, was written above.
Skeleton Coast
This is the name of the Atlantic coast from Swakopmund and further north to the Angolan border. First comes the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area BC. 108th mile, and further begins the actual national park "Skeleton Coast". From the interesting up to the 108th mile there is Cape Crest, with a huge colony of fur seals. The place is famous, and quite a lot of people go there. There really is something to see - you can approach the seals at a distance of 2-3 meters. The entrance costs 40 N $, but it's easy to get in anyway, for this you just need to walk past the ticket house without attracting attention. Over the 108th mile, on the territory of the national park, from the interesting it is worth noting the ships washed up on the shore, or rather what is left of them. Actually for them and the atmosphere of complete lifelessness here and go. The place is interesting, but quite difficult to reach as the traffic is minimal and consists almost entirely of touring cars and jeeps. Although it's worth trying to get here. If you are lucky, you will cross almost the entire accessible part of Skeleton Coast in one car, since there is not a single settlement to Torra Bay. Entry to the National Park costs 80 N $ per person, plus 10 N $ per car.
Caribib
A town half way between Windhoek and Swakopmund. At the western end of the city lived a famous Russian artist Leonid throughout Namibia. Unfortunately, not so long ago he died in an accident when he collided with an antelope. Now young guys from Siberia live and look after him in his house. Also artists. As they themselves say, the work continues, and Leonid's work lives on. You can call in to them, if you drive by, they will only be happy. The place is easily identified by the large inscription on the end of the building near the road - "LEONID", on the right, if you go towards the ocean.
Kolmanskop
An abandoned city of diamond miners in the vicinity of Luderitz, about 20 km before reaching the highway. Since both the right and the left are closed diamond territories belonging to Debirs, you should not joke and enter any territories for free. On the territory of Kolmanskop itself, although it is now a museum, security measures are still heightened. Guided tours in English and German are provided daily. Very interesting. Costs N $ 40 per person.
Luderitz
A small and very beautiful German town on the ocean coast. Both in architecture and in the weather (coolness and fog are frequent) it resembles northern Germany. It is very cool to walk along it for half a day, and then go to Cape Diaz, located to the south. There is a lighthouse and a cross, which, according to legend, was erected by Bartolomeo Dias - the one who discovered the Cape of Good Hope. There you can also see large colonies of flamingos, as well as many other seabirds.
Ondangwa
A very scattered, large (by Namibian standards) city in the north of the country, 60 km from the Angolan border. There is a Coptic Orthodox Church. How to find: if you go north, at the beginning of the city, as you will see Saraevo Bar and Sentra Superstore on the left, get out of the car and go deep into the opposite, east side. There, about 200 meters from the road, ask people, you will find a church and an Egyptian priest who lives in a house nearby. You can put up a tent near the church.
Oshikango
The border with Angola and a large bazaar, where they sell goods from all over the world, from South Africa to China. The Ondangwa - Oshikango road (60 km) is replete with taxi drivers and money questions. The border opens at 8.00 from the Namibian side, an hour later from the Angolan side.
Swakopmund
Wurmann House and Tower, Swakopmund
A German-built city on the coast, a favorite weekend getaway for Windhoek residents. It is considered the extreme capital of Africa. There are very good conditions for such activities as: kiting, surfing, paragliding, sunboarding, riding ATVs, etc. If you wish, you can try all this, since there are offices selling rental and training services on almost every street ... Quad biking is especially recommended as it is believed to be the best place in the world for this activity on the edge of the Namib Desert. Of the interesting things in the city itself, one can note the exotarium with various poisonous and not very poisonous snakes. For 20 N $ you can look at all kinds of mambas and others like them. In addition to the exotarium, you just need to walk for a couple of hours along the pleasant streets of the city, as well as visit the lighthouse. At the exit from the city in the direction of Walvis Bay, there is a grounded ship - also an attraction. By the way, further in the direction of Walvis Bay there are excellent sandy beaches where you can pitch tents, swim, etc.
Walvis bay
The main Namibian port, and at the same time, probably the most Russian port in Africa. The city is unremarkable, but a few kilometers south of it there is an interesting salt extraction plant (all processes are visible at a glance), as well as large colonies of flamingos. There is nothing else there. To the south, the diamond zone begins along the coast, travel is prohibited there.
Entry to the port is free for Russians. Fishing steamers, sailing locally, and ships to Angola and South Africa are abundant. It is unrealistic to sail to the USSR, South America and other distant countries. Near the port entrance there is an extremely useful "mission for sailors" located near the main port entrance, the most useful church in the city, run by a white pastor. There is: cheap internet per minute, international telephone, beer bar, billiards, table tennis, TV, library, free pool and shower, and the church itself. And free Bibles in all languages, including Russian. Here you can meet large numbers of Russian sailors every day in the evenings. They can exchange Namibian money for hard currency if you need it. The mission works daily until 23.00. Mission phone number 202594, fax 207076, E-mail [email protected] Mission mailing address: P.o.box 247, Walfish-Bay, Namibia. You can send letters to this address for your friends sailors or hitchhikers living in Namibia - all such letters are laid out on a special shelf in the mission, and the recipients find and pick them up there.
Hoba
The largest meteorite known on Earth. About 4 by 4 meters, flat and very heavy (60 tons). Located near Grothfontein. If you are passing by, it’s worth a visit, you probably don’t need to go on purpose, because it’s not impressive. Entrance fees are around N $ 20, but easy to get through.
Fish river canyon
The second largest canyon in the world, after Colorado. Located on the Fish River, which originates near the city of Marienthal and then flows south, flowing into the river. Orange. The canyon itself, a little more than 60 kilometers long, is located in the lower part of the river, not far before its confluence with Orange. It is marked on all maps and you can try to get there, but the problem is that this is a national park and there are no settlements there, so, as in the case of the Skeleton Coast, you can only visit it if you stop the car with tourists going there. Alternatively, go there on foot along the bottom of the canyon, along a walking trail, but this is quite difficult, and in the summer season it is completely dangerous (in the summer the trail is closed due to the heat). Entrance fee for visiting the National Park is 80 N $. The views are just wonderful.
Epupa
A beautiful waterfall in the far north-west of the country, on the Cunene River, which here is the border with Angola. The waterfall itself has a couple of campgrounds and a bunch of local, but not stressful, hanging out population. In addition to the waterfall, you can see crocodiles, walk in the wild and, if you wish, go almost on foot to Angola. The nearest large city is Opuva, located 180 kilometers southeast of here. The road is a medium quality mountain dirt road. The traffic is almost entirely tourist, but it's really possible to leave.
font-size: 22.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: blue "> ANGOLA + NAMIBIA
JOURNEY TO THE STONE AGE
Tour itinerary:
Ruacana Falls - Ova Himba village - Baobab Forest - Iona National Park - Lake Arco and places of accumulation of an amazing ancient Velvichia plant - Leba Pass mountain pass - Lubango - Tunda Vala volcanic mountains.
12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
Individual program with an English-speaking guide.
Day 1: Oshakati (Namibia) - Ruacana (Namibia-Angola border)
Our journey begins with arrival at Ondangwa airport in northern Namibia. On the way to the Ruacana waterfall, we will stop in the city of Oshakati. Ondangwa and Oshakati are major shopping centers in the country. Here you will find many banks, boutiques and hotels.
The road itself in the direction of Oshakati and further to Ruacana is a kind of gateway to the "real" Africa. You will feel the sharp contrast between "European" Namibia and the approaching "African" Angola. Ethnic settlements, markets and motley travelers alternating in a whimsical kaleidoscope - your African adventure begins.
Distance between points: 188 km
Accommodation: Ruacana Eha Lodge (basic) (D)
(camping with facilities, hot water and a swimming pool)
Day 2: Ruacana Falls (Angola)
Today we will visit the famous Ruacana waterfall, get acquainted with the amazing nature of northern Angola and go through formalities at the border.
The 120-meter-high Ruacana Falls, located on the border of Namibia and Angola, was recently a wonderful creation of nature, but everything changed with the intervention of people who built the Angola Calueque dam and the NamPower Ruacana power plant at a distance of 20 km upstream. Now, only on rare occasions during floods, Ruacana Falls can be seen in all its former splendor.
Distance between points: 38 km
Accommodation: Angolan Bush camp (basic) (BLD)
(camping without facilities)
Day 3: Baobab forest and introduction to the Himba tribe
Today we are going on an interesting walk in the baobab forest, where, in addition to giant trees, we can see a large number of small and rare shrubs. There we will also get to know the life and life of the Himba tribes.
The Himba, along with the Herero, migrated to Namibia from East Africa several hundred years ago. About 150 years ago, the Herero split from the Himba and moved further south.
Himba are engaged in breeding cattle, goats and sheep. Women are responsible for milking the cows. Also, women take care of children (one woman can take care of the children of another). In addition, women often do more difficult work than men: they carry water to the village and build houses.
Himba houses are cone-shaped and built from young trees, which are then covered with mud and manure.
The Himba have retained their traditional beliefs, including ancestor cult and sacred fire (okoruvo) rituals, which are considered an important link between the living and the afterlife. The sacred fire is kept alive while the head of the tribe is alive. When he dies, his house is destroyed and the fire is extinguished. His family performs ritual dances all night. Before the funeral of the leader, everyone tells him: "Karepo nawa", which can be translated as "do not hurt."
For Himba, hairstyles, clothing and jewelry are of great importance to their traditional culture. Even newborn babies are adorned with a pearl necklace, and older children wear bracelets of copper decorated with shells.
Himba women wear goatskin skirts adorned with shells and copper jewelry. Both men and women cover their bodies with a mixture of ocher, fat and ash to protect their skin from the sun. Quite often, the aromatic resin of the omuzumba bush is added to this paste (otjize). This mixture gives their skin a reddish hue, which symbolizes blood, which in turn symbolizes life.
The women braid each other's braids and also cover them with this mixture. By the hairstyle of a woman, you can determine her marital status. Men's hairstyles also reflect their marital status. For example, married men wear turbans.
Himba has practically no modern clothes, but if it does appear, then men get it.
Due to the harsh desert climate in which the Himba live and their isolation from the outside world, the tribe managed to maintain their traditional way of life.
Distance between points: 96 km
(camping without facilities, located in the bed of a dry river)
Day 4: Iona National Park
Today we will have an exciting safari in the Iona National Park, where we will be able to observe an extraordinary variety of nature, from the mopane forests and quaint rocky areas to the large plains. Occasionally, migrating herds of wild animals can be seen in the park. Also, we will once again meet with the famous Himba tribe and feel the life and traditions of people far from civilization.
Distance between points: 155 km
Accommodation: Bush camp (basic) (BLD)
(campsite without facilities, located on an open plain)
Day 5: river - Foz do Cunene
On the fifth day of our fascinating journey, we set off towards the coast, and along the way I came across clusters of a very rare and interesting plant - Velvichia.
Deserts will give way to mountains, and all participants of our trip will be able to enjoy breathtaking views. On the way, we will definitely visit Foz do Cunene - a small river surrounded by mountains. In addition to the very beautiful landscape, reminiscent of Koako Veld in northern Namibia, this place attracts tourists with excellent opportunities for diving and fishing.
Velvichia is a rare, perennial, remarkable in shape, plant from the conifer family. It develops a short stem, reaching up to 4 meters in circumference, with two elongated, lying on the ground, braid-like leaves, split at the top, up to 2 meters in length. In the axils of the leaves, male and female inflorescences develop annually in the form of bright red needle-like cones.
Distance between points: 168 km
Accommodation: Foz do Cunene camp (basic) (BLD)
Day 6: Coastal Safari
One of the highlights of this tour is the spectacular coastal safari, which is prohibited in many other countries, making this safari especially exhilarating. Join our thrilling journey across ocean waves and huge sand dunes! There are amazing green oases and lagoons, where you will see various types of fish and birds, including pelicans and flamingos. After such a busy day, we will go to the lodge, on the way to which we will be able to see the wrecks of old ships and Lake Arco, located in a beautiful canyon. Here we will stop to rest near the water and admire the birds.
Distance between points: 253 km
Accommodation: Flamingo Camp (basic) (BLD)
(camping with facilities and hot water)
Day 7: Flamingo Camp - coast.
Fishing, snorkeling and jackal safari
Today we will have free time to relax and enjoy leisurely walks around the lodge and explore the magnificent local nature. If you are a lover of fishing, you can try your hand at fishing. Anyone can go snorkeling or relax by the water, enjoying the sandy beach and blue sky. After lunch we will have an interesting safari through the nearby canyon, where we can watch black-backed jackals.
Distance between points: 30 km
Accommodation: Flamingo Camp (basic) (BLD)
(camping with facilities and hot water)
Day 8: Lubango, Leba Pass
Today we will travel to Lubango to get acquainted with the local attractions. The city was built in a colonial style with the presence of traditional African features. Here you will find many bars and restaurants. We will definitely visit one of the main attractions of the city - the snow-white marble statue of Christa Rey, an exact copy of the famous statue, which is located in Rio de Janeiro. Next, we will drive along the Leba Pass mountain road towards the top of the volcanic mountain Tunda Vala.
Lubango is a small town in Angola that is the gateway to the province of Namibe, with the city of the same name, famous for its beautiful beaches. In Lubango you will find many different parks, and the main attraction of the city is the snow-white marble statue of Cristo Rey. There are only 3 such statues in the world, and they were built as a symbol of peace and hope.
Leba Pass is a small winding mountain road that will lead us to the top of the volcanic mountain Tunda Vala (1845 m above sea level). The road stretches through waterfalls and thickets of mango trees.
Distance between points: 305 km
(no amenities)
Day 9: Lubango, Tunda Vala
Today we will spend the day enjoying the fresh mountain air, as we will find ourselves on the top of the volcanic Tunda Vala mountain at a height of 2600 m, from where a stunning view of the surrounding nature opens up. Not far from Tunda Vala there is a waterfall where you can swim.
Distance between points: 288 km
Accommodation: Bush camp in Tunda Vala (basic) (BLD)
(no amenities)
Day 10: Kahama, Otchinjay
Today we head to Cajama to explore abandoned tanks and military vehicles left over from the Angolan civil war, then head to a camp near Otchinjay.
Civil War in Angola - started in 1974 shortly after the declaration of independence from Portugal and lasted for almost 30 years until 2002.
Distance between points: 295 km
Accommodation: Bush camp (basic) (BLD)
(camp located on a farm, no amenities)
Day 11: Return to Ondangwa
Today we end our exciting journey and go to the lake on the border, where a farewell dinner awaits us. After going through the border formalities, we head to the lodge to shower, dine and relax.
Accommodation: Ondangwa Rest Camp (basic) (BLD)
(camping with facilities and hot water)
Day 12: Ondangwa
Today we say goodbye to our "Angolan" friends and guides and fly from Ondangwa to Windhoek airport to continue the flight home.
Distance between points: about 20 km
Meals: (B)
If desired, tourists can extend their trip by 3 days, going from Ondangwa to Windhoek through Etosha National Park!
Program:
Day 13: Ondangwa - Etosha National Natural Park
Today we will drive to Etosha National Park, with a stop at Namutoni Camp. After resting and swimming in the morning, we will go on an evening safari in the park.
Etosha National Park is one of the largest and oldest nature reserves in Africa, officially designated a protected area in 1907. The area of the park is 22,270 square kilometers. The "central" place of the park is the Etosha / Etosha Peng plain - a bed of a lake that dries up in the dry season. The area of the plain is 5,000 square kilometers. But even in the rainy season, the depth of the lake rarely exceeds a meter.
For most of the year, this depression looks like a dull, vegetationless expanse of cracked white clay, where the traveler is often haunted by shimmering mirages. Huge herds of wild animals make a lasting impression on the backdrop of this supernatural landscape, which in the local dialect is called "the great white place of dry water".
Etosha has up to 114 species of mammals, some of which are rare or endangered, such as the black rhino and the black-faced impala. Northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola are the only habitat for this antelope species.
Etosha is also the only place on earth with the largest and growing population of black rhinos (up to 300 heads). This became possible thanks to the timely resettlement of these animals from Kaokolend to a safe reserve in the 70s of the XX century.
Etosha Park elephants have a reputation for being the largest on the planet, the tallest of them reaching up to 4 meters at the withers. On the other hand, the tusks of these elephants are relatively small, due to genetic defects and a lack of certain minerals in their diet.
Other large mammals in the park are represented by blue wildebeest, mountain and valley zebras, hyenas and lions. Cheetahs and leopards complement the big cat trio. The tallest animal on earth, the giraffe, also lives in Etosha. From their hooves to the funky bony horns on their heads with their striking mottled coloration, giraffes are always a winning subject for the photographer.
All types of antelopes can be found in Etosha, from Kudu, Gemsbok and the large majestic Eland to the miniature damara dik-dik antelope. These crumbs are only 45 cm tall and weigh only 5 kg. Medium-sized mammals include jackals, eared foxes, badgers, warthogs and the ubiquitous earth squirrels.
The park is home to 340 species of birds, about a third of which are migratory. Etosha is one of the most favorable breeding grounds for flamingos in South Africa. During the rainy season, millions of these birds gather here to feed their offspring. Ten of the 35 species of birds of prey in the reserve are migratory. There are 8 types of owls and 4 types of nightjars.
For most of the year, the animals of Etosha Park depend on 30 water sources and watering places. This provides excellent opportunities for organizing observation and photography. The best way to see all the diversity of the animal world is to sit at a watering hole and wait for the animals to come to you themselves. At the same time, it is advisable to ask the official managers of tourist complexes about the movement of animals during this period of time. It should be remembered that outside of such tourist villages, cars can only be parked in the indicated places.
Distance between points: 255 km
(camping with facilities and hot water)
Day 14: Etosha National Park
Today we will enjoy a morning and evening safari in the park, where we can see a huge number of rare animals and plants.
Distance between points: 347 km
Accommodation: Namutoni Lodge (basic)
Day 15: Etosha National Park - Windhoek
Early in the morning we will head to Windhoek to go home or, if desired, stay in Windhoek for a few more days to get acquainted with the sights of the city.
The capital of Namibia - Windhoek can be translated as "windy corner".
This is a picturesque green town full of colonial buildings.
The city was founded in 1840. The city's architectural style was influenced by the German and Dutch colonial past. The reputation of the "green capital" is supported by a large water sports complex and many small garden and park areas, as well as the Zoo and the vast area of the National Botanical Institute and its Gardens. Around Windhoek there are several so-called "German farms" and numerous parks on the territory of which safaris are held, observing wild fauna.
Accommodation in camps according to the program
Excursions according to the program with an English-speaking guide
Transfers according to the program in an all-wheel drive vehicle
English speaking program guide
Meals according to the program
Insurance
Commission
The tour price does not include:
International air travel
Entrance fees to parks
Visa
Personal expenses
The cost of extending the tour on the Ondawa - Windhoek section, through the Etosha National Park for 1 person:
Accommodation in tent campsites:
-
363 EUR
Accommodation in lodges:
SNGL: 798 EUR;
DBL: 693 EUR
The official language of Angola is Portuguese. In addition to him, the indigenous people speak several African dialects. Slightly more than half of the population is Christian: 38% of them are Catholics, and 15% are Protestants. The rest of the Angolans prefer traditional local beliefs. There are about 90 registered religious sects in the country, and their number is growing every year. Since September 2015, Islam has been officially banned in Angola and all mosques have been closed.
Geographically, the country is divided into three regions. The Atlantic coast is a coastal plain with a width of 50 to 150 km. In the center and in the west there is a plateau - the Angolan plateau, which covers 90% of the entire territory. Its highest point is the Moko peak (2620 m). There is a transition zone between the coast and the mountains, which consists of wide terraces.
The long civil war and other military clashes in Angola ended at the beginning of the 21st century. The country has the richest natural resources and is just beginning to reveal its tourism potential. Hotel service and tourist infrastructure are still at the stage of formation here.
Climate
In the west of Angola, a trade wind tropical climate prevails. Since the cold Benguela Current runs along the coast, the air on the plains is colder than on the highlands. Its temperature reaches +24 ... + 26 ° С in the warmest month of the year - March and up to +16 ... + 20 ° С in the coldest month - July. There is little rainfall, and especially little rain falls in the southern part of the country, in the Namib Desert.
The territory of the Angola plateau is located in the equatorial monsoon climate zone. Wet, rainy summers begin in the mountains from October to May, and dry winters reign from June to September. The air temperature is determined by the altitude above sea level. In mountainous areas, compared to lowlands, it is always cooler and more precipitation.
In the south of Angola, in the desert, there are quite strong temperature drops. Sometimes at night the thermometer can drop to 0 ° C.
What to see in Angola
The coastline of Angola stretches along the Atlantic Ocean for a distance of 1650 km. There are many good beaches and excellent conditions for windsurfing and diving. The best equipped beach areas are run by seaside hotels.
Fans of sport fishing travel to the large city of Tombwa, which is located on the coast in the Namib region. The coastal waters are home to many species of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans and molluscs. Black whales often come here. According to experts, the biodiversity of the ocean off the coast of Angola is in no way inferior to the Caribbean Sea.
Eco-tourism is popular in Angola. Almost half of Angolan land is covered with forests and savannas. The densest forested areas are located in the northwest of Angola. National parks are open in the country - Iona, Kissama, Cameo and Milando, where rare and endangered species of local fauna: red buffalo, manati and sea turtles, can survive and reproduce.
Elephants, various types of antelopes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, lions, jackals, cheetahs and leopards live in the vast savannahs. Unfortunately, the number of cheetahs and elephants has significantly decreased from constant poaching, but the Angolan authorities are making every possible effort to eradicate this evil.
The country is covered with an extensive river network. Angolan rivers belong to the Zambezi and Congo basins. They are swift and rapids, and the water level in the rivers is highly dependent on monsoon rains. Kwanza, Cubango, Kvito and Kunene are the largest rivers in the country and are home to hippos.
In some places, tourists do river rafting on bamboo rafts. The largest in Angola, the Duque di Braganca waterfall, the picturesque Luanda and Cambabwe waterfalls on the Kwanza River, as well as tours to the desert expanses of Namib are very popular among travelers.
The unique culture of local African tribes attracts lovers of ethnographic tourism. In different parts of Angola, tribes have survived, leading an original way of life. In ethnic villages, tourists are shown ritual costumes, interesting rituals and traditional folk dances. You can also hear musical instruments playing here. Angolans excel at drums, shinglu guitars, longu chimes similar to xylophones kissanji and marimba, as well as the mbulumbumba musical bow.
One of the most revered by indigenous Angolans places are considered "Black stones", which are located near the small town of Pungo Andongo, 115 km from Melange. They are large frozen volcanic lava outbursts. Many local legends associated with this natural landmark have been preserved. According to one of them, the Angolan queen Zinga Mbandi Ngola, who ruled in the 17th century, walked here. The Angolans honor her for actively opposing the Portuguese colonialists. The queen united several neighboring tribes and founded the state of Matamba in the central part of Angola.
Architecture and arts and crafts
The traditional dwellings of the indigenous people of Angola are rectangular, one-story houses with flat roofs. Due to poverty, Angolans do not often change their roofs, so buildings with many stones on the roofs can be seen everywhere. There are no such stones on the dwellings of the more prosperous Angolans.
In Angolan villages, there are round huts, which are made of clay using a frame made of wooden stakes. Roofs for these houses are made from grass and reeds. It can be gable or made in the form of a tent. Almost all doorways and walls of buildings are decorated with carved or painted images of animals, birds and spirits. Some tribes build houses on wooden stilts, while cities use modern building materials and technologies.
The first works of visual art in Angola include rock paintings in Kaningiri, which were painted by Africans in the 8-5 millennia BC. Today in Angola, woodcarving is widely developed. Craftsmen make ritual masks, furniture, home decoration figurines and household items.
Angolans know how to make good pottery. Often, clay products are decorated with pricked ornaments. From the fibers of the trees, they are excellent for weaving dishes and mats. All these products are distinguished by a multi-colored geometric pattern.
Luanda landmarks
The capital of the country is located on the Atlantic coast, near the mouth of the Kwanza River. divided into Lower and Upper city. The lower town is built along a semicircular bay and boasts architectural monuments from the colonial era. Graceful shapes, interesting décor and a mixture of Baroque and Classicism are represented by buildings erected by the Portuguese, Spanish, French, Americans and Americans. The city inherited from the Portuguese street signs made of ceramic tiles, and elegant mosaics can be seen on the cobbled sidewalks.
Christian churches have been opened in Luanda - the Jesuit Church, the Temple of the Madonna of Nazareth and the Temple of the Carmelites. While walking around the capital, it is interesting to visit the fortress of San Miguel, built in the 17th century. It was the first European-type defensive structure to appear on the territory of the country. Today, the well-preserved old fort houses the Central Museum of the Armed Forces. Many beautiful mansions have been built in the Upper Town. Here are the buildings of government offices, the local university, the seminary and the Cathedral.
A museum of Angola has been opened in the capital, which displays rich collections on the history and ethnography of the country. Many tourists also visit the museums of slavery and the military. In addition, in Luanda there are interesting art galleries to explore, which have collected large pictorial and graphic collections. They display works by renowned Angolan artists whose work has received international recognition - Antonio Ole, Roberto Silva and Victor Teixeira (Viteixa).
From the capital of Angola, travelers go on eco-tours. Their routes run through virgin forests near the city, just 30-40 minutes from the central bus station. The wild savannah is home to many species of animals and birds, but it is best to use the services of an experienced guide to travel there.
Local kitchen
The indigenous people of Angola traditionally eat at home. This is due to a shortage of catering establishments and poor sanitation standards in snack bars, cafes and restaurants. Thanks to the government's tourism development program, the number of cafes, restaurants and bars with an acceptable level of service is constantly growing. Especially many such establishments are being opened in Luanda and in other large cities.
Several centuries of Portuguese colonization have greatly influenced the local cuisine. Today, it combines the culinary customs of local African tribes and Portuguese traditions. In addition, the Portuguese, as Catholics, taught Angolans to observe fast days.
Locals love delicious and hearty food. In Angola, seafood, legumes, corn, rice, and soups are popular. In many places they prepare "cacusso" - tilapia fried in palm oil. Chicken, fish, shrimp and even vegetable dishes are often seasoned with piri-piri sauce made with hot peppers. Salads are made from vegetables and herbs grown in the country, but Angolans like to use imported bananas and tomatoes for their preparation.
Several varieties of grapes are grown in the south of the country. Winemaking is well developed here.
Souvenirs
In memory of a trip to Angola, travelers usually bring ceremonial African masks, statuettes carved from wood, as well as crafts made of stone and bronze. As souvenirs, textiles, earthenware vases, jugs and trays, wicker baskets, crafts made of straw, reeds and dry grass, mats with geometric patterns, tribal costumes and malachite jewelry are in use. Local spices are also appreciated by the culinary experts.
Markets and shops where you can buy souvenirs are everywhere. Near Luanda, the most visited market is Benfica.
Transport
The main form of public transport in Angola is vans, painted blue at the bottom and white at the top. The cost of travel by bus or fixed-route taxi is $ 0.5-1, but foreign tourists are not recommended to use public transport. It is believed that it is easier and safer for them to travel by taxi. For short distances, a taxi ride costs $ 5-6.
In Angola, right-hand traffic. Renting a light vehicle costs $ 45-55 per day, but driving on the roads inside the country is quite problematic, since most of them are in a broken state. In addition, in the event of a breakdown, it is almost impossible to contact a service center or emergency service. Those tourists who nevertheless decide to go on an independent trip by car to the countryside try to stock up on tools in advance to repair the car on their own.
Airplanes fly from the coast inland. Such services are very popular with tourists and locals. The flight costs from $ 100. Another option for traveling within the country is railways. There are three railway lines in Angola, and travel along them is inexpensive.
Security
Due to begging and cases of hooliganism of the local population, tourists are not recommended to walk the streets of cities alone, especially at night. It should also be remembered that pickpocketing is widespread in markets, transport and shops. It is relatively safe and calm only on those streets that are guarded by law enforcement officers.
It is not customary for local drivers to follow traffic rules, so crossing the street can be a problem. You need to be careful wherever you are - both at unregulated intersections and where traffic lights are installed.
Use of cameras and camcorders in public places should be done with caution. Angola discourages photography of military installations, government buildings and local government officials in blue.
Currency
The local currency is Kwanzaa (AOA). You can exchange money at bank branches, exchange offices and hotels. In Luanda and the big cities, this is not difficult to do. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 16.00, and exchange offices are open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 11.00. In the provinces, currency exchange is becoming a whole problem. It is prohibited to export kwanzaa from Angola, and the currency that has not been spent must be exchanged before departure.
In Angola, travelers face the problem of using credit cards or travelers checks. They are accepted only in some metropolitan hotels, restaurants and shops, so you need to travel in other places besides Luanda with cash.
Visa and customs restrictions
To visit Angola, you must apply for a visa and have a medical certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Obtaining a visa usually takes two weeks. A single entry tourist visa is given for a month. Russian citizens traveling within the country for up to 30 days do not need registration. Those who stay in Angola for a longer period must register.
You can import cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and foodstuffs into the country duty-free - within the limits of personal needs. Foreign currency can also be imported without restrictions, but must be declared. It is strictly forbidden to export and import any weapons, drugs, untreated precious stones, as well as products made of ivory, turtle shells and molluscs.
- Public organizations, shops and bank branches, as a rule, work only on weekdays, starting at 8.00. Moreover, some of them are not open full day.
- The national holiday - the Day of the Declaration of Independence of Angola - is celebrated on November 11.
- The local population mainly lives on subsistence farming. The food sold to tourists is more expensive than in other African countries. This is primarily due to high inflation. A dozen eggs can be bought for $ 5, 1 liter of milk for $ 2.5, 1 kg of cheese for $ 17-20, a bottle of wine for $ 3. Lunch at a cafe will cost $ 35.
- Hotel accommodation is also expensive. A day in a 2 * hotel in Luanda costs from $ 100, and in a 5 * hotel - about $ 500. Most of the hotels are concentrated in the Atlantic coastal area. There are very few 5 * hotels. In the rest of Angola, only family hotels with a minimum level of service are open.
- Many tourists, going to Angola, prefer to rent accommodation. It is cheaper than hotels, but more expensive than in many countries of the world. To rent an apartment of two rooms in the capital, you will need to spend from $ 7,000 per month, and a three-room apartment - from $ 20,000.
- When going for a walk in Angola, it is better to have a supply of drinking water with you, since you can buy bottled water not in all places. The same is true for medicines. When traveling, a personal first aid kit will never hurt.
- Most residents of the country do not speak English, so tourists are better off having phrasebooks with them. Zimbabwe
By sea. The cities and Lobito have ports that are visited by passenger ships from all over the world. Ships from Namibia also dock in these and other ports on the country's Atlantic coast.
By bus. Regular bus service connects the territories of Angola and Namibia. Especially a lot of buses and fixed-route taxis run between the border towns of these two states.
Ruacana Falls is located in the southwestern part of Africa, on the state border of Angola and Namibia. The base for the waterfall is the middle course of the Kunena River, which runs near the city of Ruacana in northern Namibia.
At full spill, the width of Ruacana reaches seven hundred meters. The height of the fall of the water is one hundred twenty four meters. A majestic miracle of nature falls from the rocks in the form of a triangle seething with white foam. The upper plateau and lateral surroundings of the Ruacana Falls are composed of xerophytic, bright green dwarf shrubs and tiny shrubs that grow in the tropical climate of the African savannah. When released into the river, clear, clear waters turn dirty brown under the influence of local soil.
The upstream hydroelectric power plant has a negative impact on the life of Ruacana. The once powerful waterfall is becoming weaker and less frequent every year. During the period of greatest high water flow (it falls on December-June, when monsoons come to Africa) Ruacana is overthrown by a single stream of water. In the dry season, the waterfall splits into separate streams or dries up completely.
The ancient African tribe Himba lives in the vicinity of Ruacana. Locals worship the sacred fire, livestock, and live in cone-shaped houses built from young trees and mud. A walking excursion to the waterfall necessarily includes a visit to the Himba village.
Ruacana Falls - PHOTOS
