As seen on
Baia Dos Tigres, Cunene River and Southern Tribes Angolan adventure
Angola
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Duration:
9 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Explore the Namib Desert and coastal dunes
- Immerse yourself in local tribal cultures
- Visit ancient rock art and archaeological sites
- Discover Cunene River, waterfalls, and Tundavala cliffs
- Experience Luanda’s city life and desert camping under the stars
Discover Angola's Deserts & Tribes
This 10-day adventure offers a rare chance to explore Angola far from the usual tourist routes, immersing you in vast deserts, dramatic coastlines, and authentic connections with local communities. From the vibrant streets of Luanda to the remote Namib Desert, the mystical Cunene River, and the Tundavala cliffs, each destination reveals a different face of Angola - raw, beautiful, and deeply memorable.
Your journey begins in Luanda with an introduction to Angola’s lively culture and music, before flying south to the Namibe Desert, where towering dunes, the rare Welwitschia plant, and the remote Baía dos Tigres await. Along the way, you’ll engage with several indigenous tribes, including the Mucubal, Muhimba, Mwakahona, Mungambwe, and Vátuas, sharing meals, stories, and traditional experiences. The itinerary also includes visits to ancient archaeological sites, spectacular waterfalls, and iconic natural landmarks, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery.
This journey combines scenic drives on gravel and asphalt roads with camping under the stars and comfortable stays in lodges, providing a full immersion in Angola’s landscapes and heritage.
Day 1: Arrival in Luanda – Welcome to Angola!
Transfer
Dinner
3 star hotel
Your Angolan adventure begins on arrival in Luanda at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport. After completing border formalities, you will be transferred through the city to Thomson House Luanda, where you can settle in and enjoy your first evening in the country.
Dinner will be served at the guesthouse. Later, those who wish may head out for an optional night of music and dancing at Caminito Night Club, experiencing the rhythms of Kizomba in the vibrant Angolan capital.
Overnight: Thomson House Luanda
Day 2: From Luanda to the Desert Hills of Curoca
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour through downtown Luanda, discovering the rhythm and character of Angola’s vibrant capital. Later, transfer to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport for your flight south.
On arrival at Welwitschia Mirabilis Airport near Moçâmedes, the journey continues with a scenic drive of approximately 75 km (around 1.5 hours) into the desert landscapes of Namibe. Along the way, you will stop to see the remarkable Welwitschia mirabilis growing in its natural habitat. By evening, arrive at the rugged hills of Curoca Hills, where dinner is served and camp is set beneath the vast desert sky.
Overnight: Camping in the Curoca Hills
Day 3: Baía dos Tigres - Dunes, Ocean and Desert Adventure
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast at camp, continue your journey with a 120 km drive (approximately 4 hours) into the wild desert landscapes of Namibe Province, travelling through the remote risks where towering dunes meet the Atlantic coastline. The route winds between vast sand seas and dramatic ocean views on the way to Baía dos Tigres.
From the mainland, cross by boat to the remote island before returning for a typical Angolan lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the giant dunes surrounding the bay - whether hiking, sandboarding, relaxing in the sun, or simply taking in the vast beauty of the desert the time is yours to take it all in. Dinner is served at camp as evening settles over the dunes.
Overnight: Camping
Day 4: Journey to the Mouth of the Cunene River
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast at camp, continue south on a remote 170 km journey (approximately 7 hours) across sand and gravel tracks, travelling through the striking desert risks of Namibe Province. The route leads toward the powerful meeting point of land and water at the mouth of the Cunene River, the natural frontier between Angola and Namibia.
On arrival at the river mouth, take time to observe the surrounding wildlife before visiting the historic water collection and pumping site that once supplied Baía dos Tigres, where lunch is enjoyed. The day ends with dinner and camping at Lion’s Cave in Espinheira.
Overnight: Camping at Lion’s Cave, Espinheira
Day 5: Itundo-Hulo to Virei
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast at the camping site, embark on a 190 km journey (approximately 8 hours) along gravel roads through the remote interior of the park. The route includes scenic travel across untouched desert landscapes, offering a glimpse into the heart of Namibian wilderness.
Stop for lunch at Pediva, where you can relax at the hot springs along the Curoca River, a rare oasis in the Namib Desert. Afterward, continue the journey to Virei, arriving in time to explore the Tchitundu-Hulo Archaeological Complex, famous for its ancient cave paintings and engravings. Share the evening with the Mucubal tribe, enjoying traditional stories, dinner, and camping under the stars.
Overnight: Camping at Tchitundu-Hulo Archaeological Complex, Virei
Day 6: Tchitundu-Hulo to Moçâmedes
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
4 star hotel
Begin the day with a sunrise visit to the archaeological sites, taking in the morning light over the ancient cave paintings and engravings. Enjoy breakfast at the campsite before departing on a 137 km journey (approximately 5 hours) along gravel roads toward Moçâmedes.
Pause along the way for refueling and a scenic lunch by the sea, soaking in coastal views before arriving at the city. Check in at Hotel Iona, then enjoy a free afternoon to rest and explore at your leisure. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, preparing for the next stage of your journey.
Overnight: Hotel Iona, Moçâmedes
Day 7: Moçâmedes to Lubango
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
After breakfast at the hotel, depart on a 180 km journey (approximately 2 hours) along asphalt roads toward Lubango, passing through scenic landscapes that showcase the region’s dramatic topography.
Along the route, stop to admire the Serra da Leba Waterfalls, a stunning cascade set against rugged cliffs. Enjoy lunch at the Serra Viewpoint, taking in panoramic vistas of the mountains and valleys below. Continue with a visit to the iconic Christ the King statue, a landmark overlooking the city, before witnessing a breathtaking sunset at Tundavala, where cliffs drop dramatically into the Namibian plateau.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Casper Lodge, resting comfortably after a day of exploration.
Overnight: Casper Lodge, Lubango
Day 8: Lubango to Oncócua-Curoca
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast at the lodge, depart on a journey covering 200 km of asphalt roads and 145 km of gravel roads (approximately 5 hours) toward Oncócua-Curoca, traversing diverse landscapes that shift from open plains to remote desert tracks.
Pause for lunch along the route under the shade of majestic baobab trees, taking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Continue the journey with opportunities to interact with the Muhimba, Mwakahona, and Mungambwe tribes, gaining insight into their traditions, culture, and daily life.
End the day with dinner and camping alongside the tribes, sharing stories around the fire and experiencing authentic tribal hospitality.
Overnight: Camping with the Muhimba, Mwakahona, and Mungambwe tribes, Oncócua-Curoca
Day 9: Oncócua-Curoca – Tribal Encounters
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Camping
Begin the day with breakfast at the campsite before a short 40 km drive (approximately 1 hour) to explore the surrounding area. Spend the morning interacting with the Vátuas (Mutues), learning about their customs and daily life.
Return to the campsite, followed by further engagement with the Muhimba, Mwakahona, and Mungambwe tribes, deepening your understanding of their culture and traditions.
The day concludes with dinner and overnight camping alongside the tribes, enjoying stories, songs, and the warmth of community under the starlit sky.
Overnight: Camping with the Muhimba, Mwakahona, and Mungambwe tribes, Oncócua-Curoca
Day 10: Oncócua-Curoca to Luanda - Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Start the day with breakfast at the campsite before departing on a 200 km drive (approximately 5 hours) along asphalt and gravel roads back toward Lubango.
Pause for lunch at a local restaurant in Lubango, savoring regional flavors before heading to Mukanka Airport for your onward 1 hour and 30 minute flight to Luanda.
This marks the end of your journey, concluding an unforgettable adventure across Angola’s diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and remarkable tribal encounters.
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Visa, travel & health insurance
- International arrival/departure flights
- Additional meals/drinks/activities not mentioned
Contents
Travel & Arrival
Please note international and national flights are not included in this adventure unless stated in the itinerary, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, the responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
You will meet your guide in Luanda, Dr Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport, on the first day of the adventure.
Accommodation
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
Your group will be sleeping in 3 star hotels, at some points of the journey, and camping in tents at others, please see the packing list for items to pack. The tents are provided as well as sleeping bags, inflatable pillows, camping beds and mattresses, but we ask that you bring your own sleeping bag if you wish.
Please note that there is likely to be no mobile signal at the camps. The facilities will be comfortable but basic.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced and knowledgeable local, English speaking, guide. This ensures you get access to information on the country and culture of Angola, as well as directly supporting local trade and tourism.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 6, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
Health
Your health and safety are our priority, and it is important to be well prepared before travelling to Angola. Malaria is present in many parts of the country, particularly in central and coastal areas, as well as the south. We recommend speaking to your GP or a travel health specialist well in advance of your trip to discuss the most suitable antimalarial medication for you. Alongside medication, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is key. Wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, using insect repellent with DEET, and sleeping under a mosquito net when provided are all highly effective.
While most travellers enjoy a healthy and incident-free trip, it is wise to be aware of other potential health risks. These may include traveller’s diarrhoea, sunburn and dehydration, so staying hydrated, practising good food hygiene and using high-factor sun protection is essential. For the latest medical advice, including recommended vaccinations and up-to-date health alerts, we suggest reviewing the guidance from the UK government’s official travel health site, TravelHealthPro.
If you have any health conditions or concerns, please let us know.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
A detailed and advisory packing list will be provided prior to departure. Here are some examples of what this contains;
Compulsory
- Travel documents (passport and visa, vaccination certificates if required, plane tickets, cash for tipping, credit cards etc.). Please photocopy all travel documents and keep separate from originals.
- Toiletries and sunscreen (soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided in most properties)
- Insect repellent (for the body) and anti-malarial prophylaxis if required
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Trousers
- Shorts
- Shirts and t-shirts
- Sweater or fleece
- Warm jacket for cold mornings
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Trainers or walking shoes & Sandals or flip flops
- Swimwear
- Binoculars
- Camera, battery charger and ideally a spare battery and memory card if possible
- Torch/flashlight
- Refillable water bottle
Price:
From
Add-Ons are an optional way of customising & extending your adventure, and making those travel miles more worthwhile. They can not be purchased separately. To select an Add-On, please visit the relevant adventure and add it to your enquiry or booking. The adventures which offer this particular Add-On can be found below:
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All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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