Destination ANGOLA

Picture a country twice the size of Texas with incredible natural resources including petroleum, diamonds, agriculture and fishing.

This vast mysterious territory north of Namibia faces the Atlantic Ocean with more than 1,650 kilometers of coastline. The southwest is an extension of the Skeleton Coast and the north is equatorial with forests, torrential rain and a border with the Congo. During the colonial scramble for Africa the area was under Portuguese influence for over four hundred years.

In 1975 Portugal transferred power to three local political movements. The civil war that resulted stretched almost three decades. Angola is rebuilding its country. Now, there is more than hope, there is progress. It's poised for a dramatic rebirth. It would be a shame to miss it.

From the Captain's Blog:

"I can safely say few observers are more privy to the geography and cultural riches that lie hidden. In 2004, I flew to the southwest provinces of Cunene, Namibe and Huila on an exploratory adventure trip. It was like stepping back in time to an African period of the early thirties. From the coastal town of Namibe we drove up the steep winding Leba Pass that climbs from sea level to just under two thousand metres in less than seven kilometres. On our way up a layer of fluffy white clouds carpeted the horizon below the vertical volcanic Tunda Vala escarpment. You can feel a vibrancy of freedom, development, peace and refreshing hope. Even from 31,000 ft."