Angola Field Group

Map showing Rio Longa.

UPDATE: This field trip is now full. We are accepting names for waiting list only.
TURTLE FIELD TRIP, camping – Friday December 14th to 15th, 2012, with the Projecto de Conservacao de Tartarugas Marinhas, Agostinho Neto University, Faculty of Biology.

Where: Rio Longa, a three hour drive south of Luanda, where the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean. We will set up our tents at the university’s base camp on the mainland and in the evening will take a 5 minute boat ride across the river to the beach where the turtles come onshore to lay their eggs.

Crossing the river.

When: We will leave the city at 12:30 noon on Friday the 14th, and meet up with folks from Luanda Sul at 1:30 PM, at a meeting point to be announced. Departure will be the next morning whatever time you prefer to leave. 

What: A four wheel drive vehicle is needed to get from the main road to the shore of the river, about a half hour trip. We will set up camp and have a braai together, then at about 10:00 PM  we will cross the river with the students and patrol the beach and watch for the turtles to come onshore. Expect to walk at least two to three hours. Thus far 320 nests have been identified. We may also be tagging some turtles and putting collars on them for tracking.
Please note it is not recommended to swim in the river since there are crocodiles. Also, base camp is rustic, just a covered area to put up your tent and 2 simple toilets. Participants must supply their own food and camping gear. (If you have a zodiac or other powered water craft that you can take on this trip, please let me know. The river is beautiful and has a lot of bird life and monkeys.)

Who: This trip is open to Angola field Group participating members. To register for this trip, email Henriette Koning at angolafieldgroup@gmail.com. We must keep numbers to a strict limit so please only sign up if you’re serious about going and if you can comply with the time. Final trip details including our meeting location will be given once you’ve signed up and are confirmed for this trip.

When you are registering for this trip please indicate:

* if you have room in your vehicle for more passengers and how many can you take
* if you do not have transport and need a lift
* if you will be leaving from the city or from Luanda Sul
*if you informally signed up at the November 29 presentation at the Viking Club

We are collecting $25.00 from each participant to donate to the Marine Turtle Conservation Project.  All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk. No guarantee of spotting turtles.

Field Group participants relaxing on beach where turtles nest at night.