November 10, 2019

Excellent resource about Southwest Angola now available for free

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Now available online, South West Angola: a portrait of land and life, click here to download a PDF of the book. This is the most informative book published to date about southwest Angola, covering the provinces of Namibe, Cunene and Huíla, written in both English and Portuguese, by the Namibian father-daughter team of John and Stephie Mendelsohn.

This comprehensive book brims with images, maps, graphs and charts that capture the faces, spaces and places of the great open landscapes that makes up Southwest Angola, like this magnificent tree, purported to be the world’s largest baobab, which grows north of Xangongo.

 

 

September 9, 2016

An Urban Safari with Angela Mingas, September 17

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An Urban Safari with Angela Mingas, architect and anthropologist, who will take you on a Slave Tour through Luanda’s historic central district, on Saturday, September 17 from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. The safari is organized by the Campanha Reviver, which is a partnership of CEICA (Center of Architecture Studies and Scientific Research) and KALU (Association of natives, residents and friends of Luanda) whose aim is to defend, protect and promote the heritage of Luanda. To book, call 943­183­108. The tour starts downtown at Lusiada University.

17-set

 

August 10, 2015

REVIVER Bus Tour of Historic Luanda, Sunday August 16

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Former Cidade Alta train station. Photo by H. Koning.

Former Cidade Alta train station. Photo by H. Koning.

UPDATE: Please note that Reviver with Architect Angela Mingas has had to postpone this tour till further notice. In lieu of, Reviver is offering another Walking Tour of the Slave Route this Saturday, August 15th. To register phone: 934 631 713


There is still time to sign up for the REVIVER Bus Tour of Historic Luanda, sponsored by NEAAUD, an organization working to protect, preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Angola´s capital city. You must register in advance. Space is limited so sign up asap.

Who: Anybody is welcome to join
When: Sunday, August 16, at 8:30 AM
Where: Departing from Lusíada University, across the street from Cha de Caxinde, next to the old BESA bank which is now Banco Economico, in downtown Luanda. DOWNLOAD A MAP – CLICK HERE.
Cost: 2500 Kwanzas per person
To Register: Call Gilce at 935-356290 or email: passeios.campanha.reviver@gmail.com

The tour will stop at various locations including the Jesuit Church which is tucked away in Cidade Alta, the old train station in Cidade Alta and the National Bank (Banco Nacional de Angola), the iconic pink building on the Marginal. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. 

The Train Master’s house located just across the street from the station. Photo by H. Koning.

The Train Master’s house located just across the street from the station. Photo by H. Koning.

A Campanha Reviver parceria entre o CEICA (Centro de Estudos e Investigação Cientifica de Arquitectura) e KALU (Associação dos Naturais, Residentes e Amigos de Luanda), coordenada por Ângela Mingas e Cristina Pinto tem como Tema a DIVULGAÇÃO, DEFESA E PROTECÇÃO DO PATRIMÓNIO DA CIDADE DE LUANDA.

 

July 30, 2015

Saturday, August 8th Walking Tour of the Slave Route

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The palatial home of Angola’s famous slave trader Dona Ana Joaquina, 1788 to 1859. At the time it was one of the largest houses in Luanda. Today Luanda’s provincial courthouse stands on the site of Joaquina’s ‘palacio’.

The palatial home of Angola’s famous slave trader Dona Ana Joaquina, 1788 to 1859. At the time it was one of the largest houses in Luanda. Today Luanda’s provincial courthouse stands on the site of Joaquina’s ‘palacio’.

THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL. But note that Reviver still has space on their bus tour on Sunday, August 16, a Historical Tour of Old Luanda. Phone 934-631713. Space is limited to 50 participants.

This is a walking tour of parts of Old Luanda that tell the slave trade story, a heritage hidden but not forgotten. The tour is approximately 3 hours and will be in English, with Arquitecta Angela Mingas, who is a specialist in cultural heritage, and teaches in the Architectural Department at Lusíadas University. Maximum 20 participants. Open to members of the Angola Field Group.

When: Saturday, 08 August, meeting at 8:30 AM

Where: Meeting Point is front entrance (brown doors) of Lusíada University, which is across the street from Cha de Caxinde, next to the old BESA bank which is now Banco Economico, in downtown Luanda.

Cost: 2000 Kwanzas (includes a map of the route and bottle of water). The proceeds go to Campanha Reviver, a movement working to preserve Luanda’s cultural heritage. See flyer below.

To Sign Up: (in Portuguese please) call Gilce at 934-631713. Or email (in Portuguese or English): passeios.campanha.reviver@gmail.com

See flyer below for future tours open to the general public. Spread the word and support Reviver as they battle to protect the heritage of Angola´s capital city. Follow them on Facebook here.

Flyer 2015

 

March 20, 2015

Sunday, March 29 Field Trip: Massangano Fort & Novo Oeiras iron foundry

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​Massangano village with the church perched on the hill. When Livingstone visited in 1852 he said the place was in a state of decay and contained little more than a thousand inhabitants. Today there appear to be even less.

​Massangano village with the church perched on the hill. When Livingstone visited in 1852 he said the place was in a state of decay and contained little more than a thousand inhabitants. Today there appear to be even less.

UPDATE: THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL. Sunday March 29, the Angola Field Group will visit Massangano, the site of one of Angola’s oldest forts, built in 1582 to use as a way station for slaves being traded from Kwanza Norte. During Holland’s brief occupation of the seat of government of Angola, from 1641 to 1648, the Portuguese took refuge in the fort. The Massangano fort is located on the banks of the Kwanza River 20 km east of Dondo. A stone’s throw from the fort is the restored Church of Nossa Senhora da Victoria. On our return home we will visit the remains of Novo Oeiras, the iron foundry on the Lucala River which was erected in 1768 by the Portuguese government. They brought in experienced Swedish miners who unfortunately quickly succumbed to the oppressive climate of the low lying area. Today the foundry is an Angolan heritage site. Trip Details:         -We will leave the city at 6:30 AM prompt and plan to be back in the city limits by 6pm.         -4 wheel drive recommended, full tank of gas, no fuel stops will be made.         -Take food and liquids for the whole day. No food stops.         -Meeting point and further details will be provided once you have signed up and are confirmed for the trip. We accept a limited number of participants. Field trips are open to Angola Field Group members. There is no fee.         -Sign up by emailing: angolafieldgroup@gmail.com and state: 1)your cell phone number   2)names of all participants  3)whether you require transport or not 4)whether you have room for passenger/s and if so how many extras can you take?  5)whether you are traveling from Luanda Sul or downtown Luanda. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk. There is a provincial border crossing so you must carry valid, original up-to-date documents with you.

​Almost 450 years old, the small but sturdy Massangano Fort looks out over the Kwanza River. It still contains some ancient guns.

​Almost 450 years old, the small but sturdy Massangano Fort looks out over the Kwanza River. It still contains some ancient guns.

 

February 18, 2015

Read Pedro Vaz Pinto’s latest Giant Sable report from Cangandala

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The last months of 2014 saw some interesting visitors to Cangandala National Park and the Luando Reserve, the two protected terriitories of Angola’s Giant Sable.

An evening storm visits  Luando Reserve

The storm arrived before sunset; A tempestade chegou antes do por-do-sol.

The storm arrived before sunset; A tempestade chegou antes do por-do-sol.

A python! visits one of the salinas in Cangandala Park

Incredible scene: a python on the ambush, and a very nervous hybrid female!!! Cena incrível: uma jibóia emboscada, e uma fêmea híbrida muito nervosa!!!

Incredible scene: a python on the ambush, and a very nervous hybrid female!!! Cena incrível: uma jibóia emboscada, e uma fêmea híbrida muito nervosa!!!

Two young females visiting together

Two young girl calves; Duas jovens crias fêmeas.

Two young girl calves; Duas jovens crias fêmeas.

It is well known that calves tend to stay most of the day in crèches, but even as they grow a young sable seems to prefer the company of same sex and age individuals than to follow his/her mother.

And a warthog who just visited his favourite mud hole!

Warthog male after his daily mud bath; Macho de facochero depois do seu banho de lama diário.

Warthog male after his daily mud bath; Macho de facochero depois do seu banho de lama diário.

And Mercury came for a visit back home! Now “a mighty imposing black bull with massive horns”, who after one year of adventurous dispersal outside of the sanctuary, has returned.

And Mercury again!; E o Mercúrio novamente!

And Mercury again!; E o Mercúrio novamente!

His (Mercury’s) behavior suggests that he is more interested in establishing a territory inside the sanctuary than escorting females on a permanent basis, leaving that task for the subdominant Eolo. If confirmed this may provide new insights into dominance and territorial behavior of sable bulls.

Read biologist Pedro Vaz Pinto’s full Fourth Trimester 2014 Report with photos from Angola’s Cangandala Park and Luando Reserve, in English and Portuguese on our Giant Sable page.

 

November 13, 2014

Sunday November 30 Field Trip: Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Luanda

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Architect Angela Mingas explaining building materials used in very old structures, a few still exist today.

Architect Angela Mingas explaining building materials used in very old structures, a few still exist today.

Walking Tour – Sunday, November 30, meeting downtown at 8:00 AM. Take a close-up look at the history of Luanda’s oldest downtown structures with Architect Angela Mingas, who is a specialist in cultural heritage, and teaches in the Architectural Department at Lusídas University. This is a walking tour (not strenuous) about 2.5 hours long. Open to members of the Angola Field Group.

To sign up send an email to angolafieldgroup@gmail.com giving your name and phone number. Limited space so please only sign up if you seriously intend to go. Final details will be emailed when you are confirmed. The tour costs 2500 AKZ. Proceeds go to Campanha Reviver, a campaign to preserve Luanda’s heritage and is part of the Lusídas Architectural Department. All Angola Field Trips are at your own risk.

Chicala in the foreground looking across at the Forteleza de Sao Miguel, the first structure the Portuguese built in Luanda, in 1575.

Chicala in the foreground looking across at the Forteleza de Sao Miguel, the first structure the Portuguese built in Luanda, in 1575. Both photos are from around 1960.

The National Bank visible on the Marginal that runs to the port. Both photos are from around 1960.

The National Bank visible on the Marginal that runs to the port. Photos from the book “As mais belas cidades de Angola”.

 

September 28, 2014

Thursday October 2 Presentation: Luanda’s Landscapes and People, a historic overview

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Watercolor of the Bay and Old Port of Luanda, from the book from the book Luandando by Pepetela.

Watercolor of the Bay and Old Port of Luanda, from the book Luandando by Pepetela.

In January 2015, Luanda will celebrate 439 years of existence. Founded in 1576, it is one of the oldest cities established by Europeans in the Southern Hemisphere. Built for Portuguese settlers, Luanda’s main commerce initially focused on slavery. Today expensive development projects have dramatically changed Luanda’s skyline. The Angola Field Group invites you to a presentation, “Luanda: Landscapes and People”, a historical overview of the city, with Dr. Angela Mingas, Professor of Architecture at Lusíada University, on Thursday, October 2nd at 7:45 PM (note our new starting time) at the Viking Club.

Dr. Angela Mingas is an Architect and Writer as well as a specialist in Anthropology. She obtained her Master’s and Ph.D in Architectural Heritage. She has studied Education, Architecture and Anthropology at various institutions, including the Instituto Técnico Profissional de Educaçao in Angola, Escola de Belas Artes in Lisbon, Universidade Técnica and University of Oporto in Portugal. She is the Founder and coordinator of the School of Architecture and the Centre for the Study of Art, Architecture, Urbanism and Design at Lusíada University and is Director of the Research Center of Architecture at Lusíada University in Luanda. Since it was founded in 2006, she has been the Curator of the Forum of Architecture in Angola. As of 2009, she has worked as a Consultant to the Council of Ministers. 

Angela Mingas, photo courtesy Development Workshop.

Dr. Angela Mingas, photo courtesy Development Workshop.

Dr. Mingas is one of the organizers of Campanha Reviver, a campaign to preserve Luanda’s heritage and as part of this movement, will be organizing a historic City Tour for members of the Angola Field Group. Details available on Thursday.

Everybody is welcome to attend. In close cooperation with the Viking Club, this event is offered free of charge. Beverages and snacks are sold at the Viking Bar which opens at 7:15 PM. Coupons must be purchased. The Viking Club is on the main floor of Edificio Maianga, Rua Marien Nguabi, No 118 in Maianga, across the street from the Panela de Barra restaurant. You can download a map showing the location here on our website: https://angolafieldgroup.com/find-us.

For sale that night, books about Angola, in English and Portuguese.

 

July 10, 2014

Saturday and Sunday July 26 – 27: Explore the Salt Mines of the Quicama tribe

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Valley of salt looks like snow.

Valley of salt looks like snow.

Back to the Salt Mines! Saturday and Sunday July 26 & 27, an overnight camping field trip to Ngunza, about 1 hour southwest of Muxima inside the greater Quicama National Park, to explore the ancient and historic salt mines of the Quicama tribe. In 2012 we had a field trip to re-discover the Salt Mines mentioned in historic documents as far back as 1593 (see last year’s post here). We found a large salina but didn’t have time to properly explore. We are now going back to spend more time hiking around the surrounding area.

Land of Baobobs, the Road to Quicama Park via Muxima.

Land of Baobobs, the Road to Quicama Park via Muxima.

Please note:
1. This trip requires several hours of hiking mostly on level ground.
2.  Participants must be self-sufficient in terms of camping.
3. A 4 wheel drive vehicle with high wheel base is required.
4. We will be camping in tall grass, capim, so take along a machete or shovel to level an area to set up your tent. This is the kind of grass that has burrs that attach to clothing.

Field group hiking to the salt flats in 2012. Potential salt domes loom in background

Field group hiking to the salt flats in 2012. Potential salt domes loom in background.

We will leave the city at 6:30 AM, drive via Catete and then right before Muxima we will head south west to Ngunza.  We will be accompanied by Angola Field Group member Serafim Quintino who is a native of Quicama.

Meeting point and further details will be provided once you are confirmed for the trip. As with all our field trips, there is limited space. Sign up at the Angola Field Group presentation on July 10 or by emailing: angolafieldgroup@gmail.com and state:    1)your cell phone number   2)names of all participants including drivers  3)whether you have room for passenger/s (keeping in mind space occupied by camping gear)    4)whether you are travelling from Luanda Sul or downtown Luanda. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk. There is a provincial border crossing so you must carry valid documents with you.

We will be camping in grass this high.

We will be camping in grass this high.

 

February 27, 2014

Tuesday March 4 Field Trip: Come ‘Carnaval’ in Caxito

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Cruising the streets of Caxito, the quiet and calm capital of Bengo province.

Cruising the streets of Caxito, the quiet and calm capital of Bengo province.

UPDATE: This trip is now at full capacity. Come ‘Carnaval’ in Caxito, Tuesday March 4th. The Angola Field Group will escape Luanda and travel to Caxito, the capital of Bengo Province, 60 km northeast of Luanda, to take in some small town Carnaval festivities.

The old sugar factory.

The sugar factory as it is today.

Besides the afternoon Carnaval parade,we will visit a few cultural sights:
* Enroute we will stop at Panguila Bridge where the decisive battle for Luanda was fought in November, 1975.
*Caxito used to be the biggest sugar producer in Angola thanks to the Fazenda Tentativa. We will see the remains of the sugar factory, supposedly dismantled by the Cubans during the war, and visit the new Tentativa Museum.
* In the town center we will visit the Sanctuary of Santana, a Catholic Church, with Sister Jovita
*Just outside of Caxito we will stop briefly at the Sassa waterfalls on the Dande River before going to the NGO, ADPP’s Escola Professoras do Futuro (a Teachers Training School) to get a first hand look at their recent solar installation, reputedly the biggest in Angola.

Some colonial homes still remain in the area of the sugar factory

Some colonial homes still remain in the area of the sugar factory.

This field trip is open to members of the Angola Field Group; must have valid passport with visa in hand.
We will depart from a downtown meeting point at 7:30 am. Pack a picnic lunch and all snacks and drinks. We plan to leave Caxito around 5:00 pm. Please do not sign up for this trip if you are on a tight schedule. It is impossible to guarantee exact times and when we will be back.

The new Igreja Santana, downtown Caxito.

The new Igreja Santana, downtown Caxito. Photos courtesy Henriette Koning.

Sugar factory, Fazenda Tentativa 1974, courtesy Luís Marques.

Sugar factory, Fazenda Tentativa 1974. Photo courtesy Luís Marques.

The meeting point details will be provided after you have been confirmed for this trip. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk.

How to sign up: Send an email to angolafieldgroup@gmail.com with: 1. the names of all the passengers in your vehicle and cell phone numbers. 2. Please state if you have room for any car-less individuals that want to join this field trip.

148 solar panels provide energy for ADDP Teacher's Training complex. Photo courtesy ADDP Caxito.

148 solar panels provide energy for ADDP Teacher’s Training complex. Photo courtesy ADDP Caxito.

 

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