Huambo province, from rugged, wooded countryside...

Huambo province, from rugged, wooded countryside…

Head for the hills to Huambo with the Angola Field Group, November 27, 28, 29, 30. Known for its cool, agreeable climate, the city and province, both called Huambo, lie in Angola´s Central Highlands. We will spend two days at a farm guesthouse in the region which was once the kingdom of Sambu and still has a traditional king whom we will visit. With the farm as our base, we will hike some of the surrounding areas. There will be a workshop on how to use a GPS with our host/guide, Beat, a Swiss geographer, so take your GPS along! Beat is one of the authors of the newly released Huambo Atlas.

Tour program:  27-30 November 2013

Wednesday, 27th
07.00        Depart Luanda. We will drive at a relaxing pace. Pack a lunch, drinks, snacks
17.00        Arrival in Huambo city and welcome braai at Beat & Bela’s place. Accommodation at local guesthouse or hotel

Thursday, 28th
8.00         Full breakfast at Beat & Bela’s place
9.00         Huambo site seeing. Once famous for the most important railway workshop in Africa, the Portuguese decreed in 1928 that Huambo was to be the capital of Angola and named it Nova Lisboa
10.00        Departure for Sambo guest house
12.00        Arrival in Sambo, lunch & relaxation
15.00        GPS course and practice / introduction to horse riding and horse care for those interested
17.00        Sundowner, dinner – create your own pizzas and bake in outdoor brick oven

Friday, 29th
8.00        Full breakfast
9.00        Morning hike through local surroundings and along the Cunene River. Many of Angola’s biggest rivers flow out of the highlands because rainfall is higher than in most other areas of Angola
12.00       Lunch
14.00       Visit of Sambo Town and King’s place and local Catholic Mission. Missions used to play an important role in education and health. Most suffered damage during the years of war. Visitors can get fascinating perspectives on the history of Huambo from staff who have lived at the mission for decades
17.00        Sundowners, dinner which will include some local native dishes

Saturday, 30th
7.00        Full breakfast
8.00        Departure to Huambo, then Luanda

All meals in Huambo will be provided. Drinks include gasosa & juice, Amarula, vinho verde, red wine, gin tonic, whiskey, white wine and beer. Shared accommodation on the farm, two nights. Prices will be posted soon. Limited space so sign up as soon as possible.
1. We will be traveling through 5 provinces so you must have original passport with valid visa with you.
2. To sign up for this trip or if you have more questions please send an email to Henriette at angolafieldgroup@gmail.com  
3. Please indicate if you will be leaving from downtown or from Luanda Sul
4. If you have room for passengers in your vehicle, please advise
5. All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk

... to gentle, rolling grasslands. Photos courtesy Huambo Atlas.

… to gentle, rolling grasslands. Photos courtesy of the Huambo Atlas.

Kumbira Forest, Kwanza Sul.

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. An opportunity to travel off the beaten path with environmentalist and bird expert, Michael Mills (for more on Angola’s birds, go to www.birdsangola.org). You will be camping and need to be self sufficient in all aspects including transport. A four wheel drive definitely a necessity. You can accompany Michael on all or part of his trips as per the schedule below. To attend contact Michael Mills at michael@birdingafrica.com and his phone number: 934-969865. On your email please ‘cc’ angolafieldgroup@gmail.com since Michael is travelling in northern Angola and not always within communication range.

11 May 2011 Wednesday
Drive to Mount Moco

12 May 2011 Thursday to 15 May 2011 Sunday
Mount Moco
16 May 2011 Monday
Drive to Kumbira

17 May 2011 Tuesday to 19 May 2011 Thursday
Kumbira

20 May 2011 Friday
Drive to Luanda

Summit of Mount Moco in Huambo province. Photos courtesy Michael Mills.

 

View from the top of Mount Moco looking north-west. Photo courtesy Michael Mills.

The Angola Field Group invites you to climb Angola’s highest mountain, Mount Moco, located in the central west province of Huambo – May 29 to June 01. Stretching up to 2620 meters, Mount Moco’s true importance is the fact that it has the best examples of Angola’s rapidly disappearing Afromontane forest and it is home to several rare birds. We will be accompanied on our trip by Dr. John Mendelsohn, a zoologist specializing in ornithology. The slopes are steep so participants should be in reasonably good shape and wear sturdy shoes with a grip.

We will depart Luanda Saturday May 29 at 7:00 AM and arrive in Huambo, the capital city of the province Huambo, late afternoon. It’s approximately a 9 hour drive from Luanda to Huambo. Sunday morning we will head for Mount Moco, set up camp and explore the area with Dr. Mendelsohn. Then very early Monday morning we’ll hike up the mountain with some local guides and hopefully be back in Huambo early evening to have dinner at a local restaurant. Tuesday (national holiday) early morning departure for Luanda preceded by a city tour of Huambo.

Saturday and Monday we will be accommodated in a homestay run by our guide/host, a Swiss expat who has made Huambo his home for the past 6 years. Meals, including while we are camping, will be provided by the homestay except for Monday evening. Shared accommodations in the homestay. Sunday we will be camping – bring your own gear but some mattresses are available. Price to be posted Monday.

* * *All Angola Field Group trips are at your own risk. We will be traveling through 5 provinces so you must have original passport with valid visa with you. A complete itinerary and map will be emailed to confirmed participants. To sign up for this trip or if you have more questions please send an email to Henriette at angolafieldgroup@gmail.com and if you have room for passengers in your vehicle, please advise. * * *

Sign up opportunity Thursday May 13th at the Field Group presentation, scroll down.