Angola & Mozambique
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ANGOLA & MOZAMBIQUE Including a day trip to The Kingdom of Swaziland June 12 to June 25, 2022 Led by Professional Tour Manager David William Optional extension to Lesotho ( June 25 to 28, 2022) and Cabinda ( June 10 to 12, 2022) Located in southern Africa, Angola is the seventh largest country on the continent and one of the MOST EXPENSIVE countries in the world. It is bordered by Namibia to the south, the Congo in the north, Zambia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The diverse ethnic communities such as the Mumuila and Mucubal, maintain their own cultural traits, traditions, and languages to varying degrees. In the cities, where slightly more than half of the population now lives, you will find a mixed culture that has been emerging since colonial times. In this urban society, since its foundation in the 16th century, the Portuguese heritage has become more and more dominant. However, African roots are evident in music and dance, and is molding the way in which Portuguese is spoken. This process is well reflected in con- temporary Angolan literature, especially in the works of Angolan authors. On this tour, you will explore a land that the modern world has yet to discover. As you make your way inland, the landscape becomes almost endless plains. From there, you will fly nonstop to another former colony of the Portuguese. With cities of colonial splendor, a golden coast scattered with balmy beaches, and cuisine packed with sizzle and spice, Mozambique is a magical part of Mother Africa. It is endowed with rich and ex- tensive natural resources. The country’s economy is based largely on agriculture, but its industry is growing mainly from the food and bev- erage industry, chemical manufacturing, and aluminum and petroleum production. The tourism sector is also expanding. The only official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, which is spoken mostly as a second language by about half of the population. Lesotho, officially the “Kingdom of Lesotho”, is an enclaved country within the border of South Africa. Known as the Kingdom in the Sky because of its lofty altitude - it has the highest lowest point of any country in the world (4,590 ft. ASL) and is the only country to be entirely above 3,200 feet ASL! Ihab Zaki Managing Director, Spiekermann Travel ical garden. Located in the town of Ndalatango, it was originally Sunday, June 12 a Portuguese botanical research station. Here you will find an im- Arrive in Luanda - Kwanza River pressive collection of flora, including a bamboo forest and rubber (Angola) and fig trees. Transfer toMalanje Hotel (or similar) for check-in, Arrive in Luanda, capital of Angola, in the morning. You’ll be met dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) and then begin your day with an excursion to the National Mu- seum of Slavery, which showcases the rich history of slavery in Wednesday, June 15 the country, reminding us of the enslavement of Angolans. The Malanje - Luanda museum is a reflection of the hardships that the country faced and the broken hearts of those deeply affected by the slave trade. Today you’ll return to Luanda, stopping to visit Pedras Negras Next, drive to Miradouro da Lua (Moon Viewpoint), located along the way. Pedras Negras, which means “Black Rocks” in Por- about 25 miles south of Luanda. This is a spectacular landscape tuguese, is a truly stunning geological formation. A plateau of shaped by years of rain and erosion which, in turn, makes it look massive rocks towers above the surrounding savanna and can be similar to the surface of the moon. Transfer to Kwanza River Lodge seen for miles. The rocks appear to take on the shape of various (or similar) for check-in, dinner and overnight. (D) animals. Stop for lunch on the way back to Luanda and dinner will be at the hotel (TBD) or a local restaurant. (B,L,D) Monday, June 13 Kwanza River & Quiçama National Park Thursday, June 16 Luanda - Lubango In the morning, head out on a river excursion and safari at Quiça- ma National Park (also known as Kissama), Angola’s only operat- Explore more of the key sights of Luanda, with its impressive old ing national park. This former game reserve, located approximate- colonial buildings and bustling markets. Later, transfer to the air- ly 45 miles from Luanda, was once teeming with wildlife, but the animal population was almost wiped out due to civil war. Thanks port for your flight toLubango , the main city in southern Angola to the efforts of “Operation Noah’s Ark”, many animals including and one of the most beautiful in the country. Set in a lush valley wild elephants, were moved here from neighboring countries guarded by a statue of Christ, Lubango is rich in colonial heritage and quickly adapted. Return to the lodge for lunch, then enjoy mixed with the vibrancy of local culture. Transfer to Pululukwa another game drive in the late afternoon, then return to your ho- Lodge (or similar) for check-in and overnight. (B,L,D) tel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Friday, June 17 Tuesday, June 14 Lubango (Namibe) Luanda - Kalandula Waterfalls - Malanje Descend from the plateau on the famous Serra de Leba. Pass After breakfast, you’ll drive to see the spectacular Kalandula Wa- towards the Atlantic coast and the city of Namibe. Stop at the terfalls, one of Africa’s largest waterfalls, where you’ll admire the Mangueiras Market and a nearby village to meet the people of grandeur of the multicolor rocks and foliage that embellish the the Mucubal tribe. The Mucubal (also called Mucubai, Mucabale, waterfalls. After walking around to enjoy the panoramas and Mugubale) people are a subgroup of the Herero ethnic group, for photo ops, you’ll explore the Quedas Rapidas on the River Cuanza (Kwanza) for another view of Angola’s finest landscapes. with a semi-nomadic lifestyle dependent on cattle and agricul- Have lunch before continuing on to the last destination of the ture. They also have some very strange traditions - the girls have day - Ndalatando Botanical Gardens. Angola is double the size their upper teeth sharpened and lower ones removed. The wom- of France and 14 times the size of Portugal, its former colony, and en wear a headdress made from wicker and traditionally filled yet, in the entire expanse of the country, there is only one botan- with cow tails and decorated with shells and beads. The Mucu- bal women are also known to wear strings around their breasts Upon arrival in Maputo around 3:00pm, you’ll meet your local called “oyonduthi”, which acts as a type of bra support. The men driver and transfer to the Southern Sun Maputo (or similar) for can have several wives and are also allowed to sell their wife if check-in. The flavors of Latino-Africa are brought to life in this they don’t get along with her or need extra money. The Mucubal unique city steeped in history and tradition. A short tour of the believe in a god called Huku, and also worship their ancestors’ city includes the Fortress, Central Market, Museum of Natural spirits called Oyo. Divination is very important in their culture, History and the Curio Market. You will also pass by City Hall and and they use talismans and amulets for numerous purposes such the Botanical Gardens. Dinner will be at Zambi and includes a as to protect their herds or prevent adultery. Funerals can last sev- bottle of water. All other drinks will not be included. Return to eral days or weeks, and graves are decorated with cattle horns. your hotel for overnight. (B,L,D) The number of cows sacrificed is in relation to the importance of the deceased. Since the Mucubal usually don’t eat a lot of meat, Tuesday, June 21 cattle are only killed on special occasions. Instead, they eat corn, Maputo (Eswatini) eggs, milk, and chicken. They don’t eat any fish because, accord- & Tashkurgan to Mazar-I-Sharif ing to legend, one of their chieftains was taken to the sea by the Depart for a full day tour of the fascinating Eswatini (formerly Portuguese and never came back. Therefore, they believe fish kill Swaziland), one of the smallest countries in Africa. Discover its cul- men. Next, drive over Serra da Leba, a high mountain pass at an tural delights at the Manzini Market and Mantenga Craft & Life- elevation of 6,053 feet above sea level, located in the province style Centre where you can browse for Siswati jewelry and beau- of Huíla. The road to the top is paved, but very steep. The most tiful local art. Next, visit the Mantenga Cultural Village to learn challenging part of the climb is a short, mile-long section with about the history and culture of the legendary Siswati nation. At seven hairpin turns – one of the most famous hairpin roads in the this living cultural museum, you’ll be entertained by the Siswati world. Before returning to Lubango visit Lake Arco, a freshwa- dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes, as they perform ter lake named after the two sandstone arches that overlook the to the beat of echoing cowhide drums. The huts are strictly tradition- area. This beautiful oasis is home to many bird species. Return to al and made of grasses, leather, mud, and cow dung. There are also your hotel (TBD) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) many traditional artifacts on display illustrating the Swazi way of life. If you like, try your hand at grinding maize or weaving grasses.