Tigers Bay and ethnic tribes
Ghost island and the different cultures of Angola
The Baia dos Tigres (Tigers Bay) is an isolated and uninhabitaded island in the south of Angola. Since 1962 it is the biggest Island south of the equator on the African Westcost.
The former fishers island has a long history. In 1486 it was discovered by the portugeses sailor Diogo Cão. Since the 1860s the first inhabitants moved there and established the fishing village named Tigres.
In 1962 the land connection was interrupted by a storm. This leaded to the interruption of the freshwater connection, which ushered in the demise of the settlement. After the carnation revolution, the last settlers left the island in 1974.
Since then the island is a ghost island and is steadily taken back by natur. This makes the Baia dos Tigres a fascinating place for visitors. Not easy to reach, is this abandoned place a real gem for every adventurer.
The Iona National Park is the largest national park in Angola and is situated in the Namibe Province. The landscape is caracterised by wild dunes, vast plains, rough mountains, cliffs and the home of the famous Welwitchia plant where some of them are over 1000 years old. Not just the facination landscape of the national park, also the most important mammals like elephants, lions, black rhinos, leopards, hyenas, ibex, kudu and zebra species, are the reasons for the visitors to come.
The most interesting for visitors are the nomad ethnical groups who live in this area. The Himba tribe is probably the most well-known ethnic group in this region. The other groups are the Ovahimba from Namibia, the Mucuroca and the Mucubal people.
Also famous in this region are the ancient rock paintings of Tchitundo-hulo. The area is very rich in culture and still undiscoverd by foreigners and also Angolan citizens. A real adventure for everyone who wants to experience an extraordinary trip.
Day 1
We are leaving Luanda to Moçamedes with the afternoon Taag flight.
After the arrival in Moçamedes we will be picked up from the airport and directly check- in our hotel.
In the late afternoon we will visit some tourist points in Moçamedes, have a small walk in the city and will take a early dinner. Afterwards we are getting back to the hotel.
Day 2
As we will have a very long trip today, we have to wake up very early. Getting south to the Baia dos Tigres, we will have a short brake for a picnic.
To reach the island, we have to cross the ocean by boat. After reaching the bay area we will walk around and get to know the area.
Our dinner will be directly in the Baia dos Tigres – around the bonfire, hearing the history about this great historical place. We will spend the night on the mystical island.
Day 3
Todays breakfast will take place directly in the bay with the sunrise. We will leave early the island to prevent to high tide of the water and heading over to Iona Naional Park.
For lunch we will have a picnic before we meet some ethnic groups at the park. We will get to know the area after a long daytrip for a little bit, before we are sitting down with the eldest of the Kimbo tribe to hear their history. For the those who are already tired, the tents are already set up.
Day 4
After the breakfast at the Iona National Park, we will have a short visit at the rock paintings in Tchitundo-hulo, before we will spend the rest of the day interacting with the different ethnic groups that live in the park.
Probably the most known ethnic group in this area are the Himba people coming from the nomad group of the Ovahimba from Namibia. Also the people of the Mucuroca and Mucubal tribes are based in this area.
In the evening, we will again sit around the bonfire and listen to the wonderful histories of the various tribes.
Day 5
Today we will leave the area of the Iona National Park after breakfast and heading back to Moçamedes with somestops on the way.
The big highlight of the day will be the dune safari.
After arrival in Moçamedes, we will check-in in the hotel in Moçamedes and relax the rest of the day.
Day 6
We will start the day with a big breakfast before we drive to the fisher men city of Tômbwa.
From here on we will then discover the red canyons and the rock arches of the Namibe desert. A fascinating area.
Afterward we will go back to the hotel/ lodge.
Day 7
After today's breakfast we will spend the day at the beach before we go to the airport in the afternoon to fly back to Luanda.
Included in the price
All transfers and transport , fuel, drivers, food for drivers and guides, accommodation for drivers und guides
Hotel accommodation
All meals as listed
Please note, the meals will be typical Angolan food
If you are in need of a special diet, please let us know beforehand
Drinks and snacks in the vehicle
Guide (English speaking)
Tours and activities as highlighted
All road/ bridge tolls, park fees and entrance fees
Upon availability, Spanish or German tours can also be offered
Not included in the price
Drinks (at hotels, restaurant, etc.) water at meals is included
Tips (for waiters, hotel staff, etc.)
Extras at hotels
Individual insurance
Visa costs and application
Flights to and from Angola
Medical Services
And all other things which are not mentioned on the itinerary
Note
As this trip is quite adventurous, you should be in good healt conditon due to the exertion of the trip. Please note that the nights in the desert and the bay can be very cold and the days in the desert are very hot, so please bring suitable clothes and equipment with you. We will stay in very remoted areas where we can not always provide immediate comprehensive medical care.