I saw tents here in the past, they were at least from the seventies and 3 times more expensive! Therefore I was lucky and very happy with my two tiny Bush Babies packages.
Our friends still haven't decided which beach they are going to stay overnight. That might be a problem as we need to follow some security guidelines issued by Rob's company. And we were already too late to apply for the clearance as it needed to be submitted at least one week before the planned trip!! So there was not much hope we will succeed in obtaining the permit and it was definitely not a good idea to make Maarten excited either. But unbelievably, on late Friday late afternoon we got the approval!
We drove down to Cabo Ledo, the famous surfers beach! While passing the Kwanza River Bridge, place of our security boundaries, we were called by the security to checked off the safe area. After less than 2 hours drive 120 km south of Luanda we got a nice view of the beach at Cabo Ledo down the valley. Descending down to the beach on the dusty dirt road full of potholes and big rocks was quite adventurous.
We pitched our tents, it was very hot, no shade. Some local boys built shelters of sticks and palm leaves which you can hire to get a tiny shady place. But the people we went with already settled further away from those shabby structures. The locals would also carry your bags to and from the car and they'd also provide you with firewood for the evening. A bunch of wood cost us 2000 Kwanza (= 20 US$), I have no idea how much was the shade, but it used to be 500 Kz for the day. They also asked money for the parking spot but our driver just brought us in and left again. So when the boys surrounded our car asking for money he scolded them for impudence and left. We didn't even dare to interfere.
It was very busy already when we arrived and it was getting even busier. Monday was a national holiday in Angola therefore most people had a day off and headed out of the city. Some people were surprised that we dare to go camping here in Angola that it might be dangerous. I didn't feel any danger at all. Moreover I felt actually very safe there. But I have to admit it was strange sight when a huge jet flew very low over the beach several times. There actually is a military commando camp quite near.
In the morning the beach was teeming with big crabs so it was better to keep the tent closed.
The cliffs are beautiful and so is the beach. The only downer here that there are no restrooms so when you have to go behind the bush you need to climb up the very steep cliffs or you have to hold it.
There was a little lagoon where the children were playing in and fishing for crabs and small fish.
The water was very warm and even more dirty. After the night when a big group of Angolans were enjoying a loud party it even smelled of urine.
But neither the kids nor the crabs did mind.
Good care was taken of them as they even made a shady coop for them. Unfortunately, not every crab appreciated that.
Great wave!
The swimming was divine! There were also many of Maarten's teachers including the favorite ones. I felt sorry for them as the kids kept following them but seemingly they didn't mind.
It was really hot and we were glad when the sun finally disappeared behind the high cliffs and we could finally light the BBQ.
The kids impatiently waited for their campfire and roasted marshmallows.
At last!
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