Highlights in the Namibe Desert
On the coast, in the far southwest of Angola,
bordering Namibia, lies the city of Namibe. Formerly known as Moçademes. This pleasant city has many beautiful Portuguese buildings and is located in the Namib Desert. For that reason, you will certainly notice the difference in climate. The Welwitchia Mirabillis, one of the strangest plants in the world, can be seen in the surrounding area. The plant has only two leaves and grows very slowly. On average, the plants are about 500 to 600 years old, but it is known that some specimens are as old as 2,000 years old. As the South African name 'two-blaarkannie death' indicates, this plant has only two leaves.
In namibe province, ocean, desert and savannah landscapes come together. Breathtakingly beautiful vistas glide past you. At the mouth of the Kunene River you will find bizarre landscapes, a great contrast to the spectacular coastal strip where sea turtles, dolphins, flamingos and pelicans live. In this region lies also the rugged Iona National Park.Where the world can't find you...
