Namibe
Where the Namib desert meets the Atlantic
Namibe
Where the Namib desert meets the Atlantic
The far southwest, where one of the oldest deserts on earth slides into the cold Benguela Current and becomes a coastline of fog, dunes and shipwrecks.
Namibe is the south of Angola, and the south of Angola is the Namib desert — the same desert that crosses into Namibia and goes on for another thousand kilometres.
Up here it is younger, wetter, foggier. The cold ocean current keeps the temperature mild even in summer, and the dunes run right to the water. Iona National Park covers most of the province; it is bigger than Belgium, and you can drive for a day without seeing another vehicle.
Bring a 4×4, bring extra water, and bring time. This is not a place to rush.
Highlights of Namibe.
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Iona National Park
The largest park in the country — desert mountains, springbok, oryx, and the strange ancient Welwitschia plant. Self-drive 4×4 only.
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Arco
A natural sandstone arch in the desert near the Curoca River. Camping under it is permitted; the night sky is unbelievable.
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Tômbwa
A weather-beaten fishing town at the desert's edge, with a long beach of bleached whale bones and Cabo Negro lighthouse to the south.
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Praia das Miragens
"The Beach of Mirages" — the dunes literally fall into the sea. A morning drive south from Namibe city.
Namibe in pictures.
