Hafen
Namibe

The Welwitschia is a rare plant found in the Namibe Provence of South Angola and the Namib Desert. See them up close on this desert tour that gives you access also to the lost oasis in the Namibe desert.

Depart the quayside and drive to the desert border to see the untouched Welwitschia mirabilis. This wonderful plant is generally considered to be one of the oldest living plants on earth. The Welwitschia leaves typically grow at a rate of 8 - 15 cm per year, some of which have been found with leaves measuring 1.8 m wide and 6.2 m long. Experts suggest that Welwitschia's can live up 1000 years. Some of the Welwitschia plants found in Namibe are estimated to be older than 2000 years.

Continue through the desert landscape to The Arch, also known as the lost oasis. The Arch Lagoon is a wonderful oasis located in the Namibe desert. The lagoon, locally known as “Lago do Arco do Carvalhao” is a magnificent rock formation, a unique place and work of art sculpted by nature. The lagoon offers an atmosphere of silence, peace and plenty of tranquility and provides and awe-inspiring view enhanced with vivid green aquatic plants. As one of the prehistoric attractions in Angola, the Arch Lagoon is indeed a unique oasis of stunning beauty that grants you the luxury of imagining yourself in a different planet or in a science fiction movie.

Beyond the diversity of mammals living in the surroundings, the Lagoon is abundant in water life species and birdlife, particularly the beautiful and elegant flamingos. The water to the lagoon comes from the Curoca River, a dry river that only carries water during the rainy season. Here guests can stroll around and take in the beauty of this magnificent natural wonder.  

Return to the little town of Namibe with a short city orientation drive visiting the old city, with its baroque architecture, old stadium and churches. Return to the quayside in Namibe.