| Duration: | 1 Day(s) - 0 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Depart from Luanda earlier in the morning in the direction of Santiago beach (Shipwreck beach).
Around 35Km north of Angola's capital, Luanda, lies a stretch of beach that is an eerie resting place for more than20 derelict and rusting ships.
Known by locals as Praia da Santiago or Praia do Sarico, the 2.5 km stretch of beach is better known as Shipwreck Beach or Karl Marx Beach, named after the biggest shipwreck on the beach. Offshore and along this stretch of beach are dozens of rusting hulks of tankers, cargo ships, and fishing vessels.
Many legends have been passed along concerning how the large ships mysteriously arrived there. But in reality, with the absence of salvage facilities, the most likely explanation for this site is that the ships were removed from Luanda harbor after being unseaworthy.
Either the ships were intentionally grounded onshore on this beach or their offshore moorings rusted through and the tide and currents pushed them ashore. Truly an incredibly photogenic spot.
At 11h00 return to Luanda. Lunch in Ilha de Luanda at a beach restaurant.
After lunch, we will start our tour in Luanda City.
Stop at the San Miguel Fort. Originally built in 1576, its purpose was to defend the port and the city from attack by the marauding French, Spanish and Dutch armies. It was successful until 1641 when the Dutch seized Luanda.
Drive to the new marginal side and stop to see the most unique Agostinho Neto Mausoleum, a huge stylized obelisk. Rumour has it that this is the grave of Angola's first president, President Agostinho Neto. Having very strong communist affiliations, Neto died in 1979, and it is said that this was erected as a gift from the Russian government.
Thereafter, drive to “Cidade Alta”, or uptown, a pleasant, airy, and calm suburb above the rest of the city, with several pink colonial buildings. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see the Presidential Palace, together with the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministries of Defense, Immigration, Justice, Health, and the British Embassy.
Note: Due to the high level of traffic, we may have to reduce some of the tour visits
