Namibe

Overview

The Portuguese first arrived in the area of Namibe in 1485. The region was named Mocamedes and was the first district to be created in southern Angolan. The organized exploitation of the region's natural resources began in 1849 with the arrival of the first Brazilian settlers.

Namibe is the third most important harbor in Angola and has the potential to become one of the most important harbors on the western coast of Africa. Today the harbor is mostly used for the exportation of fish caught in the waters off the coast as well as for agricultural goods grown in neighboring Huila province.

Namibe has asphalt roads that link the capital to Tombwa, Lucira and Lubango.

In the province of Namibe the sea, desert and savanna meet, providing breathtaking scenery and probably the best climate on the Angolan coast. Between Namibe and Tombwa may be found the Welvitchia mirabilis, a unique desert plant that looks like a giant octopus. The Namibe desert is excellent for hunting while the coast provides spectacular beaches.

About 150 kilometers from the capital is the county of Bibala , Iona National Park is 200 km away. Both merit a visit.

History