Thursday, March 10, 2011

What should you bring?

So what might you need?

apart from Danny's phone number to check that the boat is coming to meet you - 931 109 655

don't forget your passport or equivalent so that you don't have hassles when you go over the Kwanza bridge
Fishing gear
Beachwear, sun hat and cream
Camera and spare battery
Good book
Torch
Wine and spirits

What you'll find at Rio Longa

View from the Lodge

After five minutes of motoring down Rio Longa, (maybe with a cold drink in hand), you'll already be excited about the prospect of what lies ahead.

It's a wide and fast flowing river teeming with birds and, if you're lucky, you'll spot the odd croc too!  It takes around 20 minutes to get from the bridge down to the lodge and in that time you'll get a very good idea of your new environment.  The lodge is only accessible by boat.

It's situated on an island in the middle of the lagoon, just yards from the beach.  Clamber out and Trixi and Danny will be there to show you to your cabin.  See what you can spot from the high walkways.  You're back to basics here.


Cabins are large but simple - no electricity (therefore no fan, no a/c and more importantly, no loud music), just the glow of candlelight.  Just rustic African style.  Some are larger than others.  Beds, small chest and an inviting looking sofa.  Simple bathroom. Windows have mosquito netting and there are nets over the beds.  You've got a balcony which looks towards the beach.  Sleep at night with only the sounds from outside and the ocean waves gently breaking on the shore.  


Take your time.  Wander back to the clubhouse to meet other guests and staff and get some ideas of how you might spend your time at Rio Longa.  Breakfast, lunch and tea are all included as are soft drinks and beer.  Bring your own spirits and wine.  


There's wifi being installed and mobile network.  Otherwise forget the rest of the world!

Booking

Contact Manny on 936 47 40 98

skype: kwanza.lodge

will soon be on www.aasafaris.com



Prices
$250 per person per night
6-12 years half price
Under 6, no charge

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What's happening at the moment?

It's all happening at Rio Longa at the moment - we're trying to get it all running smoothly and find out how everything works...having a good look at what we've got, thinking about what we need and making lots of exciting plans for the future of the camp.

Danny can take you out fishing and, any day now, there'll be hundreds of baby turtles hatching just yards away from us which will be a wonderful sight to watch.

Here's how you get here!

Head south from Luanda through Benfica and on, over the Kwanza bridge (make sure you've got your passport).  Rio Longa lies perhaps 3 or 4 hours from the capital or 140k north from Sumbe.

GPS coordinates:

Just before the bridge over the Rio Longa (if you're coming from the north), turn off right, past a small cemetary and then park where you can - there's usually a guard to look after the cars.  Best to phone Danny at the lodge in advance so that the boat can be sent upriver to be there when you arrive.  Tel: 931 109 655

The Team

Danny and Trixi are heading up the team at Rio Longa....coming from South Africa,  Danny's organising the fishing whilst Trixi is here to look after you and make sure things are running smoothly.

It's been a whirlwind few days arriving only last week.  Busy, busy, busy trying to get things clean and welcome the first guests after a few months of being closed, on Friday 4th March.  In at the deep end!

and there's also a great team behind the scenes...

What can you do?

Absolutely nothing or....

feeling lazy?  take a late breakfast, lie in the sunshine, read a book, talk to other guests, take some photos, take time for yourself, take a picnic up the river or to the mouth

more energetic?  fishing, canoeing, walk along the beach dipping your toes in the water, watch the turtles