Angola

Very bad potholes Drier flatter terrain and also mountain areas Friendly people who are willing to help Very few police stops Lots of goats and cattle crossing the roads Very little traffic in the rural areas Long queues at ATMs. Fuel incredibly cheap but difficult to find in the north Huge contrast between the rural...Read More

Day 90… Saturday 1st July Finally Greta is fixed and we were on-route to Namibia.  Set off early (6.45am) as we had a long day ahead covering 512 miles plus the Angolan/Namibia border crossing to deal with.  Peaceful drive through the city with hardly a car or person around.  Lubango is framed by mountains and...Read More

Day 85 – 89… Monday 26th June to Friday 30th June Awaiting car parts and cost involved.  The repairs took longer then expected so we spent a few days relaxing in Lubango.  The house battery is now fully restored so able to have hot drinks and dinner on the induction hob.  Durran owns a couple...Read More

Day 85… Sunday 25th June 285 miles covered today from Benguela to Lubango.  Greta’s woes continue.  She has developed a loud rattle but continues to amaze us and limp on.  Her gear box is in serious trouble but we took the decision/risk to carry on and get it sorted in Namibia where it will be...Read More

Day 84… Saturday 24th June Drove into Luanda to find a working ATM and get local currency.  Long queues and security guards directing people where to stand.  Third attempt a success.  Had a delicious breakfast cooked by Juliette (eggs, cheese, bread, sausages, watermelon, papaya and passion fruit – all homegrown and homemade) before setting off...Read More

Day 83… Friday 23rd June A day of rest sitting in the shade amongst the plants and reading.  The mechanic arrived to assess Geta’s gear box.  Took a short drive into the city with the mechanic to get some glue. Allen’s perspective… The chap seemed to a reasonable job, bleeding the brake and clutch system,...Read More

Day 82… Thursday 22nd June An attempt to boil some water for a cup of coffee had to be abandoned as the power run out.  A lukewarm drink had to do but the view of the beach and coast was amazing.  No shower facilities available and the last time I had clean clothes to wear...Read More

Day 81… Wednesday 21st June What a day!  No luck getting a sim card and data and the only 2 fuel stations in town had no diesel (gasoleo in Portuguese).  However we had enough fuel to get to the coastal town where we planned to stay.  Our road to the coast had very bad potholes. ...Read More

Day 80… Tuesday 20th June 18th border crossing today.  Road through Matadi was terrible and we got stuck behind a large lorry.  Border crossing very quiet and quick on both sides.  No other vehicles or pedestrians going through.  Back to the Portuguese language and Angolan Kwanza.  Very orderly Angolan side.  Dirt track for 100 miles...Read More

Day 79… Monday 19th June Set off at 8am.  1st stop, insurance for Greta – all very easy.  Drive to the border with Democratic Republic of Congo was very quiet.  Huge military base on the way with barriers but all were opened by soldiers, and we were waved through each one.  Border crossing very quick...Read More