Zambia into Angola
 

Hi
Just crossed from Zambia into Angola at Sikongo near Mongu.
We spoke to some south african road workers that were in Kalabo building the new road
they said its not passable as there is no bridge,but locals in landcruiser taxis told us of a
way around. Very very sandy and swampy and had to drive 200 meters up a river that was about 600mm deep,
Once in angola more sand and crashing through trees,,
All up about 200kms in soft sand and only saw 1 landcruiser the whole 2 days it took us,
We are in an overland truck that weighs 18 ton and is 3.8 m high hence the long time.
No deisel around untill Luena in angola but cheap as got 350 kwanza to the dollar.
Imagration in zambia said the last tourists this way were 2 and a half years ago.
Would definitely recomend as in 2 years will be all tarmac and easy.
Cheers grant

I love this

How far was it between villages with any kind of shop (food)?

Hi Grant,

We met you in Eureka camp. We are the guys with the Unimog. Just got our Angola Visa.
Is there a risk of damaging the truck with the trees ? Was it a risk to drive through the river or was the soil hard sand in the river?

best regards
Alfred&Eva
www.globenomaden.at

If it´s possible - I would be very happy to get some waypoints from the area, the border posts for example..:innocent:bier

Hi
Not much in the way of food along the way,no shops but all the villages very nice and freindly so may look after you.
We arent into waypoints sorry, just ask locals along the way, the south african road workers are drilling piles for a bridge,turn right there and follow the tracks to the river crossing,
Our truck is higher than yours and we did no damage to it apart from scatching paint, River is solid sand,and water level is dropping every day locals said.
I normally have tyres at 120 psi but let them down to 60 and only got stuck once in soft sand.
Was using 1 lt of diesel per km as sand very soft,normaly do 3 Kms per lt.
Angola side last 30 Kms till tar is being cleared for road works,so has been cleared of land mines but befor that stick to main tracks.
Roads once in angola range from brand new to rubbish.
Have been told by customs angola has closed all boarders into drc accept one at Matadi but will try today to head north toward boarder south of Kikwit.
Cheers

Watching the news about events in Kasai I was wondering what happened to you lot. Glad you decided to take a different route. The Catholic Church have just issued a report stating that more than 3,000 people have been murdered in Kasai so you definitely made the right call not to go.

And it looks like you managed to find an unusual alternative. I've never heard of that border being open to non-locals. I expect you'll come across lots of refugees from Kasai as you go. Seems several hundred thousand have sought sanctuary in Angola. That'll create tensions so take care.

Anyway good luck. I'll watch out for updates should you get the chance to post any.

Hi
We ended up crossing into drc at Noqui /Matadi.
Asked loads of truck drivers about border south of kikwit but,but they all said its not possible.
Songololo/Luvo border is not passable as a bridge is broken so all trucks going mbanza congo west to Noqui,so border very busy with trucks.
We turned at Tomboco up to mepala,Cool way to go with bad road and big ruts,low trees.took us 1 1/2 days in a truck to do tomboco to noqui.
In kinshasa now,asked about louzi ferry on way past turn and all good,so will go there after getting congo/ Cameroun visas (hopefully)
Real shame about Kasai area not being possible,Will have to try again one day OR even Bangui down to kisangani like in the good old days.....

I enjoyed Kinshasa. Mind you in a week all bar 4 of 24 on our truck were mugged by the police. Some more than once. Best not to walk about with anything more than pocket change. Keep to crowded areas, try and spot them before they spot you and if all else fails do your best to duck any invitations to get into police vehicles. They may have improved but I doubt it.

Hi Grant,
I am in Kinshasa myself, got my Gabon, Cameroon visa but waiting for my Nigerian visa.
Where are you staying?
I will head down to Cabinder in the next couple of days then in Congo before entering Gabon.
Cheers,
Didier

Hi
We are at St Annes church near the port,
They let us camp out the back of their hotel.
Will be here all week geting visas.
Primus brewery tour Wednesday...

Grant, I will pop in tomorrow morning or afternoon, what time would suit you?
Don't forget that Friday is Public holiday, The embassies will be closed.