Expedition To Angola
By Tours For Africa. Two born and bred Southerners Ray Muller and Ken Sandison the proprietors of Tours for Africa (Pty) Limited the African Overland Adventure Travel Specialists based in Turffontein, who have travelled over a million kilometres to some of the most inhospitable destinations throughout the African Continent, recently organised a pioneering and historical Expedition namely Angola "O Grande Desafio" - The Great Challenge to war ravaged Angola.
The Event was personally endorsed, sanctioned and supported by The President His Excellency. Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, his entire Cabinet and the Governors of the various Provinces through which the Expedition traversed. The convoy consisted of 30 participants, 13 riding high-powered Adventure Motorcycles, 8 comprehensively equipped 4x4 Vehicles and an 8-Ton Iveco Logistical Vehicle carrying the Expeditions essential requirements. The convoy covered 9,000 kilometres in 25 days through some of the most breathtaking landscapes, visiting selected tourist attractions, which rival some of the best in the world. The Angolan people were exceptionally warm, friendly and hospitable and welcomed the convoy throughout its extended travels. At no stage did anyone ever feel threatened or their safety compromised. A contingent of 11 Special Forces personnel trained in Cuba and Portugal were airlifted with their 2 new Pajeros to meet the convoy on arriving in Angola and accompanied them for the entire duration of their visit while traversing Angola.
The road conditions were some of the most challenging and demanding ever experienced anywhere in Africa with reminiscence of ambushed convoys littering the roadsides and being a photographers dream. Memorable visits to the Bomba Alta Prosthesis Hospital made famous by the Late Princess Diana where prosthetic limbs to landmine victims as young as 6 years old are fitted. Unita demobilisation camps, orphanages for abandoned children and the war ravaged town of Huambo, which changed hands several times between the warring factions until the late 1990's and where the buildings still bear the scars of these pitched battles. The Angolan Government, Unita leadership and the Angolan Nation need to be commended for their concerted efforts to resolve peace and reconciliation, as this is a country truly weary of conflict seeking a new rebirth.
What was established from their extended travels throughout Africa, Angola with its new emerging business and tourism opportunities, is going to rise from the ashes and become a new economic force and powerhouse on the African Continent. This undertaking Angola "O Grande Desafio" - The Great Challenge was officially accepted, endorsed and sanctioned by the Minister of Tourism, as an annual Event and who also accepted being the Patron.
A new excursion Angola "The Eco-Extreme" exploring the Eastern Regions previously occupied by Unita and including the town of Cuito Carnavale, well known for the S.A.D.F.'s last stand in the Angolan conflict is in the planning for the near future, as well as a trip to the Great Lakes Region to visit the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.
All Adventure Motorcycles, 4x4's and Adventure enthusiasts, who would like to participate as a passenger in one of the logistical vehicles, are welcome to join. If any further information on future Expeditions or anyone interested in being added onto our mailing list can contact: Ray, Ken or Gina @ (011) 683 5837/40 (w) Fax: (011) 683 5831 or E-mail: info@toursforafrica.co.za
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