D32-34: Bruce's - Cambondo Forest (242 km) - Kwanza Lodge (266 km) - Luanda & back (+-43 km) = +-533 km

Bruce was very helpful and sympathetic when he heard of our experience in Luanda. He suggested that we go to his favourite camping spot in the Cambondo Forest while we were waiting for the official machinery to grind its way to our TIP renewal. His specific coordinates helped us find the right spot.

D32 (2013.07.07, Bruce's - Cambondo Forest, 242 km)

We left Bruce's familiar camping area next to the sea and headed inland on the Viana road. There were some eye-catching buildings along the road.

We went to a good shop at Kero (near Viana ring road) - cheaper and tidier than Shoprite! Our friends were stopped by the police because their vehicle's back seats had been converted into a baggage area - apparently this is unlawful in Angola as the vehicle is registered to carry 4 passengers. Fortunately, a senior policeman understood why they had modified their vehicle and let them go. Wonder if this rule is valid throughout Angola, or whether they were being set up for a bribe?

Back on the road - this sign confirmed that we were near our destination.

Just look at these beautiful fern-like epiphytes (?) on a branch across the road leading through the forest. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphyte

The GPS showed that we had to turn off the main forest road onto a hardly-seen foresters' road - here the men are clearing the vegetation as it was obvious that this road hadn't been used for a long time.

We decided to camp in this clearing - a most bushy camp!!

Look up - what a wonderful sky line!

This creeper shines like a ruby against the green foliage. But be careful not just to look up - keep a watch out for spider webs strung across your pathway, especially if the owner is present too.

D33 (2013.07.08, Cambondo Forest - Kwanza Lodge, 266 km)

We could only spend one night in the enchanted forest. What a pity. But we planned to leave after lunch, so Mrad & I went for a stroll in the forest. Looking back at our camp, our tents looked rather lost among the trees.

Another spider which warned us that we were merely guests who were allowed to follow the forest path.

A beautiful seed pod.

Sometimes we left the path in search of a bird. Mrad definitely became part of the seed distribution mechanism.

It was time to leave. 

This massive tree along the forest road towards Cambondo bade us farewell.

After Cambondo we travelled towards Luanda on tar roads.

A forest of Baobabs - awesome to see!!

D34 (2013.07.09, Kwanza Lodge - Luanda & back, +-43 km)

A day of frustration for those who went into Luanda to tackle the bureaucracy and a day of total relaxation for those who stayed at Kwanza Lodge doing as close a possible to nothing.