We spend two nights camping on the beach (two different beaches) which was pretty brave considering we've only tried camping once before with our daughter. The first trip was a few years ago and it failed miserably. We ended up leaving the camp site in the middle of the night and driving home. (It was a 'test camp out' and we were just a few miles from home, but still).
I'm happy to report that this trip was much more successful! We drove a couple hours south of Luanda and set up camp on a beautiful beach in Cabo Ledo. It was stunningly gorgeous! The second night we stayed a little closer to home but the beach was more wide open and the waves were gigantic. Both places were wonderful and I highly recommend them, the next time you are looking for something to do near Luanda.
Beach camping was really fun. We had some great campfire grilled food (sausages, steaks, and veggies) plus the stuff I prepped before we left (mediterranean pasta salad, chocolate chip cookies, and wine and cheese). We also got to experience bioluminescence on the waves and sand. If you aren't familiar with this, the waves glow in the dark. And the wet sand will sparkle like stars when you touch it. It is so beautiful! I'd never seen it before but after a google search, I realize it's a lot more common that I first thought.
As if camping on the beach wasn't enough fun, we also drove a little further south to see a beautiful waterfall. The drive itself was gorgeous. It just kept getting greener and more lush with each mile (kilometer, I should say). I didn't get enough pictures but will be taking a road trip in a few more weeks and I will take more pictures along the route.
This trip was such a great, easy getaway. Mostly it was easy because my friend Alex did all the planning :) It was so nice to be out in nature enjoying our family time with great friends and great food. I hope to do it again soon.
And now the pictures...
First night of camping -
The waterfalls
Second night of camping
