Namibe:An international group of 125 tourists representing 29 different nationalities arrived in Namibe province over the weekend. This visit is part of a cross-border expedition aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and enhancing regional tourism.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the expedition, known as the Trans Kalahari Defender, began in the Ruacana region of Cunene Province and proceeded through Lubango in Huila before crossing the Namib Desert. The journey is set to conclude at the mouth of the Cunene River within Iona National Park.
Simon Day, who leads the expedition, commended Angola for its diverse landscapes and warm hospitality. He described the country as an outstanding destination that connects desert, mountain, and forest ecosystems. During their time in Namibe, the expedition members collaborated with Iona National Park officials to monitor sea turtles. Conservationists equipped certain marine turtles with radio transmitters to study their behavioral patterns, migration paths, and nesting practices.
The expedition aligns with broader environmental conservation efforts across Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, which focus on elephant protection, anti-poaching initiatives for rhinoceros populations, and tracking of large predators. Although the expedition includes competitive driving challenges featuring Land Rover Defender vehicles in the challenging desert landscape, the leadership stressed that environmental conservation remains the primary goal.
The international delegates hail from countries including the United Kingdom, Namibia, South Africa, Spain, Japan, China, Canada, Switzerland, France, the United States, and Australia.
