Antelope Transit’s final destination is Kissama National Park in the Bengo province, only approximately 70 km away from the capital city of Luanda. It is deemed the most easily accessible animal reserve in Angola and attracts the eye of many. The area covers about 9.600 km² of land and is inhabited by a variety of animals such as elephants, water buffaloes, and the critically endangered giant sable. At this stop, visitors will be able to witness the wildlife of Angola firsthand through camping and hiking. Booking a lodge is even an available option for those who would want a longer stay to explore the safari sights. During this time, an individual can learn about the park’s climate, animals, and plants that inhabit the safari.
The park was originally established in 1938 as a hunting reserve but was later officially proclaimed as a national park on January 11, 1957. That same year, calamities arose as civil war broke out in Angola. Most of the wildlife were killed off and many people fled from Angola. There weren’t enough park officials to adequately care for the landmark and so it was eventually abandoned. The neglect left the park in shambles and little wildlife was left due to poaching and deforestation. However, Kissama National Park was the only park that reopened after the civil war ended in 2002 and is still in the midst of restoration today. To aid in replacing many of the previous inhabitants that didn’t survive the war, they are partnered up with a project called Noah’s Ark. The project started in 2000 and introduces wildlife from other regions of Africa to the park, such as elephants, zebras, ostriches, wildebeests, and giraffes. It falls short of the 4,000 elephants and 5,000 forest buffalos that once lived in the area but they aim to redevelop Kissama National Park into a flourishing wildlife community again.
Despite the 27 years of civil war that left the national park in ruins, it managed to build itself back up thanks to the dedication of the Noah’s Ark project. They were left with very little, having nearly all of their wildlife population decimated. However, Noah’s Ark helped to restock the loss of animals. It’s unsure of how many inhabit the park now but nonetheless, Kissama National Park has still lots more to offer from their diverse land and vegetation.
The park was originally established in 1938 as a hunting reserve but was later officially proclaimed as a national park on January 11, 1957. That same year, calamities arose as civil war broke out in Angola. Most of the wildlife were killed off and many people fled from Angola. There weren’t enough park officials to adequately care for the landmark and so it was eventually abandoned. The neglect left the park in shambles and little wildlife was left due to poaching and deforestation. However, Kissama National Park was the only park that reopened after the civil war ended in 2002 and is still in the midst of restoration today. To aid in replacing many of the previous inhabitants that didn’t survive the war, they are partnered up with a project called Noah’s Ark. The project started in 2000 and introduces wildlife from other regions of Africa to the park, such as elephants, zebras, ostriches, wildebeests, and giraffes. It falls short of the 4,000 elephants and 5,000 forest buffalos that once lived in the area but they aim to redevelop Kissama National Park into a flourishing wildlife community again.
Despite the 27 years of civil war that left the national park in ruins, it managed to build itself back up thanks to the dedication of the Noah’s Ark project. They were left with very little, having nearly all of their wildlife population decimated. However, Noah’s Ark helped to restock the loss of animals. It’s unsure of how many inhabit the park now but nonetheless, Kissama National Park has still lots more to offer from their diverse land and vegetation.