Silversea Luxury Cruises A LOBITO (Benguela)

Explore the education of Angolan children during this interactive, half-day excursion to a primary school in Lobito.

Jardim Infantil Primary School

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Jardim Infantil Primary School (or similar) in Lobito. The school runs entirely on donations from businesses around the area, with just over 120 students in six classrooms. Upon arrival, take an opportunity to interact with the teachers and students, as well as serve food to the children, help teach in the classrooms and play some games with the kids.

Restinga

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Restinga. Here, proceed for photo stops at the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Arabida, a small, basic church with lovely vistas overlooking Lobito Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and the Zaire, a fishing vessel that was used to help the exiled Angolan President flee into the Congo during wartime. Your tour concludes with a refreshment stop at a local restaurant. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 328 yards (about 300 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found in more established cities. Scheduled stops may be cancelled without notice, and replaced with an alternate drive-by or stop (time-permitting). The tour sequence may vary.

Disembark the ship and drive to train station. Take a train ride on original British 1930's Victorian cars to Benguela city. Benguela Railway was founded in 1902 and has operated ever since, crossing Angola from Lobito to its eastern border.

Take a drive through the city to the most famous church in Benguela. "Igreja do Pópulo" is over 100 years old and was built by the Portuguese during the colonial era, being the first stone building built in southern Angola. This church was the place where slaves were baptized before being shipped across the Atlantic.

From the Pópulo church walk just a few minutes to the heart of Benguela city, where the company gardens are surrounded by the court house, the department of justice and the town hall. The gardens are lined with beautiful palm trees and flowers and offer a very picturesque setting. Watch for traditional dancers and singers, handcrafts, and "kuduro" dancers waiting to perform for you in the gardens.

En route back to Lobito, see the big Catumbela River and the 1905 steel bridge, designed and built by Eifel´s engineering company, which was in use until 2010. Stop at Sao Pedro Forte for the opportunity to take photos of this striking structure.

Then explore Lobito, the main port city situated in western Angola, on the Atlantic coast just north of the Catumbela estuary. Its bay, one of Africa's finest natural harbors, is protected by a 3-mile-long sandpit called Restinga. The first settlement of Restinga, built on the sandpit and reclaimed land, was founded in 1843 by order of Maria II of Portugal.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for guests with walking difficulties.

Experience the history and landmarks of Lobito and its environs during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Beguela Railway Ride

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Lobito Train Station. Upon arrival, board one of the Benguela Railway's original, 1930s-era Victorian cars for the approximately 1.5-hour ride to Benguela. Upon arrival, begin your guided sightseeing drive through the city.

Benguela, Government Buildings and Gardens

Along the way, a visit is made to the Colonial-era Igreja de Populo, the most famous church in Benguela. From here, take a short, guided stroll to the heart of Benguela City. See the Courthouse, Department of Justice and Town Hall, all of which are surrounded by picturesque gardens lined with beautiful palm trees and flowers.

Catumbela, Lobito and Administration Square

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Catumbela. Visit Fort San Pedro, and see the Catumbela River and Steel Bridge dating from 1905. Continue on through Bela Vista to the port city of Lobito. A stop is made at Administration Square to experience a lively festival replete with traditional 'kuduro' dancers and singers, handcrafts, and free local beer. You may opt to stroll around the gardens, take a look at the first steam locomotive used at Benguela Railway and visit the historic Terminus Hotel. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 328 yards (about 300 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and train. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found in more established cities. Scheduled stops may be cancelled without notice, and replaced with an alternate drive-by or stop (time-permitting). The tour sequence may vary.

Discover the lovely towns and landscapes of Lobito and its surrounds during this delightful, half-day excursion.

Restinga

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Restinga. Here, proceed for photo stops at the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Arabida, a small, basic church with lovely views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and the Zaire, a fishing vessel that was used to help the exiled Angolan President flee into the Congo during wartime.

Banguela

Next, head to Benguela for a drive by its Administration Buildings, picturesque gardens and Praia Morena. Afterward, brief photo stops are made outside the Governor's Palace, Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Arabida, a small, basic church with splendid vistas overlooking Lobito Bay, and the Zaire, a fishing vessel that was used to help the exiled Angolan President flee into the Congo during wartime.

Catumbela

Your tour continues on with a drive through Catumbela. Along the way, photo stops are made to marvel at the grand Rio Catumbela, charming plantations and quaint villages. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 328 yards (about 300 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and train. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least five years old to participate on this tour. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found in more established cities. Scheduled stops may be cancelled without notice, and replaced with an alternate drive-by or stop (time-permitting). The tour sequence may vary.