27 July 2026
The opening of Angola’s first authentic safari camp in Luengue-Luiana National Park represents an important milestone for the country’s tourism industry and introduces travellers to one of Southern Africa’s most remote wilderness areas.
Luiana Plains Safaris has officially opened Luiana Plains Expedition Camp, the first operational tourist camp in Luengue-Luiana National Park and the first safari camp of its kind in Angola.
The camp was inaugurated on 19 July 2026 by Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, alongside Minister of Environment Ana Paula de Carvalho Pereira and Governor of Cuando Province Carla Maria Cativa. Their attendance reflected the national significance of the development and Angola’s growing commitment to sustainable, nature-based tourism.
Situated within the Angolan component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), Luiana Plains Expedition Camp opens a remarkable new wilderness destination to travellers. Its location offers access to the vast landscapes of south-eastern Angola, while supporting wider efforts to protect wildlife, restore habitats and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Africa’s Eden CEO Jillian Blackbeard congratulated the Luiana Plains Safaris team on the landmark opening.
“This is an incredibly proud moment, not only for the team behind Luiana Plains Safaris, but for Angola and the wider KAZA region. We extend our warmest congratulations to everyone whose vision, commitment and hard work have brought this pioneering project to life. “Angola is opening up to tourism in such an exciting and meaningful way, offering travellers the opportunity to experience extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and cultures that have remained largely undiscovered. Luiana Plains Expedition Camp demonstrates what is possible when tourism development is rooted in conservation, community benefit and long-term collaboration. We are incredibly proud to see this important new chapter beginning.”
Luiana Plains Safaris brings together extensive regional tourism experience. The company was founded by Simone and Alessandro Micheletti of Namibia’s Wild Waters Group, together with Bruno De Leo and Brent Dacomb, the directors behind Pioneers Victoria Falls and Batonka Guest Lodge in Victoria Falls. The partnership combines established operational knowledge of the Zambezi region with international tourism and marketing expertise.
Designed as an authentic expedition-style camp, Luiana Plains balances a sense of adventure with essential comfort. Accommodation comprises ten Meru-style tented suites and two guide tents, all with private en-suite bathrooms. Each guest tent has warm water, a fan and an electrical charging point, while the central guest area incorporates a lounge, dining space and bar.
The camp has been developed according to strict sustainability principles, with a low-impact design intended to leave the surrounding ecosystem as undisturbed as possible.
Guests will be able to explore this emerging destination through game drives, night drives, guided nature walks and boat cruises. Access is via a border point near Kongola in Namibia’s Zambezi Region, followed by an approximately two-hour 4×4 transfer arranged by the camp. Charter flight options are also available through Katima Mulilo.
Luiana Plains Expedition Camp began its soft opening in July 2026, with full operations planned for 2027. Its arrival represents more than the launch of a new safari property: it signals the growing emergence of Angola as one of Southern Africa’s most exciting and compelling tourism frontiers.
