Overview:

Iona National Park is located in the province of Namibe in Angola. It covers a total area of 10,000 km² and is the largest protected area in Angola. In 1998, the park was listed by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Iona is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and is best known for its large population of elephants, as well as large herds of buffalo and antelope. The park also supports a wide range of bird species, as well as the critically endangered Giant Sable antelope. Other mammals found in the park include the hyena, jackal, serval, several species of cats, leopard, warthog, African civet and genet. The park is also home to numerous reptile species including crocodiles, tortoises, lizards and numerous snake species as well. Iona National Park is a valuable conservation area that provides important habitats for a wide range of species, many of which are at risk from hunting and habitat loss. The park serves as a refuge for numerous threatened and endangered species and provides an important source of local livelihood for those living on the park's borders. Iona National Park is a great destination for nature lovers and offers the ideal opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Africa's unique wildlife. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Abundance of natural fauna and flora: Iona National Park is known for its abundance of native fauna and flora, including over 270 species of birds and over 200 species of mammals. 2. Wild elephants and rhinoceroses: The park is home to a large population of wild elephants and rhinoceroses, making it a conservation site for both species. 3. Breathtaking scenery: Visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery of Iona National Park, including scenic rolling hills, dramatic mountain ranges and lush forests. 4. Ecotourism: Iona National Park is also a popular destination for ecotourism, with a variety of activities available such as nature walks, boat trips and cultural tours. 5. Lagoa Iona: Visitors can explore the stunning Lagoa Iona, a large lavender-coloured lake set amid the park's pristine landscape. 6. Certification by IUCN: Iona National Park has achieved certification from the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and works to protect the endangered species within the park. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

Iona National Park is located in the Namibe Province of Angola. It is the largest and oldest national park in the country and was established in 1957 by the Government of Angola. Prior to the creation of the park, the area had been used by the Portuguese colonizers for cattle grazing and hunting during the 19th and 20th centuries. Iona National Park covers an area of 1,981,800 hectares and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012. The park contains a variety of habitats, ranging from savannas and dry woodlands to wetlands and mangroves. It is home to a richness of flora and fauna, including mammals such as elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards, warthogs, buffalos, baboons, primates, cheetahs, antelopes, wild cats, zebra, and giraffes, as well as many bird species. The main threats to Iona National Park are poaching, agriculture and livestock-grazing, over-exploitation of resources, forest fires, deforestation, and the expansion of infrastructure projects. Although the park remains largely untouched and pristine, conservation efforts are still required in order to protect its biodiversity. In recent years, the Government of Angola has increased efforts to protect the park. In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment established 3 buffer zones in order to protect the park, and the government also declared a 5-year ban on hunting and fishing in the park. In addition, the government has created a network of tourist trails and campsites for visitors to enjoy. The Government of Angola has also implemented legal protection for Iona National Park since 2007, when the area was declared a ‘protected integrity area’ and granted special status through Law No. 7/86. The law also provides protection for the local communities and sets sustainable management guidelines. Thus, Iona National Park is an important area for conservation and sustainability in Angola. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Iona National Park is the largest National Park in Namibe Province, Angola, and is the largest conservation area in southern Africa. 2. It is an ecologically sensitive area comprising of semi-desert, savanna, montane grassland, and dense evergreen forests. 3. Iona National Park is home to a unique diversity of plants and animals, including several endemic species. 4. It’s the only place in the world where the endangered Damara Tern can be found. 5. Iona National Park is also the largest breeding ground for the critically endangered Arabian Oryx. 6. Lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, rhinos, giraffes and various antelope species can also be found in the area. 7. Iona National Park is an important bird area, and numerous birds can be observed in the park. 8. The area is home to 725 species of plants, many of them endemic to Angola. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era