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Torre N'lundi - Sentinel Tower

International > Africa > Angola > Pedras Negras

Description

Incredible free-standing tower at the leading edge of the Black Rocks 'massif'. Overhanging on all sides, the tower looks like the mace of some giant cave man. We called Sentinel Tower (N'lundi = guardian, in the local language), because it stands out at the front of the rocks, keeping watch over the surrounding valley. Standing on the summit is a pretty awe-inspiring experience, as it feels like you have been stranded on a small deserted island in the sky. The summit platform is about 10 ft in diameter, then slopes off on all sides for about 20-30 ft to the abyss.

Getting There

After turning on the small road into the village of Pungo Andongo, travel approximately 3 km then look for a dirt road on your left. The road is mostly grown over, but with a 4WD vehicle, it is possible to continue out the road for almost another km. The road will enter a clear dirt area (which looks like it was bulldozed), stay left through this area and look for faint vehicle tracks in the grass beyond. It may require one person to dismount and walk in front of the cars to find the path. Once the road ends at a small creek, continue across the creek, hiking in the direction of the tower (North), passing under a 150 ft tall 'boulder' on the way. You will occasionally pick up a faint trail, but continue due North, regardless of where the trail goes, to the base of the tower. The base of the tower is quite easy to circumnavigate once you get there.

Routes from Left to Right

5.13c 8a+ 30 X- 31 E7 7a
 1
Bare Hug Arete
Sport 2 pitches
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 1
Birdman Crack
Trad
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c PG13
 2
North Face (Torre N'lundi)
Sport 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bare Hug Arete
 1
5.13c 8a+ 30 X- 31 E7 7a Sport 2 pitches
Birdman Crack
 1
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad
North Face (Torre N'lundi)
 2
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c PG13 Sport 4 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Torre N'lundi is the far left tower of the group (as seen from the top of the shield)
[Hide Photo] Torre N'lundi is the far left tower of the group (as seen from the top of the shield)
Torre N'lundi is the far left tower.  View from start of dirt road on approach.
[Hide Photo] Torre N'lundi is the far left tower. View from start of dirt road on approach.
View from Northwest (North Face route visible)
[Hide Photo] View from Northwest (North Face route visible)