It is about 200 kilometres (120 mi) south of the city of Namibe and covers 5,850 square miles (15,200 km2) sq.

[1] The topography of Iona is characterised by shifting dunes, vast plains, and rough mountains and cliffs.

Starting around 2009, a number of government and international projects have worked on rebuilding the infrastructure of the park, which will hopefully invite tourists back.

Tourism can provide tangible economic value to surrounding communities, giving them a reason to protect the park.

However, a study published in 2019 reported that while the local population recognized the benefits of the park, they were concerned for their historical and current use of the land.

To the east, Iona rises to the base of the Great Escarpment at the Tchamaline and Cafema mountains.

Because of its distinctive habitat and climate, Iona and the Kaokoveld Desert have a number of endemic animals, particularly reptiles.

The mouth of the Cunene River to the south supports a small wetland area that is important to migrating birds.

[5] In 2001, the park was one of the few remaining places in Angola with the common osterich, and the only locality with recorded Greater kestrel breeding.

[11] From 2009 to 2019,[17] a multinational program under the UNDP worked with the Ministry of Environment (MINAMB) and local leaders to rehabilitate the park.

Results have been recorded in the training and development of local staff, improvements to park infrastructure (fencing, roads, water supply, waste management, etc.

Together with the government, African Parks works closely with local communities, implements law enforcement, and restores wildlife.