HIGHLIGHTS
- Sample traditional cuisine and get to know the Congolese locals at Grand Marché market
- Learn about conservation efforts in Congo’s biodiverse Conkouati Reserve
- Keep an eye out for forest elephants and buffalos, lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in Gabon’s South Loango National Park
- Sneak a peek at animal skins, skulls and talismans in the world’s oldest voodoo market
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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ITINERARY
DAY 1 LUANDA
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital,
Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage.
Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century
São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade
Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and
ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy
seaside restaurants and bars.
DAY 2 DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever
takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the
spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or
simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance
to the green days spent exploring on land.
DAY 3-5 POINTE-NOIRE
The Republic of Congo’s second city, Pointe-Noire, unfolds as
a piece of French Africa with distinct European and African quarters.
Strolling through the lively La Cité reveals traditional
Congolese cuisine and the vibrant Grand Marché, providing a
glimpse into local life. Waterfront restaurants line
Côté Sauvage, a laid-back city beach. Beyond the
city limits is the stunning Diosso Gorge, a natural canyon in hues of
pink, red and orange.
SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
DAY 6 MAYONAMI, NYANGA
RIVER
The traditional Gabonese village of Mayonomi sits among mangroves along
the Nyanga river. The fishing village serves as a base for exploring
the rainforests and mangroves. Gliding along the river in a pirogue (a
type of long, narrow canoe made from a single tree trunk), visitors
might get a chance to glimpsing local life and see wildlife along the
banks such as birds, monkeys and maybe even a manatee.
DAY 7 DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world
go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of
the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle
with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible
trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books.
Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or
perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our
onboard professional photographers.
DAY 8 LIBREVILLE, BAIE
DES TORTUES
Libreville captivates with a blend of French colonial heritage and
lively African energy. Along the palm-lined waterfront promenade,
vibrant markets and fresh seafood stalls exude an intoxicating
vitality. The National Museum unveils Gabon's rich history and culture.
A short boat ride away, the island-dotted Baie des Tortues reveals a
serene natural sanctuary. Mangrove forests form an intricate green
maze, home to exotic birdlife and monkeys.
DAY 9 SAO TOME, SAO TOME
Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical
idyll with rainforests, beaches and waterfalls. São
Tomé city features 15th-century Portuguese architecture and
a slave trade history. Rainforests blanket two-thirds of the island,
sheltering wildlife like monkeys, birds and reptiles and São
Tomé Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird
species like the ibis and grosbeak.
SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
DAY 11 SUNDY PRAIA LODGE,
PRINCIPE ISLAND
The Sundy Praia resort on Principe Island is surrounded by tropical
forest with abundant birdsong. Guest amenities include a pool with
daybeds and a bar area in earth tones offset by bright cushions. The
on-site spa provides treatments using locally-sourced organic products.
With its own private beach, Sundy Praia provides a secluded island
retreat amidst a scenic natural setting.
DAY 11 DAY AT SEA
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of
your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with
a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the
ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your
cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
DAY 12 COTONOU
Benin’s vibrant port city is defined by voodoo (the state
religion) and its colonial legacy. As a former French colony, Cotonou
retains a certain European flair in its cuisine and architecture. The
sprawling Dantokpa market, with local crafts and an entire section of
sacred voodoo items, offers insights into local culture. Ganvie, a
lakeshore village, is the world’s only town on stilts with
bamboo houses, where residents get around in canoes.
SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
DAY 13 LOME
Voodoo traditions, colonial history and beautiful beaches:
Togo’s capital city, Lome, is awash with history and culture.
The National Museum's exhibits - pottery, masks and art - reflect
Togo's rich heritage. Akodessewa Fetish Market is filled with voodoo
talismans and animal skins, offering insights into traditional customs.
Colonial relics include the German-built Sacred Heart Cathedral and the
1960 Independence Monument.
SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
DAY 14 TEMA (ACCRA)
Tema is a short drive from Ghana’s fast-paced
capital, Accra, a city that's culturally rich, modern and historic all
at once. European-built forts and Black Star Independence
Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the past. The
neighbourhood of Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with old
colonial buildings, is its pulse with an art scene and local bites like
waakye – rice and beans with sides – at a
low-key ‘chop bar’.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
- One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
- All meals onboard
- Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
- Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
- Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
- Standard WiFi
- Onboard gratuities & port taxes
DAY 3-5
UPGRADE - POINTE NOIRE, AFRICAN CIRCLE MUSEUM AND MAKOLA SALT GLACIER (WITH LUNCH BOX)
Optional
09 h 00 m
NATURAL WONDERS OF CONGO: MAYOMBE FOREST AND NDINGA NDINGA WATERFALL
Optional
10 h 00 m
CHIMPANZEES FEEDING AT CONKOUATI-DOULI NATIONAL PARK (HALF DAY OPTION)
Optional
05 h 45 m
DIOSSO GORGES AND HIKE
Optional
04 h 30 m
DISCOVERY OF POINTE NOIRE AND AFRICAN CIRCLE MUSEUM
Included
03 h 30 m
LAKES AND TCHINDA FISHING VILLAGE
Optional
07 h 00 m
A DAY AT CONKOUATI-DOULI NATIONAL PARK (FULL DAY OPTION INCL. CHIMPANZEES FEEDING)
Optional
12 h 00 m
DAY 9
BIRDS AND NATURE OF SAO TOME
Optional
08 h 10 m
UPGRADED - SAO TOME CULTURE & HISTORY WITH LUNCH AND CHOCOLATE TASTING
Optional
07 h 30 m
SAO TOME CULTURE AND HISTORY
Included
04 h 00 m
DAY 12
GANVIE FLOATING VILLAGE AND EGUNGUN MASKS PERFORMANCE
Included
04 h 30 m
UPGRADED TOUR - GANVIE FLOATING VILLAGE, EGUNGUN MASKS PERFORMANCE AND OUIDAH
Optional
08 h 30 m
DAY 13
UPGRADE - RURAL AFRICAN VILLAGE LIFE AND LOME HIGHLIGHTS
Optional
08 h 00 m
CULTURAL WONDERS OF LOME
Included
04 h 30 m
UPGRADE - TOGOVILLE, THE VOODOO WORLD AND LOME HIGHLIGHTS
Optional
07 h 00 m
DAY 14
ACCRA CITY TOUR (FOR GUESTS STAYING ONBOARD FOR THE NEXT CRUISE)
Optional
05 h 15 m
SHAI HILLS RESERVE (FOR GUESTS STAYING ONBOARD FOR THE NEXT CRUISE)
Optional
08 h 00 m
