Africa West Coast

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

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’.

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