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Southwest Africa Cruise from Luanda

Southwest Africa Cruise from Luanda

From AUD $21,580

Description

The Southwest Africa luxury cruise offers an unparalleled journey beginning in Angola, navigating the stunning Atlantic shoreline, and concluding in Ghana. This experience reveals a lesser-known Africa, spotlighting its biodiverse coastal landscapes and intriguing cultural depths. Along this cruise, travelers will discover Luanda, a city merging colonial charm with modern flair, and explore the captivating Diosso Gorge of Pointe-Noire. Principe whispers tales of serenity with its pastel hues, while Benin and Togo present vibrant markets and voodoo traditions. Accra, Ghana, wraps up the journey with its historic and cultural treasures. Activities planned on this journey are as enticing as the destinations themselves. Days at sea offer relaxation and onboard enrichment, such as photography workshops and expert lectures. Guests can embrace land excursions, like discovering Sao Tome’s historic sites, or engaging in voodoo ceremonies in Togo. This luxury cruise embodies exploration and cultural immersion at its finest.

Trip Name
Southwest Africa Cruise from Luanda
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022-2023 Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible. SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views. The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems. SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 - Pre Cruise & 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 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 - Days 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.
Day 4 - Days 6-8 - Expedition in Gabon
Gabon, on Central Africa's west coast, is rich in rainforests, wildlife and culture. Over 70 percent of the country is lush rainforest, which plays a vital role in the Congo Basin ecosystem. Its coastline features sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons, while the east transitions to savannas and plateaus. Gabon's rich cultural heritage includes the Fang people, the largest ethnic group, with music and dance deeply woven into traditions.
Day 5 - Day 9 - San Tome
Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches and waterfalls. Sao Tome 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 Sao Tome Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the dwarf ibis and grosbeak.
Day 6 - Day 10 - Santo Antonio, Principe
This laid-back, compact capital has less than 3,000 inhabitants and is the smallest city in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records). Time seems to move more slowly in this dream-like place with its pastel-coloured buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceicao church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.
Day 7 - Day 10 - Santo Antonio, Macaco Beach
Macaco Beach, nestled on Principe's northwestern shore, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush greenery and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 8 - Day 11 - 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 9 - 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.
Day 10 - 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.
Day 11 - Day 14 - Tema (Accra)
ema 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’.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $21,580Oceanview D4
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $22,680Oceanview M4
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $25,980Balcony D5
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $26,980Balcony M5
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $28,080Balcony D6
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $32,480Junior Suite
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $37,880Suite
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $43,280Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Sample traditional cuisine and get to know the Congolese locals at Grand Marche market
    • Learn about conservation efforts in Congo's biodiverse Conkouati Reserve
    • Discover Principe Island's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the world's highest density of endemic species

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