Join this 15-day Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa cruise aboard SH Diana that departs from the Southern African country of Angola and sails up the Atlantic coast via the Central African countries of Congo and Sao Tome to West Africa’s Benin and Togo, finally arriving on the Gold Coast in Ghana. Experience a pristine, biodiverse shoreline that harbors volcanic islands, mangrove forests, rainforests, beaches, and lagoons, where elephants, lowland gorillas, leopards, hippos, and chimpanzees live. In West Africa, meet the people and dive deeper into cultures where voodoo is a state religion. Encounter unique customs and landscapes in some of the least-visited parts of Africa.
Highlights
Savor traditional cuisine & mingle with Congolese at Grand Marché market
Learn about conservation efforts in Congo’s biodiverse Conkouati Reserve
Spot wildlife in Gabon's South Loango National Park
Discover the world's oldest voodoo market, showcasing animal skins, skulls
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
As Angola emerges from years of colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital Luanda is fast becoming a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Delve into its colonial past at the Old City’s Portuguese-style buildings and the 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel. Museums across the city offer a glimpse of local culture through their exhibits of traditional art, hunting equipment, and masks. At Ilha do Cabo, chic seaside steak restaurants and bars showcase a modern side of the city.
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.
The Republic of Congo’s second city offers up a slice of French Africa with two distinct quarters – European and African. Explore lively La Cité on foot, sampling traditional cuisine and stopping in at the vibrant Grand Marché for a glimpse of local life. Relax at a waterfront restaurant at Côté Sauvage – a laid-back city beach. Just outside the city, the Diosso Gorge offers tropical rainforest and sweeping views of red canyons.
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 glimpse local life and see wildlife along the banks such as birds, monkeys, and maybe even a manatee.
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 the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.
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.
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.
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-colored buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.
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.
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.
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 15: Tema (Accra) | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 neighborhood 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’.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,9802-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Self-service laundry
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
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
24-hour room service
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
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