This 12-day Coastal Treasures of Southwest Africa Cruise from Cape Town to Luanda aboard SH Diana promises an unforgettable journey through captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin in vibrant Cape Town, where Table Mountain offers panoramic views and Robben Island shares poignant history. Experience sea days filled with relaxation and enriching activities, from onboard lectures to photography workshops. Explore Lüderitz's unique blend of West African-German culture and Namibia's desolate Namib Desert with its haunting Kolmanskop ghost town. Walvis Bay teems with flamingos and Cape fur seals, while optional desert safaris unveil the region's rugged beauty. Discover the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres and Namibe's diverse wildlife before concluding in Luanda's rich heritage.
Highlights
Explore Cape Town's vibrant waterfront and attractions
Discover Kolmanskop, a ghost town near Luderitz in Namib Desert
Observe thousands of flamingos, pelicans at Pelican Point's shores
Explore Namibe Partial Reserve for rare lumbo trees & Welwitchia mirabilis
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.
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping, and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to the distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.
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 onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Lüderitz, with a unique West African-German culture, graces Namibia's coast on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. Formerly a German colony, the town preserves colonial buildings in German Art Nouveau style, including the Goerke Haus mansion and the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church built into the rocks. Beyond the town, the desolate Namib Desert extends along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses, and tales of remarkable survival.
Walvis Bay offers shelter to thousands of flamingos in its natural tidal lagoon and protected wetlands. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out, and marine wildlife like whales and dolphins swim by. Locally caught fish and German dishes are available in the harbour. Optional tours include desert dinners, dune jeep safaris, meeting the locals in Mondesa township, and flights or hot air balloons over the desert.
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind, and do whatever you 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.
Far from the crowds, the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres, or Tiger Island, in Angola off Namibe Province's coast offers a deserted island setting. Originally a peninsula, it became an island overnight when the ocean breached the isthmus and residents abandoned their homes. Nestled in clear blue waters, the island is a pristine oasis surrounded by secluded beaches, and vast dunes, renowned for desolate landscapes and eerie ghost towns.
Settled by the Portuguese in the 19th century, this port town is the entrance to the arid Namib desert with large sand dunes. Namibe Partial Reserve is a sanctuary for black rhinos, oryx, elephants, ostrich, wildebeest, mountain zebras and meerkats. One of the world's oldest living plants thrives in this harsh territory: the rare (and weird) tree lumbo or welwitschia mirabilis, each over 2,000 years old and at risk from climate change.
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: Luanda, Angola | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
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.
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
11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
11 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
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
2 weeks ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
