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Santo Antonio, Principe

West Africa Cruise from Ghana to Angola

Tema to Luanda - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Explore West Africa on this 15-day cruise from Ghana to Angola aboard SH Diana. Visit Lome for its voodoo market and colonial landmarks, and head to Benin, where you'll discover bustling markets and the unique stilt village of Ganvie. Discover the serene beaches and colorful colonial architecture of Sao Tome and Principe, before venturing into Gabon's rainforests, home to gorillas, elephants, and diverse wildlife. Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo offers a blend of French and African cultures, vibrant markets, and the stunning Diosso Gorge. Your journey ends in Luanda, Angola, where modern seaside restaurants meet rich colonial history.
Santo Antonio, Macaco BeachKwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & MausoleumForte LuandaThe floating village of GanvieDiosso GorgeSanto Antonio, Principe
Highlights
  • Discover Lome’s Akodessewa Fetish Market and colonial landmarks
  • Unwind on Principe's pristine Macaco Beach with turquoise waters
  • Immerse in Gabon’s rich wildlife with gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees
  • Explore Luanda’s Iron Palace and Sao Miguel Fortress in Angola
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • West Africa
  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Congo
  • Cotonou
  • Ghana
  • Lome
  • Luanda
  • Pointe-Noire
  • Principe
  • Sao Tome
  • Sao Tome & Principe
  • Tema
  • Togo
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Tema (Accra)

Arrive in Tema, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Tema (Accra) | Embark

Tema is a short drive from Ghana's vibrant capital, Accra, a city that blends modern life with a rich cultural history. European-built forts and the monuments at Black Star Independence Square give a glimpse into the past. Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with colonial-era buildings, is the heart of the city, known for its thriving art scene and local food like waakye—rice and beans with sides—served at casual ‘chop bars’.

Day 3: Lome

Lome, the capital of Togo, is a city rich in history and culture, blending voodoo traditions, colonial past, and beautiful beaches. The National Museum showcases Togo's heritage with exhibits of pottery, masks, and art. At the Akodessewa Fetish Market, you’ll find voodoo talismans and animal skins, giving a glimpse into local customs. Colonial landmarks include the German-built Sacred Heart Cathedral and the 1960 Independence Monument.

Day 4: 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 5: 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 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.

Day 6: Santo Antonio, Principe | Santo Antonio, Macaco Beach

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.

Santo António do Príncipe, Príncipe's main town, has vibrant colonial architecture, and bustling markets, and is recognized as the world's smallest city. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church features a stunning stone carving of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint. Macaco Beach, nestled on Príncipe's northwestern shore, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush greenery, and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 7: 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 Sao Tome Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the ibis and grosbeak.

Day 8-10: 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, home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and diverse birdlife. 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 11-13: 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 Cote 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 14: 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 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.

Day 15: Luanda | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$12,680 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
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.
SH Diana Balcony M5
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.
SH Diana Balcony D6
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.
SH Diana Junior Suite
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.
SH Diana Suite
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.
SH Diana Premium Suite
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.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 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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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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