Set sail on this 15-day cruise along West Africa’s coast from Senegal to Ghana aboard SH Diana. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, history, and natural beauty. Start your journey in Dakar where vibrant markets, museums, and seaside dining await. Next to Banjul and explore the Albert Market filled with traditional clothing and crafts. Visit the Bijagos Archipelago, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, where you’ll witness unique cultural traditions and pristine ecosystems. Visit Freetown historical landmarks. Uncover Monrovia's rich history and bustling markets. Explore Abidjan, known for its vibrant arts scene and tropical atmosphere. Visit the historic Elmina Castle, a UNESCO site, and take in the natural beauty of Kakum National Park before you end your journey in Tema.
Highlights
Discover Banjul’s Albert Market and meet local ethnic communities
Explore the untouched natural beauty of the Bijagos Archipelago
Visit Abidjan’s lively art galleries, markets, and tropical atmosphere
Tour the historical Elmina Castle, a key site of slave trade
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.
Dakar is a city full of rich culture, where you can enjoy world-class museums, a lively art scene, and stylish seaside restaurants. The busy Medina quarter, with its mosques, tea shops, and street markets, offers a glimpse of traditional life, while the city's French-influenced architecture and cuisine add a European touch. At night, Mbalax music fills the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere. For a special souvenir, visit the Soumbédioune market, known for its beautiful wood carvings and paintings.
At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic, Gambia’s relaxed capital city, Banjul, sits on a little island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. The 19th-century Albert Market sells souvenirs and the vibrant traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups. Locals invite visitors to their typical Gambian home or ‘compound’ and tell stories of their heritage while offering herbal tea and traditional snacks.
The remote Bijagos archipelago off Guinea-Bissau has 88 islands of mangroves, mudflats, savannahs, and palm forests, protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. On Canhabaque island, local culture retains coming-of-age ceremonies like difuntu and fanado. The former capital Bolama, now sits abandoned, while Orango National Park’s biodiverse ecosystems include wooded savannahs and isolated villages led by matriarchal queen-priestesses.
Sierra Leone’s portside capital city occupies a major position in history as the home of formerly enslaved people from North America and Britain. Sites like Cotton Tree and the King’s Yard Gate symbolize the town’s somber past. Freetown today is a diverse city with a rich heritage – colorful Krio architecture, hearty, rice-based cuisine, and lively beaches. Nearby, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues endangered primates in a rainforest.
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.
The bustling capital of Liberia, Monrovia, was founded in the 1800s as a settlement for formerly enslaved people from North America. The National Museum is a custodian to the region’s history and art. Today’s city is a mix of architectural styles, lively beaches, and street markets, such as the jumbled Waterside Market, filled with colorful fabric and crafts. Liberia's Creole cuisine fuses flavors brought from West Africa to America.
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.
A city pulsating with energy, Abidjan, the former capital of Côte D’Ivoire, stands as a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene interweaves with the cultures, cuisines, and traditions that define Abidjan. Serving as a window into West Africa, the infectious tropical mood permeates the city. Abidjan's unique atmosphere, galleries, and markets, along with the fascinating National Museum, make it a captivating destination.
The twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, known as Tadi, are a key commercial hub on Ghana’s deepwater port, featuring a 17th-century Dutch fort, a relaxed beachfront and Africa’s largest market offering coconuts, dried fish, and tangy jollof rice. Nearby Kakum National Park hosts an endangered Ghanaian rainforest with native wildlife, lush plant life, exotic birds, vibrant butterflies, and a Canopy Walkway, suspended 100 feet above the ground.
A solemn reminder of the past, the 15th century Elmina Castle in Ghana was a key slave trade hub, originally protecting the gold trade before Dutch and British slave trade involvement. This UNESCO site exemplified the era's contradictions, with Europeans in luxurious quarters above filthy, cramped slave dungeons. The infamous Door of No Return opened to ships on the grueling Middle Passage.
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’.
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.
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.
$10,1802-3 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, 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
Room Service
Wifi
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
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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 346 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 346 reviews on
3 days ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
4 days ago
Careful service
older gentleman
4 days ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
Pb
5 days ago
Arvin has been very responsive and professional.
Carlotta Diaz
6 days ago
Claudia Corona was very helpful and professional. She answered all my many questions in a very timely manner and really worked with me to taylor-make my trip. Very good experience.
