Join this 15-day Southwest Africa cruise from Luanda to Tema aboard SH Diana. Begin in Luanda, a city transforming from its colonial and civil war history into a modern hub with landmarks like the Iron Palace and São Miguel Fortress. Next, arrive in Pointe-Noire and explore lively markets, local cuisine, and the breathtaking Diosso Gorge. Then, visit Gabon’s pristine rainforests and wildlife, including gorillas and elephants. São Tomé Island offers volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and a rich Portuguese colonial heritage. Explore Santo Antonio, the world's smallest city, and relax on Macaco Beach. Visit Cotonou’s bustling markets and voodoo culture, as well as Lome’s colonial history. The journey ends in Tema, where modern life and historic architecture merge.
Highlights
Explore Luanda's Gustave Eiffel-designed Iron Palace and historic sites
Experience Gabon’s rainforests with gorillas, elephants, & diverse wildlife
Swim at Macaco Beach, Príncipe’s secluded golden sand paradise
Trek the stunning pink-hued Diosso Gorge, a natural wonder
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 moves beyond its colonial past and long Civil War, Luanda is transforming into a vibrant, modern city with a deep cultural heritage. Notable landmarks include the Iron Palace, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. In the historic upper district, Cidade Alta, you'll find pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace, and government offices. Ilha do Cabo, Luanda’s contemporary side, offers stylish seaside restaurants and bars, showcasing the city's modern flair.
Sea days offer the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. Whether you prefer a workout at the gym, a soothing spa visit, whale watching from the deck, diving into a good book, or catching some sun, these peaceful days at sea provide the ideal balance to your onshore adventures.
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.
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.
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.
Day 11: 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.
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.
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’.
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, 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
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.
