Embark on a 19-day cruise from Kenya to South Africa aboard SH Diana. Begin in Mombasa, a dynamic coastal city with a rich history shaped by African, European, and Asian influences. Explore Fort Jesus and the bustling spice markets before embarking on a cruise through East Africa and Madagascar. Wander through Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town, visit Kilwa Kivinje’s medieval ruins, and discover Madagascar’s diverse ecosystems. Encounter black lemurs in Nosy Be’s Lokobe Reserve, see the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava, and admire Cirque Rouge’s striking rock formations in Mahajanga. Toliara’s coral reefs and Richards Bay’s wetlands offer wildlife encounters before arriving in Durban. The cruise combines cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Walk through Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town’s historic streets
Explore Kilwa Kivinje’s medieval trading hub and Swahili ruins
Spot lemurs and chameleons in Nosy Be’s Lokobe Reserve
Discover Richards Bay’s wetlands, home to rare bird species
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.
Mombasa, a vibrant coastal city, reflects a mix of cultures shaped by centuries of trade and settlement. Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers influenced its architecture and traditions. Explore the old town’s narrow streets, where African, European, and Asian styles merge. Visit Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold overlooking the sea. Walk through the lively spice market, where vendors sell pepper, ginger, and cardamom in colorful stalls.
Cosmopolitan Zanzibar Island, or Unguja, known as the Spice Island, features Zanzibar City's UNESCO-listed Stone Town(Mji Mkongwe)—a lively warren of narrow streets with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and a spice market with stalls heaped with locally grown spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nearby, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the red colobus monkey, unique to Zanzibar.
Kilwa Kivinje, on Tanzania's southern coast, was a medieval Swahili coast trading hub. Founded in the 8th century, Kilwa Kivinje thrived in the 13th and 14th centuries as a centre for ivory and gold. Today, it provides insight into medieval East Africa's opulence, with dhows in the harbour and spice markets amid jungle and mangrove estuaries. The Great Mosque and Husuni Kubwa, The Sultan's African Palace, are UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins.
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 librar,y which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Sandy swimming beaches, biodiverse jungle, and vivid blue crater lakes are among the highlights of verdant Nosy Be island off Madagascar's northern coast. In Hell-Ville port, remnants of French colonial architecture charm visitors. Nearby, Lokobe Reserve beckons with guided pirogue canoe tours, where black lemurs climb ancient trees and vibrant panther chameleons, growing about a foot and a half long, play hide-and-seek in the lush foliage.
The lively northern port of Mahajanga (Majunga) is known for its charming French colonial and Arabian architecture as well as a broad seafront promenade lined with coconut palms. A gigantic landmark baobab tree towers near the water. Long sandy beaches stretch north towards Cirque Rouge, a remarkable natural amphitheatre whose crumbling rocks are a blend of red, ochre and pale pink, and are at their most dramatic at sunset.
The remote 1.97 km-long Nosy Vao, located 70 km north of Maintirano, offers an unspoilt tropical escape off Madagascar's northeast coast. With surrounding coral reefs and few visitors, Nosy Vao provides a peaceful retreat. Terns flock to the reefs, while lemurs inhabit the savannas, and palm trees dot the interior. Vezo fishers build temporary shelters and move between islands, fishing for sharks.
The relaxed west coast town of Morondava is the gateway to Madagascar's iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Lining a bumpy track between Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina, this striking grove of centuries-old giants - often nicknamed "upside-down trees" - is a must-see. To the south, Kirindy Mitea National Park is a protected coastal reserve home to several species of lemur along with the rare fossa, a close relation of the mongoose.
Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tulear), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, the Arboretum d’Antsokay was created by a Swiss botanist in 1980 amid a swathe of spiny forest. Garden guides lead you past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, a fascinating small museum is dedicated to local marine life.
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 on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
A busy port town with a deep natural harbour, Richards Bay is surrounded by extensive wetlands sheltering diverse birdlife. A hotspot on the Zululand Birding Route, it's a haven for rare species like cuckoo hawks and pygmy geese. The town's large lagoon becomes a cooling spot for hippos and crocodiles. Meanwhile, Alkantstrand Beach offers laid-back charm with long stretches of golden sand and gentle waves.
South Africa’s third-biggest city, Durban is friendly and cosmopolitan. Durban's golden mile is the heartbeat of the city with long sandy beaches and rickshaw rides. Durban's Indian District awakens the senses with its aromatic curry houses and spice stalls. Peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens is renowned for its orchid and palm collections. Nearby Umgeni River Bird Park is home to around 200 species, from vibrant parrots to majestic eagles.
On South Africa's Eastern Cape, East London is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, including Nahoon and Cove Rock. The city features the Buffalo Pass, a scenic road that winds through a lush valley, crossing the Buffalo River. The East London Museum showcases fossilised human and animal footprints and artefacts from the Xhosa-speaking people. In the surrounding areas, numerous game reserves provide habitat to elephants, lions, zebras and more.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), on Algoa Bay’s western edge, has long stretches of beaches and pockets of Victorian architecture. Pods of frolicking dolphins swim close to shore. Just outside town, Amakhala Game Reserve offers thrilling game drives tracking white rhinos, cheetahs and other African wildlife, while guided game drives at Addo Elephant National Park (about 70 km northeast) offer thrilling encounters with the world’s largest land mammal.
Set on a hillside, the laid-back seaside town of Mossel Bay was the first place where Europeans made landfall in South Africa in 1488. The area’s history unfolds at Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which contains maritime displays, 19th-century stone cottages and a botanical garden. Nearby, Santos Beach is a wide sandy stretch for swimming and watersports. Southern right whales calve in the bay’s calm waters between July and October.
Hermanus, a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant marine life. Within Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a 12 km cliffside pathway offers stunning views of seasonal whale migrations. The historic Old Harbour, now a museum, encompasses the history of the old harbour, a fishermen's village and the Whale House Museum. The town's charming bars and restaurants offer local wines and fresh seafood.
Day 19: Cape Town | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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. Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.
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.
$19,380
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
18 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 17 Dinners
18 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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