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.

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your 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.

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.

Upgrade - Pointe Noire, African Circle Museum and Makola Salt Glacier (with lunch box)

Optional

09 h 00 m

See the highlights of bustling Pointe Noire and visit the interesting museum, transformed with the partnership of UNESCO
Learn about the old Compagnie des Potasses du Congo mining site and discover how flooding transformed the area
Take photos as you explore the salt glacier

Natural wonders of Congo: Mayombe Forest and Ndinga Ndinga waterfall

Optional

10 h 00 m

Enjoy a short walk in one of the biggest rainforests in the world
Discover Ndinga Ndinga and Kimbakala waterfalls
An opportunity to spend a day in the lush Congolese vegetation and maybe also swim in the waterfall pools

Chimpanzees Feeding at Conkouati-Douli National Park (Half day option)

Optional

05 h 45 m

Board the army helicopter and ride above the lush vegetation of Congo to reach Conkouati-Douli National Park
Discover the chimpanzee sanctuary and the work of the NGO HELP CONGO, which has reintroduced more than half of the 110 chimpanzees rescued from the bushmeat trade into their natural environment over a period of 30 years
Enjoy a moving encounter with the chimpanzees during their daily feeding

Chimpanzees Feeding (Half day option)

Optional

05 h 45 m

Board the army helicopter and ride above the lush vegetation of Congo to reach Conkouati-Douli National Park
Discover the chimpanzee sanctuary and the work of the NGO HELP CONGO, which has reintroduced more than half of the 110 chimpanzees rescued from the bushmeat trade into their natural environment over a period of 30 years
Enjoy a moving encounter with the chimpanzees during their daily feeding

Diosso Gorges and Hike

Optional

04 h 30 m

See one of the most impressive Congolese sites
Enjoy dramatic, sweeping views from cliffs up to 50 metres high
Hike and experience the beauty of an unspoilt tropical rainforest

Discovery of Pointe Noire and African Circle Museum

Included

03 h 30 m

View the highlights of this bustling port city: Notre Dame Cathedral, colorful markets, the railway station dating back from the French colonization and Pointe-Noire beach
Visit the African Circle Museum and its exhibition of local masks, statues and objects from rituals. Don't miss the contemporary Congolese paintings!
In this very interesting museum, learn also about the construction of the Congo-Ocean railway and the development of the oil sector displayed on historical pictures

Lakes and Tchinda fishing village

Optional

07 h 00 m

Cruise on Lake Loufoualeba and discover the papyrus marshes and submerged forested islets home to many birds
Visit Tchinda village, on the edge of Lake Cayo and discover how this community survives away from modern infrastructures
Exchanging with the locals, you will learn how they make cassava and "maboke", their traditional dishes and how they prepare the fishing traps for their daily activities

A day at Conkouati-Douli National Park (Full day option incl. Chimpanzees feeding)

Optional

12 h 00 m

Board the army helicopter and ride above the lush vegetation of Congo to reach Conkouati-Douli National Park
Enjoy a day full of activities: Walk in the forest or take a locally guided boat ride or canoe tour along the forested shores of the rivers and lagoon system in search of mangroves and forest wildlife
Don't miss the highlight of your day: the observation of the chimpanzees during their daily feeding

Discovery of Pointe Noire and African Circle Museum (Guests on the Overalnd tour )

Included

12 h 00 m

Natural wonders of Congo: Mayombe

Optional

10 h 00 m

Enjoy a short walk in one of the biggest rainforests in the world
Discover Ndinga Ndinga and Kimbakala waterfalls
An opportunity to spend a day in the lush Congolese vegetation and maybe also swim in the waterfall pools

The traditional Gabonese village of Mayonomi sits among mangroves along the Nyanga river. The fishing village serves as a base for exploring the rainforests and mangroves. Gliding along the river in a pirogue (a type of long, narrow canoe made from a single tree trunk), visitors might get a chance to glimpsing local life and see wildlife along the banks such as birds, monkeys and maybe even a manatee.

Zodiac cruise on Nyanga River

Included

04 h 00 m

Zodiac cruise on the Nyanga river that crosses Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, the third largest in Gabon
Discover the flora and fauna of this area: Mangrove forests, papyrus and raphia marshes thrive in the estuaries and this environment attracts animals like buffalo or hippos
Enjoy a ride on the second most important river in Gabon

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.

Libreville captivates with a blend of French colonial heritage and lively African energy. Along the palm-lined waterfront promenade, vibrant markets and fresh seafood stalls exude an intoxicating vitality. The National Museum unveils Gabon's rich history and culture. A short boat ride away, the island-dotted Baie des Tortues reveals a serene natural sanctuary. Mangrove forests form an intricate green maze, home to exotic birdlife and monkeys.

Safari Tour in Pongara National Park

Optional

01 h 00 m

Enjoy a Buggy ride in Pongara National Park conveniently located just behind the resort
Observe the preserved ecosystem, the lush vegetation and pristine beaches
Try to spot local wildlife like monkeys, sea turtles or other fascinating species like buffaloes, elephants and antelopes

A day at Baie des Tortues Beach Resort

Included

01 h 00 m

Visit Baie des Tortues Beach Resort, is a little heaven for nature lovers, nestled at the side of Pongara National Park
Relax at the beach or discover the other leisure options at your disposal
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the resort

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.

Birds and Nature of Sao Tome

Optional

08 h 10 m

See the pristine and lush countryside of Sao Tome
Spot endemic birds at the Botanical Gardens
Admire the beautiful São Nicolau Waterfall

Upgraded - Sao Tome Culture & History with lunch and Chocolate Tasting

Optional

07 h 30 m

After the town visit, enjoy your upgraded tour with fresh seafood and local specialities.
Learn how chocolate is produced, from planting and maintaining the cocoa to enjoying the finished product
Taste some of the world’s best chocolate

Sao Tome Culture and History

Included

04 h 00 m

Watch the vibrant music and dance of a traditional Tchiloli performance
Visit the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Graça, the capital’s main Catholic church
Enjoy a panoramic and walking tour, taking in the city's colonial buildings and architecture

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-coloured buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.

Principe Cultural Tour

Optional

03 h 50 m

Discover Porto Real cooperation’s fascinating work with local materials
Explore the charming town of Santo Antonio and the place where the Theory of Relativity was proven in Sundy Roça
See where Claudio Corallo grows his cocoa to make his famous chocolate, well-known around the world

A day at Sundy Praia Beach

Included

07 h 00 m

An exclusive stay at a pristine tropical beach with golden sand sheltered by lush vegetation
Relax, walk along the beach or swim before enjoying a delicious buffet grilled lunch on the beach
Enjoy live music during lunch!

Principe Cultural Tour

Optional

07 h 00 m

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.

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.

Ganvie floating village and Egungun Masks Performance

Included

04 h 30 m

Enjoy a a wooden boat ride to reach the atmospheric village
Watch the Tofinou ethnic group row their dugout canoes
Immerse yourself in the traditions of this special place

Upgraded Tour - Ganvie floating village, Egungun Masks Performance and Ouidah

Optional

08 h 30 m

After visiting Ganvie, the Venice of West Africa, proceed towards Ouidah to explore the city’s Afro-Brazilian architecture
Experience the Sacred Forest with its ancient trees full of hanging bats
See how fishermen traditionally pull out their nets and maybe have a chance to participate in this daily activity

Ganvie floating village and Egungun Masks Performance

Included

04 h 30 m

Enjoy a a wooden boat ride to reach the atmospheric village
Watch the Tofinou ethnic group row their dugout canoes
Immerse yourself in the traditions of this special place

Upgraded Tour - Ganvie floating village, Egungun Masks Performance and Ouidah

Optional

08 h 30 m

After visiting Ganvie, the Venice of West Africa, proceed towards Ouidah to explore the city’s Afro-Brazilian architecture
Experience the Sacred Forest with its ancient trees full of hanging bats
See how fishermen traditionally pull out their nets and maybe have a chance to participate in this daily activity

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.

Upgrade - Rural African Village life and Lome highlights

Optional

08 h 00 m

Visit a rural Togolese village and learn about their daily life and see women processing palm nuts into oil
Learn about their traditions and attend a ewe dance and twin ceremony as Ewe and Fon people believe that twins are sacred
After lunch in Lome, time to stroll at the artisanal market and visit the fetish market

Cultural wonders of Lome

Included

04 h 30 m

Visit the fetish market and understand how, despite being mostly Christian, part of the population remains faithful to the religious ancestry of voodoo
Discover the locals daily life at Grand Marché. Although it might seem chaotic, you will be surprised at the orderliness and the hectic pace of this beautiful market
View the legacy of Germany at the Sacred Heart Cathedral and discover the local handicrafts at the Artisan's village

Upgrade - Togoville, the Voodoo world and Lome Highlights

Optional

07 h 00 m

Togoville is historically known as the center of Voodoo in Togo. Many Voodoo practitioners were taken as slaves from here to Haiti. Explore the village as you discover its special history
Witness the frenetic rhythm of an authentic voodoo ceremony
After lunch back in Lome, time to stroll at the artisanal market and visit the fetish market

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 neighbourhood 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’.

Accra City Tour (for guests staying onboard for the next cruise)

Optional

05 h 15 m

See some of the main highlights in Accra like the National Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Black star gate and Independence square
Understand the cultural richness of Ghana strolling through the ethnography collections
Time for shopping at the National cultural center, Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market

Shai Hills Reserve (for guests staying onboard for the next cruise)

Optional

08 h 00 m

Discover one of Ghana's stunning nature parks
Try to spot olive baboons, antelopes, green and spot nosed monkeys in the savannah grassland and woodland
Enjoy an extensive hike with your wildlife guide before a well-deserved lunch on the way back to Tema

City Tour - Airport Transfer

Optional

08 h 00 m

Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa

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Trip Highlights