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Crucibles of West Africa
V1024041713
Dates
04/17/24 - 04/30/24
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
13 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 18,661
Per Person
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Trip Details
Sail from Ghana to Senegal on an unforgettable voyage. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, fascinating history, and breathtaking wildlife as you cruise along the West African coast. Set off from Tema, with its busy streets and complex past, and visit colorful cities, including Takoradi – with its famous bustling Market Circle – and Freetown, home to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Next, you’ll head to the stunning Bijagós Islands. With lush mangroves, majestic saltwater hippos, and enchanting pygmy cows, you’ll never forget exploring this awe-inspiring archipelago. Your 5-star boutique ship sails on to beautiful Banjul before reaching the end of your cruise, Senegal’s capital, Dakar, a destination packed with cultural delights.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Tema (Accra) Day 1

Sail into the coastal city of Tema, a short drive from Ghana’s buzzing capital, Accra. Once named ‘Africa’s Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, Accra has become one of West Africa’s top destination cities. Marvel at the towering statues in the city’s Black Star Square, wander through Kwame Nkrumah National Park, the resting place of Ghana’s first prime minister and president, or shop for locally made arts and crafts in the Centre for National Culture.

Cape Coast (Fort William) Day 2

The British built Fort William in the 17th century as a trading post for gold and ivory. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. The fort has been restored and now houses a museum that tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Ghana and the world.

Shore Excursion
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Kakum National Park & Canopy Walkway
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Discover Kakum National Park and Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway
  • Walk on the platforms and rope bridges while searching for wildlife
  • Experience the peaceful tropical forest atmosphere, surrounded by exquisite nature
Elmina Point Day 3

Elmina is a town in Ghana known for its historic castle, Elmina Castle. The Portuguese built the castle in 1482, and it was used as a trading post for gold and ivory. It was later used as a prison and a slave fort. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.

Shore Excursion
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Elmina Castle & City Walk
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Gaze at colourful wooden boats sailing in and out of Elmina’s lagoon area
  • Stroll through Elmina’s atmospheric alleyways, surrounded by ancient history
  • Visit Elmina Castle, the oldest and largest European building in Africa, a former warehouse used to trade gold, ivory and eventually slaves, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Takoradi Day 3

The twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, often called Tadi, are a major commercial hub on Ghana’s deepwater port. There’s a low-key beachfront, a 17th-century Dutch fort, and inland, a frenetic commercial centre dominated by Market Circle, the largest market circle in Africa, where you can indulge in everything from coconuts to dried fish and a staple local dish – tangy jollof rice. Further afield, you can see fishing boats in the harbour or watch a traditional drumming ceremony.

Abidjan Day 4

A city pulsing with energy, this former capital of Côte D’Ivoire is a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene intertwines with the intoxicating blend of cultures, cuisines and traditions that define Abidjan. A window into West Africa, the tropical mood that permeates Abidjan is infectious and unforgettable in equal measure. Immerse yourself in the city’s distinct atmosphere, browse the many galleries and markets, and stop at the fascinating National Museum of Abidjan.

Shore Excursion
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Abidjan and Bingerville
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy views from Henri Konan Bédié Bridge, which overlooks the Ebrié lagoon and links the north and south of Abidjan
  • Admire the work of celebrated French painter and sculptor, Charles Combes in his former studio, which is now a museum
Colonial Grand Bassam
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Learn about the complex social relations between Europeans and Africans, and the subsequent independence movement
  • Pass by the Royal Court, and the French colonial district, with its old post office, Palais de Justice and Cathédral du Sacré Coeur, Ivory Coast's oldest cathedral
  • Have a guided tour of the National Costume Museum, with its excellent collection of traditional clothing, masks, ornaments, and ethnographic photos
Day at sea Day 5

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.

Monrovia Day 6

Liberia’s coastal capital was founded in the 1800s as a settlement for formerly enslaved people from North America. The National Museum offers an introduction to the region’s history and art. Today’s bustling city is a mix of architectural styles, lively beaches, and street markets. For a taste of local flavour, explore the jumbled Waterside Market, filled with colourful fabric and crafts, and sample a hearty meat stew with rice.

Day at sea Day 7

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.

Freetown Day 8

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 symbolise the town’s sombre past. Freetown today is a diverse city with a rich heritage – colourful Krio architecture, hearty, rice-based cuisine, and lively beaches. Stop by the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to visit rescued, endangered primates in a rainforest.

Shore Excursion
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Freetown Historical City Tour
  • Duration: 03 h 40 m
  • Included
  • Discover the history of the country's fallen heroes and heroines at the National Museum
  • Visit the Peace and Cultural Monument, which celebrates Sierra Leone’s independence
  • See the Cotton Tree, one of the city's most famous landmarks
Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
  • Duration: 03 h 50 m
  • Optional
  • Learn about the sanctuary’s important work with primates
  • Watch chimps happily swing from branches and attentively groom each other
  • Admire more than 100 bird species that can be found in Tacugama Forest Reserve
Day at sea Day 9

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.

Bijagos Archipelago Day 10-11

Off the coast of Guinea-Bissau lie 88 islands – most of them uninhabited – covered in mangroves and mudflats, savannah and palm forests. The remote Bijagos archipelago is a protected biosphere reserve, known as the home of the rare saltwater hippo, as well as migratory birds and pygmy cows. The islands remained largely unaffected by colonial influence, resulting in a strong cultural identity with traditional coming-of-age ceremonies like difuntu and fanado still in practice.

Shore Excursion
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Bolama Island - The former capital of Portuguese Guinea
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Discover the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941 and admire the beauty of the ancient colonial buildings
  • Explore sunny avenues, empty squares, dry fountains and overgrown gardens - Bolama’s classic style, which was based on a Roman citadel
  • Admire the Governor’s Palace where goats now graze peacefully and the basketball field, now used to dry cashew nuts
Canhabaque and the traditional Bijagos culture
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Marvel at how little the inhabitants of Bijagos have been influenced by the outside world
  • Walk to villages hidden in the forest
  • Immerse yourself in local lifestyle and tradition
Orango National Park and Mangrove exploration
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • The entire island of Orango is a National Park with astounding biodiversity
  • Discover the well-preserved mangrove and walk in the wooded savannah
  • Learn also about Orango isolated matriarchal communities and the last Bijagos Queen-Priestess "Okinka-Pampa"
Banjul Day 12

At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic Ocean, Gambia’s relaxed capital city sits on a little island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. At the 19th-century Albert Market, you can browse souvenirs and the vibrant traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups. For a true taste of local culture, sign up to visit a typical Gambian home or ‘compound’, where local hosts will tell you about their heritage as you sip on herbal tea and sample traditional snacks.

Shore Excursion
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Banjul City Tour
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a Kankurang dancing performance, involving masks worn by the Mandinka people
  • Find out about Mandinka ceremonies and festivals
  • Stop at Arch 22 in the Royal Albert Market. A contemporary landmark built to mark the military coup d'état of July 22, 1994
Dakar Day 13-14

With fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining, the capital city showcases a rich Senegalese culture and a forward-looking spirit. Discover the city’s traditional side in Medina, a bustling quarter of mosques, tea shops, and street markets. French influences remain in many aspects of city life, from architecture to food. Local mbalax music dominates a vibrant nightlife scene. Traditional crafts like wood carvings and glass paintings are easily found at the Soumbédioune market – the best place to shop for souvenirs.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
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
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the centre of the ship. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
19 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the bow and aft, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 6, staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 panoramic balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
49 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on Deck 6 at the aft, our Premium Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are the most luxurious accommodation on board. A favorite for those who want nothing but the best.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK