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Pristine Islands of West Africa
V1124043008
Dates
04/30/24 - 05/08/24
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
8 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 7,197
Per Person
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Trip Details
Explore the remote beauty of the Bijagós islands on a captivating cruise. Your boutique, 5-star ship leaves from Senegal’s lively capital, Dakar, and takes you to some of the least-visited islands in West Africa. This tropical world has deserted beaches, ancient traditions, and unique wildlife. You’ll never forget your time in this exceptional archipelago – all 88 islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Discover Bolama’s decaying colonial buildings, the elaborate rituals of Canhabaque, and Poilao’s colony of green sea turtles. Then watch rare and sacred saltwater hippos in the wild on Orango before returning to Dakar, our last stop on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Dakar Day 1

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.

Day at sea Day 2

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.

Bijagos Archipelago Day 3-7

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
view
A relaxing day on Kere Island
  • Included
  • Enjoy a relaxing day on a true off-the beaten track castaway destination
  • Feel like Robinson Crusoe on this paradisiac islet while enjoying a local brunch
  • For the more active guests, kayaks and paddle boards are at disposal throughout your stay
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"
Pristine Beach of Meio Island
  • Duration: 02 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Walk on the unspoiled beach and swim in beautiful Meio bay
  • Enjoy some relaxing time on a pristine beach surrounded by a sacred forest
  • An opportunity to live in perfect harmony with nature
Dakar Day 8-9

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 transfer from the airport to the vessel on embarkation days and from the vessel to the airport on disembarkation day
One night prior cruise sailing
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
Selected expedition activities led by our expedition team (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots
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