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Safaris of the Southwest Coast
V0824032510
Dates
03/25/24 - 04/04/24
Ship
SH Vega
Duration
10 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 8,769
Per Person
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Trip Details

Cruising the west coast of the Southern Region of Africa from Cape Town up to Luanda on a boutique expedition ship provides a fascinating insight into a continent with so many different aspects. We board our West Coast of Africa - South Africa to Angola cruise in the buzzing, cultural city of Cape Town. Our journey explores the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, and Angola, a post-colonial country that is slowly emerging from the ravages of war. From the harsh conditions of the Namib desert to unspoilt Angolan coastlines, spotting flamingos, pelicans, whales and dolphins, we get to truly experience these exquisite landscapes before ending our cruise in the Portuguese-influenced city of Luanda.

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Trip Highlights
Explore the Kolmanskop ghost town in the barren Namib Desert near Luderitz
Spot flamingos and pelicans in their thousands at Pelican Point
Look for the rare (and weird) tree lumbo or Welwitchia mirabilis in Namibe Partial Reserve
Learn more about Angola’s colonial and military history at the Portuguese-built Fortress of São Miguel
Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Cape Town Day 1-2

Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood

Shore Excursion
view
Cape Town & Table Mountain
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Ascend one of the natural wonders of the world by cable car - Table Mountain - and enjoy a bird's eye view of beautiful Cape Town, from this vantage point!
  • From the summit, enjoy nature in this protected area that is home to highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species
Cape Point Sightseeing Tour
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a picturesque coastal drive
  • Located within the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point offers stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and a diverse array of flora and fauna
  • In addition to the natural beauty, Cape Point is also steeped in history and culture. The area has a rich maritime history and was an important trading post for ships traveling along the Cape of Good Hope
Day at sea Day 3

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.

Luderitz Day 4

Between the weather-beaten South Atlantic coast and the unforgiving Namib Desert, Luderitz is a quaint harbour town with a uniquely West African-German culture. Lavish colonial-style mansions and churches in the German Art Nouveau style reflect a history deeply rooted in the diamond rush of the 1900s. Further afield, the barren Namib Desert stretches along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses and incredible stories of survival in a harsh landscape.

Shore Excursion
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Kolmanskop Ghost Town
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Learn about the town’s history and its links to Africa’s diamond industry
  • Pay a visit to some of the town’s most important buildings
  • Take photos of the haunting scenery which has featured in several movies
Luderitz Walking Tour
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Learn about Lüderitz’s German history from your knowledgeable guide
  • Visit the elaborate, German-style buildings
  • Explore the Lüderitz Museum
Halifax boat cruise
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • See African Penguins in their natural habitat and get the opportunity for stunning photography and sea bird watching.
  • Enjoy seeing dolphins escorting the boat along the way, and see other marine life, such as Cape Fur Seals, and various birds
  • Relax on your catamaran while enjoying beautiful views of the dunes and the sea
Walvis Bay Day 5-7

The natural harbour of Walvis Bay - literally meaning Bay of Whales - offers a sheltered home to marine life like whales and dolphins, and flamingos and pelicans congregate here in the thousands. Opposite, at Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out. A wander around the town will introduce you to colonial architecture, local-style silver cob fish dishes and German cuisine. Inland, a dune safari will track desert animals such as lizards, geckos, chameleons and sidewinder adders.

Shore Excursion
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Namibian Cultural Tour
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
Dinner in the Dunes
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Panoramic views of the Namib dunes
  • Private set up with live entertainment
  • 3 courses meal for an evening under the stars
Pelican Point Birding
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • View bird life and pink salt pans at Walvis Bay Lagoon
  • Sightings of Jackals and Cape Fur Seals
  • Dune drive in Sandwich harbour
Swakopmund Highlights
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Tour the Bavarian-style seaside resort town of Swakopmund
  • Visit the Kristall Galerie, displaying quartz crystals
  • Learn about the history of the town at the Swakopmund Museum
Sandwich Harbour Off-road Drive
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Observe flamingos and other sea birds at Walvis Bay Lagoon
  • Explore the usually inaccessible Sandwich Harbour Lagoon by 4x4
  • Stop at stunning lookout points along the way
Pelican Point Kayaking
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Get up close to the marine life
  • Boat cruise to the venue
  • 4x4 beach drive upon return
Scenic Sossusvlei Flight
  • Duration: 04 h 50 m
  • Optional
  • Fly over lappet face vulture breeding grounds and seal colonies
  • Look out for the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck
  • Marvel at the giant shifting dunes from above
Hot Air Ballooning
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Optional
Day at sea Day 8

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.

Namibe Day 9

Settled by Portuguese in the 19th-century, this port town sits at the gateway to the arid Namibia desert with large sand dunes. The draw for visitors is the Namibe Partial Reserve, where indigenous animals including black rhino, oryx, elephants, ostrich, wildebeest, mountain zebra and meerkats liive. One of the world’s oldest living plants thrives in this harsh environment - the rare (and weird) tree lumbo or Welwitchia mirabilis. Along the sandy coast, keep an eye open for dolphins as we sail by.

Shore Excursion
view
Namibe Desert Tour
  • Duration: 06 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Learn about the rare and endemic Welwitschia mirabilis
  • Enjoy the prehistoric tranquillity of the Arch Lagoon
  • Visit the old city of Namib
Day at sea Day 10

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.

Luanda Day 11

As Angola emerges from years of colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital Luanda is fast becoming a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Delve into its colonial past at the Old City’s Portuguese-style buildings and the 16th-century Fortress of São Miguel. Museums across the city offer a glimpse of local culture through their exhibits on traditional art, hunting equipment, and masks. At Ilha do Cabo, chic seaside steak restaurants and bars showcase a modern side of the city.

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Rates Include
Return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)
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