Southwest Africa cruise from Angola to South Africa

Luanda→Cape Town

12 nights1 departure · Oct 2028

from$ 10,275

What Awaits You

Embark on a luxurious Southwest Africa cruise from Angola to South Africa, beginning in the captivating city of Luanda and culminating in the vibrant Cape Town. This remarkable voyage takes you along the scenic west coast of Southern Africa, with notable stops including Namibe, Ilha Baia dos Tigres, Walvis Bay, and Saldanha, before reaching the final destination of Cape Town. As you cruise through this fascinating region, you'll encounter a plethora of captivating sites. Discover the colonial charm of Luanda, and explore the ghostly allure of Ilha Baia dos Tigres. In Namibe, the stark beauty of the Namib Desert awaits, while Walvis Bay offers natural wonders like flamingo-filled lagoons and Cape fur seal colonies. Cape Town promises iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and nearby historic sites. This luxury cruise offers a diverse range of activities to enrich your journey. Onboard days provide engaging lectures, photography workshops, and the chance to socialize with fellow travelers. Shore excursions include thrilling dune safaris in Namibia, immersive cultural tours, and indulgent culinary experiences. Whether exploring the deserts, coastlines, or vibrant cities, this adventure is sure to captivate every traveler.

Dates & Prices

1 departure · Oct 2028

All Africa cruises

13.10.28 – 25.10.2812 nights
Southwest Africa cruise from Angola to South AfricaSH Diana · D2828101312
Price from
$10,275
per person
Explore — Southwest Africa cruise from Angola to South Africa

Expedition highlights

Along South Africa’s Atlantic edge, discovery comes through lived-in coastal culture, striking landscapes, and expert-led time outdoors in places that still feel rare.

Guided Walks

Coastal walks through dunes, cliffs, and historic quarters, paced for observation and led by experts who add context without overloading the day.

Colonial Past

Walk districts where old trading routes left visible marks, from forts and warehouses to civic buildings and waterfront promenades.

Namibia

Walvis Bay Sanctuary

Watch thousands of Cape fur seals haul out in lively colonies and flocks of flamingos bring vivid colour to the coast, along Namibia’s windswept Atlantic shores.

Namib Desert

Ghost Towns in the Desert

Explore the Kolmanskop ghost town in the barren Namib Desert near Luderitz.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Discover the colonial charm of Luanda, and explore the ghostly allure of Ilha Baia dos Tigres. In Namibe, the stark beauty of the Namib Desert awaits, while Walvis Bay offers natural wonders like flamingo-filled lagoons and Cape fur seal colonies. Cape Town promises iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and nearby historic sites. This luxury cruise offers a diverse range of activities to enrich your journey. Onboard days provide engaging lectures, photography workshops, and the chance to socialize with fellow travelers. Shore excursions include thrilling dune safaris in Namibia, immersive cultural tours, and indulgent culinary experiences. Whether exploring the deserts, coastlines, or vibrant cities, this adventure is sure to captivate every traveler

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Days 1-2

Luanda

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

Day 3

Day at sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 4

Namibe

Now known as Moçâmedes, the port of Namibe was settled by the Portuguese in the 19th century. This early slave trading town is the entrance to the arid Namib desert, with towering sand dunes and home to the ancient welwitschia mirabilis trees, each over 2,000 years old and threatened by climate change. Near the port, the old town has colourful colonial architecture, beaches and historic buildings, including an abandoned spaceship-like cinema

Day 5

Ilha Baia dos Tigres

Far from the crowds, the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres, or Tiger Island, in Angola off Namibe Province's coast offers a deserted island setting. Originally a peninsula, it became an island overnight when the ocean breached the isthmus and residents abandoned their homes. Nestled in clear blue waters, the island is a pristine oasis surrounded by secluded beaches, and vast dunes, renowned for desolate landscapes and eerie ghost towns

Day 6

Day at sea

Days 7-8

Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay offers shelter to thousands of flamingos in its natural tidal lagoon and protected wetlands. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out, and marine wildlife like whales and dolphins swim by. Locally caught fish and German dishes are available in the harbour. Optional tours include dune jeep safaris, meeting the locals in Mondesa township, and flights or hot air balloons over the desert

Day 9

Luderitz

Lüderitz, with a unique West African-German culture, graces Namibia's coast on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. Formerly a German colony, the town preserves colonial buildings in German Art Nouveau style, including Goerke Haus mansion and the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church built into the rocks. Beyond town, the desolate Namib Desert extends along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses and tales of remarkable survival

Day 10

Day at sea

Day 11

Port Saldanha, Langebaan

Langebaan Lagoon, a watersports and fishing paradise, is renowned for its wetlands and tidal mud flats, home to flamingos, the world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers, and thousands of migratory birds. The West Coast National Park protects the lagoon and is home to the Slow Five—tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. The Fossil Park has the oldest modern human footprint, Eve’s Footprint, over 100,000 years old

Days 12-13

Cape Town

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 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

Guest Reviews

Each Swan Hellenic African expedition is designed to inspire curiosity, broaden horizons, and create lasting memories. Our guests' experiences bring the spirit of cultural discovery and exploration to life on our voyages.

What elevates Swan Hellenic above competitors is the expedition team and the dedication to immersive travel. The expert lecturers, naturalists, and guides are world-class, offering fascinating lectures and ensuring safe, intimate excursions.

Rachel TaylorAustralia

Everything was absolutely perfect! There was not a single thing to complain about. It was incredibly fun, and that fantastic atmosphere was maintained by the entire crew from the very first to the very last minute of our stay!

Alexander KorneevFinland

A terrific expedition trip! Small number of guests, very attentive staff, very interesting ports of call. Excursions were varied & fun!

Katie BrownCanada

I highly recommend Swan Hellenic! Every single aspect of my cruise was outstanding. The food was fantastic and the ship is awesome. The crew supported my every need in an excellent manner.

Robbie AsherUnited States

From the captain to the expedition guides, from the service staff to housekeeping. 100 out of 100 points!

Annette ClavinDenmark

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Southwest Africa cruise from Angola to South Africa

What Awaits You

Dates & Prices