West Africa cruise from Ghana to Angola

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lomé on foot, starting with the vast Fetish Market, where voodoo practitioners find ritual ingredients. Admire the Gothic grandeur of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, then explore Lomé’s bustling "Grand Marché," one of West Africa's largest markets. Discover Togo’s history at the National Museum, and end at the Artisans’ Village, where skilled weavers, carvers, basketmakers and shoemakers display their craft.

Upgrade your Lomé cultural tour with a traditional voodoo ceremony in Togoville. Drive to Aneho, or Little Popo, and take a pirogue across Lake Togo to Togoville, Togo’s cradle of voodoo. Participate in a traditional voodoo ceremony, visit Maison Royale (the chief’s house) and discover the Virgin Mary's shrine. After lunch, explore Lomé’s highlights, including Akodessawa voodoo Fetish Market, before returning to the ship.

Enhance your Lomé cultural tour with a visit to a traditional Togolese village and lunch. Travel to Davedi, an Ewe village renowned for farming and palm wine production. Experience an authentic Ewe dance and discover their belief in sacred twins, symbolised by dolls. Explore the Davedi community, interact with locals, and gain insight into their way of life. Afterwards, return to Lomé for lunch and visit the Artisans' Market and Fetish Market.

Board a dugout canoe to explore Ganvié, Africa’s Venice, the largest, most picturesque stilt village. From the water, witness daily life, from fishing and the bustling floating market to children heading to school. Enjoy free time in this unique setting before enjoying an Egungun mask performance, featuring elaborate costumes and spirited masquerades. Then drive to Cotonou with a visit to the Amazon statue, a tribute to Dahomey’s female warriors.

Climb aboard a pirogue canoe to explore Africa's Venice, Ganvie. See the Tofino people's stilt houses on Lake Nokoué, traditional fishing methods and floating market, then enjoy an Egungun performance. Continue to Ouidah’s Sacred Forest to discover voodoo traditions and the Door of No Return, a memorial for enslaved Africans. Visit the Zangbeto, night guardians of the Ogu people, and see the Amazon statue honoring Dahomey’s all-female army.

Soak up the sights, sounds and aromas of Santo António, Príncipe, on a guided walking tour. Begin with the vibrant local market, brimming with fresh produce and unique goods. Visit a handicraft shop showcasing local artisans and chocolate from the Sundy plantation. Learn about the island's conservation and sustainability efforts at the Príncipe Foundation, dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.

The island of Príncipe is the smallest of the two main islands in the country, with a population of about 8,000 people and a stunning pristine forest area part of UNESCO´s World Biosphere reserve. Drive to Terrero Velho where Claudio Corallo grows his cocoa to make his famous chocolate, well- known around the world. After the visit, drive to Porto Real to learn about a project called “Changing the world through women's hands" focusing on sustainable and responsible use of natural resources and threats to sea turtles. They collect waste from the largest sea turtle nesting beach on Príncipe Island and transform them in other useful objects while contributing for the sustainability of the local people. After, drive to Santo Antonio, the capital town, to know more about the local people as well as their daily life before continuing towards Sundy Roça to see where the Theory of Relativity was proven. Return back to the ship. Note: Transportation on the island is very limited and basic. Tours run in school buses without P/A system. Please note that this shore excursion requires a minimum number of participants to run. The number of participants for this activity is very limited; places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grab your binoculars and embark on a tropical birdwatcher’s dream tour of Príncipe Island. Explore this remote paradise, home to endemic species like the Príncipe kingfisher, Príncipe sunbird, and Dohrn’s thrush-babbler. Take a 3 km nature walk through their natural habitat, where with patience and a bit of luck, you'll spot these rare birds. Wear sturdy shoes for a comfortable, safe adventure through the island's rainforest terrain.

Feel the cultural and historical pulse of São Tomé, a hidden paradise brimming with calm and warmth. Start at the National Museum to explore colonial history, then visit Praça Marcelo da Veiga to see the statue of rebellion leader Rei Amador and the Cathedral. Head to Independence Square for a traditional Tchiloli performance. Drive to Bobô Fôrro market to learn local trading, then meet locals in Pantufo fishing village and discover daily life.

Unveil the highlights of São Tomé's eastern coast on this full-day tour. Start with a visit to the charming fishing village of Pantufo and Igreja de São Pedro church, followed by a stop at the Água Izé plantation, birthplace of cocoa production. Enjoy fresh coconut at Hell’s Mouth, see Praia das Sete Ondas surfing beach and Pico Cão Grande volcanic rock formation. Finish with lunch in Angolares, accompanied by a cultural performance.

An amazing tour for the ones interested in nature, endemic plants and birds. First, travel to the center of the island, around 1000 m altitude, and enjoy views of the cocoa and coffee plantations along the way. Drive to Bom Successo, where you will feel the impulse of nature surrounded by plants, trees and bird species. For nature lovers, this is an ideal place to learn about the endemic plants and see how some of them are used in the traditional medicine. The place is also a heaven for bird watchers as they will have the chance to see some endemic birds, such as: SãTomé Prinia, Paradise Flycatcher, Oriole, Giant Sunbird, Giant Weaver. You will also visit botanic garden where you will know more about some endemic plants as well as the orchids species that can be found in São Tomé and Príncipe. Learn about the educational role of the garden in the society and make sure to bring your binoculars to spot a variety of endemic birds. After the Botanical garden, drive to São Nicolau Waterfall, the most visited waterfall on the island. This beautiful waterfall, about 60 meters high, is hidden by the dense vegetation of the lush forest, but still reasonably easily accessible. Walking around you can reach the small plantation which gives the name to the waterfall. After, continue to Saudade for a delicious lunch and, on your way back to the ship, learn about the island history at the Massacre monument.

Dive into the heart and soul of Pointe-Noire, the Republic of Congo’s bustling port city. Visit landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Pointe Noire Beach and the historic Congo-Ocean railway line terminus. Visit the African Circle Museum, showcasing Congo's rich heritage with the Luca Cosentino collection of masks, statues and ritual objects, alongside historical photos and contemporary Congolese art.

Wander through Diosso Gorge, the Grand Canyon of the Congo, one of the country’s most famous and beautiful sites. Formed by plateau erosion into stunning circuses, it features 50-metre-high red rock cliffs draped in rainforest, resembling small valleys. Hike for 1 hour through forest trails with breathtaking views of pink and ocher granitic rocks. Locals believe the gorge is home to the female spirit Mboma, in a snakelike form.

Stand in awe at the Makola Salt Glacier, a unique natural wonder born from an environmental disaster. Originally a salt mine, a massive flood in the 1970s left behind a salt dome, which has since transformed into an awe-inspiring salt glacier. Marvel at the shimmering salt formations, capturing the interplay of light and shadow. The glacier's slow movement creates intricate patterns, offering surreal photo ops in this extraordinary landscape.

Dive into the heart and soul of Pointe-Noire, the Republic of Congo’s bustling port city. Visit landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Pointe Noire Beach and the historic Congo-Ocean railway line terminus. Visit the African Circle Museum, showcasing Congo's rich heritage with the Luca Cosentino collection of masks, statues and ritual objects, alongside historical photos and contemporary Congolese art.

Wander through Diosso Gorge, the Grand Canyon of the Congo, one of the country’s most famous and beautiful sites. Formed by plateau erosion into stunning circuses, it features 50-metre-high red rock cliffs draped in rainforest, resembling small valleys. Hike for 1 hour through forest trails with breathtaking views of pink and ocher granitic rocks. Locals believe the gorge is home to the female spirit Mboma, in a snakelike form.

Stand in awe at the Makola Salt Glacier, a unique natural wonder born from an environmental disaster. Originally a salt mine, a massive flood in the 1970s left behind a salt dome, which has since transformed into an awe-inspiring salt glacier. Marvel at the shimmering salt formations, capturing the interplay of light and shadow. The glacier's slow movement creates intricate patterns, offering surreal photo ops in this extraordinary landscape.

Prepare to be captivated on a thrilling safari adventure to the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Drive from Pointe-Noire to the Kouilou River, where you'll board boats to explore islands home to over 200 chimpanzees living in semi-freedom. Witness these incredible primates during feeding time at Africa’s largest sanctuary and learn about vital conservation efforts. Afterward, return to Pointe-Noire by boat and 4x4 vehicles.