Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts

Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts | Swan Hellenic

Expedition highlights

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

Colonial Past

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

Guided Walks

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

Nature & Wildlife Reserves

Explore the natural beauty of Africa, from island ecosystems to reserves and coastal habitats

African Traditions

Africa works best when it feels lived-in. Expect markets, craft, music, and small moments that explain how people actually live along these coasts.

Itinéraire jour par jour

Throughout your expedition, you'll encounter an array of fascinating destinations. Discover Freetown, known for its Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and rich heritage. Explore the enchanting Bijagos Archipelago with its lush biodiversity and cultural treasures. As you wander through Elmina, the historic castle stands testament to the area's poignant past, while Abidjan unveils its robust arts scene. Each stop delves deeper into West Africa's untold stories. The itinerary brims with engaging activities that promise both enlightenment and entertainment. Shore excursions invite you to traverse historical sites, observe incredible wildlife, and indulge in cultural narratives. Explore vibrant cityscapes, relish authentic local cuisines, and participate in hands-on workshops like batik making or traditional drumming. Each moment on this luxury cruise transforms the journey into an enriching tapestry of memories

REMARQUE: Cet itinéraire fournit des informations générales sur chaque destination. Veuillez également noter que certains lieux et points forts mentionnés peuvent ne pas être ouverts ou accessibles le jour de notre visite. Pour obtenir le programme d'excursions le plus précis, nous vous recommandons de contacter votre agent Swan Hellenic ou votre agence de voyage à l'approche de la date de départ.

Aperçu

Jour 1

Tema (Accra)

Tema is a short drive from Ghana’s fast-paced capital, Accra, a city that's culturally rich, modern and historic all at once. European-built forts and Black Star Independence Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the past. The neighbourhood of Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with old colonial buildings, is its pulse with an art scene and local bites like waakye – rice and beans with sides – at a low-key ‘chop bar’

Jours 2-3

Elmina

A solemn reminder of the past, 15th century Elmina Castle in Ghana was a key slave trade hub, originally protecting gold trade before Dutch and British slave trade involvement. This UNESCO site exemplified the era's contradictions, with Europeans in luxurious quarters above filthy, cramped slave dungeons. The infamous Door of No Return opened to ships on the gruelling Middle Passage

Activités :

Inclus

Cape Coast Castle and drum dance

3 hours

Stand where African slaves once stood at UNESCO-listed Cape Coast Castle, a powerful symbol of resilience. It held more enslaved Africans than any other West African site. Delve into its history, from slave port to a moving museum. Witness the "Door of No Return" and tour the dungeons, walking in the footsteps of countless slaves. Finally, discover Ghanaian culture with traditional drumming and dance, telling stories through rhythm and movement.

Inclus

Traditional music and dances on board

1 hour

Feel the beat of Ghana’s traditions as the rhythm of djembe drums fills the air. Witness lively dances and discover the Ashanti people’s folklore. Local artists will board the ship to enchant you with vibrant rhythms and movements, embodying the heartbeat of Ghana. Their colorful attire, expressive choreography and storytelling bring the country’s rich cultural heritage to life in unforgettable ways.

Facultatif

Elmina Castle, City walk & Batik Making

5 hours

Journey through centuries of heritage and craftsmanship on this guided tour. Explore the oldest colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, Elmina’s Castle of St. George dating back to 1482, a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. Visit the local fish market and see traditional wooden boats. Drive to Global Mamas, where women are empowered through fair trade. Learn the art of batik-making, create your own design and take it home.

Facultatif

Kakum National Park's Canopy Walkway

4.5 hours

Soar above the treetops and journey inland to Kakum National Park, a sanctuary safeguarding Ghana's vanishing tropical guinea rainforest and rich wildlife. Walk along forest trails and cross Africa's renowned canopy walkway, 40 metres above the forest floor, offering stunning views from seven platforms and rope bridges. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and mammals camouflaged in the branches as you take in this awe inspiring perspective of nature.

Jour 3

Takoradi

Historically developed around its deep-water harbor built during the colonial era, Takoradi remains one of Ghana’s key maritime and commercial hubs, handling exports such as cocoa, timber and minerals while also serving the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Guinea. The city has a distinctly working-port character rather than a resort atmosphere, with busy fishing communities, open markets, palm-fringed beaches and a humid tropical climate. It also provides access to nearby heritage landmarks like Fort Metal Cross, one of several European forts scattered along the historic Gold Coast, reflecting the region’s layered colonial past and its continued economic importance within West Africa

Jour 4

Abidjan

A city pulsating with energy, Abidjan, the former capital of Côte D’Ivoire, stands as a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene interweaves with the cultures, cuisines and traditions that define Abidjan. Serving as a window into West Africa, the infectious tropical mood permeates the city. Abidjan's unique atmosphere, galleries and markets, along with the fascinating National Museum, make it a captivating destination

Activités :

Inclus

Colonial Grand Bassam

5.5 hours

Step back in time and explore the colonial charm of Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the Ivory Coast capital, it blends European and African cultures. Stroll through the French colonial district, past landmarks like the Palais de Justice, Sacré Coeur cathedral, Governor "Binger's" Palace and the Ariane Monument. Visit the National Costume Museum to delve into Ivorian heritage, and end with craft shopping at the Artisanal Centre.

Facultatif

Abidjan highlights, Bingerville garden and local gastronomy

5 hrs 50 min

Experience the essence of Abidjan, starting with a visit to Bingerville Botanical Garden, created by French Governor Gabriel Angoulvant. Explore its tropical plants, including food and medicinal species. Then, return to Abidjan for an Attieke tasting, a local dish made from fermented cassava. Visit the grand Cathedral of Saint Paul, designed by Aldo Spirito, and finish at Treichville market, where local cuisine, fresh produce, and spices await.

Jours 5-6

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

Jour 7

Freetown

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. Nearby, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues endangered primates in a rainforest

Activités :

Inclus

Visite historique de la ville de Freetown

4.5 hours

Sentez le poids du temps en parcourant les sites emblématiques de la ville de Freetown, notamment l'historique Arbre du Coton, symbole du lieu où des esclaves affranchis s'installèrent en 1792. Visitez le Monument de la Paix et de la Culture, qui rend hommage à l'indépendance de la Sierra Leone et à sa transformation après la guerre civile. Découvrez le Musée du chemin de fer, le Collège de la Baie Fourah et la Cathédrale Saint-Georges. Plongez dans le Musée national et passez devant la Cour du Roi, le Fort Thornton et la Maison d'État présidentielle.

Facultatif

Île Bunce

4 hrs 15 min

Portez un regard sur l'héritage profond de la traite transatlantique des esclaves à l'Île Bunce, le plus important château d'esclaves britannique de la Sierra Leone, datant de 1670. Après un court trajet en voiture et une traversée en ferry, explorez ses ruines saisissantes, notamment la maison de la factorerie, la prison des esclaves, les tours de guet et les magasins. Fermée en 1808, elle fut autrefois un centre majeur d'exportation de captifs africains. Aujourd'hui en délabrement, l'authenticité de l'île est renforcée par la végétation qui l'a envahie.

Facultatif

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

4.5 hours

Catch a glimpse of 100 rescued chimpanzees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded in 1995 by conservationists Bala and Sharmila Amarasekaran. Watch these playful creatures swinging from trees, nuzzling each other, and gently combing their fur. Discover the sanctuary's amazing work in providing a safe haven for mistreated chimpanzees, focusing on their rehabilitation and reintegration into the wild.

Jour 8

Day at sea

Jours 9-11

Bijagos Archipelago

The remote Bijagos Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau comprises 88 islands with mangroves, savannahs, and palm forests, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its ecosystems host endangered species like green sea turtles, saltwater hippos and African manatees, plus 800,000 migratory birds annually. Untouched by tourism, the Bijagos offers pristine beaches and a rich cultural heritage, with rare matrilineal customs and traditional ceremonies

Activités :

Inclus

Expedition days in Bijagos Islands

The Bijagós Islands are an archipelago of approximately 88 islands located off the continental coast of Guinea-Bissau. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2025, the islands exemplify a harmonious interaction between the traditional, sustainable practices of the Bijagós people and the preservation of the region’s wild natural environment. We will spend two days in the Bijagós, landing on several islands to visit communities, explore the forests, and discover the mosaic of ecosystems that make up the archipelago. The exact landing sites will depend on local weather conditions at the time of arrival. Note: All landings and shore activities in the Bijagós are included — you do not need to book in advance.

Jour 12

Banjul

At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic, Gambia’s relaxed capital city, Banjul, sits on a small island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. The 19th-century Albert Market sells souvenirs and the colorful traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups, offering a lively glimpse into everyday local life

Activités :

Inclus

Les incontournables de Banjul

4.5 hours

Découvrez l'esprit dynamique de la Gambie lors d'une visite urbaine captivante de Banjul, où vous explorerez des sites emblématiques tels que le sacré bassin à crocodiles de Katchikally à Bakau — qui abrite plus de 100 crocodiles depuis plus d'un siècle — avant de vous rendre à la foisonnante Serrekunda pour observer les techniques traditionnelles de teinture à nouer (tie-and-dye) dans une fabrique locale de batik. En passant par le spectaculaire Arc 22, érigé pour commémorer la Révolution du 22 juillet, vous poursuivrez votre route vers le Musée national de la Gambie pour approfondir votre compréhension de la culture, des traditions et de l'histoire gambiennes. La visite se conclut au vivant marché Saint-Albert, où vous pourrez observer la vie quotidienne, parcourir l'artisanat local et même vous exercer au marchandage pour dénicher des souvenirs uniques.

Inclus

Discover the Rich Cultural Tapestry of The Gambia - Show on board

1 hour

Let the sounds of local instruments transport you to the heart of The Gambia's cultural heritage, where nine ethnic groups come to life with their unique languages, attire, and music. Experience the rhythms of the Mandinka's Kora, the Fulani's Riti, the Jola's Balafon and the Djembe drums. Masterfully played by Griots, oral historians within each group, these instruments bring the rich traditions of The Gambia to life.

Facultatif

Makasutu Cultural Forest Adventure

5.5 hours

Walk on the wild side in Makasutu Cultural Forest, exploring diverse ecosystems—forest, savannah, and mangroves—home to wildlife like monkeys, lizards, and baboons. Start with traditional dance and drumming under a baobab tree, then enjoy a dugout canoe ride along scenic waterways, watching oyster collectors at work. A guided bush walk reveals vibrant flora and fauna before meeting the Marabout Man, who makes wine from palm sap.

Facultatif

Estuary exploration in a local pirogue

5.5 hours

Sit back and unwind on a serene pirogue journey through the Gambian waterways. Glide along the River Gambia’s estuary and tributaries, watching for bird species and wildlife like kingfishers, herons, and monkeys in the mangroves. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board, with opportunities to swim, fish, or bask in the sun. Don’t forget your binoculars for bird watching and a towel for swimming.

Jours 13-14

Dakar

Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop

Activités :

Inclus

Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

5 hours

Escape the buzz of Dakar and immerse yourself in the tranquil village of Gorée Island, a UNESCO site once central to the transatlantic slave trade. Take the ferry to this historic island, home to 1,300 residents and colorful ochre houses. Explore the museum at Fort Estrée, visit the House of Slaves, and walk the cliffside trails, including the Gorée Almadies monument. Wander the colonial-era alleys for a moving journey through history.

Inclus

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve and Somone Lagoon (with lunch)

8 hrs 15 min

Discover the wildlife of West Africa at the Bandia Conservation Park, a small natural reserve situated 1h30 drive from the port of Dakar. Bandia has a micro system thanks to which we can appreciate the diversity of typical Sahelian flora, huge baobabs, thorny bushes or whimsical lianas. It is also a heaven for wildlife since, with the exception of the big carnivores, you will be able to see most of the best-known Western Africa animals like for example white rhinoceros, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, gazelle and many other species. Upon arrival at the reserve, embark on a 1,5hr 4x4 game drive accompanied by a specialized guide. After admiring the wildlife, drive to Somone and take a boat ride across the Somone Lagoon to observe the mangrove and the local fauna. Lunch will be served at a restaurant, either at Bandia or in Somone. Drive back to Dakar.

Facultatif

UNESCO Goree Island and vibrant Dakar

8 hours

This tour includes a ferry ride to the historic UNESCO-listed Gorée Island with visits to the House of Slaves and the Fort of Estrée, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After returning to Dakar, you’ll enjoy a city tour covering key landmarks such as the Cathedral of African Memory, Independence Square, and the African Renaissance Monument. The tour is mostly on foot and varies in length depending on ferry schedules and traffic.

Facultatif

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve ending at airport (for disembarking guests with late flights)

5 hours

Mille et une façons de passer la journée

Avec Swan Hellenic, la journée type n'existe pas. Nous vous offrons des possibilités infinies pour ajuster chaque moment à vos envies et à votre humeur : à bord, votre journée idéale est toujours à portée de main.

SH Diana en bref

Croisière boutique

Les intérieurs sur mesure du SH Diana sont spacieux et raffinés, avec un mobilier moelleux et des baies vitrées du sol au plafond qui offrent des vues dégagées sur certains des paysages les plus incroyables du monde. Des lignes franches et épurées se marient au bois, au métal et aux tissus naturels pour créer un confort décontracté.

Excellence culinaire

Une cuisine remarquable fait partie intégrante de votre expérience de voyage boutique. Préparez-vous à explorer l'excellence gastronomique : les chefs de renommée mondiale de Swan Hellenic vous emmènent dans un voyage culinaire international

Beauté et spa

Choisissez parmi les soins de beauté et de bien-être, dont des massages d'inspiration balinaise et des soins du corps. C'est la façon la plus simple de se ressourcer entre deux débarquements.

Fitness et sauna

Notre salle de sport dernier cri a tout ce qu'il faut pour un entraînement tonifiant, des appareils de cardio aux élastiques et aux poids libres. Profitez de séances avec des coachs personnels et détendez-vous dans le sauna panoramique.

Découvertes à bord

Plongez dans la nature, l'histoire et la culture de chaque lieu visité pendant votre croisière grâce à des briefings, des conférences et des présentations dédiés. Nos guides d'expédition expérimentés rendront votre temps à bord aussi passionnant qu'instructif.

Un environnement qui invite

Que vous cherchiez un moment de calme, l'occasion de recharger vos batteries ou la possibilité d'explorer les merveilles du monde naturel, le SH Diana offre une variété d'espaces apaisants et régénérants pour rendre votre voyage avec nous vraiment inoubliable.

Service personnalisé

Swan Hellenic, c'est le service personnalisé et l'hospitalité sincère. Notre équipage chaleureux et accueillant n'a qu'un objectif : vous offrir la meilleure expérience possible.

Votre chez-vous loin de chez vous

Détendez-vous dans l'élégance discrète de votre cabine ou de votre suite. Mélange raffiné de tons sourds, de matières naturelles et de technologie intuitive, le design d'inspiration scandinave marie avec évidence le monde naturel et un confort d'exception.

SH Diana en bref

Croisière boutique

Excellence culinaire

Beauté et spa

Choisissez parmi les soins de beauté et de bien-être, dont des massages d'inspiration balinaise et des soins du corps. C'est la façon la plus simple de se ressourcer entre deux débarquements.

Fitness et sauna

Découvertes à bord

Un environnement qui invite

Service personnalisé

Swan Hellenic, c'est le service personnalisé et l'hospitalité sincère. Notre équipage chaleureux et accueillant n'a qu'un objectif : vous offrir la meilleure expérience possible.

Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts

Expedition highlights

Colonial Past

Guided Walks

Nature & Wildlife Reserves

African Traditions

Itinéraire jour par jour

Aperçu

Tema (Accra)

Elmina

Activités :

Cape Coast Castle and drum dance

Traditional music and dances on board

Elmina Castle, City walk & Batik Making

Kakum National Park's Canopy Walkway

Takoradi

Abidjan

Activités :

Colonial Grand Bassam

Abidjan highlights, Bingerville garden and local gastronomy

Day at sea

Freetown

Activités :

Visite historique de la ville de Freetown

Île Bunce

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Day at sea

Bijagos Archipelago

Activités :

Expedition days in Bijagos Islands

Banjul

Activités :

Les incontournables de Banjul

Discover the Rich Cultural Tapestry of The Gambia - Show on board

Makasutu Cultural Forest Adventure

Estuary exploration in a local pirogue

Dakar

Activités :

Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve and Somone Lagoon (with lunch)

UNESCO Goree Island and vibrant Dakar

Safari at Bandia Natural Reserve ending at airport (for disembarking guests with late flights)

Mille et une façons de passer la journée

SH Diana en bref

Croisière boutique

Excellence culinaire

Beauté et spa

Fitness et sauna

Découvertes à bord

Un environnement qui invite

Service personnalisé

Votre chez-vous loin de chez vous

Cabines

Vue sur l'océan

Balcon

Suite Junior

Suite

Suite Premium

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Expedition highlights

Colonial Past

Guided Walks

Nature & Wildlife Reserves

African Traditions

SH Diana en bref

Croisière boutique

Excellence culinaire

Beauté et spa

Fitness et sauna

Découvertes à bord

Un environnement qui invite

Service personnalisé

Votre chez-vous loin de chez vous