Cruising in Namibia: the Skeleton Coast

Jours 1-2

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

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Kirstenbosch Gardens and Table Mountain

5 hrs 15 min

Meet your guide on the pier and board your transportation for a short drive to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Skirting the slopes of Devil’s Peak, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is spread over 1,300 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and are home to over 8,500 species of indigenous plants. Wander through the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some free time in the well-stocked Curio Shop. After your time spent at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the coach will take you to the lower cable-way station for the ascent to the summit of Table Mountain. The journey takes just under 7 minutes and the floor rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent, giving you a full panorama of the area. There is nothing to beat the mountain top for fabulous views of the city, Table Bay and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The Flat-topped Table Mountain, on the northern end of the peninsula, has long dominated Cape Town. When viewed from the city, the central massif has Devil’s Peak on the left, Lion’s Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground: together they form a sort of Amphitheatre, which encloses the city centre. After your visit at the top of Table Mountain you will board your transportation for a scenic drive back to the pier along the Atlantic Coast.

Facultatif

Lion's Head Hike at Sunrise

4 hours

Disembark your ship at sunrise and transfer to Lion’s Head. Travel up Kloof Nek to Lion’s Head which has a distinctive shape of a lion’s rump. Lion’s Head is one of the most famous spots in Cape Town which summits at 669 meters above sea level. This is a fantastic hiking route as it involves great views over the city bowl, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the beautiful Clifton beach. The Lion’s Head hike starts off on a jeep track and soon leads into a rocky single path and some stone steps. There are some steep sections, and it gets harder as you reach the summit. You will see varieties of Table Mountain’s unique fynbos and impressive rock formations throughout the hike. Large Cape granite boulders are found on the lower slopes and, as we get higher, we’ll hike over the sandstone cliffs. Once at the top of Lion’s Head, we’ll take some well-deserved time to relax and enjoy the panoramic 360-degree views of the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the white sandy beaches and suburbs of the prestige Atlantic Seaboard. The views from the summit are mind blowing and a great way to put Cape Town into a new perspective. The hike takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit, following a circular trail that gradually becomes steeper. Many walkers choose to stop at the plateau section, which already offers stunning panoramic views. For those seeking more of a challenge, the final section involves rocky terrain, ladders, and chains to assist with climbing to the summit. It’s a moderately challenging route, best suited to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness, sturdy footwear, and a head for heights. Enjoy a lovely “hiking” breakfast setup by your porters whilst enjoying the spectacular views and fresh air. After a lovely breakfast, descent on a leisurely walk back to your awaiting vehicle to transfer back to the ship. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Facultatif

Cape Winelands Deluxe Tour

8 hrs 20 min

Experience the magical beauty of the Cape Winelands on a full day tour to the heart of the award-winning South African wine producing region. Depart the pier for your drive on the N1 National Road en route to Franschhoek. You will stop in central Franschhoek and have a chance to explore this picturesque and unique town. Franschhoek is known as the food and wine capital of South Africa, the beautiful Cape Dutch Architecture, boutique shops, world class restaurants and art galleries make this a true gem of Cape Town. During your free time you will have a chance to explore or simply grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Your second stop will be Boschendal Wine Estate, this estate offers everything from wine tasting, shopping, garden tours, is an authentic working farm and iconic landmark. Upon arrival you will get an overview of the estate, tour the Werf garden (where most of the produce comes from) and walk through their home store. After your tour you will take a short drive to the other side of the farm for a wine tasting under a large oak tree. After your wine tasting you will make your way to the Werf Picnic area for a relaxing picnic on the lawn. Picnic baskets are based on local produce and most of it comes directly from the farm. After your picnic you will board your transportation and head to Stellenbosch. Here you will have an orientation tour of Stellenbosch where your guide will point out landmarks and give you a history of the area. Stellenbosch is a university town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. You will stop at Blaauklippen Wine Estate for a delicious wine and chocolate pairing. This beautiful wine estate produces many wines, craft gin and even brandy. After your amazing day out in the winelands you will board your transportation for a drive back to the harbour. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Jour 3

Saldanha Bay, 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

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Khwa Ttu San Spirit Tour

5 hours

Journey through the beautiful West Coast landscape to !Khwa ttu Nature Reserve, a remarkable sanctuary where the rich heritage of the San people—the earliest known inhabitants of Southern Africa—comes to life. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed into the !Khwa ttu Heritage Center, an inspiring space that blends interactive exhibits, storytelling, and traditional knowledge to reveal the deep connection the San have with the land. As you explore, knowledgeable guides share insights into San culture: how they lived as master hunter-gatherers, reading the landscape with extraordinary skill, tracking animals with precision, and identifying edible plants and powerful bush medicines in the wild. Through immersive displays and authentic demonstrations, you’ll gain an appreciation for their artistry, spirituality, and survival wisdom passed down through generations. Your visit continues with two hands-on experiences that allow you to engage more personally with aspects of San life—perhaps trying your hand at traditional skills, listening to ancestral stories, or discovering how the San interpret nature through signs and symbols. Enriched with a deeper understanding of this ancient culture and its enduring legacy, you’ll depart !Khwa ttu with a renewed appreciation for the people who have shaped Southern Africa’s human story for millennia.

Facultatif

Extended Khwa Ttu San Spirit Tour

6 hrs 15 min

This tour is an extended version of the included option, with lunch. Depart the pier and enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of the West Coast en route to !Khwa ttu Nature Reserve, a hidden gem dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique heritage of Southern Africa’s first people—the San. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed at the !Khwa ttu Heritage Centre, where a full day of cultural discovery awaits. The San, also known as the Bushmen, are the oldest known inhabitants of Southern Africa, with a deep connection to the land and an extraordinary understanding of nature. The Heritage Centre tells their story through immersive exhibits, authentic experiences, and the voices of San descendants themselves. Your visit will be structured into a series of 30-minute rotating experiences, guided by trained San storytellers. Learn how these skilled hunter-gatherers forage for food in the wild, identify and use traditional bush medicines, and track animals with impressive precision. You’ll also enjoy a traditional tea tasting using indigenous plants that have been harvested and brewed the San way. Midway through your experience, relax and take in the natural surroundings as you enjoy a delicious two-course lunch at the reserve's charming restaurant, known for its fresh local ingredients and serene views. After this enriching and eye-opening cultural journey, you’ll rejoin your coach for a leisurely drive back to the Langebaan pier. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Jour 4

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 5

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

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Luderitz Walking Tour

2.5 hours

Luderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay, and is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. A peninsula with numerous coves juts out of the coast to form the bay. Three small islands - Penguin, Seal and Flamingo - lie within the bay. Shark Island was also once an island in the bay, but the new harbor development now joins it to the mainland. Join a 2-hour guided walking tour through the town’s barren streets, passing many colonial German-style buildings, with their domes, towers & turrets, steep roofs, oriel windows, embellished gables, bay windows and Wintergärtens (sun rooms), which provide shelter from the wind. Pay a visit to the Luderitz Museum with its flora, history and ethnology exhibits. Other notable buildings visited include the Goerke Haus and Felsenkirche. Goerke Haus is a grand residence or "diamond palace" built in 1909, restored to its former glory and furnished with period pieces. Felsenkirche (Church on the rocks) is the name given to the German Evangelical Lutheran church built in 1912. The stained-glass windows and the woodwork inside the church are impressive. The fine proportions of the church and its verticality of form represent the vertical Gothic-style, which was popular in the Victorian era, rather than the neo-Gothic-style which was preferred in the German church at the time.

Facultatif

Ville fantôme de Kolmanskop

2.5 hours

Kolmanskop est la ville fantôme la plus connue de Namibie, située dans le Spergebiet (territoire interdit), à seulement quelques kilomètres à l'intérieur des terres depuis Lüderitz. En 1908, l’ouvrier ferroviaire Zacharias Lewala trouva une pierre scintillante dans le sable où il travaillait au sein d’une équipe d’entretien ferroviaire près de Kolmanskop. Convaincu qu’il s’agissait d’un diamant, son superviseur fit confirmer la découverte et la nouvelle se répandit comme une traînée de poudre, déclenchant une « ruée vers les diamants » qui attira en masse des chercheurs de fortune dans la ville. Kolmanskop devint rapidement un centre animé offrant aux travailleurs un abri face aux conditions rudes du désert du Namib. Le développement de Kolmanskop atteignit son apogée dans les années 1920, avec environ 300 adultes allemands, 40 enfants et 800 travailleurs contractuels Ovambo vivant dans la ville. La baisse des ventes de diamants après la Première Guerre mondiale, ainsi que la découverte de gisements plus riches plus au sud à Oranjemund, entraînèrent le déclin de Kolmanskop. En l’espace de quarante ans, la ville naquit, prospéra puis déclina. Aujourd’hui, les ruines effritées de la ville fantôme ne ressemblent guère à sa splendeur passée. Les demeures cossues ont été en grande partie détruites par le vent et sont progressivement englouties par les dunes de sable envahissantes. Le site offre un cadre idéal pour de superbes prises de vue photographiques. Après un court transfert depuis le port, participez à une visite guidée de la ville fantôme, au cours de laquelle une brève introduction vous sera présentée, retraçant l’histoire de la ville ainsi que l’état actuel de l’industrie diamantaire. Vous visiterez également certains des édifices les plus importants, avant de disposer de temps libre pour explorer la ville par vous-même. Participation minimale requise ; la visite peut être annulée ou sujette à des modifications tarifaires si ce minimum n’est pas atteint.

Jours 6-7

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

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Inclus

Dîner sous les étoiles dans le Paysage lunaire

4 hrs 10 min

Plongez dans la beauté envoûtante du désert du Namib grâce à notre expérience exclusive « Dîner sous les étoiles » dans l'extraordinaire paysage lunaire près de la Baie de Walvis. Au fur et à mesure que le soleil doré se retire à l'horizon, vous serez transporté dans un monde surréaliste de formations rocheuses escarpées, de dunes ondulantes et de vallées paisibles, créant un cadre dramatique et impressionnant comme nul autre. À votre arrivée, vous serez chaleureusement accueilli par des artistes de feu envoûtants, donnant le ton magique de la soirée. Tout au long de la nuit, profitez des rythmes vibrants d'un groupe de marimba en direct, qui compose une bande-son entraînante pour cette expérience inoubliable. Installez-vous tandis que nos chefs experts présentent un festin gastronomique mettant en valeur un mariage soigneusement orchestré de saveurs locales et de cuisine internationale, accompagné d'une sélection de grands vins et de boissons rafraîchissantes. Entouré par le vaste silence du désert et sous une voûte d'étoiles scintillantes, vous ressentirez une profonde communion avec la nature, tandis que la douce brise du soir ajoute à l'atmosphère sereine et intime de cette nuit véritablement magique.

Facultatif

Walvis Bay Marine Wildlife Cruise

4 hours

Depart Walvis Bay Harbour and make your way to the picturesque waterfront, where your catamaran and friendly crew will welcome you aboard. As you set off across the sheltered lagoon, take in the stunning views of the Namibian coastline and the tranquil waters stretching toward the horizon. Your first destination is Pelican Point, a scenic sand spit that is home to a lively colony of Cape Fur Seals. These playful animals often swim right up to the boat, offering entertaining encounters and fantastic photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins, especially the agile Heaviside’s and bottlenose species, who may ride the bow wave or leap alongside the vessel, delighting guests with their acrobatic displays. As you continue cruising, relax and enjoy a glass of chilled sparkling wine accompanied by a tasty selection of finger snacks, served on board. Soak in the peaceful surroundings, the fresh ocean breeze, and the chance to spot seabirds and other marine life along the way. Once your catamaran adventure comes to an end, you’ll disembark at the waterfront and meet your driver for the comfortable return journey to the quayside. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Facultatif

Namibian Cultural Tour

4 hours

Meet your driver and guide at the quayside and begin an immersive journey through the vibrant streets of Mondesa Township in Swakopmund. This lively community is a rich tapestry of Namibian cultures, where the traditions and daily lives of the Oshiwambo, Ovaherero, and Damara-Nama peoples come alive. As you stroll through the colorful neighborhood, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with locals, gaining insight into their customs and heritage. Savor the unique flavors of traditional dishes, including the renowned mopane caterpillar—a protein-rich delicacy deeply rooted in the local diet. Enjoy lively local music and share a refreshing drink, whether it’s a locally brewed beer or a soft beverage, at a welcoming township restaurant. Throughout the experience, your guide will share heartfelt stories that highlight the resilience, spirit, and cultural pride of the community, offering a deeper understanding of what makes Mondesa so special. After this enriching cultural encounter, you’ll return to the quayside along the scenic coastal road. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Jour 8

Day at sea

Jour 9

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

Jour 10

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

Activités :

Inclus

Aventure dans le désert de Namibe

5 hours

Montez à bord de l'autocar et rejoignez la lisière du désert pour observer la Welwitschia mirabilis intacte, une plante rare que l'on trouve dans la province de Namibe, au sud de l'Angola, et dans le désert du Namib. La visite se poursuivra à travers le paysage désertique jusqu'à l'Arche, également connue sous le nom d'oasis perdue. La lagune, appelée localement “Lago do Arco do Carvalhao”, présente de magnifiques formations rocheuses, un lieu unique, une véritable œuvre d'art sculptée par la nature. Profitez d'une atmosphère de silence, de paix et de grande tranquillité, avec une vue splendide sublimée par une végétation aquatique d'un vert éclatant. En tant que l'une des attractions préhistoriques en Angola, la lagune de l'Arche est en effet une oasis unique d'une beauté époustouflante qui offre aux visiteurs le luxe de s'imaginer sur une autre planète ou dans un film de science-fiction. Promenez-vous et imprégnez-vous de la beauté de cette merveille naturelle avant de retourner à la petite ville de Namibe. Effectuez un court tour d'orientation en ville en autocar, en découvrant la vieille ville, son architecture baroque, son ancien stade et ses églises. Visiter l'Angola est une expérience enrichissante ; toutefois, les autocars sont entretenus mais basiques, et leur niveau de confort peut varier. Il n'existe pas d'obligation de certification formelle pour les guides en Angola, et, pour soutenir la communauté locale, l'assistance à bord des autocars est principalement assurée en anglais par des intervenants locaux.

Facultatif

Extended Namibe Desert and Beach

8 hours

This tour is an extension of the Namibe Desert Adventure - included tour. Apart from the stop at the Arch and at the Welwitschia mirabilis, you will also have the opportunity to discover Colinas do Curoca, before enjoying lunch at a local beach restaurant and approx. 1hr at the beach. Board the coach and reach the desert boarder to see the untouched Welwitschia mirabilis. The Welwitschia is a rare plant found in the Namibe Province of South Angola and the Namib Desert. Next stop, Colinas do Curoca, an iconic setting, bringing back childhood memories of cartoons. The beauty and grandeur of the place is impressive, and its tourist importance is an unavoidable fact for the province of Namibe. The giant towers sculpted by nature range up to 25 meters in height. Sculpted over centuries by the action of the winds, the rocky monuments color the region in beautiful shades of red and produce gigantic remains on the desert floor. The experience of being there, feeling and breathing such a natural masterpiece, is as grand as the scenery itself. The tour will continue through the desert landscape to the Arch, also known as the lost oasis. The lagoon, locally known as “Lago do Arco do Carvalhao” features magnificent rock formations, a unique place and work of art sculpted by nature. Enjoy an atmosphere of silence, peace and plenty of tranquility with an awesome view enhanced by vivid green aquatic plants. As one of the prehistoric attractions in Angola, the Arch Lagoon is indeed a unique oasis of stunning beauty that grants the visitors the luxury of imagining themselves in a different planet or in a science fiction movie. Stroll around and take in the beauty of this magnificent natural wonder. Return to the little town of Namibe for lunch in a local beach restaurant and spend some relaxing time at the beach. Minimum participation required; tour may be cancelled or subject to price changes if not met.

Jour 11

Day at sea

Jour 12

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