West Coast Of Africa - From South Africa To Angola

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

CAPE TOWN
DAY 1
Starting our epic 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


AT SEA
DAY 2
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.


LUDERITZ
DAY 3
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.


WALVIS BAY
DAY 4-5
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.


AT SEA
DAY 6
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, ANGOLA
DAY 7
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.


AT SEA
DAY 8
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.


LUANDA
DAY 9-10
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.



AVAILABLE EXCURSIONS!
LUDERITZ, NAMIBIA - Mon 27-Mar-2023
Kolmanskop Ghost Town Walking Tour INCLUDED
Duration: 2:00
Activity Level: 2
Kolmanskop is Namibia's most well-known ghost town, situated in the Spergebiet, (forbidden territory), just a few kilometers inland from Luderitz.
In 1908, the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand he was working in a railway maintenance team near Kolmanskop. His supervisor August Stauch, was convinced it was a diamond and when this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a “Diamond Rush” which caused fortune hunters to converge on the town in droves.
Kolmanskop soon became a bustling centre providing workers with shelter from the harsh environment of the Namib Desert. Large, elegant houses were built and it soon resembled a German town, complete with an impressive array of amenities including a hospital, ballroom, power station, school, 2-lane skittle alley, theatre and sports hall, casino, ice factory, butchery, bakery and the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere.
The development of Kolmanskop reached its peak in the 1920's, with approximately 300 German adults, 40 children and 800 Ovambo contract workers living in the town.
The drop in diamond sales after World War I, as well as the discovery of richer deposits further south at Oranjemund, resulted in the decline of Kolmanskop. Within a span of 40 years, the town lived, flourished and died.
Today the ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The stately homes have been nearly demolished by the wind and are gradually becoming enveloped by encroaching sand dunes.

The area creates the perfect backdrop for good photographic opportunities, and film enthusiasts may be interested to know, that in 2000, the film, The King is Alive, was filmed in Kolmanskop, with the town being utilized as the film's main setting. The town was also used as one of the locations in the 1993 film, Dust Devil.
Join a guided tour, during which you will be given a short introduction, covering the history of the town, as well as the diamond industry today. Also pay a visit to some of the more important buildings, before taking time to explore the town on your own.
Please note: some active walking is required, on even and uneven sandy or paved terrain. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, and sun lotion. The order of the sightseeing program may vary. The vehicles are maintained, although basic, and the quality can vary considerably. Vehicles of different sizes may be used as shuttle for all departures.

Hiking Luderitz Peninsula USD 149.00
Duration: 4:30
Activity Level: 3
Depart the quayside and drive to the southernmost point of the peninsula – Grosse Bucht. A brief stop will be made on the top of the hill where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the bay.
The Luderitz Peninsula is located on the western shore of the Lüderitz Bay. It is not only a pleasant sight, but also keeps the fog out at sea. The area is very dry – since the average rainfall in the area is less than 22mm per year. Plant life is scarce, but after it rains some very interesting specimens of succulents can be found along the hiking route.
Your professional guide, Günther Berens will point these out and will also inform the hikers about interesting geological formations along this route.
After a visit to Grosse Bucht continue north, where the hikers will disembark at a lichen field approximately 4 km south of Dias Point. The hike will start along the ridge – between the coast and the arid stone desert landscape. Hike length is approximately 8 to 10km.
At Halifax Bay – just across from Halifax Island – which is the natural habitat of the African penguin – refreshments can be enjoyed. A walk along guano beach ends at Dias Point, where your bus will be waiting.
Please note: strenuous walking is required War walking/ hiking comfortable shoes, sun hats, sunglasses and sun lotion. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. This tour will not suit persons with walking difficulties.

Wild Horses of The Namib USD 309.00
Duration: 4:00
Activity Level: 1
Depart the quayside and drive into the Namib Desert to see the Wild Horses of the Namib. It is not known how long the Namib Desert Feral Horses have lived on an area covering approximately 350 square kilometers in the Namib Desert, but locals speculate they have been there since 'German times'. As there are no written records about their provenance, their origins remain unclear, but there are, of course, quite a few theories and they are supposedly descendants of the horses of the German Schutztruppe.
Viewing the wild horses in this quintessential getaway location is a must for any traveler. At the signpost Garub waterhole, a roofed observation stand (hide) has been put up by conservationists, from where one can closely view the extraordinary animals which have adapted to the extreme desert conditions.

Some of the indigenous wildlife, like the elusive gemsbok, springbok and ostriches can also be seen here. Gemsbok move away from the waterhole when horses approach and vice versa, but sometimes both species drink at the same time.
After spending a some time observing these magnificent creatures, a wild horse specialist will have a chat to the group about the wild horses and how it came about that these magnificent animals roam in the area. This willalso be a chance to learn about the surrounding area and the Namib Desert.
After this eventful day in the Namib Desert it’s time to head back to the quayside in Luderitz.
Please note: This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties but they can manage with the assistance of traveling partner. Comfortable shoes, hats and sunscreen is highly recommended. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Luderitz Walking Tour USD 39.00
Duration: 2:30
Activity Level: 2
Lüderitz 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 harbour development now joins it to the mainland. Twelve islands, collectively known as the Penguin Islands, lie in Namibian waters north and south of Lüderitz.
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.
Please note: Activity walking is required. This tour will not suit persons with walking difficulties. Wear comfortable shoes, hats, sunglasses and sun lotion. The order of the sightseeing program may vary.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - Tue 28-Mar-2023
Dinner in the Dunes Under the Stars INCLUDED
Duration: 4:30
Activity Level: 1
Depart the quayside and travel to your dinner location in the Swakop River Canyon also known as the Moonlandscape.
This region between the Namib Desert and the Central Plateau is a plain, rugged landscape with peculiar rock formations and dry riverbeds, burnt by the glaring sun and deeply dissected. Although relatively easily accessible, the environment is so hostile that no trees or human settlements can be found which gives this region a doomsday atmosphere.

Arriving at the desert dinner venue, the dark of night creates an amazing contrast with the blackness of the uninterrupted skies. Tables draped in linen, subtle lighting, a myriad of candles reflecting in and off the canyon walls, all this and more creating an unforgettable evening.
Enjoy a 3-course dinner, in a relaxed atmosphere further enhanced by a crackling fire and various entertainments.
Embark the waiting vehicles for your return journey to Walvis Bay.
Please note: this tour is suitable for guests with walking difficulties provided they have assistance. Some walking over gravel and sand is required. Wear comfortable light clothing, walking shoes, and bring a windbreaker.

Dolphins & Seals Cruise USD 99.00
Duration: 4:00
Activity Level: 1
Take a short drive by shuttle from the harbour to the jetty, where you will board a speed boat for a 3-hour cruise on the Walvis Bay lagoon. The water here is usually very calm and abundant with bird and marine life.
The boats depart the jetty and cruise around the lagoon and harbour area, from here, cut across the lagoon to the moored Russian trawlers and the oyster lines. Inquisitive seals will swim up to the boats for something to eat.
Continue to Pelican Point, where a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which swim alongside the boats, provide entertainment. Dolphins sighted are the Heavy side and Bottlenose.
For the bird lovers, apart from seeing many flamingos (seasonal), pelicans and cormorants, there are also common sightings of the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher etc.
To round off the trip, sparkling wine and finger snacks are served during the cruise. Local beer, soft drinks, mineral water, and a selection of open sandwiches and other snacks are also offered.
On arrival at the jetty, re-embark the coaches, which will transfer you back to the quayside.
Please note: this tour is strictly weather dependent and may be cancelled on the day if the weather conditions are not appropriate. Guests are encouraged to bring a warm, wind proof jacket, wear sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Animals are in their natural environment and not captive, therefore wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Minimum walking is involved, uneven and paved with a 20m wooden jetty.

Pelican Point Kayaking & Dune Drive USD 149.00
Duration: 4:30
Activity Level: 3
On arrival in Walvis Bay, disembark the ship and take a short transfer by coach to Walvis Bay Waterfront.
Meet your local guide and embark your awaiting planing catamaran for a short marine cruise from the waterfront to Pelican Point Peninsula, where a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which often swim alongside the boats, provide entertainment. Dolphins sighted are the Heavy side and Bottlenose.
For the bird lovers, Flamingos, Pelicans, and Cormorants are common sightings, as well as the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher and more.
At Pelican Point Beach disembark the catamaran and take a short beach walk to the Kayak Base. You will have to climb down a short ladder to the beach, so individuals must be physically capable of this.

Pelican Point is home to up to 50 000 Cape Fur Seals all year round. They are very friendly and playful and not scared of our Kayaks, even when we paddle right next to them. The seals are inquisitive and often come within touching distance of the kayaks. Spend approximately 45min – 1 hour exploring the area by Kayak.
Return to Pelican Point Beach for some hot or cold refreshments and time to relax and take in the experience.
Next, you will be picked up from the beach by guided 4x4 vehicles for an exciting drive exploring the Saltpans, Donkey Bay and Lagoon Wetlands, ending your morning on top of a Saltpan Dune overlooking the Salt Pans and flamingos.
Return to Walvis Bay Harbour to embark your awaiting cruise ship.
Please note: this tour is strictly weather dependent. It is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or mobility challenges. Guests needs to be physically fit to disembark the catamaran from the launch site on the beach and to manage the hour of kayaking. Comfortable light clothing, walking shoes, light weight warm jacket and dry cloths recommended. Sun hats, sun block and sunglasses highly recommended. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Sandwich Harbour Off-road Drive USD 179.00
Duration: 4:30
Activity Level: 1
Depart the quayside and drive to Walvis Bay Lagoon. Stop to observe the flamingos and other sea birds before heading towards the Kuiseb Delta via the Walvis Bay Saltpans.
Sandwich Harbour is a part of the Namib-Naukluft Park, where giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and a unique off-road driving experience. Our land rovers take you to beautiful lookouts where you can feel the isolation Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous for!
The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is a large natural tidal lagoon, situated about 55km south of Walvis Bay. The lagoon is surrounded by large sand dunes and is only accessible by 4x4 - even this relies largely on the tides. The lagoon area is fed with freshwater seeping through the sand dunes and contributes to the beauty and natural diversity of the area. The water plays a fundamental role, as it feeds the plants on the shores of the lagoon, which in turn stabilize the dunes, preventing them from silting up the area.
Depending on the tides and the swell, we will try to reach the Sandwich Harbour lagoon along the beach. Alternatively, we will take an exciting dune ride to our lookout dune to get an aerial view of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon.
We stop along the way to enjoy drinks & snacks. Depending on weather conditions (wind), this will either be done on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or amongst the dunes.
The route homewards will be done testing the power of the vehicles on the dunes, the highlight being the 65-m high roaring dune, giving you exceptional viewpoints on the return to Walvis Bay and the quayside.
Please note: This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. The vehicles drive over gravel roads – it can be rather bumpy at times. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back & neck problems. Depending on weather conditions (wind), the refreshments will either be served on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or amongst the dunes. The tour involves uneven and sandy surfaces walking, distance is up to the guests’ discretion.

Scenic Sossusvlei Flight USD 559.00
Duration: 4:00
Activity Level: 1
Depart the quayside and transfer to Swakopmund Airport for a 2-hour 10-minute scenic flight over the Namib Desert. The total distance covered by air is 630 km.
From Swakopmund, fly in a light aircraft over the Namib Desert to the Kuiseb River. Enjoy some low-level flying along the Kuiseb River onto the Desert Ecological Research Unit, Gobabeb founded in 1959. Pass Tsondabvlei, the only known breeding area for the Lappet Face Vulture in southern Namibia, towards the highest shifting sand dunes in the World at Sossusvlei. No part of the desert is visually more stunning than Sossusvlei.
The warm tints of the sand range from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, vividly contrasting with the large white clay pans at some of their bases.
From Sossusvlei then into the Diamond Restricted Area, flying over the remains of three old diamond camps and crossing the coastline at Conception Bay passing colonies of Cape Fur seals, and the shipwreck of the passenger liner "Eduard Bohlen" stranded in 1909, which lies 250m away from the shore.
Further along the coast another shipwreck, the "Shaunee" stranded in 1976. Along the coast with the Atlantic surf on one side and the "long wall" (Namib Dunes) on the other, reach Sandwich Harbour, a wetland of international importance and protected by the Ramsar Convention. The highest recorded density of Lesser and Greater flamingos was recorded at low tide with 7 791 birds/km. In harmony with the surroundings we find Namibia's coastal salt mines, south of Walvis Bay, attracting thousands of birds.
On arrival at Swakopmund Airport, you will be transferred back to the quayside.
Please note: This tour is strictly weather dependent. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. The aircraft will not make any touchdowns. Please note that the aircraft do not have any toilets on board and are not air-conditioned, so it can get rather hot during the flight, particularly in the mid-afternoon. Maximum weight for a single passenger is 120Kg. Airplane is a Cessna-210 (5 pax max) or Airvan (7 pax max).


WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - Wed 29-Mar-2023
Swakopmund Highlights INCLUDED
Duration: 5:00
Activity Level: 2
Depart the pier by coach for a brief visit to the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains. A Ramsar Natural Heritage Site and one of the most important wetlands along South Africa's West Coast, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its abundance of marine life, flamingos, pelicans and other bird species.
Continue a scenic drive along the coastal road to Swakopmund, located 19 miles north of Walvis Bay at the mouth of the Swakop River.
En route, a photo stop will be made at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the Walvis Bay area.
Continue traveling to and take in magnificent views of sand dunes on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Upon arrival, take a tour of this seaside resort, which resembles a Bavarian village. Along the way, you will see Swakopmund's Colonial past reflected in the early-19th-century Art Nouveau architecture; many of the charming buildings found here have been declared National Monuments. You will also see the Magistrate's Court, or Keiserliches Bezirksgericht, Lutheran Church and old Railway Station building, which is now the main reception area of the Swakopmund Hotel.

You will then pass by the old Hansa Brewery and jetty before proceeding to the Kristall Galerie, a center displaying crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and considered the world's largest.
Next, a visit will be made to the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the local history of the town. It also features an interesting exhibit of the various people inhabiting Namibia.
Sometime will then be made available to shop at the Brauhaus Gallery, a small shopping arcade in the center of town.
Return to Walvis Bay thereafter.
Please note: To avoid congestion at the venues, the order of places visited may be rotated. Guests with walking difficulties can manage this tour with assistance from a travel companion. Sun block, hats and comfortable shoes are recommended. Should guests wish to purchase any gemstones at the Kristall Galerie, they are required to produce a photocopy of their passport. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, sunglasses, sun lotion and windbreaker.

Treasures of the Namib Off-road Adventure USD 119.00
Duration: 5:00
Activity Level: 1
Discover the treasures of the Namib Desert during this memorable off-road adventure, and a stop at spectacular Walvis Bay.
Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the coastal drive towards Swakopmund, and then east to the Namib-Naukluft Park. The Namib is one of the oldest deserts in the world, home to the world's highest-shifting sand dunes and adorned with a kaleidoscope of vivid colors.
Upon arrival, you will explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region.
Next, you will drive through the Swakop River Valley and on to the Moon Landscape. Created by the winds that reduced mountains to spectacular rock formations and sand, this vastly-eroded valley has an appearance similar to that of the moon's surface.
From here, you will proceed for a visit to Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of welwitschia plants are scattered about. A stop will be made to view these fascinating plants, along with a variety of interesting lichen plants.
During the excursion, stop off at a special location to enjoy sparkling wine, orange juice and a selection of dry snacks, before making your way back to Walvis Bay.
Drive along the dune belt to Dune 7, and on to Walvis Bay. En-route, a brief visit will be made to the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains before arriving back to the quayside.
Please note: this tour is strictly weather dependent. It is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. The vehicles drive over gravel roads – it can be rather bumpy at times. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back & neck problems.

Living Desert by 4x4 USD 139.00
Duration: 5:00
Activity Level: 1
Depart the ship and travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, taking precaution not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert are discussed en route.
The guide will stop frequently to look for tracks (known locally as reading the bushman paper), to determine which creatures were active the night before and wherever possible, will try to catch some of them. Guides will share their knowledge about each little desert animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. Great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet and the fantastic photographic opportunities.
Return to your ship via the scenic coastal road.
Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties as the terrain consist of mostly loose sand. The tour involves a lot movement into and out of the touring vehicles to see the animals in their natural habitat. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert and we strongly recommend that guests take along comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sun block and sunglasses. The vehicles drive over gravel roads – it can be rather bumpy at times. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back problems. There is only 1 portable toilet in desert. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

NAMIBE, ANGOLA - Fri 31-Mar-2023
Namibe Desert Tour INCLUDED
Duration: 5:00
Activity Level: 1
Board the coach and reach the desert boarder to see the untouched Welwitschia mirabilis. The Welwitschia is a rare plant found in the Namibe Provence of South Angola and the Namib Desert.
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 and take a short city orientation drive, visiting the old city, with its baroque architecture, old stadium, and churches.
Return to the quayside in Namibe.
Please note: guests are required to walk over rough terrain with gravel for approx. 100 m. Wear sunscreen, cool and comfortable shoes, sun hat, and mosquito repellent.


LOBITO, ANGOLA - Sat 1-Apr-2023
The Sugar Route: Lobito, Cautela & Benguela INCLUDED
Duration: 6:00
Activity Level: 1
The “Restinga do Lobito” is the most attractive area of the city, with more than ten kilometers of white sand beaches and clear waters, a chain of hotels, restaurants, and terraces, which extends from its imposing lighthouse, leading the constant movement of ships towards the country's second port in importance and grandeur, after that of Luanda. While walking along Restinga's main avenue, you can admire the beauty of the city's various colonial buildings.
Stop at Barco Zaire, a national monument located at the end of Restinga. It was on this ship that, on November 7, 1961, ex-president José Eduardo dos Santos left Luanda for his exile in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Present day, the ship is static and has been transformed into a library and historical monument. Continue to the Museum of Ethnography, where you will learn more about the habits and customs of the past inhabitants of the region. The museum also portrays the cultural reality of the present-day Angolan people. It boasts with a diverse collection of Angolan artifacts, supplemented with cultural pieces which were originally housed in the Regional Museum of Dundo (Lunda Norte) and Anthropology (Luanda), pre-independence. Proceed to Administration Square, via the Arrábida Church.
Next destination is Vila da Catumbela, an ancient city of great importance in the region due to its industrial role in the Colonial Time. It also holds significant importance as the port entry for the slave trade from regional provinces including Bié, Huambo and Moxico.
The Sugar Route begins with the offer of a sweet sugar cane juice, while the Guide explains the importance of this village in its historical context. Take a short walking tour of the village, learn the buildings’ history, and see the Church. Climb the São Pedro Fort, from where you can admire the mouth of the Catumbela River, the point of departure and entry for boats. Continue up the river, where we will reach the famous Catumbela reservoir, and the old power station that supplied the nearby towns in colonial times.
Proceed to Benguela City for a panoramic visit highlighting the Portuguese influence in Colonial times. Passing by the old City Post Office next to the emblematic Hotel Mombaka. See "Palácio das Bolas" the MPLA committee building in Benguela Province.
Continue along the main avenue of the city, passing the old Cine-Monumental and Theather of Benguela in the direction of Main Church of Benguela. Continue to Praia Morena, a tourist spot in the city of Benguela, and see the "Sombreiro" and Santo António Bay’s.
Walk to the Provincial Palace, currently the home of the Provincial Governor and the Museum of Archeology. Part of the city is of great historical importance, as it is one of the slaves' departure points for the Americas. Continue the tour to the Populo’s Church, and visit the Administration Gardens with its old buildings from the colonial era, such as the National Bank of Angola.
On the way back to Lobito, make a last stop for visiting the Caxaramba Distillery, where brandy and gin based on sugar cane are produced. Enjoy a distillery tour and brandy tasting before returning to pier.
Please note: this tour involves approx. 50 steps, and some walking over rough terrain with gravel and stones. Wear sunscreen, cool and comfortable shoes, sun hat, mosquito repellent.


LUANDA, ANGOLA - Sun 02-Apr-2023
City Tour & South Luanda Nature INCLUDED
Duration: 8:00
Activity Level: 1
Depart the port and proceed to S. Miguel fort for a visit. Established in the old mountain of S. Paulo, near the bridge of Luanda Island.
It is the first defensive edification built in Angola in the 16th Century. It is a huge area walled in fortifications and counterforts, with a polygonal form.
Next stop is Mausoleum Dr. Agostinho Neto, where the tombs of the first 2 presidents of Angola are located.
The drive continues via “Cidade Alta” to the Benfica market which provides plenty of shopping opportunities for wooden artifacts and paintings. Proceed to the close by is the Slavery Museum for a visit.
Stop at the Miradouro da Lua, or 'Viewpoint of the Moon' and admire the lunar landscape formed by a geological set of cliffs. Lunch will be served at Kwanza Lodge, at the mouth of the Kwanza River. Return to pier.
Please note: guests are required to walk over some rough terrain with gravel. Wear sunscreen, cool and comfortable shoes, sun hat, and mosquito repellent.

Kissama National Park Safari USD 309.00
Duration: 8:00
Activity Level: 2
Departure from Luanda heading South to Kissama (or Quiçama) National Park, situated 75 km from Luanda. After approximately 2 hours drive by bus, switch to offroad cars and begin your 2 hours safari through the National Park.
The vegetation varies as you move from the Kwanza riverbanks deeper into the park: mangroves, dense woods, savanna, cacti, baobab trees, and more. This diversified vegetation allows a rich and varied fauna, including African manatees, red sable, talapoins, and sea turtles, for instance. If you are lucky, you could also see giraffes and elephants.
After your safari drive, take a boat trip in the Kwanza River, the biggest river of Angola, and stop to enjoy a fresh fish meal at the at Kwanza Lodge.
On the way back to Luanda, stop at the Miradouro da Lua, or 'Viewpoint of the Moon' and admire the lunar landscape formed by a geological set of cliffs. Return to pier.
Please note: this tour involves offroad driving over bumpy and irregular terrain. Guests are required to walk over some rough terrain. Wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes, hat, and mosquito repellent.


--------------------
Activity Level Description:
1/EASY
These shore activities include walking for short distances (up to approx. 2 km) over relatively level terrain, footpaths, or board walks. Participants should be sufficiently capable to step in and out of vehicular transportation such as coaches, buses, cars and be reasonably comfortable in confined spaces, such as small aircraft and small boats.
2/MODERATE
These shore activities are more active and involve long and somewhat challenging walking treks (approx. between 2-4 km) over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, wilderness trails, and long periods standing up. Other activities may include coastal kayaking, shallow water sports such as snorkelling, cycling, and urban/rural hiking. Participants should be steady on their feet.
3/CHALLENGING
Very active shore activities including extensive walks, open water kayaking, wilderness hiking, 4x4 off-road tours, mountain biking, off-shore water sports, and high-altitude activities. Participants should be

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes