Safaris Of The Southwest Coast

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

DAY 1-2 CAPE TOWN

Ending our epic transatlantic 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

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 3 DAY AT SEA

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.

DAY 4 LUDERITZ

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.

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 5-7 WALVIS BAY

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.

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 8 DAY AT SEA

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.

DAY 9 NAMIBE

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.

Shore Excursion(See Optional Activities)

DAY 10 DAY AT SEA

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

DAY 11 LUANDA

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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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 (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Day1-2 Shore Excursion

Table Mountain & Atlantic Seaboard
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Ascend one of the natural wonders of the world by cable car - Table Mountain - and enjoy a bird's eye view of beautiful Cape Town, from this vantage point!
From the summit, enjoy nature in this protected area that is home to highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Constantia Wine & Chocolate Tasting
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Optional
Experience the exquisite topography and winemaking traditions of South Africa during this picturesque, half-day visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and wine tasting at the famous Groot Constantia Estate.
Stroll among the Kirstenbosch Gardens, spread over nearly 1,400 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain; they contain over 8,500 species of indigenous plants
Enjoy a wine tasting at Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest producing wine farm, crafting legendary wines from 1685

Sea Kayak with Penguins
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Partake in this unique interactive experience in a unique location in False Bay - kayaking with Penguins
The African Penguin Colony at Boulders beach, Simonstown, is one of few land-based Penguin Colonies in South Africa where over 2500 birds are found
Launch into the cool, clear, sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean as penguins skims the water below you, diving and dancing in the waves

Two Oceans Helicopter Ride
Duration: 01 h 30 m
Optional
View the beautiful Cape Town city and surrounds from the comfort and vantage point of a helicopter ride
During the 15 min flight, see on one side breathtaking blue-green water stretching past the horizonand on the other one, the majestic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range

Day 4 Shore Excursion

Kolmanskop Ghost Town
Duration: 02 h 00 m
Included
Learn about the town’s history and its links to Africa’s diamond industry
Pay a visit to some of the town’s most important buildings
Take photos of the haunting scenery which has featured in several movies

Luderitz Walking Tour
Duration: 02 h 30 m
Optional
Learn about Lüderitz’s German history from your knowledgeable guide
Visit the elaborate, German-style buildings
Explore the Lüderitz Museum

Halifax boat cruise
Duration: 03 h 00 m
Optional
See African Penguins in their natural habitat and get the opportunity for stunning photography and sea bird watching.
Enjoy seeing dolphins escorting the boat along the way, and see other marine life, such as Cape Fur Seals, and sometimes even Southern Right and Humpback whales.

Day 5-7 Shore Excursion

Dinner in the Dunes under the stars
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Included
Marvel at the region’s apocalyptic landscape
Enjoy a very special evening meal under the stars
Be entranced by the evening entertainment

Treasures of the Namib Off-road Adventure
Duration: 05 h 00 m
Optional
Learn about the plant life unique to the Namib Desert
Drive through the Swakop River Valley’s ancient rock formations
Visit Dune 7, the largest dune in Walvis Bay

Swakopmund Highlights
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Tour the Bavarian-style seaside resort town of Swakopmund
Visit the Kristall Galerie, displaying quartz crystals
Learn about the history of the town at the Swakopmund Museum

Sandwich Harbour Off-road Drive
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional
Observe flamingos and other sea birds at Walvis Bay Lagoon
Explore the usually inaccessible Sandwich Harbour Lagoon by 4x4
Stop at stunning lookout points along the way

Pelican Point Kayaking & Jeep Drive
Duration: 04 h 30 m
Optional
Search for dolphins on your catamaran cruise to Pelican Point Peninsula
Explore Walvis Bay by kayak and meet the Cape fur seal residents
Head off on a thrilling 4x4 ride to the saltpans and lagoon wetlands

Scenic Sossusvlei Flight
Duration: 04 h 50 m
Optional
Fly over lappet face vulture breeding grounds and seal colonies
Look out for the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck
Marvel at the giant shifting dunes from above

Day 9 Shore Excursion

Namibe Desert Tour
Duration: 06 h 00 m
Included
See the untouched Welwitschia mirabilis. The Welwitschia is a rare plant found in the Namibe Provence of South Angola and the Namib Desert.
Visit the Arch Lagoon, a wonderful oasis located in the Namibe desert with magnificent rock formation
Tour Namibe old city with its baroque architecture, old stadium and churches.