West Coast Of Africa - From Ghana To Senegal

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample Ghanaian foods in Takoradi Market Circle, the largest market circle in Africa
• See firsthand the rehabilitation of western chimpanzees at Tacugama Chimpanzee
• Get a taste of Liberia at Monrovia’s Waterside Market
• Keep an eye out for rare saltwater hippo in the remote Bijagos archipelago
• Watch traditional ways of life continue on Ile Carabane in Senegal

ITINERARY

ACCRA, GHANA
DAY 1
Ghana’s fast-paced capital city is culturally rich, modern, and historic all at once. European-built forts and Independence Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the city’s past. To feel the pulse of Accra, head to the neighbourhood of Jamestown – a 17th-century fishing community – with old colonial buildings, plus a diverse art and food scene. While you’re here, sample some local bites like waakye­ – rice and beans with sides – at a low-key ‘chop bar’.


TAKORADI, GHANA
DAY 2
The twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, often called Tadi, are a major commercial hub on Ghana’s deepwater port. There’s a low-key beachfront, a 17th-century Dutch fort, and inland, a frenetic commercial centre dominated by Market Circle, the largest market circle in Africa, where you can indulge in everything from coconuts to dried fish and a staple local dish – tangy jollof rice. Further afield, you can see fishing boats in the harbour or watch a traditional drumming ceremony.


AT SEA
DAY 3-4
You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst 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 on-board experts.


MONROVIA, LIBERIA
DAY 5
Liberia’s coastal capital was founded in the 1800s as a settlement for formerly enslaved people from North America. The National Museum offers an introduction to the region’s history and art. Today’s bustling city is a mix of architectural styles, lively beaches, and street markets. For a taste of local flavour, explore the jumbled Waterside Market, filled with colourful fabric and crafts, and sample a hearty meat stew with rice.


AT SEA
DAY 6
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.


FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE
DAY 7
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. Stop by the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to visit rescued, endangered primates in a rainforest.


AT SEA
DAY 8
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.


BIJAGOS ARCHIPELAGO, GUINEA-BISSAU
DAY 9-10
Off the coast of Guinea-Bissau lie 88 islands – most of them uninhabited – covered in mangroves and mudflats, savannah and palm forests. The remote Bijagos archipelago is a protected biosphere reserve, known as the home of the rare saltwater hippo, as well as migratory birds and pygmy cows. The islands remained largely unaffected by colonial influence, resulting in a strong cultural identity with traditional coming-of-age ceremonies like difuntu and fanado still in practice.


KARABANE ISLAND, SENEGAL
DAY 11
The far-flung island in Senegal’s extreme southwest, Carabane is a tiny tropical idyll covered with mangroves, baobabs, and palms at the mouth of the Casamance River. As a former French trading post, the island retains much of its 19th-century architecture, and villagers continue a traditional way of life fishing, cultivating rice and producing palm wine. Round off your trip, by relaxing on a palm-lined, white-sand beach.


BANJUL, GAMBIA
DAY 12
At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic Ocean, Gambia’s relaxed capital city sits on a little island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. At the 19th-century Albert Market, you can browse souvenirs and the vibrant traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups. For a true taste of local culture, sign up to visit a typical Gambian home or ‘compound’, where local hosts will tell you about their heritage as you sip on herbal tea and sample traditional snacks.


DAKAR, SENEGAL
DAY 13
With fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining, the capital city showcases a rich Senegalese culture and a forward-looking spirit. Discover the city’s traditional side in Medina, a bustling quarter of mosques, tea shops, and street markets. French influences remain in many aspects of city life, from architecture to food. Local mbalax music dominates a vibrant nightlife scene. Traditional crafts like wood carvings and glass paintings are easily found at the Soumbédioune market – the best place to shop for souvenirs.

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