Explore Africa Grand Voyage Cruise
(GC2305B-20)
Following in the wake of the early explorers and along the route of prosperous merchant ships of the 18th and 19th centuries, Corinthian II will ply a remarkable course that encompasses the grand scope of Africa, as we traverse the length of its Atlantic coast. It is an astonishingly rare itinerary, calling at ports and exploring destinations largely unknown to travelers.
Embarking in Cape Town, the bustling port city that was founded near the landmark Cape of Good Hope, we will explore practically every country along Africa’s west coast: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, before the ship arrives at the Rock of Gibraltar, another of the world’s great sea landmarks, ending the voyage in historic Seville. It is an unprecedented opportunity to observe the differences in ancient cultures and tribal customs, landscape, and animal life, from the towering dunes of Namibia, to the remarkable wildlife of Gabon’s rain forests; from the markets of Ghana and Senegal, to the medinas of Morocco. Our voyage presents a richly kaleidoscopic, lushly complex experience of a continent that defies description. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
Day 1: Departure
Fly from home city to Cape Town, South Africa.
Day 2: Cape Town, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town in the evening. Transfer to the distinguished Mt. Nelson Hotel.
Day 3: Cape Town/Cape Peninsula National Park/Embark
Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and discover Cape Point’s spectacular cliffs, among the highest in the world. Also delight in the celebrated Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden before embarkation in the afternoon.
Day 4: At Sea
Cruise along the coast of South Africa and Namibia.
Day 5: Luderitz, Namibia
Call at the Namibian city of Luderitz, one of the most charming and interesting towns in all of Africa, sandwiched incongruently between the waters of the Atlantic and the forbidding, shifting sands of the Namib Desert. Also enjoy an excursion to nearby Kolmanskop. While Luderitz has survived its wild, diamond-mining past, Kolmanskop, a ghost town and favorite of photographers, was not quite as lucky.
Days 6 & 7: Walvis Bay
Arrive the morning of April 5 in Walvis Bay, a naturalists’ paradise. Explore the Namib Desert Park, ending with a memorable dinner by the sand dunes. The following day, visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, an outstanding bird sanctuary.
Days 8 & 9: At Sea
Cruise toward Luanda, Angola, while enjoying the lecture series and relaxing on board the ship.
Day 10: Lobito/Benguela/Lobito
From Lobito, take an excursion to Benguela. Explore the church of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, the Palácio das Bolas, and the Palácio do Governo.
Day 11: Luanda/Kissama National Park/Luanda
From Luanda, drive to Kissama National Park, home to palanca antelopes and rhino zebras. Alternatively, explore Luanda, touring the São Miguel Fort, the Anthropology Museum, and the church of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.
Day 12: Pointe-Noire/Jane Goodall Chimpanze Sanctuary/Pointe-noire, Republic of Congo
From Pointe-Noire drive to the Tchimpounga Sanctuary, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute to protect and rehabilitate chimpanzees. Meet the scientists, tour the facilities, and view the chimpanzees.
Day 13: Mayumba, Gabon
The area around Mayumba has been declared a national park to protect the nesting grounds of leatherback turtles. Explore the lagoon and the rivers by motorized pirogue, and relax on the beach.
Days 14-16: Libreville
From Libreville, Gabon’s capital, enjoy a choice of overnight air excursions that will reveal Gabon’s rich biodiversity.
Day 17: Sao Tome, São Tomé and Príncipe
On São Tomé explore the lush interior and visit a coffee plantation.
Day 18: Principe
On Príncipe choose a tour of the capital, walk through the abandoned plantation of Porto Real, witness Sao Joachim villagers making palm oil, relax on white-sand beaches after hiking through pristine rainforest, or drive to the old Portuguese roça of Sundi.
Day 19: At Sea
Day 20: Cotonou/Porto-Novo/Cotonou, Benin
In the capital city of Porto-Novo visit the Ethnography Museum and the restored palace of King Toffa. After lunch, board local motorboats for a ride across Lake Nokoué to the fishing village of Ganvié, built on stilts.
Day 21: Lome/Agbodrafo/Lake Togo/Lome, Togo
In Lome explore the Handicraft Markets and drive to Agbodrafo to explore Lake Togo’s traditional villages by local pirogues.
Day 22: Takoradi and the Gold Coast, Ghana
On the stretch of coastline near Takoradi, tour the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Elmina, see the colorful fishing harbor and historic St. George’s Castle. Also visit nearby Kakum National Park, featuring a series of canopy walkways.
Day 23: At Sea
Day 24: Greenville/Sapo National Park/Greenville, Liberia
From Greenville, explore Sapo National Park, home to forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and over 500 species of birds.
Day 25: At Sea
Day 26: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Visit the Sierra Leone Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and Freetown’s colorful markets. Experience the joyous rhythms of Sierra Leonian music and dance.
Day 27: At Sea
Day 28: Dakar, Senegal
Experience Dakar’s blend of French and African culture at the Museum of African Art and artisan market before taking a ferry ride to Gorée island.
Day 29: At Sea
Day 30: Dakhla, Western Sahara, Morocco
The former capital of the Spanish colony of Rio de Oro, Dakhla is located on a long peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. Enjoy a tour of the city and a drive through the scenic peninsula.
Day 31: Laayoune
In Laayoune, explore the Souk ez Saj, the Museum of Traditional Arts, and the Artisans Center. After watching an elaborate Saharan tea show, end the day with a thrilling drive in the dunes.
Day 32: At Sea
Day 33: Safi/Marraketch/Safi
Our exploration of fabled Marrakech includes the Koutoubia Minaret, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medressa, Jewish Quarter, Djemma el-Fna, and the city’s colorful souks.
Day 34: Casablanca/Rabat/Casablanca
In Rabat, tour the Medina, the Chellah Citadel, and the Kasbah des Oudaias. Alternatively, spend the day in Casablanca and tour the Hassan II Mosque.
Day 35: Gibraltar
Visit Gibraltar before sailing to Seville.
Day 36: Seville Spain/Home
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