West Africa Cultural Adventure

Day 1 Tema (Accra), Ghana

Ke Nako! (It is time!) Today is the day! Embark the Prince Albert II for your much anticipated 11-day expedition: “West Africa Cultural Adventure”. This unique itinerary explores some of the more remote and less visited areas along Africa’s western coast, and while some of the ports might present challenges such as poor infrastructure, the pay off will be truly one-of-a-kind experiences and lifelong memories. Once onboard, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the ship’s luxurious amenities. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

Day 2 Takoradi, Ghana

Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana, the Land of Sunshine. This morning set out to explore the Gold Coast area. First drive to Elmina Village where you will tour Elmina Castle, which was built in 1482 and is said to be the oldest European-built structure outside of Europe. Between the picturesque old town alleys and the numerous flat-bottomed pirogue boats in the harbour, enjoy one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities.

Continue to the notorious Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. First built in 1653 for the trade in timber and gold, the Castle was later used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Visit the museum and view the dungeons that once held hundreds of men and women in unspeakable conditions as they awaited deportation across the Atlantic as slaves.

Alternatively, travel inland to visit the Kakum National Park, a 357-square-km park of undisturbed virgin rainforest. Join natural history staff and local guides for a walking tour through the forest and on a canopy walkway, offering an opportunity to see much of Ghana’s indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game.

Following the morning tours, enjoy lunch at a nearby oceanfront resort and spend a memorable afternoon together relaxing on Ghana’s magical beaches.

Days 3-4 At Sea

Gather in The Theater to hear fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

The Portuguese-speaking island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the Gulf of Guinea, and is a virtually undiscovered paradise. Palm fringed beaches, crystal clear water and barely explored jungles are surely the reason for the pervasive national mood that translates to ‘slowly slowly’ and loosely translates to ‘it’s all good, take it easy’. The Portuguese-Creole flavor and unspoiled beauty of this tropical paradise is yours to savor.

Some of the world’s best coffee is produced on the island, and during a full-day tour experience coffee culture at São Tomé's highest plantation estate and learn how coffee is still processed in the traditional manner. Travel along the east coast to enjoy the view of Ilhéu de Santana. In Água Izé stop at the viewpoint, Miradouro d'Água Izé and visit the cocoa plantation to meet with a local historian. On the way, pass by Rio Iô Grande before continuing to Boca do Inferno – a natural blowhole. Before continuing your exploration, stop to enjoy a Creole-fusion lunch and traditional performance at a local restaurant or plantation house.

Day 6 Príncipe , São Tomé and Príncipe

Príncipe’s extraordinary landscape, an irregular scattering of soaring volcanic peaks, is 70% covered by primary forest where up to 20% of the trees, orchids and birds are said to be endemic. Today’s destination is, amazingly enough, a place that still has barely been changed by its 5,000 inhabitants or the outside world.

After breakfast, the Prince Albert II will drop anchor and take the Zodiacs ashore. Have a full day to explore this beautiful island paradise. On this tiny tropical island find deserted beaches, crystal-clear waterfalls that cascade into the bluest of waters, and dense rain forest teeming with exotic birds. Possible sightings include African grey parrots, Principe weaver and sunbirds, palm swifts, bronze-naped pigeons, bronze mannikins and cattle egrets.

Other options include a tour of the quaint town of Santo Antonio to visit the fish and or fresh produce markets, maybe sample some local delicacies and perhaps purchase a souvenir or two. Take a guided hike that circumnavigates Bom Bom Island by foot to discover beautiful rock pools and dense forest. Here you will be surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and possibly catch glimpses of a Mona monkey or African grey parrot.

Day 7 Malabo, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

The city of Malabo is located on the northern coast of Bioko – an island formed by three extinct volcanoes. Learn of Bioko’s native peoples – the Bubi tribe – of the island’s history as a naval station and its attempts to suppress the slave trade, and also of its current attempts to protect its remarkable biodiversity. Your explorations for this day are still in the planning stages, but may include a city tour to see the colonial cathedral at Independence Place as well as the Malabo Cathedral, Government Building and Court Building. Venture inland to Pico Basile, the dormant volcano that rises 3,011 metres over Malabo to hike along a paved road to the summit. Along the way, watch for endemic birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, the rare Mountain Saw-wing and Ursula’s Sunbird. Though most have been driven away by hunting, it is possible that you may also see the Red-Eared Guenon, an endangered monkey species. Bioko’s lush rainforest is home to Africa's greatest concentration of endangered primates and nearly 200 bird species. Weather and schedule permitting, visit the white sand beaches of Arena Blanca where scores of butterflies "mudpuddle" along the side of the trail. Today will be a true expedition day where an attitude of adventure will allow you to take advantage of the unexpected, unpredictable and unforgettable.

Day 8 At Sea

Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 9 Cotonou, Benin

Dock this morning at Cotonou, Benin referred to by many as the ‘Latin Quarter of Africa’. After receiving clearance from the local authorities, head out on tour to Voodoo Country and Ouidah, a town typically and profoundly African. Ouidah is known as the religious capital of the country due to the numerous festivals with singing, chanting, drumming and dances that take place here. These celebrations bear witness to a tradition of beliefs and local superstitions interpreted over hundreds of years. Voodoo was born in the villages that lie between Abomey and Ouidah – a religion whose rites were transported across the Atlantic by the slaves and is still practiced today in the Caribbean.

Historically, Ouidah was one of the busiest of the West African slave embarkation points, and an important reminder of the slave trade that occurred along these shores. Walk along the “Route des Esclaves” down to the shoreline where there is an imposing arch with bas-relief sculpture to memorialize the people who were shipped out from here. Visit the Sacred Forest and walk through majestic coconut groves. Sculptures, including the Tree of Forgetfulness, serve as reminders of the slaves’ plight.

After lunch at a local beach resort, travel to Lake Nokoue and board small motorboats to visit a fishing village built on stilts. Ganvié village is made up of bamboo houses resting on teak stilts, perched above the water. The village is scattered and all travel between homes is done in wooden boats on the waterways that separate them. Have the chance to see the floating market and boatloads of chattering children heading to and from school. The welcoming Tofinu people like to show off their fishing skills.

Day 10 Lome, Togo

Dock early the morning and head out to explore the lush Plateaux Region north of Lome. Your destination is Kpalime, situated nearby Mount Agou, the highest point in Togo. Here you will meet a local etymologist and his team for an educational walk in the Kloto Forest, during which you will identify many of the endemic birds and butterflies and learn about the local usage of plants.

During lunch in the forest, friends from Kouma Village will introduce you to the local Ewa culture with a performance of traditional song and dance. On the return journey to Lome, stop at the Centre Artisanal de Kpalime, where local artisans will demonstrate their skills, teach more about batik, and offer their craftwork for purchase. The next stop is at a bush school in a traditional Ewa village where you will meet the teacher and school children. Learn about the difficulties and importance of education in these rural areas.

Special Request: guests are encouraged to bring a donation of school supplies from home when packing for your voyage. Much-needed supplies include pens, pencils and writing pads. Supplies will be collected on board by the Expedition Team and distributed to the local Ewa village school on your behalf during the voyage.

Day 11 Tema (Accra), Ghana

Following breakfast on board, disembark the Prince Albert II.