Cruising the west coast of the southern region of Africa from Cape Town up to Luanda on a boutique expedition ship provides a fascinating insight into a continent with so many different aspects. You board the 10-night West Coast of Africa-South Africa to Angola cruise in the buzzing, cultural city of Cape Town. The journey explores the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, and Angola, a post-colonial country that is slowly emerging from the ravages of war. From the harsh conditions of the Namib desert to the unspoiled Angolan coastlines, spotting flamingos, pelicans, whales, and dolphins, you get to truly experience these exquisite landscapes before ending the cruise in the Portuguese-influenced city of Luanda.
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 tree or Welwitchia mirabilis in Namibe Partial Reserve
Learn more about Angola’s colonial and military history
Starting this 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 harbor fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood
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.
Between the weather-beaten South Atlantic coast and the unforgiving Namib Desert, Luderitz is a quaint harbor 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.
The natural harbor 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.
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.
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 live. 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 you sail by.
The pretty port city of Lobito is known for its unique natural harbor - protected by a long sand spit. For many years it was one of Angola’s busiest ports, exporting material extracted from the mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The civil war between 1975 – 2002 slowed trade significantly, but business has since returned. A visit to the Fort of São Sebastião offers an intriguing insight into Angola’s trading past, and the Lobito Ethnography Museum explores the diversity of Angolan culture.
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.
Day 11: Luanda | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,939
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Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
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Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!