Embark on this15-day Crucibles of West Africa cruise from Ghana to Senegal aboard SH Diana. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, fascinating history, and wildlife as you cruise along the West African coast. Depart from Tema, with its busy streets and complex past, and visit colorful cities, including Takoradi – with its famous bustling Market Circle – and Freetown, home to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Next, head to the stunning Bijagós Islands with lush mangroves, saltwater hippos, and pygmy cows. Then sail to the beautiful Banjul before reaching Senegal’s capital, Dakar, a cultural destination to end the trip.
Highlights
Explore the British built Fort William, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Discover the historic Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482
Immerse in Abidjan's thriving arts and music scene
Experience Freetown's vibrant Krio architecture and rich heritage
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Sail into the coastal city of Tema, a short drive from Ghana’s buzzing capital, Accra. Once named ‘Africa’s Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, Accra has become one of West Africa’s top destination cities. Marvel at the towering statues in the city’s Black Star Square, wander through Kwame Nkrumah National Park, the resting place of Ghana’s first prime minister and president, or shop for locally made arts and crafts in the Centre for National Culture.
Day 3-4: Cape Coast (Fort William) | Elmina Point | Takoradi
The British built Fort William in the 17th century as a trading post for gold and ivory. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. The fort has been restored and now houses a museum that tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on Ghana and the world.
Elmina is a town in Ghana known for its historic castle, Elmina Castle. The Portuguese built the castle in 1482, and it was used as a trading post for gold and ivory. It was later used as a prison and a slave fort. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.
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 center 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 harbor or watch a traditional drumming ceremony.
A city pulsing with energy, this former capital of Côte D’Ivoire is a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene intertwines with the intoxicating blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions that define Abidjan. A window into West Africa, the tropical mood that permeates Abidjan is infectious and unforgettable in equal measure. Immerse yourself in the city’s distinct atmosphere, browse the many galleries and markets, and stop at the fascinating National Museum of Abidjan.
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 the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of your onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from your onboard professional photographers.
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 flavor, explore the jumbled Waterside Market, filled with colorful fabric and crafts, and sample a hearty meat stew with rice.
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.
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 symbolize the town’s sombre past. Freetown today is a diverse city with a rich heritage – colorful Krio architecture, hearty, rice-based cuisine, and lively beaches. Stop by the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary to visit rescued, endangered primates in a rainforest.
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.
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.
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 tell you about their heritage as you sip on herbal tea and sample traditional snacks.
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.
Day 15: Dakar | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark in Dakar today.
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.
$9,1802-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
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Suite
Our Suites features a superking 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
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
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
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
