Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa

Arrive in Luanda, relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

As Angola moves beyond its colonial past and long Civil War, Luanda is transforming into a vibrant, modern city with a deep cultural heritage. Notable landmarks include the Iron Palace, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. In the historic upper district, Cidade Alta, you'll find pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace, and government offices. Ilha do Cabo, Luanda’s contemporary side, offers stylish seaside restaurants and bars, showcasing the city's modern flair.

The Republic of Congo’s second city, Pointe-Noire, unfolds as a piece of French Africa with distinct European and African quarters. Strolling through the lively La Cité reveals traditional Congolese cuisine and the vibrant Grand Marché, providing a glimpse into local life. Waterfront restaurants line Côté Sauvage, a laid-back city beach. Beyond the city limits is the stunning Diosso Gorge, a natural canyon in hues of pink, red and orange.

Mayumba is a coastal town in southern Gabon, best known for its long stretch of sandy beaches and rich marine life. The area is famous as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles, which come ashore between October and April. Mayumba National Park protects these turtles along with dolphins, humpback whales, and a variety of bird species. The park’s lagoons and mangroves also provide vital habitats for fish and other wildlife. Fishing villages around Mayumba offer a glimpse into local traditions and culture. The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere, with simple markets and a strong connection to the sea. Offshore, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean are rich with biodiversity and attract conservation projects. Nature lovers often visit for the chance to experience one of Central Africa’s most important marine ecosystems. The surrounding landscapes combine beach, savannah, and forest, making Mayumba a unique destination for both wildlife and cultural encounters.

Loango National Park, located along Gabon’s Atlantic coast, is one of the country’s most diverse and celebrated protected areas. The Iguela Lagoon lies at the heart of the park, creating a rich ecosystem where forest, savannah, wetlands, and ocean meet. This unique environment supports elephants, buffalo, and hippos that are sometimes seen near the beaches, as well as leopards, primates, and a wide range of bird species. The lagoon itself is a haven for aquatic life, attracting manatees, crocodiles, and an abundance of fish. Seasonal whale and dolphin sightings offshore add to the park’s reputation as a premier wildlife destination. Loango is also home to nesting sea turtles, making it an important area for marine conservation. Local communities around the lagoon maintain fishing traditions and provide cultural depth to the experience of visiting. With its dramatic landscapes and exceptional biodiversity, Loango National Park and Iguela Lagoon offer a rare combination of wilderness and coastal beauty.

Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches, and waterfalls. São Tomé city features 15th-century Portuguese architecture and a slave trade history. Rainforests blanket two-thirds of the island, sheltering wildlife like monkeys, birds, and reptiles, and São Tomé Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the ibis and grosbeak.

This laid-back, compact capital has less than 3,000 inhabitants and is the smallest city in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records). Time seems to move more slowly in this dream-like place with its pastel-colored buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.

Santo António do Príncipe, Príncipe's main town, has vibrant colonial architecture, and bustling markets, and is recognized as the world's smallest city. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church features a stunning stone carving of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint. Macaco Beach, nestled on Príncipe's northwestern shore, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush greenery, and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Corisco Island, or Mandji, lies 44 km off Equatorial Guinea’s coast. Known for its pristine landscapes, clear waters and diverse marine life, including rays and fish, it is one of the country’s most stunning destinations. Its white sand beaches, lined with palm trees, offer a scenic retreat where visitors are welcomed with traditional music, dances and cultural activities. A guided village and market tour provides insight into local life.

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea's capital on Bioko Island, mixes Spanish colonial charm with modern architecture. This lesser-known West African island, rich in natural wonders, is blanketed in rainforest and crowned by towering Pico Basilé volcano (3,011m). Lake Biao, a volcanic crater lake, sits atop an extinct volcano. At Ureca, Africa's wettest location, spectacular waterfalls plunge into the ocean. High-quality cocoa plantations dot the island

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 the on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

Benin’s vibrant port city is defined by voodoo (the state religion) and its colonial legacy. As a former French colony, Cotonou retains a certain European flair in its cuisine and architecture. The sprawling Dantokpa market, with local crafts and an entire section of sacred voodoo items, offers insights into local culture. Ganvie, a lakeshore village, is the world’s only town on stilts with bamboo houses, where residents get around in canoes.

Voodoo traditions, colonial history and beautiful beaches: Togo’s capital city, Lome, is awash with history and culture. The National Museum's exhibits - pottery, masks and art - reflect Togo's rich heritage. Akodessewa Fetish Market is filled with voodoo talismans and animal skins, offering insights into traditional customs. Colonial relics include the German-built Sacred Heart Cathedral and the 1960 Independence Monument.

Tema is a short drive from Ghana’s fast-paced capital, Accra, a city that's culturally rich, modern and historic all at once. European-built forts and Black Star Independence Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the past. The neighborhood of Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with old colonial buildings, is its pulse with an art scene and local bites like waakye­ – rice and beans with sides – at a low-key ‘chop bar’.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.