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The floating village of Ganvie

Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa

Luanda - Tema - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Sail 14 days from Luanda to Accra aboard SH Diana, exploring West Africa’s coastal regions and cultural centers. In Luanda, visit Cidade Alta, São Miguel Fortress, and local markets. Continue to Pointe-Noire to see the Grand Marché, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Diosso Gorge. Travel along Gabon’s coast with stops in Loango National Park and Baie des Tortues. In São Tomé and Príncipe, explore colonial sites, local villages, and beaches. Visit Cotonou and Ganvié stilt village in Benin, then Lomé’s markets and museums in Togo. End in Accra with visits to Independence Square, Jamestown, and historical landmarks. The itinerary combines cultural heritage, coastal scenery, and daily life across multiple countries.
Diosso GorgeSanto Antonio, PrincipeSanto Antonio, Macaco BeachKwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & MausoleumForte LuandaThe floating village of Ganvie
Highlights
  • Explore Luanda landmarks including Cidade Alta, Iron Palace, and fortress
  • Visit Ganvie stilt village and observe daily life by canoe
  • Discover São Tomé history, markets, and local island traditions
  • Experience Gabon coastline, Loango National Park, and turtle beaches
Activities
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • West Africa
  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Congo
  • Cotonou
  • Gabon
  • Ghana
  • Lome
  • Luanda
  • Pointe-Noire
  • Sao Tome
  • Sao Tome & Principe
  • Tema
  • Togo
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Luanda

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

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Luanda | Embark

As Angola recovers from colonial rule and a long civil war, its capital, Luanda, is changing. Key landmarks include Gustave Eiffel’s Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. The upper town, Cidade Alta, has colonial-era buildings, the Presidential Palace, and government offices. Ilha do Cabo reflects a more modern area, with seaside restaurants and bars.

Included Activities:

South Luanda Discovery
A scenic drive from Luanda leads to the lively Benfica Market, rich in crafts and culture. Nearby, the Slavery Museum offers a moving glimpse into Angola’s complex historical past. The journey ends at Miradouro da Lua, with dramatic cliffs and stunning natural landscapes to admire.

Day 3-5: Pointe-Noire

Pointe-Noire, the Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, has both European-style and African neighborhoods. La Cité includes places to try Congolese food and the Grand Marché, where daily trade takes place. Along the coast, Côté Sauvage has a public beach and several waterfront restaurants. Outside the city, Diosso Gorge is a canyon known for its layered rock formations.

Included Activities:

Discovery of Pointe Noire
Dive into the heart and soul of Pointe-Noire, the Republic of Congo’s bustling port city. Visit landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Pointe Noire Beach and the historic Congo-Ocean railway line terminus. Visit the African Circle Museum, showcasing Congo's rich heritage with the Luca Cosentino collection of masks, statues and ritual objects, alongside historical photos and contemporary Congolese art.

Day 6-8: Expedition in Gabon

Gabon, on Central Africa's west coast, is rich in rainforests, wildlife and culture. Over 70 percent of the country is lush rainforest, which plays a vital role in the Congo Basin ecosystem. Its coastline features sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons, while the east transitions to savannas and plateaus. Gabon's rich cultural heritage includes the Fang people, the largest ethnic group, with music and dance deeply woven into traditions. Land with Zodiacs in Mayumba, Baie des Tortues, and cruise along Loango National Park.

Included Activities:

A day at Baie des Tortues Beach Resort
Baie des Tortues Beach Resort is a little heaven for nature lovers, nestled at the side of Pongara National Park. Recharge your batteries while relaxing at the beach or discover the other leisure options at your disposal. Enjoy your free access to the beach where sun lounges await or rest by the swimming pool, play ping-pong or volleyball before lunch is served. Note: Your package includes a 3-course lunch (during which a selection of local drinks is served), as well as some activities (beach access, sun lounges, swimming pool, ping-pong, volleyball, board games, baby-foot, canoe). Other activities/equipment can be rented locally at your own expenses (ex: jet ski, fishing equipment). Apart from the included welcome cocktail and the selection of drinks served during lunch time, extra drinks can be purchased by guests on the spot. Credit cards are accepted (Visa/Mastercard) as well as small bills (USD or EUR).

Day 9: Sao Tome, Sao Tome

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 dwarf ibis and grosbeak

Included Activities:

Sao Tome Culture and History
Feel the cultural and historical pulse of São Tomé, a hidden paradise brimming with calm and warmth. Start at the National Museum to explore colonial history, then visit Praça Marcelo da Veiga to see the statue of rebellion leader Rei Amador and the Cathedral. Head to Independence Square for a traditional Tchiloli performance. Drive to Bobô Fôrro market to learn local trading, then meet locals in Pantufo fishing village and discover daily life.

Day 10: Santo Antonio | Macaco Beach, Principe

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

Located on the northwest coast of Principe, Macaco Beach is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush vegetation and clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling

Included Activities:

Santo Antonio Walking Tour
Soak up the sights, sounds and aromas of Santo António, Príncipe, on a guided walking tour. Begin with the vibrant local market, brimming with fresh produce and unique goods. Visit a handicraft shop showcasing local artisans and chocolate from the Sundy plantation. Learn about the island's conservation and sustainability efforts at the Príncipe Foundation, dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity.

Day 11: Day at sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable experts

Day 12: Cotonou

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

Included Activities:

Ganvie floating village and Egungun Masks Performance
Board a dugout canoe to explore Ganvié, Africa’s Venice, the largest, most picturesque stilt village. From the water, witness daily life, from fishing and the bustling floating market to children heading to school. Enjoy free time in this unique setting before enjoying an Egungun mask performance, featuring elaborate costumes and spirited masquerades. Then drive to Cotonou with a visit to the Amazon statue, a tribute to Dahomey’s female warriors.

Day 13: Lome

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

Included Activities:

Cultural wonders of Lome
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lomé on foot, starting with the vast Fetish Market, where voodoo practitioners find ritual ingredients. Admire the Gothic grandeur of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, then explore Lomé’s bustling "Grand Marché," one of West Africa's largest markets. Discover Togo’s history at the National Museum, and end at the Artisans’ Village, where skilled weavers, carvers, basketmakers and shoemakers display their craft.

Day 14: Tema (Accra) | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
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 neighbourhood 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’

Included Activities:

Accra City Tour FD (for guests staying onboard for the next cruise)
Get to the heart of Accra’s rich cultural heritage, starting with the National Museum, home to Ghana’s treasures like chief’s regalia and traditional instruments. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a symbol of peace, featuring artefacts from Ghana’s independence. Explore the National Cultural Center crafts market, the largest in West Africa. End at the Black Star Gate and Independence Square, ceremonial grounds representing African liberation.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana

SH Diana

Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.
SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$14,275 2-3 travelers
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
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.
SH Diana Balcony M5
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.
SH Diana Balcony D6
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.
SH Diana Junior Suite
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.
SH Diana Suite
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.
SH Diana Premium Suite
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.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
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
  • Spa Treatments
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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