Swahili Coast

Mombasa combines Swahili heritage with historic landmarks and coastal landscapes. Explore the narrow streets of Old Town, known for its carved wooden doors and mix of African, Asian, and European influences. Visit the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus to learn about the city's Portuguese colonial history. Browse local markets for spices and handicrafts, relax on nearby beaches, or travel inland to Tsavo East National Park, where you may see elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife.

Zanzibar combines historic landmarks, cultural heritage, and coastal scenery. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, where carved wooden doors, balconies, and historic buildings reflect Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Visit the Palace Museum, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and Forodhani Gardens overlooking the harbor. Local markets and food stalls offer opportunities to sample regional dishes, including Zanzibar pizza and fresh seafood. Beyond the town, visit a spice plantation, relax on nearby beaches, or explore marine parks and coral reefs through snorkeling or diving.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. As you glide along its sapphire waters, inhale the fresh, salt-kissed air of this ancient maritime crossroads. In between enlightening conversations with your Expedition Team and fellow explorers, step out on deck to watch the water for the electric flash of flying fish or the spouts of majestic whales breaching the surface. Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Uncover the timeless allure of Mozambique Island, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries of history echo against the sapphire Indian Ocean. Wander through the sun-drenched streets of Stone Town, where a striking fusion of Portuguese, Arab and Swahili influences tells a profound story of global trade and cultural exchange. Stand in awe before the majestic 16th-century Fort of São Sebastião, an imposing architectural marvel and a silent sentinel overlooking cerulean waters. Built in 1522, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte is one of the oldest European buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Palace of São Paulo houses exhibits on island history and culture in a former colonial mansion.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. As you glide along its sapphire waters, inhale the fresh, salt-kissed air of this ancient maritime crossroads. In between enlightening conversations with your Expedition Team and fellow explorers, step out on deck to watch the water for the electric flash of flying fish or the spouts of majestic whales breaching the surface. Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Embark on a journey of discovery in Morondava, a captivating coastal haven on Madagascar’s remote western shore. The city is renowned for the otherworldly Avenue of the Baobabs, where towering ancient trees stand as majestic sentinels against a brilliantly painted sky, especially striking at sunset. As you wander this breathtaking natural corridor, you connect deeply with the heritage of the local Sakalava culture, renowned for their intricate woodcarvings and rich ancestral traditions. You might also hike through nearby forest reserves in search of local lemurs, reptiles and birdlife, or explore the island’s mangroves in a kayak or traditional canoe.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. As you glide along its sapphire waters, inhale the fresh, salt-kissed air of this ancient maritime crossroads. In between enlightening conversations with your Expedition Team and fellow explorers, step out on deck to watch the water for the electric flash of flying fish or the spouts of majestic whales breaching the surface. Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Surrender to the cosmopolitan energy of Maputo, Mozambique’s dynamic capital, where historic Mediterranean-style elegance meets a pulsating African spirit. The city’s striking architecture includes the Maputo Railway Station — a Beaux-Arts gem crowned by a luminous copper dome and sweeping verandas. Its grand arches and exquisite wrought-iron details evoke a bygone era of luxury travel. Stroll onward to admire the iconic Casa de Ferro, or Iron House, designed by Gustave Eiffel, its intricate latticework and innovative all-metal construction reflecting engineering ingenuity amid tropical gardens. Explore the sensory riches of the bustling Central Market, browsing stalls overflowing with aromatic regional spices and artisan crafts, and then dive deeper into Mozambique’s cultural treasures at the National Art Museum and Natural History Museum.

Explore Richards Bay, the gateway to Zululand and South Africa’s eastern coast. Venture inland to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, for a safari adventure in search of the Big Five and the chance to observe the world’s largest population of white rhinos. Alternatively, visit the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a diverse ecosystem of mangroves, lakes and coastal dunes that is home to hippos, crocodiles and rare bird species. Immerse yourself in Zulu culture through visits to local communities and cultural villages, where you can learn about traditional ceremonies, music and crafts. An equally enjoyable day could be spent without ever leaving the coast by simply relaxing on the golden sands of Alkantstrand Beach, awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. As you glide along its sapphire waters, inhale the fresh, salt-kissed air of this ancient maritime crossroads. In between enlightening conversations with your Expedition Team and fellow explorers, step out on deck to watch the water for the electric flash of flying fish or the spouts of majestic whales breaching the surface. Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Formerly known as Port Elizabeth and affectionately nicknamed the “Friendly City,” Gqeberha blends colonial history with a modern identity and natural beauty. From the Donkin Reserve — a hilltop park with a lighthouse overlooking the harbor — follow the Donkin Heritage Trail on a walking tour of historical sites dating to the 19th century, including settlers’ cottages, Victorian churches, the towering Campanile Monument and the City Hall on lively Market Square. The trail overlaps with many of the powerful works along Route 67, an evocative collection of public art installations honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Gqeberha also boasts some of South Africa’s best beaches, including pristine King’s Beach that was awarded the Blue Flag designation. Beyond the city, you might follow the famously scenic pathways of South Africa’s Garden Route or embark on a safari through Addo Elephant National Park to observe not only elephants but also lions, Cape buffalo and other animals in their natural habitat.

This coastal enclave in the heart of South Africa’s famed Garden Route is an excellent jumping-off point to explore miles of scenic beaches, lagoons, cliffs and forests, where you might embark on a game drive in a local nature reserve or enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique vineyard. Within Mossel Bay, wander through the fascinating Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex to admire a life-size replica of the early explorer’s caravel. Just outside, you can slip a message into the legendary Post Office Tree, a centuries-old milkwood that served as Africa’s first mail drop. For breathtaking Indian Ocean panoramas, ascend the rugged cliffs to the historic Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. From this striking vantage point or via boating expedition, marvel at the brown fur seal colony inhabiting nearby Seal Island and watch the horizon for seasonal migrating whales.

Experience Cape Town’s dynamic mix of urban sophistication and natural spectacle. Ride the aerial cableway to the summit of Table Mountain to follow trails lined with unique fynbos and take in spectacular views overlooking the city, Table Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Descend to the bustling V&A Waterfront to discover an array of excellent restaurants and local boutiques. Off the coast at Robben Island, gain poignant insights into South Africa’s complex past at the UNESCO World Heritage site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Back on the mainland, stroll the brightly colored streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, wander Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and venture to nearby Stellenbosch to sample acclaimed wines amid historic Cape Dutch architecture. Other adventures might include a cage dive with great white sharks or a less intimidating encounter with the penguins of Boulder Beach.

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