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landscape image of Gorges de Diosso in Congo Africa

West Africa cruise from Ghana to Angola

Tema to Luanda - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard SH Diana from Tema to Luanda, visiting Lome, Cotonou, Príncipe, Sao Tome, Gabon, and Pointe-Noire. Explore markets, museums, churches, historic landmarks, beaches, and local communities. Visit Lomé’s Fetish Market and National Museum, explore Ganvie by canoe, and experience an Egungun mask performance in Cotonou. Discover Príncipe’s local market and Macaco Beach, then explore Sao Tome’s museum, market, and fishing village. Join an expedition in Gabon before visiting Pointe-Noire and Luanda, including historic sites, museums, and local landmarks.
Santo Antonio, PrincipeThe floating village of GanvieSanto Antonio, Macaco BeachSao TomeSao Tomelandscape image of Gorges de Diosso in Congo Africa
Highlights
  • Travel by canoe through Ganvie’s stilt village in Cotonou
  • Experience an Egungun mask performance after exploring Ganvie village
  • Explore Santo Antonio’s market, handicrafts, and Principe Foundation
  • Explore Luanda’s Iron Palace, São Miguel Fortress, and Cidade Alta
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: Tema (Accra) | Hotel Stay

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Tema (Accra) | Embark

From Tema, travel to Accra, Ghana’s capital, and explore its mix of historic and modern landmarks. See European-built forts and the monuments at Black Star Independence Square. Visit Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community known for colonial buildings, local art, and traditional food such as waakye served at a chop bar.

Day 3: 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
4.5 hours
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lome 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, basket makers and shoemakers display their craft.

Day 4: 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
4.5 hours
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 5: 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 ship’s knowledgeable experts.

Day 6: Santo Antonio, Principe | 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.

Included Activities
Santo Antonio Walking Tour

2 hours
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.

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.

Day 7: Sao Tome, Sao Tome

Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches and waterfalls. Sao Tome 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 Sao Tome Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the dwarf ibis and grosbeak.

Included Activities
Sao Tome Culture and History

4 hours
Feel the cultural and historical pulse of Sao Tome, 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 Bobo Forro market to learn local trading, then meet locals in Pantufo fishing village and discover daily life.

Day 8-10: 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.

Day 11-12: Pointe-Noire

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 Cite 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.

Included Activities
Discovery of Pointe Noire

3 hours
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 13: Luanda

As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.

Day 14: Luanda | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$12,875 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
SH Diana Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview stateroom size is 20m² and features two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room area and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Oceanview stateroom size is 20m² and features two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room area and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Balcony stateroom located on deck 5 with a size of 25m² including balcony, it features two single beds or a double bed with living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 5m² balcony.
SH Diana Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Balcony stateroom located on deck 5 with a size of 25m² including balcony, it features two single beds or a double bed with living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 5m² balcony.
SH Diana Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Balcony stateroom located on deck 6 with a size of 25m² including balcony, it features two single beds or a double bed with living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 5m² balcony.
SH Diana Junior Suite
Junior Suite
Junior Suite size s 32-36m² including balcony features a King Size bed, separate living room area, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 6m² private balcony.
SH Diana Suite
Suite
Suite size is 41m² including balcony, and features a king bed and separate living room with and a flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 5-10m² private balcony.
SH Diana Premium Suite
Premium Suite
Premium Suite size is 41m² including balcony, and features a King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 8-12m² private balcony.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 13 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
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)
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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