Namibian and South African Coastlines

On Namibia’s coast, the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Walvis Bay, located in a bay shaped by an ancient river delta, is sheltered from the open sea by Pelican Point. This area is an important habitat for migratory birds, including large numbers of pink flamingos and Cape cormorants. It is also home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals, which feed on fish brought by the cold Benguela Current from the Antarctic.

On Namibia’s coast, the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Walvis Bay, located in a bay shaped by an ancient river delta, is sheltered from the open sea by Pelican Point. This area is an important habitat for migratory birds, including large numbers of pink flamingos and Cape cormorants. It is also home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals, which feed on fish brought by the cold Benguela Current from the Antarctic.

Included Excursions
Pelican Point Escape: Marine Wildlife Cruise
Board a boat in Walvis Bay and cruise to Pelican Point, home to one of Namibia’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Watch seals gather along the shoreline and look for dolphins swimming beside the vessel. Enjoy fresh oysters, light snacks, and a glass of champagne while taking in coastal views.
This excursion includes approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven surfaces and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Namib Highlights: Desert Treasures by Scenic Drive
Travel through the striking landscapes of the Namib Desert on a guided scenic drive. Cross Dorob National Park and continue into Namib-Naukluft National Park, known for its vast dunes and desert scenery. Pass through the Swakop River Valley and visit the Welwitschia Plains near Swakopmund. Stop at the Goanikontes oasis for a light lunch before returning to the ship.
This excursion includes approximately 100 meters of walking on sandy and rocky terrain and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Wear comfortable footwear, a hat, and sun protection.

Located in Namibia, in southern Africa, Luderitz is a coastal town in the Karas region. A former German colony at the gates of the Namib desert, this singular town has houses featuring occasionally extravagant colonial architecture. With its sandy streets overlooking the ocean, the small port town gives off a distinct atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. Perched on a granite promontory, the Felsenkirche Lutheran church is well worth a visit, as are the Deutsche Afrika Bank building and the Goerke Haus monument. The Kolmanskop ghost town, with its hospital and abandoned colonial houses invaded by the desert sands, looks like it’s come straight off a film set.

Included Excursion
Kolmanskop:: Ghost Town of the Namib Desert
Duration : 2h30
Discover the fascinating story of Kolmanskop, a ghost town standing in the sands of the Namibian desert, a spectacular witness of the diamond rush that took place at the beginning of the 20th century.

Only a few miles away from Lüderitz, in the heart of the Sperrgebiet ”prohibited area”, Kolmanskop is probably Namibia’s most emblematic ghost town.
It all began in 1908, when a rail worker discovered a sparkling stone in the sand: a diamond. A veritable rush ensued, and a town rose out of the desert in record time. Inspired by German cities, Kolmanskop was then home to elegant houses and surprisingly modern infrastructures for the time: a hospital, ballroom, school, theater, casino, power station, ice factory, two skittle alleys, butcher’s shop, bakery, and even the very first x-ray-station in the southern hemisphere.

Reaching its peak in the 1920s, the town had approximately 300 German adults, 40 children and 800 Ovambo contract workers, before rapidly declining until the site was completely abandoned 40 years later.

Today, the impressive colonial residences eroded by the wind and half buried under the dunes offer a simultaneously striking and poetic decor. This spectacular site is popular with photographers and has been used as a set for several films, including Dust Devil (1993) and The King Is Alive (2000).

This excursion involves walking approximately 600 meters (0.4 miles) and has around 30 steps to negotiate. It takes place entirely in the desert and requires a good level of physical fitness. Bring closed walking shoes and adequate sun protection as well as sufficient quantities of water.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call can also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they can be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Dynamic and peaceful, cosmopolitan and hip, Cape Town offers its visitors a most unique mix. Here, the locals like to say that their city is “the quintessential melting pot of South Africa”. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world and dominated by the famous Table Mountain, it is graced with extraordinary landscapes including sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and vast white sand beaches. Discover this incredible city—South Africa’s capital of fashion, lifestyle, and gastronomy. Further on, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve awaits you and is home to a wide variety of endemic fauna and flora.

Included Excursions
Table Mountain Experience: Panoramic Views from the Summit
Duration : 4h30
Depart from the pier for your transfer to the Lower Cable Way Station. On arrival, meet your guide and take the cable car to ascend from the Valley Station at 1,190 feet (363 m), to the Mountain Station at 3,478 feet (1 060 m). The journey from the base to the summit takes just under four minutes and one can enjoy spectacular views, as the floor of the car rotates 360 degrees during the ascent and descent.

Table Mountain gets her name from the flat topped central massif of the mountain, which viewed from the city, is surrounded by Devil's Peak on the left, Lion's Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground. They form a sort of amphitheater that encloses the city center and some of the older suburbs. Other earlier suburbs are on either side of the chain of mountains, which run like a spine through the Cape Peninsula, from Table Mountain to Cape Point - the cape from which Cape Town gets its name.

After spending a few minutes at the upper cable station and taking in the views, continue on foot towards the highest peak on Table Mountain, which is only an extra 26 meters above the cable car station. This being the highest point towards the eastern end of the plateau and is marked by Maclear's Beacon, a stone cairn built in 1865 by Sir Thomas Maclear for trigonometrically survey. The circular circuit gives you the opportunity to view the City of Cape Town and some of its historical landmarks: Table Bay and Robben Island, the Cape Flats, False Bay, the Twelve Apostles (peaks) and Camps Bay. The vista also includes views of Lion's Head and Devil's Peak nearby with the imposing spires of the Drakenstein Mountains in the distance. Make your way to the cable car station for your descent where your coach awaits you.

This tour involves 1.5 mile (2.5 km) of walking. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Bring bottled water from the ship. This tour is strictly weather permitting. Should the cableway be closed due to strong winds, guests will visit the top of Signal Hill - and will also be taken to Blauwberg for a picture postcard view of Table Mountain from across the bay.

Chapman's Peak Drive: Scenic Coastal Views and Photo Highlights
Duration : 3h00
Follow the spectacular coastline of the Cape Peninsula during a scenic excursion along mythical roads and through charming villages, between the Atlantic Ocean, immaculate beaches and jagged mountains.

From the pier, you will take the charming coastal road running along the Atlantic and cross the suburbs of Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay. During a stop at Maiden’s Cove, admire the spectacular view over Camps Bay Beach and the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountains.

You will then continue towards the fishing village of Hout Bay, following one of the most famous itineraries in the world: Chapman’s Peak Drive. Cut into the side of the cliffs, this winding road offers many spectacular viewpoints over the bay and the ocean, up to the rocky promontory known as the Sentinel.
After driving past Noordhoek Beach’s vast expanses of white sand, you will follow the Ou Kaapse Weg (“Old Cape Way”) scenic road, which reveals stunning panoramas over the southern peninsula, Cape Flats and False Bay.

The return to the city will be on the M3 motorway, offering a glimpse of the University of Cape Town, the Rhodes Memorial, Mostert’s Mill, and the famous Groote Schuur Hospital, where the first heart transplant in the world took place.

Cape Peninsula Adventure: Scenic Views and Coastal Wonders
Duration : 8h30
Depart the pier for the scenic 2-hour drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve. En route, you will pass through the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point to Camps Bay. You will then continue along the Atlantic seaboard towards Hout Bay, a small fishing village.

From Hout Bay, you will pass by Chapman's Peak Drive (provided the road is open), and proceed through the seaside residential suburb of Scarborough en-route to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.  It is here that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, along with their diverse ecosystems, are thought to converge.  This expansive nature reserve occupies 19,150 acres of indigenous flora and fauna.  Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs, among South Africa's highest are main attractions of the reserve.  Upon arrival, you will ride the funicular railway to the top of Cape Point (provided it's in operation), and take in breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

After lunch at a local restaurant, a visit will be made to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, followed by a drive through the naval base of Simon's Town to Fish Hoek. From here, you will continue on to the colorful fishing harbor of Kalk Bay before turning on to Boyes Drive, which offers magnificent views of Muizenberg and False Bay.

Your drive will conclude with a visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is spread out over 1,384 acres on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and contains 4, 580 species of indigenous plants.  Following a leisurely stroll amidst these lovely surroundings, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.  En route, you will pass by the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert's Mill and famous Groote Schuur Hospital.

This tour involves 1.2 miles / 2 kms of walking over uneven and paved surfaces as well as wooden walkways at Boulders. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.

Robben Island: History, Heritage and Coastal Views
Duration : 5h00
A place of imprisonment for centuries, Robben Island is now a global symbol of memory and resilience. Explore this island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marked by the story of Nelson Mandela and the fight against apartheid.

For more than 400 years, Robben Island was a place of exile, isolation and suffering. Used successively as a penal colony, leper colony, asylum and political prison, the island will forever be associated with the fight against apartheid in South Africa. From the 1960s onwards, it housed major figures from the political struggle, including Nelson Mandela and the poet Dennis Brutus. 1991 saw the release of the last political prisoners and the island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Your visit will begin on foot from the pier towards the ferry terminal, located at the Nelson Mandela Gateway (around a 30-minute walk). You will then embark, for a 30-minute ferry trip across Table Bay. On arrival on Robben Island, you will take a panoramic bus tour. Among the key stops: the lime quarry, where Nelson Mandela performed forced labor and where his eyesight was permanently damaged by the glare of the sun. This site was reserved for the most rebellious inmates, who were subject to extreme working conditions.

Then, take part in a walking tour guided by a former political prisoner, in the very heart of the high-security area. You will discover the poignant testimonials of those who were locked up there, as well as the cells, particularly that of Nelson Mandela, still intact.

The island is also home to surprisingly rich fauna: African penguins, seals, seabirds and reptiles still populate this windswept territory covered in low vegetation.
After around two and a half hours on the island, you will take the ferry back to the mainland, then walk back to your ship.

This excursion involves walking 1.3 km (0.8 miles). The team recommends you bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. The ferry crossing may take longer than planned, depending on the ferry allocated to the group, the day, and the weather conditions. The excursion is limited to a small number of participants.

Arrival 12/22/27 early morning
Departure 12/22/27 early afternoon

On the edge of the Indian Ocean, along the Garden Route, discover Mossel Bay, a small, welcoming harbor town surrounded by nature. Hike along a trail to discover the local landmark, Cape St Blaize, and its incredible views of the bay, or go on safari in the neighboring Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where you may be lucky enough to see some rhinos, elephants, etc.

Discover Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s major cities. Located in the province of Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City”, in reference to the hospitality of its inhabitants. Renowned for the beauty of its beaches, Port Elizabeth is also home to a rich wildlife, particularly in the Addo National Park, famous for its elephants. Another key site in the city, the Donkin Reserve, is a public space home to numerous historic monuments. Port Elizabeth also reflects an important aspect of South African history, through both its colonial heritage and its contemporary history marked by the end of apartheid.

Included Excursion
Addo Elephant Park Adventure: 4WD Safari and Wildlife Encounters
Duration : 5h00
From the pier, embark your air-conditioned coach for the one-hour transfer to the Addo National Park by crossing the Swartkops River and turning inland to the flat valley of the Sunday's River. The Addo Elephant Park, which consists of more of 126,000 acres (51,000 ha) of bush country, is the home to over 450 elephants, which have bred from the few that remained in the area after the herd was almost wiped out by the hired game hunter Major P.J. Pretorius in the 1920s. Although it belongs to the same species as the African Elephant, the reddish Addo Elephant is smaller with more rounded ears, while the females generally have no tusks.

On arrival, you will be boarding four-wheel drive open vehicles. During your game drive, you will hopefully encounter the Addo elephant as well as a variety of other game, which was recently introduced to the reserve. This includes lion, hyena, cheetah, zebra, eland, kudu, red hartebeest and wild dogs.

The game drive takes 2 hours. Wear comfortable clothing, protect yourself from the sun and bring binoculars. For safety reasons, no children under the age of 6 years are allowed on this tour. Guests are not allowed to smoke, bring food or cellular phones on the game drive. The drive can be bumpy. Although frequent, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and one of Africa's major ports. Between long beaches rocked by the rollers of the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers dominating the avenues lined with jacarandas, in this multicultural city with African, Indian, and colonial influences, the term "rainbow nation" takes on its full dimension. With a rich cultural and historical heritage, with its museums, colonial buildings and picturesque neighborhoods, it is also known for the fauna and flora that surround it.

A simple fishing village in the past, Richards Bay is now South Africa’s second port. Despite the significant development of industrial activity, particularly in terms of mineral extraction, Richards Bay is one of the country’s cleanest and most environmentally responsible towns. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the town is a haunt for water sport enthusiasts. In the heart of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, nature lovers will be able to observe the wild fauna, made up of crocodiles, hippos and different bird species, as well as rich subtropical flora. Richards Bay is the departure point for many excursions heading off to discover Zulu country.