Swan Hellenic's upcoming cultural expedition voyages in early 2024 along the west coast of Africa are rapidly gaining attention and selling out quickly.
Covering the route from Cape Town to Dakar, these cruises promise captivating encounters with Africa's distinctive wildlife and diverse cultures. From coastal elephants to the lakeside dwellings of Benin and the unspoiled Bijagos Archipelago, each voyage offers a unique blend of experiences.
Swan Hellenic is making waves in its commitment to guiding adventurous travelers off the beaten path, evidenced by the limited availability announcement for two out of its four groundbreaking cultural expedition voyages in Southwest and West Africa scheduled between March and May 2024. Having completed these cruises in 2023, the itineraries and shore excursions have been refined for an enhanced experience.
As a trailblazer in cultural expedition cruising, Swan Hellenic caters to the curiosity of diverse generations seeking in-depth exploration across the globe. Swan Hellenic provides a platform for profound cultural immersion from the Arctic and Antarctic to destinations like Brazil, the Bijagos Archipelago, Norway, Nova Scotia, Argentina, Africa, Madagascar, and the Mediterranean.
SH Vega ship, the second in the fleet, accommodates 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, most featuring large balconies.
The first cruise in the 2024 Africa series, Coastal Treasures of Southwest Africa, sets sail from Cape Town on 25 March, offering a 13-night voyage to Luanda with a range of experiences, from hot air ballooning over the Namib Special Nature Reserve to kayaking with seals in Walvis Bay.
Following this, the Unspoilt Wilds of Southwest Africa cruise departs from Luanda for Tema on 4 April 2024, spanning 13 nights and covering 7 countries. This expedition offers encounters with extraordinary wildlife in Congo and Gabon's coastal national parks, including orangutans, gorillas, and elephants. Immersive experiences in Benin's Ganvie (lake village) and an authentic animist Voodoo ceremony in Togo add to the cruise's allure, contributing to its rapid sell-out.
The Crucibles of West Africa cruise leaves Tema Harbour for Dakar on April 17th, taking guests on a 13-night odyssey that explores historical strongholds tied to the slave, gold, and ivory trades. The voyage also includes a visit to the natural paradise of the Bijagos Archipelago, known as the Maldives of Africa and offering an exceptional anthropological experience. Demand for this cultural expedition cruise has been notably high.
Concluding the series, the Pristine Islands of West Africa cruise focuses exclusively on the Bijagos Islands. Departing from Dakar on 30 April 2024, this 8-night exploration of the protected UNESCO biosphere reserve reveals the islands' untouched beauty and traditional culture, including unique coming-of-age ceremonies like the Difuntu for women and Fanado for men.