Dates: September 29 – October 12, 2026

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Cost of participation per person:

The cost of participation depends on category of the chosen cabin*:

• Cabin with window, 20 sqm from 13 325 USD
• Cabin with balcony 25 sqm from 15 225 USD
• Juniour Suite, 35 sqm 19 000USD

* The price is indicated for 1 passenger with accommodation in the DBL cabin and may change. Availability of cabins please check with the manager.


TRAVEL PROGRAM: УР ЮАР

Day 1. September 29, 2026 (Tuesday). ACCRA (GHANA)

Our journey begins with a meet-and-greet at the airport in Ghana’s capital — Accra. Upon arrival, a Swan Hellenic representative will be there to welcome you. A transfer will take you to your hotel.
Accra’s architecture harmoniously blends traditional, colonial, and modern influences, giving the city its own special charm. On the Jamestown Peninsula, you can visit the city’s main landmark — Independence Square, home to the famous Independence Arch. The star crowning the arch has become a symbol of liberation from colonial rule. Jamestown also boasts numerous colonial-era buildings and a bustling fish market.
A rich array of historical and cultural landmarks, vibrant locals, and unique traditions — all of this makes Accra a truly remarkable place to conclude a fascinating expedition along the shores of West Africa.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 2. September 30, 2026 (Wednesday). LOME (TOGO)

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.
Voodoo originated on the coasts of Benin and Togo, spreading to the Americas during the era of the slave trade. Passed down through generations, it is still actively practiced today. Voodoo is not merely a form of black magic, but a complex religion. Its followers number around seventy million worldwide, primarily in Africa and the Americas.
A voodoo ceremony is an integral part of daily life in many villages: the frenzied rhythm of drums and the chanting of devotees call forth the voodoo spirit, which then possesses some of the dancers. They fall into a deep trance — eyes rolling back, faces contorting, bodies convulsing, and displaying complete indifference to fire or pain. Immersed in the mystical atmosphere of the ceremony, you will understand what locals mean when they say, “In your churches you pray to God, but in our shrines, we become Gods!”
As part of the optional program, you will visit the capital of Togo — Lomé. Alongside its traditional attractions, you will also explore the city’s famous Fetish Market, where an eclectic assortment of ingredients for love potions and magical elixirs awaits.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 3. October 1, 2026 (Thursday) СOTONOU (BENIN)

Welcome to Benin. From the country’s unofficial capital, you will travel across Lake Nokoué to the largest and most beautiful stilt village in Africa, often called the “African Venice.”
Here, you will meet members of the Tofinu ethnic group. Back in the 17th century, their ancestors escaped enslavement by building the village of Ganvié. The local tribes struck a deal with the Portuguese — instead of capturing their own people, they hunted members of other tribes to sell into slavery. The Tofinu cleverly used the beliefs of the Fon people for protection: the Fon were forbidden to approach settlements on water. Thus Ganvié was born, its name meaning “We survived.”
Today, the village is home to about 25,000 residents who show deep respect for their environment. Fishing remains the main occupation, yet despite centuries of human presence, the lake’s fish population has never been overexploited. Life here unfolds entirely on canoes — men fish, women sell goods at the floating market, and children play or paddle to school.
In Cotonou, you will also witness the captivating Egungun Mask Festival. These striking costumes represent the spirits of the dead, believed by locals to have descended to Earth to help people with their worldly troubles.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 4. October 2, 2026 (Friday). DAY AT SEA

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 5. October 3, 2026 (Saturday). SANTO ANTONIO, PRINCIPE ISLAND

Today, you will continue exploring the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. After visiting the capital, you will immerse yourself in the natural treasures of Príncipe Island, which, apart from its coastal areas, is almost entirely covered by forest and is part of the Príncipe Biosphere Reserve.
Discover the island’s untouched nature and rich biodiversity. Your exploration will begin with visits to cocoa and coffee plantations, followed by an opportunity to meet the Porto Real community, where the women are engaged in producing local handicrafts. Continue your journey to Roça Sundy.
Here, on the site of a former cocoa plantation, stands a guesthouse where, in 1919, British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington confirmed Einstein’s theory of relativity while observing a solar eclipse. Conclude your tour with a stroll through Santo António.
Macaco Beach, located on the island’s northwest coast, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear turquoise waters — perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 6. October 4, 2026 (Sunday). SAO TOME, SAO TOME ISLAND

The paradise islands with lush tropical forests, beaches, and waterfalls — this is how guidebooks describe São Tomé Island.
São Tomé is the largest in a collection of remote volcanic islands scattered along the equator in the Gulf of Guinea. Extinct volcanoes, green valleys, and cocoa plantations will reveal themselves during your walks around the island.
Here you will find Ôbo National Park, which occupies nearly a third of the country’s total area. The local botanical garden boasts more than a hundred species of beautiful orchids. Mount São Tomé rises to 2,024 meters, and its slopes are home to bird species such as ibises and thrushes. The islands host a great variety of rare birds, many of which are endemics found nowhere else in the world.
The capital, São Tomé, has preserved Portuguese architecture from the 15th century, reflecting its long colonial history. Old Portuguese mansions lining the narrow streets, a majestic fort, the Governor’s residence with its ancient charm, a cocoa bean factory, and a colorful market brimming with fresh produce and exotic fruits — all this will immerse you in the country’s history and the everyday life of its people.
Today, after a traditional Chiloli dance performance, you will set off on a tour of São Tomé’s capital. You will visit Fort São Sebastião and the National Museum, the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Graça — the oldest Catholic cathedral in Tropical Africa — and stroll through Independence Square and the surrounding colonial architecture district. In addition to this included excursion, you will also have the option to visit a chocolate factory.
Alternatively, you may choose to explore São Tomé’s natural beauty. This excursion will take you to the historic Santíssima Trindade Church, the Botanical Garden, which is home to over 400 species of endemic plants, and the stunning São Nicolau Waterfall.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 7 - 9. October 5 - 7, 2026 (Monday - Wednesday). MAYONAMI, NYANGA RIVER, LIBREVILLE, TURTLE BAY (GABON)

The next two days will be dedicated to exploring the coast of Gabon, with its beautiful wild beaches, rich culture, numerous museums, and art galleries.
This fishing village serves as a starting point for those planning to explore the tropical forests and mangrove swamps. While traveling along the river in a pirogue, visitors can observe the daily life of local communities.
Birds and wild animals, such as monkeys and manatees, are often spotted along the shores.
Located on the Atlantic coast, Gabon’s capital, Libreville, welcomes visitors with palm-lined boulevards and pristine beaches lapped by azure waters. Libreville is the country’s main cultural hub. A key symbol of the blend between history and modern architecture is the Catholic Church of St. Michael, unlike any traditional church, with its roof supported by 31 redwood columns.
The Presidential Palace, another landmark, reflects both Gabon’s rich history and its path toward independence. In 1960, Gabon became a sovereign nation, and the construction of the palace symbolized the dawn of this new era.
The Triumphal Boulevard winds along the coastline, forming a scenic promenade where locals and visitors alike can enjoy magnificent sea views and join street musicians in impromptu dance sessions lasting all day.
For those who prefer peace and nature, Pongara National Park lies just minutes from the city. This protected reserve is an untouched ecosystem, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Towering mangroves and sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches offer visitors a rare opportunity to connect with Africa’s natural wonders.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 10 - 12. October 8 - 10, 2026 (Thursday - Saturday). CONGO

Pointe-Noire, the maritime gateway and second-largest city of the Republic of the Congo, owes its name “Black Point” to the black rocks surrounding it, a name given by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century. Once under Portuguese and later French colonial rule, and having endured a civil war, Pointe-Noire today represents a slice of French Africa divided into two distinct districts.
Located in the central part of the city, the European district features administrative buildings, a hospital, mission houses, an oceanographic center, a school, and European residential homes with Portuguese architectural elements.
The African district, situated north of the port on the plateau, is built with traditional huts. Pointe-Noire’s coastline is popular among surfing and beach enthusiasts.
Today, you will visit the Loango Museum, dedicated to the history of the Congo and its colonization. The renovated museum reopened in 2018, but its history dates back to the precolonial period of the 16th–19th centuries, during the Kingdom of Loango.
After visiting the museum, you will head to the Diosso Gorge, located 25 km from the city and known as the “Grand Canyon of the Congo” or “Diosso Amphitheater.” Here, you can admire tropical forest covering rocky ridges and enjoy spectacular views of the red ferrallitic cliffs stretching to the beach, some reaching up to 50 meters in height.
Alternatively, you can visit the Makola Salt Glacier. Located 30 minutes from Pointe-Noire, the Makola Salt Glacier is a living example of an environmental disaster. From 1969, the CPC company operated a salt mine here, which was closed in 1977 after a major flood. You will have the opportunity not only to explore the glacier but also to take unique, breathtaking photographs before returning on board.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 13. October 11, 2026 (Sunday). DAY AT SEA

Days at sea are the perfect time to watch seabirds from the ship’s decks, where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean.
Today, the liner crosses the Gulf of Guinea, one of the deepest places in the world’s oceans.
Hear an expert’s perspective during one of our onboard lectures, or improve your photography skills by receiving invaluable tips from our professional photographers on board.

Meals: all inclusive
Accommodation: in the cabin


Day 14. October 12, 2026 (Monday). LUANDA (ANGOLA)

Angola boasts a 1,600 km coastline with magnificent beaches, tropical forests, savannah, a southern desert, and an extraordinary climate.
Luanda, blending Portuguese and African cultures, is a fine example of urban Angola, offering everything from colonial architecture and diverse musical traditions to excellent restaurants and high-class hotels.
The center of Luanda is divided into the Upper and Lower Towns. Almost all historical landmarks from the Portuguese colonial period are located in the Lower Town.
Here you will find the Iron Palace, believed to have been designed either by Gustave Eiffel or one of his close associates; the baroque-style Luanda Cathedral of the Holy Saviour; and one of Luanda’s main attractions — the oldest in Angola — the Fortress of São Miguel on the slopes of Mount São Paulo. Once serving as the colony’s administrative center and main defensive structure, it now houses the Armed Forces Museum. The fortress’ masterfully crafted ceramic tile panels narrate the history of Angola.
The inner courtyard is adorned with imposing statues of Portugal’s first king, the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, and other notable figures. From the fortress, you can enjoy a stunning view of Luanda Bay, where vessels of every kind — sailing ships, elegant motor yachts, barges, and cargo ships — stretch along the horizon.
Other notable Luanda landmarks include a 16th-century Jesuit church, the Carmelite Church, and the Church of Our Lady of Nazareth. The city’s sidewalks are paved with exquisite mosaics.
Here, you will bid farewell to the ship’s team and crew before disembarking. A transfer to Luanda Airport will be arranged for all expedition participants.
Upon your return home, a pleasant surprise awaits you: in keeping with tradition, the Swan Hellenic team will send each guest a link to download a film featuring a photo and video chronicle of your expedition cruise — a keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: no


* Please do not purchase tickets without prior consultation with us.

** Attention! All activities during the cruise are subject to weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and captain. The actual course of the expedition may differ from that declared.

• All transfers: from the airport to the port on the day of boarding, from the port to the airport at the end of the cruise (group).
• Accommodation on board in the cabin of your choice categories during the cruise, tips on board and port fees.
• Meals on board and room service, 24 hours a day, including soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks.
• Lecture programs of expeditionary experts and invited speakers.
• Shore excursion of choice by Swan Hellenic at each port along the route.
• Basic WIFI package.


Cost excludes (additionally paid):

• International flight to the port of the beginning of the cruise and back at the end of the cruise.
• Health insurance.
• Travel cancellation insurance.
• Alternative shore excursions at ports of call along the route.
• Premium brand alcoholic beverages, Spa and beauty treatments, laundry services, purchases in retail stores on board.


To take with:

• clothing sets appropriate to weather conditions, including light clothing sets (shorts, T-shirts) and warm clothing (sweatshirt, fleece, pants, breathable jacket), as well as long-sleeve shirts
• hats for different weather conditions: a cap / hat / sun hat and a hat for cold evenings
• swimsuit
• raincoat
• closed-toe trekking boots and comfortable lightweight shoes (sneakers)
• malaria prevention pills (up to you to decide but recommended)
• yellow fever certificate (is a must!)
• personal hygiene products
• personal medication (including analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, intestines, multivitamins, regidron, plaster)
• sun and wind protectors (cream)
• sunglasses
• repellents: sprays, creams
• large suitcase or backpack for belongings
• small backpack for radial routes (25-30 liters)

photo and video equipment, extra batteries