fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts

Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts

From AUD $19,650

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Embark on the remarkable journey of Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts, an incredible luxury cruise along the vibrant coastline of West Africa. Launching from Tema, near Accra in Ghana, the voyage meanders through culturally rich places like Freetown and Elmina, among others, before reaching its finale in the dynamic city of Dakar, Senegal. Throughout your expedition, you’ll encounter an array of fascinating destinations. Discover Freetown, known for its Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and rich heritage. Explore the enchanting Bijagos Archipelago with its lush biodiversity and cultural treasures. As you wander through Elmina, the historic castle stands testament to the area’s poignant past, while Abidjan unveils its robust arts scene. Each stop delves deeper into West Africa’s untold stories. The itinerary brims with engaging activities that promise both enlightenment and entertainment. Shore excursions invite you to traverse historical sites, observe incredible wildlife, and indulge in cultural narratives. Explore vibrant cityscapes, relish authentic local cuisines, and participate in hands-on workshops like batik making or traditional drumming. Each moment on this luxury cruise transforms the journey into an enriching tapestry of memories.

Trip Name
Cruise West Africa: Cultures and Wild Coasts
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022/2023 SH Diana is the newest and largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, designed for modern expedition cruising with a strong sense of elegance and purpose. Built in Finland’s renowned Helsinki Shipyard, she combines cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, enabling smooth exploration of the world’s most remote and rugged destinations. With space for just 192 guests, SH Diana offers a boutique 5-star experience across nine decks, featuring expansive viewing areas, a grand staircase, and refined interiors accented with exclusive onboard artwork. On board, guests enjoy exceptional facilities including the panoramic sauna, open-deck jacuzzi, heated outdoor pool, and dedicated expedition areas like the Swan’s Nest and BaseCamp. Cabins are thoughtfully equipped with Champagne, Lajatica toiletries, Nikon binoculars, and Illy coffee machines, ensuring comfort at every turn. Dining is a delight with venues like the Swan Restaurant and Pool Bar & Grill, while the crew’s attentive and personalised service ensures you feel truly cared for from the moment you step aboard. SH Diana is the perfect vessel for those seeking adventure wrapped in luxurious simplicity.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 0 - 1 - Pre Cruise & Tema (Accra)
Tema is a short drive from Ghana’s fast-paced capital, Accra, a city that's culturally rich, modern and historic all at once. European-built forts and Black Star Independence Square’s public monuments offer a glimpse at the past. The neighbourhood of Jamestown, a 17th-century fishing community with old colonial buildings, is its pulse with an art scene and local bites like waakye­ – rice and beans with sides – at a low-key ‘chop bar’.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 - Elmina
A solemn reminder of the past, 15th century Elmina Castle in Ghana was a key slave trade hub, originally protecting gold trade before Dutch and British slave trade involvement. This UNESCO site exemplified the era's contradictions, with Europeans in luxurious quarters above filthy, cramped slave dungeons. The infamous Door of No Return opened to ships on the gruelling Middle Passage.
Day 3 - Day 4 - Abidjan
A city pulsating with energy, Abidjan, the former capital of Cote D’Ivoire, stands as a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene interweaves with the cultures, cuisines and traditions that define Abidjan. Serving as a window into West Africa, the infectious tropical mood permeates the city. Abidjan's unique atmosphere, galleries and markets, along with the fascinating National Museum, make it a captivating destination.
Day 4 - Days 5-6 - Day at sea
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 5 - Day 7 - Freetown
Sierra Leone’s portside capital city occupies a major position in history as the home of formerly enslaved people from North America and Britain. Sites like Cotton Tree and the King’s Yard Gate symbolise the town’s sombre past. Freetown today is a diverse city with a rich heritage – colourful Krio architecture, hearty, rice-based cuisine and lively beaches. Nearby, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues endangered primates in a rainforest.
Day 6 - Day 8 - Day at sea
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Day 7 - Days 9 - 11 - Bijagos Archipelago
The remote Bijagos Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau comprises 88 islands with mangroves, savannahs, and palm forests, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its ecosystems host endangered species like green sea turtles, saltwater hippos and African manatees, plus 800,000 migratory birds annually. Untouched by tourism, the Bijagos offers pristine beaches and a rich cultural heritage, with rare matrilineal customs and traditional ceremonies.
Day 8 - Day 12 - Banjul
At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic, Gambia’s relaxed capital city, Banjul, sits on a little island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. The 19th-century Albert Market sells souvenirs and the vibrant traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups. Locals invite visitors to their typical Gambian home or ‘compound’ and tell stories of their heritage while offering herbal tea and traditional snacks.
Day 9 - Days 13 & 14 - Dakar
Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 11 - Days 13 & 14 - Dakar
Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $21,625Oceanview D4
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $22,700Oceanview M4
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $25,950Balcony D5
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $27,000Balcony M5
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $28,100Balcony D6
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $32,425Junior Suite
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $37,850Suite
17-04-202601-05-2026AUD $43,250Premium Suite
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $23,600Balcony D5
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $24,575Balcony M5
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $25,550Balcony D6
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $29,500Junior Suite
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $34,400Suite
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $39,325Premium Suite
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $19,650Oceanview D4
15-09-202629-09-2026AUD $20,650Oceanview M4
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $22,125Oceanview D4
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $23,225Oceanview M4
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $24,325Balcony D5
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $25,425Balcony M5
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $26,550Balcony D6
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $38,700Suite
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $33,175Junior Suite
21-04-202705-05-2027AUD $44,225Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Delve into West Africa's transatlantic slave trade history at the 15th-century Elmina Castle
    • Immerse yourself in Abidjan's arts scene with bustling markets and cultural attractions
    • Witness incredibly colourful kingfishers, bee-eaters and Abyssinian rollers in the pristine Bijagos Archipelago
    • Meet the locals of Bijagos living on some of the 21 inhabited islands, renowned for their ceremonial dances and unique cultural traditions
    • Learn about efforts to protect endangered chimpanzees and the importance of preserving their natural habitat

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Ghana
More of activity:
Africa Cruises