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St Helena & Beyond – A Voyage from Accra to Cape Town over Christmas & New Year

St Helena & Beyond – A Voyage from Accra to Cape Town over Christmas & New Year

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Description

Here is an epic voyage and marvellous adventure for those who love the sea and long voyages, enjoy travelling off the beaten track and the opportunity to be away from home for the festive period. Sailing aboard the 100-passenger MS Hebridean Sky we will journey from the shores of West Africa, crossing the equator and tracing historic maritime routes to the remote outpost of St Helena before continuing to Namibia and onwards to Cape Town where our journey will conclude.
Far beyond the familiar sea lanes of the South Atlantic lies St Helena, one of the world’s most remote and compelling islands which has long captured the imagination of travellers, historians and naturalists alike. Colonised in the 17th century by the East India Company as an important staging post for their vessels, it is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s final home. Our voyage offers the rare opportunity to experience the island in some depth, combining its remarkable history, dramatic landscape, unique culture and wildlife with a wider exploration of West and Southern Africa.
Our journey begins in Accra, where the vibrancy of modern Ghana blends with reminders of its complex past. From here, you can choose to explore the cultural highlights of the capital or the natural beauty of the Shai Hills Game Reserve, before visiting the poignant Elmina Castle, one of the most significant and moving historical sites along the West African coast. Leaving Ghana we begin our journey south and cross the equator as we sail towards St Helena. During our time at sea you can relax on board, attend lectures, watch for wildlife on deck with our onboard naturalists and of course enjoy some Christmas festivities.
Arriving at St Helena, we will spend three days in and around Jamestown, the charming capital. Steeped in history, its narrow streets and Georgian buildings tell the story of centuries of maritime endeavour. The island’s isolation has fostered a rich natural environment, home to endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, including the delicate St Helena wirebird. During our guided walks, you will discover a diversity of landscapes, from lush highlands to rugged coastal cliffs and there will also be encounters with local traditions, from tasting the island’s distinctive coffee to sampling its artisanal spirits. We will of course also visit Longwood House which offers a poignant glimpse into Napoleon’s life on the island.
Leaving St Helena, we continue southeast across the Atlantic towards the starkly beautiful coastline of Namibia. In Walvis Bay, we experience the meeting of desert and ocean, with opportunities to explore the atmospheric seaside town of Swakopmund, where German colonial architecture lends a distinctly European charm. We will also explore the Namib-Naukluft National Park with its vast sand dunes and ancient desert flora. Further along the coast, Luderitz offers a glimpse into Namibia’s colonial past, as well as access to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, slowly being reclaimed by the encroaching sands. Our voyage concludes in one of the world’s most spectacular settings, Cape Town, where the iconic Table Mountain rises dramatically above the city. Here, we will explore both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region, from the renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to the celebrated vineyards of the surrounding Cape Winelands.
Travelling with just 100 or so fellow travellers aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky, you can enjoy the small ship experience and the festive celebrations. Also joining you on board will be our expert onboard team who also relish the opportunity to undertake such a unique journey and share their knowledge and enthusiasm through some fascinating talks.

Trip Name
St Helena & Beyond - A Voyage from Accra to Cape Town over Christmas & New Year
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Accra, Ghana.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival in Accra we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky in Tema and moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Accra & Shai Hills Game Reserve.
Today there will be a choice of excursions. You may wish to visit the capital city of Accra including the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography with artefacts showcasing the heritage of Ghana throughout history. We will continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park before enjoying lunch with a view of the ocean at a beachside resort. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky via the Artists Alliance Gallery which has a wide range of artworks including woodcarvings, paintings and sculptures by renowned Ghanaian artists. Alternatively, drive to the Shai Hills Game Reserve and embark on a trek through the reserve’s savannah plains to view antelopes, bushbucks, kobs, baboons, monkeys and many bird species including the Senegal parrot, swallow-tailed bee-eater, Vieillot’s barbet, piapiac and red-shouldered cuckooshrike. After lunch with views over the evergreen valley and plains of the surrounding Akwapim mountain range, we will continue to the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Established in 1890 as a convalescent for the British Colonial officers governing the then Gold Coast (now Ghana), the garden has over the years cultured a variety of tropical plants which attract many birds and butterflies. After a walk through the gardens we will return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 3 - Day 3 Elmina.
From our anchorage off the historic town of Elmina, we will use our Zodiacs today to visit one of the largest and earliest slaving forts, Elmina Castle, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in 1482 and captured by the Dutch in 1637 it was expanded when slaves replaced gold as the major export with storerooms converted into cells. A guided tour of the castle will take us through its history, from a Portuguese fort and slave trading post, to in more recent years, a Police Training Centre, secondary school and now a historical museum. We will sail this evening and start our journey towards St Helena.
Day 4 - Days 4 to 7 At Sea.
Leaving Ghana we begin our journey south and cross the equator as we sail towards St Helena. During our time at sea you can attend some of the lectures in the lounge and join our onboard naturalists on deck as they search for wildlife. We also hope for clear skies to enjoy stargazing in the evenings. During our passage to St Helena we will celebrate Christmas on board.
Day 5 - Days 8 to 10 Jamestown, St Helena.
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, the island of St Helena has been both a Dutch and British possession. In the late 17th century the island became a strategically important port of call in the British Empire and was controlled by the East India Company for over 200 years. However, the island is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s last place of exile. He died here in 1821 after a six year exile and we will visit Longwood House, Napoleon’s residence. In addition there will be much to occupy us during our time on the island. We will explore the tiny capital of Jamestown and see the courthouse, government buildings and library. Those feeling active may want to climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder with views over Jamestown. During a range of walks for all levels, there will be time to explore the surrounding countryside, experience some amazing views and witness the prolific birdlife, including the endemic St Helena wirebird. Keen coffee lovers may want to try the rare ‘Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica’ grown on the island since 1732, whilst a visit to the most remote distillery in the world will provide the opportunity to taste the local gin, rum and ‘Tungi’ made from local prickly pears.
Day 6 - Days 11 to 14 At Sea.
We have four relaxing days at sea as we sail back to the African mainland. We will welcome in the New Year along the way and our team will arrange an array of activities as we head for Namibia.
Day 7 - Days 15 & 16 Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Arrive today in Namibia at the main coastal town of Walvis Bay which will be our base for a day and a half. During our time here we will have the option to visit Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside resort on the west coast, and a place of singular charm. It resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea and enjoys a restful and relaxing atmosphere. The source of Swakopmund’s continental vibe is the graceful Art Nouveau buildings, many of which, including the Lutheran Church and old railway station, are national monuments. We will also have the opportunity to drive past the imposing sand dunes to the Welwitschia Plains in the Namib-Naukluft Park and we hope to see the prehistoric Welwitschia mirabilis plants, unique to this region, as we drive through the lunar landscape. Those feeling active may wish to take 4x4 vehicles to Sandwich Harbour, a tidal lagoon located in the Namib-Naukluft Park surrounded by huge sand dunes which run into the ocean. Here we can experience the isolation and scenery which the Skeleton Coast is famous for.
Day 8 - Day 17 Luderitz.
Sandwiched between the Namib desert and the South Atlantic, Luderitz is an isolated settlement and one of the few towns and sheltered harbours on the Namibian coast. First landed by Portuguese mariners in the 15th century, it was not until 1883 when the land was bought by a wealthy merchant, Adolf Luderitz, that the town developed as part of German colonisation of the region. An afternoon walking tour includes the Luderitz Museum and the colonial buildings such as the Goerke Haus and Felsenkirche. Nearby, visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop where the first diamonds were found in Namibia in 1908. Sparking a “diamond rush” the town grew in the ensuing years, peaking in the 1920s, until the discovery of richer deposits further south. By the 1960s the population had left and the town is now at the mercy of the weather and encroaching sand dunes.
Day 9 - Day 18 At Sea.
We continue our journey along the Atlantic coast today with a day at sea as we sail towards Cape Town.
Day 10 - Day 19 Cape Town, South Africa.
In the late morning we sail into the beautiful city of Cape Town where we have a choice of excursions this afternoon. If weather permits, we will take the cableway to the top of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks. From the summit we can enjoy the views down to the city below or take a walk along one of the trails amongst the endemic flora and fauna. Alternatively you may prefer to take the opportunity to visit one of the region’s excellent vineyards where, after learning about the production techniques, we can enjoy a tasting.
Day 11 - Day 20 Cape Town to London.
After breakfast we visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens which are spread over 560 hectares on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and contains over 8500 species of indigenous plants. Take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful surroundings before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 12 - Day 21 London.
Arrive today.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Byrd Deck Superior Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Mawson Deck Premium Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Mawson Deck Corner Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Byrd Deck Superior Sole
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
21-12-202710-01-2028GBP £0Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Experience remote St Helena – Explore historic Jamestown, visit Longwood House and discover the island’s unique landscapes, endemic wildlife, rare coffee and local traditions.
    • Cross the South Atlantic and equator – Enjoy an extended ocean voyage aboard the 100-passenger MS Hebridean Sky, with expert lectures, wildlife watching, stargazing and festive Christmas and New Year celebrations at sea.
    • Discover Namibia and Cape Town – Explore the Namib Desert and Welwitschia Plains, visit the abandoned diamond-mining town of Kolmanskop and experience Cape Town, Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch.

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