Passage along Africa's Atlantic Coast - An Epic Voyage from Morocco to Ghana

Description

In spite of all its regional difficulties, Africa still captures the imagination like no other continent. Its varied cultures and peoples, its extraordinary wildlife and the majesty of its landscapes cast a lifelong spell on all who visit and exploring from the comfort of a small ship is by far the best way to experience its many wonders. Join us for this remarkable voyage as we sail along the coast of West Africa from Morocco to Ghana, a journey unlike anything else that the MS Hebridean Sky has undertaken in recent years. The countries we visit may well sound like an itinerary from the pages of an intrepid 18th century explorer’s diary, and they are without doubt some of the most captivating places on earth.
Much has changed since the Portuguese sailed along the West African coast in the 15th century. These regions of Africa, rarely visited for more than a half-century, have opened up in recent years and offer the intrepid traveller a range of cultural and natural world experiences. On this unique voyage spanning nearly 3000 nautical miles, we will visit nine countries and enjoy an intimate exploration of the extraordinary diversity of animals, plant life, and human cultures spanning the coast of Western Africa as we travel from Casablanca in Morocco to Accra in Ghana. As we sail south from Morocco, the contrast of scenery and landscapes will be mesmerising from bustling cities including Casablanca, Dakar, Freetown and Monrovia to the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, the sand dunes of the Western Sahara, the extensive waterways of The Gambia and the tropical forest of the Ivory Coast. We will visit some remarkable national parks and nature reserves including the Bandia Reserve in Senegal which is home to a diverse range of African mammals and the Ivory Coast’s Banco National Park where we will hike through the forest and the ancient mahogany woods, taking in the huge variety of flora and fauna. We also explore Ghana’s Kakum National Park, a pocket of rainforest home to endangered forest elephants, colobus monkeys and a staggering array of birds and butterflies. Whilst in Sierra Leone there will also be the opportunity to visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a conservation programme established to protect wild chimpanzees and their habitat.
Aside from the marvellous natural world wonders we will encounter, there is of course a fascinating cultural heritage and human history to be discovered as we delve into the history and legacy of West Africa’s transatlantic slave trade with visits to forts, castles, monuments and museums commemorating that period in history which we will learn about from local guides.
The roads may be poor and the tourist infrastructure very much in its infancy in some of the countries we will be visiting, but that is precisely why we believe West Africa presents such an array of exciting experiences for the adventurous traveller who wishes to witness this extraordinary area, its diverse cultures and marvellous wildlife but who are weary of the more well-trodden paths around the world. After a day’s exploration, we will be returning each evening to the comfort of the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky with the added benefit of some days at sea interspersed throughout the itinerary when you can relax on board and attend the informative lectures by our Guest Speaker and members of our onboard team.

Trip Name

Passage along Africa's Atlantic Coast - An Epic Voyage from Morocco to Ghana

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere. SuitesThe ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry. Public AreasPublic spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary. DiningMeals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice. ExperienceDesigned for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers. Comfort & SafetyThe vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 London to Casablanca, Morocco.

Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.

Day 2 - Day 2 Casablanca.

During our morning tour we will visit the city’s most important sights including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Olive Market. The highlight of our tour will be our visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. It took 3300 traditional Moroccan artisans to create the beautiful mosaics, marble floors and the splendid wood ceilings. The mosque also features the world’s tallest minaret, soaring 200 metres above the city. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we sail to Agadir.

Day 3 - Day 3 Agadir.

Arrive this afternoon in the vast Bay of Agadir for our exploration of the city. Almost completely destroyed in the 1960 earthquake, some of the city’s heritage did survive including the hilltop Kasbah which we will visit by cable car. We will see the Grand Mosque and visit the Amazigh Museum before returning to the MS Island Sky. Alternatively, drive through the fertile Souss Valley to the Imperial city of Taroudant, a past capital of the Saadian dynasty where we will explore the medina and its souks and see its iconic red ramparts.

Day 4 - Day 4 Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands.

The easternmost corner of the Canary Islands, the island of Lanzarote features a bizarre landscape, born of volcanic activity over many millennia, having a rare beauty that is not unlike the surface of the moon. Few places on earth can offer such diverse natural phenomena in such a small area, from eerie formations of petrified lava to beaches of black volcanic sand and fertile fields to vineyards growing in the depths of volcanic craters. It was this landscape that inspired artist Cesar Manrique, a multifaceted artist who knew how to combine art and nature like nobody else. He left part of his artistic legacy in Lanzarote and perhaps the greatest exponent is Los Jameos del Agua. This volcanic tunnel, with its famous, spectacular natural auditorium, is home to a highly singular geological formation. The Mirador del Rio is another creation of his, a natural vantage point offering spectacular views of the Chinijo Archipelago.

Day 5 - Day 5 El Marsa for Laayoune, Western Sahara.

From the port of El Marsa we will drive across the sand dunes to the city of Laayoune. There are not many travellers who can boast of a visit to the territory of Western Sahara. Mostly consisting of flat desert, it is one of the least populated regions in the world. Perhaps surprisingly, it makes for a really interesting visit as we take in the unique Spanish-Saharan architecture in the old town, visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and the craft workshops.

Day 6 - Day 6 Dakhla.

After a morning at sea, we will arrive into Dakhla. The city occupies a long peninsula which juts out into the Atlantic and during our afternoon tour we will explore the friendly town with its white-washed houses.

Day 7 - Days 7 & 8 At Sea.

Spend a leisurely two days at sea as we sail along the coast of Africa. Enjoy lectures in the lounge and relax on deck.

Day 8 - Day 9 Dakar & Ile de Goree, Senegal.

This morning, we arrive into the capital of Senegal, Dakar. Our city tour will include Independence Square, the Presidential Palace and a local market before we take a ferry across to the Ile de Goree. With its colonial style houses and wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, it is difficult to believe that this island was one of the busiest slave centres in West Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries. We will see the Slave House, now a museum and the Historical Museum in the Fort d’Estrees. From the fort there are marvellous views of the island and over Dakar. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Bandia Reserve, a 3500-hectare nature reserve which is home to a wide range of African mammals including white rhino, zebra, giraffes, green vervet monkeys, and jackals, along with over 120 bird species.

Day 9 - Days 10 & 11 Banjul, The Gambia.

Spend the next two days in The Gambia, the 31-mile-wide country that is surrounded on three sides by Senegal. It makes up for its size with its personality, being known as the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’. The country has a long history, with stone circles having been excavated and dating back over 1200 years, to Arab traders setting up trade routes in the region for slaves, gold and ivory. The Portuguese took over the routes in the 15th century and the area now known as The Gambia was colonised and recolonised by the British from the 16th century onwards in various forms until its independence in 1965. The south of The Gambia is rich in natural beauty with extensive waterways and tributaries which are home to a range of bird species and wildlife whilst villagers in the region continue to embrace traditions and offer insights into the culture of different tribes, through their art and food.

Day 10 - Day 12 At Sea.

A day at sea to enjoy lectures in the lounge and relax on deck.

Day 11 - Days 13 & 14 Freetown, Sierra Leone.

We arrive in Freetown this morning where we will spend a day and a half exploring the city, the history of Sierra Leone and the natural beauty of the area. The colourful city was founded in 1792 by British abolitionists as a settlement for freed slaves. Its history before that was as a slaving port as seen by the remains on Bunce Island, the largest British slave fort on the West African coast, where tens of thousands of slaves were shipped to the Americas until its closure in 1808. In more recent years, Freetown has grown into a lively and diverse city with a vibrant food scene, bustling markets and soft sand beaches. The city’s historic centre is a mix of colonial and more modern architecture, lush green trees as well as its historical landmarks including the National Museum of Sierra Leone and the National Railway Museum which charts the history of Sierra Leone’s railway from 1898 to 1975. Not far outside the city, we will visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary which was established in 1995 when a husband and wife team set up the conservation programme to protect wild chimpanzees and their habitat. The project aims to build a relationship between apes and humans by collaborating with the local communities to protect the forests.

Day 12 - Day 15 Monrovia, Liberia.

Liberia is a country with unique origins. In the 1820s bands of freed slaves left plantations in America for West Africa where they founded settlements that would later become the independent state of Liberia. In doing so, it laid the foundations of division between settler and native populations which culminated in a civil war that tore through the country from 1989 until the early 2000s. However, Liberia today has been at peace for over a decade and wants to show its beautiful country to the outside world. During our visit we will explore the buzzing capital of Monrovia. This city is rich in history with its significant mansions, freed slave settlements and stone churches. The National Museum celebrates the country’s history, and we hope to see some examples of the traditional Liberian culture through a dance performance. We will also see Providence Island which is located at the mouth of the Mesurado River. This tiny island is of historical and cultural significance as one of the first places freed slaves landed in 1822.

Day 13 - Day 16 At Sea.

We continue our journey along the Atlantic coast with a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards the Ivory Coast.

Day 14 - Day 17 Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Arriving in Abidjan today, we will travel along the coast to the old colonial capital Grand Bassam, which was the capital of the Ivory Coast from 1893 to 1896. The town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 thanks to the splendid colonial style residences that overlook the Gulf of Guinea and shape the urban fabric of the city. The town today is a vibrant and popular destination on the Ivory Coast and has experienced a period of great splendour and was in fact the first French settlement in West Africa and the capital of its colony. Some of the colonial buildings have been restored while others were abandoned offering a unique charm to the city. There will also be an opportunity to visit Banco National Park, 8579 acres of tropical forest, and known as the ‘green lung’ of Abidjan. We will hike through the forest and its ancient mahogany woods, taking in the huge variety of flora and fauna.

Day 15 - Day 18 Takoradi, Ghana.

The coastal city of Takoradi is known for its bustling fishing harbour, pristine white sand beaches and lively atmosphere. Beyond the city lies tropical landscapes and an array of wildlife. One of the places to see this wildlife is Kakum National Park. Tucked away in a small pocket of rainforest it is home to endangered forest elephants, colobus monkeys, 300 species of bird and a staggering 600 species of butterfly. As well as walking trails through the forest there is a 30 metre high suspended canopy walk offering wonderful views of the canopy and forest floor below. Alternatively, today there will be the opportunity to visit a local community village and learn about the traditional Ghanian way of life. The area is also rich in history and with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century led to the introduction of the slave trade. One of the biggest and earliest slaving forts was Elmina Castle built in 1482 and now an 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 tour of the castle will take you 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.

Day 16 - Day 19 Tema for Accra.

This morning arrive into Tema and disembark the MS Hebridean Sky. We will spend the day exploring Accra including lunch before transferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Day 17 - Day 20 London.

Arrive today.

Day 18 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca: Marvel at the world’s largest mosque after Mecca, adorned with intricate mosaics, marble floors, and a 200-meter minaret.
Ile de Goree, Senegal: Explore this tranquil island’s colonial history, visiting the poignant Slave House museum and enjoying serene views over Dakar.
Kakum National Park, Ghana: Traverse a 30-meter-high canopy walkway in this rainforest haven, spotting endangered elephants, monkeys, and vibrant butterflies.