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Peregrine Travel Centre

Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa: A Journey from Luanda

Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa: A Journey from Luanda

From AUD $22,125

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Description

The “Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa: A Journey from Luanda to Accra” luxury cruise offers an unparalleled journey, beginning in Angola and concluding in Ghana. This experience reveals a lesser-known Africa, spotlighting its biodiverse coastal landscapes and intriguing cultural depths. During this cruise, travelers will discover Luanda, a city that blends colonial charm with modern flair, and explore the captivating Diosso Gorge near Pointe-Noire. Principe whispers tales of serenity with its pastel hues, while Benin and Togo present vibrant markets and voodoo traditions. Accra, Ghana, wraps up the journey with its historic and cultural treasures.
The activities planned for this journey are as enticing as the destinations themselves. Days at sea offer relaxation and onboard enrichment, such as photography workshops and expert lectures. Guests can embrace land excursions, such as discovering Sao Tome’s historic sites or engaging in voodoo ceremonies in Togo. This luxury cruise embodies exploration and cultural immersion at its finest.

Trip Name
Cultures & Traditions of Central Africa: A Journey from Luanda
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 - 2 - Pre Cruise & Luanda
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.
Day 2 - Days 3-5 - Pointe-Noire
The Republic of Congo’s second city, Pointe-Noire, unfolds as a piece of French Africa with distinct European and African quarters. Strolling through the lively La Cité reveals traditional Congolese cuisine and the vibrant Grand Marché, providing a glimpse into local life. Waterfront restaurants line Côté Sauvage, a laid-back city beach. Beyond the city limits is the stunning Diosso Gorge, a natural canyon in hues of pink, red and orange.
Day 3 - Days 6-8 - Expedition in Gabon
Gabon, on Central Africa's west coast, is rich in rainforests, wildlife and culture. Over 70 percent of the country is lush rainforest, which plays a vital role in the Congo Basin ecosystem. Its coastline features sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons, while the east transitions to savannas and plateaus. Gabon's rich cultural heritage includes the Fang people, the largest ethnic group, with music and dance deeply woven into traditions.
Day 4 - Day 9 - San Tome
Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches and waterfalls. Sao Tome city features 15th-century Portuguese architecture and a slave trade history. Rainforests blanket two-thirds of the island, sheltering wildlife like monkeys, birds and reptiles and Sao Tome Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the dwarf ibis and grosbeak.
Day 5 - Day 10 - Santo Antonio, Principe
This laid-back, compact capital has less than 3,000 inhabitants and is the smallest city in the world (according to the Guinness Book of Records). Time seems to move more slowly in this dream-like place with its pastel-coloured buildings and salty sea air. The Nossa Senhora da Conceicao church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.
Day 6 - Day 10 - Macaco Beach, Principe
Located on the northwest coast of Principe, Macaco Beach is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush vegetation and clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling
Day 7 - Day 11 - 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 8 - Day 12 - Cotonou
Benin’s vibrant port city is defined by voodoo (the state religion) and its colonial legacy. As a former French colony, Cotonou retains a certain European flair in its cuisine and architecture. The sprawling Dantokpa market, with local crafts and an entire section of sacred voodoo items, offers insights into local culture. Ganvie, a lakeshore village, is the world’s only town on stilts with bamboo houses, where residents get around in canoes.
Day 9 - Day 13 - Lome
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.
Day 10 - Day 14 - Tema (Accra)
ema 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 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $22,125Oceanview D4
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $23,225Oceanview M4
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $24,325Balcony D5
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $25,425Balcony M5
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $26,550Balcony D6
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $33,175Junior Suite
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $38,700Suite
08-04-202722-04-2027AUD $44,225Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Sample traditional cuisine and get to know the Congolese locals at Grand Marche market
    • Learn about conservation efforts in Congo's biodiverse Conkouati Reserve
    • Discover Principe Island's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the world's highest density of endemic species

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