Cape Verde to Cape Town

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

Join the MS Island Sky on her maiden visit to the western side of Africa. This promises to be a voyage unlike anything else the vessel has undertaken in the past seven years. We travel to an area that is mostly unknown to travellers. A world of incredibly lush landscapes that contrasts dramatically with the vast deserts of Namibia.

After exploring the remote, but beautiful Cape Verde Islands we head for the continent of Africa and begin our voyage along the Atlantic coast from Senegal to South Africa. 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.

Some of the most memorable highlights will include the former slave trade capital of Ile de Goree in Senegal and the amazing bird watching in The Gambia where we will hope to see many of the 500 species and perhaps top of our list will be the two days spent in the spectacular Bijagos Archipelago. In Ghana, the former seat of Britain’s colonial power in the Gold Coast we will visit some of the forts and castles built by the earliest of European visitors and in Benin, a former French colony, known as the ‘Latin Quarter of Africa’. We also visit the birthplace of Voodoo.

Further south we will spend time on the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, famous for its natural beauty and birdlife. In Namibia we will take to four wheel drive Senegal Flamingos at Walvis Bay, Namibia Dakar, Senegal vehicles to explore the dunes and lagoons of Walvis Bay and watch the sky turn pink as tens of thousands of flamingos take flight.

The only way to arrive in Cape Town is by sea, and should you choose our trip we have planned an extension to allow for a stay over Christmas in this most beautifully situated of all cities.

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 perhaps most of all, the majesty of its landscapes cast a lifelong spell on all who visit and without doubt the best way to experience all its wonders is by small ship.

This tour can also be taken as two shorter voyages Cape Verde to Ghana and Ghana to Cape .

Cape Verde to Cape Town itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON GATWICK TO SAO TIAGO

Fly by specially chartered flight. Embark MS Island Sky and sail in the late afternoon.

Day 2 - SAO NICOLAU

In the early morning we arrive at Sao Nicolau. This is a charming, peaceful and attractive island of plantations, small holdings and busy farming villages. It is a walker’s paradise and arrangements will be made for those who would like to explore on foot with a local guide. For the less energetic there will be a visit to the main town of Ribeira Brava, a quaint capital centred around a main square and garden, followed by a scenic drive around the island.

Day 3 - FOGO

This is an extraordinary place. Known as the ‘Mother Island’ it has its own unique character and people. It is a volcano that rises steeply out of the Atlantic and has become an island, the summit reaching some 3000 metres. An island drive will take us through dramatically contrasting areas of fertile valleys that are dominated by the massive grey volcanic cone of Pico de Fogo. Later, call into the main town of Sao Filipe, a gracious town of faded grandeur with its pretty squares and wide boulevards of colonial houses.

Day 4 - AT SEA

Our first full day at sea to relax on deck and attend a lecture or two.

Day 5 - DAKAR, SENEGAL

Our first call in Africa will be the city of Dakar. Join a tour 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. See the Slave House, now a museum and the Historical Museum in the Fort d’Estrees. From the old fort, Le Castel, there are marvellous views of the island and over Dakar.

Day 6 - BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

We have the day to enjoy this colourful land with its many ethnic groups each with their own language and traditions. There is a choice of either joining the bird watching trip or taking a shorter excursion to the village of Bakau. The bird watchers will be up early and transported to the Abuko Nature Reserve by coach. There is something to interest everyone here and it provides a good introduction to the flora, fauna and avi-fauna of The Gambia. A more leisurely trip is offered to Bakau where we will see “Katchikally”, the sacred crocodile pool. It is home of approximately 70 crocodiles and considered to be a sacred place. Before returning to the ship we will visit the Botanic Garden; a small, peaceful park next to the residence of the British High Commissioner in The Gambia.

Day 7 & 8 - BIJAGOS ARCHIPELAGO, GUINEA-BISSAU

The next two days will be spent off the beaten track exploring the Bijagós Archipelago, which comprises a group of small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. From our Zodiacs we will cruise among the mangroves and land ashore for beachcombing or swimming. Our programme by Zodiac and ashore will be determined by tidal and weather conditions but one thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed by these extraordinary islands.

Day 9 - AT SEA

AT SEA

Day 10 - FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

Spend the morning in Sierra Leone’s capital which has grown into a busy, energetic city in the 225 years since the British first settled 400 freed slaves in the area around the famous cotton tree, on a site that was said to have been a slave market. Charming Creole buildings intermingle with Freetown’s notable buildings, and our tour will include sites such as the St. George’s Cathedral, Railway Museum, National Museum, Maroon Church, Martello Tower and Fort Thornton (where the Presidential State House now stands).

Day 11 & 12 - AT SEA.

AT SEA

Day 13 - TAKORADI, GHANA

This morning we arrive in the central region of Ghana, the former administrative centre of the Gold Coast. Ghana is famous for its great natural beauty and nowhere is this more evident than in this area which the British colonial government occupied until the 1870s. The area is rich in forts and castles and we will begin the day with a visit to the Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which played a prominent role in the slave trade. Later, visit Elmina Castle which dates back to 1482 and is reputed to be the oldest European structure in Africa. Alternatively you may choose to spend the day at the Kakum National Park, an area of virgin rainforest where we will enjoy a guided canopy walking tour.

Day 14 - LOME, TOGO

Before the French and British arrived, Togo was part of many African empires including the Mali, Asante and Benin. Known for its rich culture and friendly people, we will arrive late morning and our visit here will include a trip to Lake Togo with its traditional villages.

Day 15 - COTONOU, BENIN

The small country of Benin was formerly known by its French colonial name of Dahomey. Its rich and diverse history and sophisticated ancient culture make for an interesting day. From Porto Novo drive to nearby Ouidah, the birthplace of Voodoo, where we will visit the Museum of History which will give us an intimate understanding of the region’s past. After lunch we board motorboats on Lake Nokoue and sail to Ganvie a picturesque fishing village built on stilts and known as the “Venice of Africa”.

Day 16 - AT SEA

AT SEA

Day 17 - KRIBI, CAMEROON

Arrive this morning in Cameroon, one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent, its people include ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastoralists and forest-dwelling pygmies. We will anchor off Kribi and go ashore by Zodiac. Here we will be transferred to the Lobe River where we will board traditional canoes for a boat ride to visit a pygmy settlement. After lunch ashore visit the waterfalls of Lobé, they represent a strong basis of the symbolic beliefs of the Batanga, Maabi and Pygmee peoples that live in the environs and who associate the falls with various cultural rites.

Day 18 - SANTO ANTONIO, PRINCIPE & SAO TOME

This afternoon enjoy this undiscovered paradise. Pure white sandy beaches give way to dense rainforests teeming exotic birdlife and dramatic waterfalls. On Principe there will be the option for birdwatchers to explore the island, alternatively there will be a visit Santo Antonio the tiny, attractive capital with a strong Portuguese influence from their four centuries of colonial occupation.

Day 19 & 20 - AT SEA

AT SEA

Day 21 - LUANDA, ANGOLA

Take a morning tour of this vibrant capital visiting the Fortress of S. Miguel de Luanda (1575) with its typical striking blue Portuguese tiles, the Anthropology Museum and the fine church of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.

Day 22 & 23 - AT SEA

AT SEA

Day 24 & 25 - WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA

Namibia boasts seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning and diverse wildlife and colonial cities. Arrive after lunch and visit the town of Swakomund, a little bit of Germany transplanted into the desert. The following day there will be two optional excursions on offer. In the morning an optional lagoon cruise; here in the calm waters of the outer lagoon of Walvis Bay we shall observe the thousands of flamingos and other birdlife as well as dolphins, seals, turtles and possibly even whales. In the afternoon you may wish to join an optional four wheel drive expedition into the coastal dune belt surrounding Walvis Bay.

Day 26 - LUDERITZ, NAMIBIA

After a morning at sea we arrive in Luderitz. Nearby, is the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop which we will visit before taking a brief guided walk of Luderitz visiting the old whaling station.

Day 27 - AT SEA

AT SEA

Day 28 - CAPE TOWN

Arrive in Cape Town at mid-day and after lunch enjoy a city tour and a visit to Table Mountain before returning to the ship.

Day 29 - CAPE TOWN TO LONDON HEATHROW

Disembark this morning and return to London Heathrow by scheduled flight.

Day 30 - LONDON HEATHROW

Morning arrival.

Island Sky

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.