West African Odyssey
West Africa’s many facets combine to make a whole even greater than the sum of its myriad parts. There is incredible diversity here, along with a richness of culture, both traditional and modern, that is nothing short of inspiring. There is much wildlife, and a great sweep of geography, from the maritime climate of South Africa; the deserts of Namibia; the tropics and savannas of much of the coast (with some volcanic landscapes added to the mix); and finally the desert of Western Sahara and the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.
National Geographic Explorer will embark on an epic voyage to West Africa exploring sixteen countries. And we plan to make it extraordinary. There will be abundant opportunities to see and learn about all that makes these destinations important, to discover their nature and their history, and to have warm interactions with people who live and work here. We’ll see how they are working to develop their countries, and meet with some of those who are helping in that effort.
You’ll have a dazzling array of sights and experiences. Explore several national parks and wildlife centers. Take local boats on Lake Nokoue to the charming stilt village of Ganvié. Meet with a chief in his native village. Visit Gorée Island, a World Heritage Site that was a hub for the slave trade. Paddle in pirogues (dug-out canoes) up the Lobe River to visit a encampment of Bagyeli “pygmy” people and much more.
This will be a journey that defines the term “voyage of discovery,” and we hope you’ll join us.
National Geographic Explorer will embark on an epic voyage to West Africa exploring sixteen countries. And we plan to make it extraordinary. There will be abundant opportunities to see and learn about all that makes these destinations important, to discover their nature and their history, and to have warm interactions with people who live and work here. We’ll see how they are working to develop their countries, and meet with some of those who are helping in that effort.
You’ll have a dazzling array of sights and experiences. Explore several national parks and wildlife centers. Take local boats on Lake Nokoue to the charming stilt village of Ganvié. Meet with a chief in his native village. Visit Gorée Island, a World Heritage Site that was a hub for the slave trade. Paddle in pirogues (dug-out canoes) up the Lobe River to visit a encampment of Bagyeli “pygmy” people and much more.
This will be a journey that defines the term “voyage of discovery,” and we hope you’ll join us.
West African Odyssey itinerary:
Day 1 — U.S/Fly overnight to Cape Town
Depart on an overnight flight to South Africa, and arrive in Cape Town the following afternoon.
Day 2 - Arrive Cape Town
Transfer to the Table Bay Hotel , situated on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Take the rest of the day to stroll around the lively waterfront or relax before gathering for a welcome dinner.
Day 3 — Cape Town
Rising up some 3,500 feet above Cape Town is iconic Table Mountain, the northern end of a mountain range that continues to the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope. Weather permitting, ride a cable car up to the mountain’s flat top and take in incredible views of the city and the Cape Peninsula. Then stroll among fynbos, protea, and other unusual flora of the Western Cape at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. This afternoon, embark the National Geographic Explorer and begin our epic sail northward along Africa’s western coast.
Day 4 - At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea to relax, read a book on deck, and listen to talks by our experts in the lounge.
Day 5 — Lüderitz, Namibia
Dock in Lüderitz, a port town in southern Namibia, and set out for to the ghost town of Kolmanskop. A thriving diamond mining center established by German fortune-seekers in the early 20th century, the town has been slowly reclaimed by the desert sands. Return to Lüderitz for an afternoon tour.
Days 6 & 7 — Walvis Bay/Swakopmund
Anchor in the port at Walvis Bay and spend two days exploring on a variety of excursions. Spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, a wide variety of birdlife, and perhaps even turtles on a cruise on Walvis Bay. Venture into the Namib Desert, where rippling, sculpted dunes are defined by the interplay of light and shadow, which turn the sands startling shades of crimson and gold. Examine the unique plant and animal life of the desert with our naturalists and enjoy a bush dinner among the dunes. Pay a visit to the town of Swakopmund, known for its colonial German architecture.
Days 6 & 7 — Walvis Bay/Swakopmund
Anchor in the port at Walvis Bay and spend two days exploring on a variety of excursions. Spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, a wide variety of birdlife, and perhaps even turtles on a cruise on Walvis Bay. Venture into the Namib Desert, where rippling, sculpted dunes are defined by the interplay of light and shadow, which turn the sands startling shades of crimson and gold. Examine the unique plant and animal life of the desert with our naturalists and enjoy a bush dinner among the dunes. Pay a visit to the town of Swakopmund, known for its colonial German architecture.
Day 8 — At Sea
Join National Geographic photographer Jay Dickman, and Global Luminary Wade Davis, for their informative lectures and unique perspectives.
Days 9 — At Sea
Join National Geographic photographer Jay Dickman, and Global Luminary Wade Davis, for their informative lectures and unique perspectives.
Day 10 — Lobito, Angola/Benguela
From the port at Lobito, travel to nearby Benguela, an important trading center established by the Portuguese in 1617. Set out on a tour of this palm-lined seaside town, and see the lovely art deco and colonial architecture that dot its streets.
Day 11 — Luanda
Trace Angola’s tumultuous history during a day at the sites of the capital city of Luanda. Or head into Kissama National Park, a stretch of savanna along the coast that is home to elephant, dwarf forest buffalo, bushbuck, manatee, and a wide range of birdlife.
Day 12 — Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo
Flanked by broad beaches, the city of Ponte Noire is the second largest city in the former French colony of Congo (Brazzaville). From here, a short drive brings us to the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, established by the Jane Goodall Institute. Visit the center to learn about its important work rescuing chimpanzees affected by the bushmeat trade in the Congo Basin. Or enjoy a tour of the city and lovely surrounding countryside.
Day 13 — At Sea
Spend a day relaxing at sea as we make our way toward the coast of Gabon.
Day 14 — Libreville, Gabon
Get acquainted with Libreville, the cosmopolitan, westernized capital. National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Michael Fay finished his historic Megatransect across the Republic of Congo and Gabon on these shores, having walked 456 days through the forests of central Africa. Thanks in part to his efforts, 10% of Gabon has been designated national parkland. We’ll visit one of these wilderness areas located surprisingly close to the city.
Day 15 — Sao Tome
Sao Tome is the capital of the archipelago nation of Sao Tome and Principe — once an important entrepot for the slave trade, but today a friendly place with a relaxed lifestyle, where Portuguese colonial history is apparent. We’ll have a choice of excursions: explore the capital city; visit coffee plantations that were once the mainstays of the economy but have fallen into disuse; venture along the volcanic island’s scenic east coast; or go on a bird-watching excursion in search of some of the endemic species for which Sao Tome is known.
Day 16 — Principe
The small island of Príncipe is the definition of a tropical paradise — a lush locale with spectacular beaches and forests that harbor a number of unique bird species. Anchor just offshore, and spend the day swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching and visiting the tiny, sleepy capital, Santo Antonio (named the world’s smallest city in the Guinness Book of World Records).
Day 17 — Kribi, Cameroon
Our first stop back on the African mainland is the town of Kribi, lined with golden-sand beaches. We’ll be poled in pirogues (dugout canoes) up the Lobé River to a tiny encampment of Bagyeli “pygmy” people. Learn about this distinctive culture and talk to villagers about their everyday life. The Lobé River ends at the seashore in a series of picturesque waterfalls. See the falls and then visit a nearby primary school. We’ll also have time to enjoy one of the beaches, and if conditions permit, do some kayaking.
Day 18 — Limbe
Perched on a beautiful bay against a backdrop of volcanic hills and palm and banana plantations, the city of Limbé in southwestern Cameroon is known for its black sand beaches. Drive along the slopes of imposing Mt. Cameroon to visit a tea plantation and learn how tea is harvested and processed, or set out on a invigorating hike from farmland into the rain forests that swathe the mountain’s lower flanks. Visit the marvelous Limbé Wildlife Centre, a research facility that houses and rehabilitates large numbers of gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, and walk through the Botanic Gardens — also an excellent birding locale.
Day 19 — At Sea
Day 20 - Cotonou and Porto-Novo, Benin
After a day at sea, we’ll step ashore in Benin, once home to the powerful Dahomey Empire and an important player in the slave trade. Drive to Ouidah, a center of the animist “voodoo” religion that is widely practiced in the region, and step into the tranquil Sacred Forest to see statues representing some of the deities. Continue to the Portuguese fort, now a museum devoted to slavery. Follow in the footsteps of slaves along the Route d’Esclaves from the town down to the ocean. In the afternoon, local boats take us across Lake Nokoué to Ganvié, a village built on stilts in the middle of the lake. Meet villagers who make their living by fishing, and visit a colorful market at the lake’s edge
Day 21 — Lomé, Togo
The region to the north and west of Lomé (and across the border into Ghana) is home to the Ewe people, whose traditions include a profound generation for their ancestors and also weaving the renowned kente cloth. Spend time in an Ewe village, meet the chief, stop in at a school, and enjoy a chance to stroll around and visit with the local residents. Back in Lomé, discover the outstanding Museum of the Gulf of Guinea and browse an artisans’ market.
Day 22 — Accra, Ghana
In bustling Accra, Ghana’s capital, see an impressive collection of artifacts and crafts at the National Museum, and visit the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. Some Ghanaians choose to be buried in colorful caskets that reflect their occupations or passions, and we’ll go to a workshop where brightly painted caskets may include giant fish, beer bottles, cars and more. View traditional and contemporary art at an exceptional gallery, and pay a visit to a local school. Or head to the Shai Hills Reserve in search of baboons, kob, and birdlife, and stroll through the Aburi Hills Botanic Garden. Back aboard ship this evening, we plan to welcome a Ghanaian notable for dinner and conversation.
Day 23 — Cape Coast
Dock at the town of Takoradi and travel to Cape Coast, whose slave castle, now a World Heritage Site, saw many thousands of slaves dispatched through the “Door of No Return.” Wander through this evocative site, from its fine overseers’ quarters to the stark and haunting dungeons. See the impressive exterior of nearby Elmina Castle. Later, set out for Kakum National Park to explore the rain forest with local guides from the vantage of canopy walkways suspended high in the treetops.
Days 24 — At Sea
Spend these two days relaxing at sea, reading up on the animals and different cultures we’ve seen in the ship’s library, sharing your photographs, and joining our experts for presentations in the lounge.
Day 25 — At Sea
Spend these two days relaxing at sea, reading up on the animals and different cultures we’ve seen in the ship’s library, sharing your photographs, and joining our experts for presentations in the lounge.
Day 26 — Monrovia, Liberia
Liberia has made remarkable strides in the short time since its civil war ended in 2003, and an upbeat, optimistic spirit is palpable. We’ll meet with local officials to hear about important initiatives to rebuild and develop the country. Our exploration of Monrovia includes Providence Island, where the Americo-Liberian settlers landed; the National Museum; a school; Liberia’s oldest church (built in 1839); and we’ll enjoy great views from the top of Ducor Hill. Or if you wish, you can be paddled along a small river outside town to enjoy the mangroves and visit local communities.
Day 27 — Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is also rebuilding rapidly since the end of its civil war. On a city tour of Freetown, see the National Museum, the “Big Market,” and the massive cotton tree that is Freetown’s symbol. In the afternoon, visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Or you may choose to explore the beautiful peninsula on which Freetown lies, which has picture-postcard beaches, good swimming and snorkeling, and interesting communities.
Days 28 — At Sea
Day 29 — At Sea/Banjul, The Gambia
The country of Gambia is a narrow sliver of land that straddles the Gambia River, and is home to fascinating culture and rich flora and fauna. Dock in the capital of Banjul, where the river flows into the Atlantic and spend the day exploring this tiny nation. Head to the Abuko Nature Center, known for its birdlife and monkeys, and glide through the mangroves of the Tanbi Wetlands in a local boat to look for water birds. Learn about improvements in local agriculture at a teaching farm; tour the National Museum; wander through a vibrant market; and visit a batik workshop.
Day 30 — Dakar
Explore the sites of Dakar, one of West Africa’s most vibrant cities. Browse an artisan market, and visit the cathedral, the presidential palace, and the bustling central square. Watch fishing boats return from the seas with their catch and see merchants bargaining at the lively market by the beach. Take the ferry to Gorée Island, once a notorious hub for the slave trade, now a moving UNESCO World Heritage site. Meander through quarters where captives were held in dreadful conditions before being sent overseas. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit a local birding “hot spot,” or browse fine West African art at the Monod Museum and stop by a local artist colony. This evening, a special treat: head to a local club to hear live Senegalese music.
Day 31 — At Sea
Enjoy the ship’s amenities: have a massage, work out in the gym, read a book in the Observation Lounge, or listen to presentations by our expedition team.
Day 32 — At Sea
Enjoy the ship’s amenities: have a massage, work out in the gym, read a book in the Observation Lounge, or listen to presentations by our expedition team.
Day 33 — Dakhla, Western Sahara, Morocco
Our next stop is the little-known territory of Western Sahara, now controlled by Morocco, but formerly the Spanish Sahara. Dakhla, at the head of a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, was once capital of the province of Rio de Oro. Today it is a quiet town at the edge of some lovely stretches of the Sahara. We briefly explore the town, then drive into the desert to the “White Dune,” where there is time to explore and swim in the bay. With luck we may see flamingos nearby. We have a special lunch near the dune, with Moroccan specialties served in tents. Return to Dakhla in the afternoon for a visit to the small suq.
Day 34 — El Hierro, Canary Islands
Arrive in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago that forms the outer region of the European Union. Drop anchor on the island of El Hierro, seeing its extraordinary lush landscapes and the flora and fauna that have adapted to the unusual conditions.
Days 35— Agadir, Morocco/Marrakech
Disembark in the whitewashed seaside city of Agadir, and drive to Marrakech for a spectacular end to our journey. The next day, see the Koutoubia mosque and stroll through the suq and the extraordinary Djemma el Fna Square — a carnival of magicians, snake charmers, acrobats, water sellers, and food stalls. Gather that night for a gala farewell dinner to toast our African journey. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 36 — Agadir, Morocco/Marrakech
See the Koutoubia mosque and stroll through the suq and the extraordinary Djemma el Fna Square — a carnival of magicians, snake charmers, acrobats, water sellers, and food stalls. Gather that night for a gala farewell dinner to toast our African journey.
Overnight at Sofitel Marrakech Hotel.
Day 37 - US
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Arrive US
PLEASE NOTE
Prices for these voyages do not include international or internal flights consistent with the policy of the operator.
National Geographic Explorer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Beam: 16.5 meters
Speed (average): 14 knots
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Registry: Bahamas
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
