Join us aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky for this new coastal exploration of South Africa and Namibia as we sail in comfort between Richards Bay and Walvis Bay.
South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth. A land of contrasts with extraordinary wildlife, fascinating cultures and vast open spaces, this magnificent country casts a lifelong spell on all who visit. Accompanied by our knowledgeable onboard team and excellent local guides, our first calls in South Africa are in the province of Kwazulu-Natal where we learn of the Zulu Kingdom and visit the St Lucia Wetlands with its prolific birdlife or Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve. Following a relaxing day at sea we sail to the Eastern Cape and the “friendly city” of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth from where there is the opportunity to spend the day at the marvellous Pumba Private Game Reserve. Continuing along the picturesque Garden Route where few fail to be seduced by the glorious natural beauty and incredible coastal vistas, we call into historic Mossel Bay and visit sleepy coastal towns, the bustling town of Knysna and a cruise in the Knysna Lagoon. Those wishing to head inland and explore the mountain scenery can visit the Klein Karoo with its dramatic, arid scenery and ostrich farms. Our final call in South Africa will be Cape Town where we have the two days to explore, allowing for ample time to join some of the included escorted excursions and to enjoy some time at leisure to explore independently.
Sailing on to Namibia we will discover the colourful and unique coastal town of Luderitz before we continue to our final port of the voyage, Walvis Bay from where you can choose to spend time in Namibia’s charming seaside resort of Swakopmund or drive past the imposing sand dunes to the Welwitschia Plains in the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Durban.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky in Richards Bay. Moor overnight.
Set up as a makeshift harbour, during the Anglo Zulu War in 1879, Richards Bay has flourished into one of the main ports of South Africa. After a free morning to relax after our long journey there will be a choice of excursions this afternoon. Maybe drive to the Narrows of the St Lucia Estuary which forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in St Lucia Town we join a boat ride on the lake which is dotted with marshy, sandbank-islands that are home to thousands of birds. Over 526 different bird species can be found in the St Lucia Wetlands Reserve. The echo of the fish eagle’s haunting cry can be heard while you view the basking and nesting sites of the Nile crocodile and the hundreds of hippos that make their homes in the estuary; the greatest occurrence of both crocodile and hippo in Southern Africa. Alternatively, visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, the oldest game reserve in all of Africa. Set in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the park extends itself over 96,000 hectares, has an immense variety of flora and fauna and is hugely popular not only for its “Big Five” but for the vast birdlife with more than 300 species existing within the reserve. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 1960s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. In addition to rhino, the reserve has a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog.
Durban is the capital of Kwazulu-Natal and a blend of diverse cultures from Asia, Africa and Europe making it one of the most cosmopolitan towns in South Africa. Choose to head inland to the Midlands and the area famed as the capture site of Nelson Mandela on the 5th August 1962. Our guide will provide us with the history of his arrest before we have time to explore the museum and monument erected to commemorate this event. Afterwards we will continue to the Howick Falls, a picturesque 100 metre waterfall known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, Place of the Tall One. Alternatively, drive through the city to the coastal town of Umhlanga where there will be the opportunity to explore the town or maybe take a walk along the promenade to the iconic lighthouse.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
Spend the day in the “friendly city” of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. On a city tour you will see the 52 metre high Campanile, built in 1923 in memory of the first British settlers who arrived in 1820, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Library, the Post Office, City Hall and the Donkin Memorial, a stone pyramid erected in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin’s wife Elizabeth after whom Port Elizabeth was named. Alternatively enjoy a full day at the Pumba Private Game Reserve which covers 6,000 hectares and is the first of the Eastern Cape game reserves to introduce a white lion breeding programme. We also find over 300 different species of birds, giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, warthog, hyena and wild dogs.
Arrive this morning in Mossel Bay, situated on the Garden Route and an excellent base to explore the region. Enjoy a day driving along the coast road and the Wilderness Lakes to Knysna, a hub of craft shops, boutiques, flea markets and cafes. After some time to explore and take lunch, we board a local boat for a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon. Keeping an eye out for marine and bird life, we sail to the Knysna Heads, the great sandstone cliffs which tower over the entrance to the lagoon where the Indian Ocean meets the rivers that flow from the Outeniqua Mountains. Alternatively, for those who prefer to see some of the interior there will be an option to head inland via the Outeniqua Mountains to the beautiful, desert like Karoo before continuing to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges, and originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River which meanders southwards from the Swartberg, providing fertile soil and water for irrigation. Enjoy a visit to an ostrich farm where we learn about this important industry before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we continue our journey around the southern coast of South Africa.
Our last two days in South Africa will be spent in and around Cape Town. During our time here you will be able to choose from a range of excursions including a full day tour exploring Cape Town’s stunning Cape Peninsula. We will travel through the vibrant coastal suburbs before continuing along Chapman’s Peak to the famous Cape Point Nature Reserve at the very tip of the peninsula. The road then twists its way to Simon’s Town, home to the Boulders Beach penguin colony as we return to the ship. We also visit Robben Island which has been used for centuries as a military base and leper colony but is most famous as a prison for political prisoners during the apartheid regime. Our guided tour includes the island’s quarry, the army and navy bunkers as well as the prison cells, including Nelson Mandela’s. There will also be the opportunity to spend time at the winelands of Constantia, the oldest wine making region in the southern hemisphere, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch. Spread over 528 hectares against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain the gardens support both natural forest and cultivated gardens.
Leaving South Africa we have a day at sea cruising along the western coast of Africa towards Namibia. Our lecture programme will continue in the lounge or maybe spend time on deck.
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 colonization of the region. Arriving over lunch, we will take an afternoon walking tour to include the Luderitz Museum and the colonial buildings including 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.
Continuing north we spend the morning at sea before arriving at the main coastal town of Walvis Bay. During our afternoon you may choose 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 Lutherian Church and old railway station, are national monuments. Alternatively, drive past the imposing sand dunes to the Welwitschia Plains in the Namib-Naukluft Park and we hope to see the prehistoric Welwitschia Mirablis plants. Unique to this region these plants live for 500 years yet only produce two leaves in their lifetime. We continue into the lunar landscape of eroded valleys before returning to the ship. Moor overnight.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Johannesburg. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and meet for dinner this evening.
Check out this morning and after a city tour and lunch we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Arrive this morning.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 90.6 metres
Passenger Capacity: 118
Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Your Suite. On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. All feature a sitting area and fourteen suites 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 with suites on the Scott and Shackleton Decks featuring private balconies. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring vanity unit with sink and walk-in rainfall shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a minifridge, flat screen television and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Additional facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The beds in each suite can be configured as twins or double with the exception of suite 601 and 602 which feature fixed double beds. The impressive Hebridean Suite, located on the Shackleton Deck consists of a separate bathroom and sitting room with extra large balcony stretching the length of the suite. Additional benefits of booking this marvellous suite include complimentary mini-bar stocked with your preferences and complimentary laundry.
Your Space. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Hebridean Sky include a large lounge on the Byrd Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and expedition staff take place in The Lounge which is fitted with the highest standard of presentation equipment including multiple screens. In addition to the Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Mawson Deck which features the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The Club also offers a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Mawson Deck is The Library which is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads. A collection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Amundsen Deck and is a bright and charming setting to enjoy the delicious meals on board. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck located on the Scott Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. Whilst heaters and blankets make dining al fresco comfortable in cooler climates. Further to this, on the top Shackleton Deck there is an observation area which offers a fantastic platform for spotting wildlife complete with deck furniture, ideal for relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. You will also find a clinic and Doctor on board and a lift that serves all decks. Additionally there is a small hairdressers with appointments made on request.
Your Dining. It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose. The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations.
For Your Comfort. The MS Hebridean Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more 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 a specific area on deck.
Life Onboard. If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels. When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky 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. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship. The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.