Swan Hellenic is expanding its Africa programme with two voyages along the west coast this autumn, and new cruises in 2027.
Each of this autumn’s cruises takes in nine ports in seven countries. They are a 12-night Dakar to Tema cruise, departing on 16 September; and a 13-night Tema to Luanda cruise, departing on 29 September. The cruises can be combined into a 25-day ‘Grand Voyage’.
The cruise line’s 2027 season will feature four northbound voyages in the spring, which can be combined into a 46-day cruise spanning 14 countries. The first is an 11-night Cape Town-Luanda cruise departing on 29 March, taking in the wetlands of Walvis Bay, Cape fur seal colonies, Angola’s remote Ilha dos Tigres and the colonial heritage of Namibe Province.
The 46-day cruise also takes in traditional voodoo ceremonies in Togo, the markets of Benin, and Accra.
There will be five southbound voyages in autumn 2027, which can be combined into a 51-day cruise, taking in 15 countries.
This is the fourth year Swan Hellenic has been operating West Africa cruises. Destinations cover historic slave trading sites and remote natural wonders such as Ilha dos Tigres in Angola, Loango National Park in Gabon and Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania.
The experience goes beyond shore excursions, with on-board cultural ceremonies, expert-led lectures and photography workshops enhancing each journey.
All voyages are on the 192-guest boutique expedition ship Diana. Most of the 96 staterooms and suites have private balconies and the ship has a spa, gym, panoramic sauna, multiple dining venues, a pool deck and a dedicated lecture theatre.
Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “Now entering our fourth year in West Africa, I believe Swan Hellenic has built something truly special.
“Few expedition cruise companies can match our knowledge and experience of this region, particularly in the most remote ports and expedition areas.
“We continuously refine the guest experience by listening to feedback and drawing on the deep trust we have earned with local authorities and communities in every country we visit.
“Our expeditions prioritise meaningful connection, building into curated voyages that change how our guests see and relate to Africa and exploration itself.”
