Southwest Africa Cruise
15 Days - SH Diana
Leaving from Angola, this incredible voyage takes you along the Atlantic coast to Ghana, stopping at some of the least-visited parts of Africa. Experience pristine, biodiverse shorelines that harbor volcanic islands, mangrove forests, rainforests, and lagoons. Look out for elephants, lowland gorillas, leopards, hippos and chimpanzees as you explore. And meet the people of West Africa, diving deeper into cultures where voodoo is a state religion.
from NZD $15259pp
Home » 15 Day SH Diana: Southwest Africa Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
- Sample traditional cuisine and get to know the Congolese locals at Grand Marché market
- Learn about conservation efforts in Congo's biodiverse Conkouati Reserve
- Keep an eye out for forest elephants and buffalos, lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in Gabon's South Loango National Park
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Luanda (Hotel Night)
- Day 2: Luanda
- Day 3: Day at sea
- Day 4 to 6: Pointe-Noire
- Day 7 to 9: Expedition in Gabon
- Day 10: Sao Tome, Sao Tome
- Day 11: Santo Antonio, Principe - Santo Antonio, Macaco Beach
- Day 12: Day at sea
- Day 13: Cotonou
- Day 14: Lome
- Day 15: Tema (Accra)
Day 1: Luanda (Hotel Night)
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by the cruise representative and driven on the group transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Luanda
This morning, you will take the group transfer from your hotel to the port and board your cruise.
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 3: Day at sea
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Day 4 to 6: 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 7 to 9: 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, home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and diverse birdlife. 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 10: Sao Tome, Sao Tome
Sao Tome, the Gulf of Guinea's largest volcanic isle, is a tropical idyll with rainforests, beaches and waterfalls. São Tomé 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 São Tomé Peak, reaching 2,024 m, provides refuge for island bird species like the ibis and grosbeak.
Day 11: Santo Antonio, Principe - Santo Antonio, Macaco Beach
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 Conceição church contains a beautiful stone carving of St Anthony, the city’s namesake saint.
Santo António do Príncipe, Príncipe's main town, has vibrant colonial architecture, bustling markets, and is recognised as the world's smallest city. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição church features a stunning stone carving of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint. Macaco Beach, nestled on Príncipe's northwestern shore, is a secluded paradise with pristine golden sands, lush greenery and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: Tema (Accra)
Tema 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’.
This morning, you will disembark and take the group transfer from the ship to the Tema airport.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
04 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026 | NZD $15259pp | ||
Triple Oceanview M4 | NZD $15259pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview D4 | NZD $17422pp | Contact us | |
Triple Balcony M5 | NZD $18222pp | Contact us | |
Oceanview M4 | NZD $18311pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D5 | NZD $20978pp | Contact us | |
Balcony M5 | NZD $21867pp | Contact us | |
Balcony D6 | NZD $22756pp | Contact us | |
Quadruple Suite | NZD $22900pp | Contact us | |
Junior Suite | NZD $26200pp | Contact us | |
Suite | NZD $30533pp | Contact us | |
Premium Suite | NZD $34978pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Oceanview D4
20 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
20 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
28 m2
Located on deck 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony M5
28 m2
Located on deck 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Balcony D6
28 m2
Located on deck 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Junior Suite
35 m2
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Suite
44 m2
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
47 m2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Triple Oceanview M4
19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
Triple Balcony M5
28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
Quadruple Suite
44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
SH Diana Deckplan
Specifications
CREW: 141
GUESTS: 192
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 410 ft (125 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
TONNAGE: 12,100 GRT
CRUISING SPEED: 14.5 knots
PROPULSION HYBRID DIESEL ELECTRIC: 4x Medium speed, Polar Class PC6
REGISTERED: Malta
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
TENDER BOATS: 2 (48 pax each)
ZODIACS: 15
Whats included?
- Group transfer from airport to hotel
- Group transfer from hotel to ship
- Group transfer from ship to airport
- One-night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel
- All meals onboard
- 24-hour room service
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages available 24 hours per day
- Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard Wi-Fi
- Onboard gratuities and port taxes
- One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
- Branded Swan Hellenic backpack and stainless-steel water bottle
What’s not included?
- Any items not mentioned as included