Cruise Description

11 Night Cruise sailing from Cape Town to Tema aboard Crystal Serenity.

Beginning in Cape Town, this cruise promises outstanding wildlife and authentic experiences. Not only will you visit Walvis Bay, the home of some of Africa’s most flamboyant birdlife, for an overnight but you’ll also have an opportunity to visit the Namib desert, the only place on earth to see the strange and wonderful Welwitschia mirabilis plant. Sail on to Luanda, the capital of Angola, then remote Sao Tome, one of the least visited places on the planet. Disembark in Tema.

Highlights of this cruise:

Cape Town
While it might sound like hyperbole, the southernmost tip of Africa truly is one of the most stunning parts of the world with spectacular scenery, sweeping beaches, two oceans, and enough attractions to make even the most jaded of traveler blissfully happy. The city sits at the foot of Table Mountain which dominates the entire region. Part of a national park, the mountain features several hiking trails and even cable cars to take you to the summit where an unforgettable view awaits. If you prefer to keepcloser to the sea, then head to the V&A Waterfront. Named after England’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, the waterfront is where you`ll find lots of shops, a food and craft market featuring lots of local good, and even an aquarium.

Walvis Bay
Situated on the edge of the Namib desert, north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kuiseb River delta, Walvis Bay is one of Africa`s most exciting destinations. It has a history spanning centuries - it was first “discovered” by the explorer Bartholomeus Diaz in 1487, the Cape Dutch however "founded" it in 1793 and 1840, Great Britain annexed Walvis Bay and a small area surrounding the territory to ensure the safe passage of British ships around the Cape. The many layers of colonial influence have of course left their mark, and a short stroll around the city will see you looking at remnants of the town`s history in the facades of old trading posts, maritime-related structures, and charming cottages. The real showstopper, however, is Dune 7—a colossal sand dune that beckons adventurers to conquer its heights of 1,250 feet or 380 meters. For those who climb the towering mountian of sand, your efforts will not be in vain: the desert panorama spreads before you when you reach the summit, leaving you both literally and metaphotically breathless. But Walvis Bay`s allure doesn`t stop there. Its lagoon shimmers with a flamboyance of flamingos, the salt pans glisten like scattered diamonds, and playful dolphins dance in the Atlantic`s embrace. Take a boat trip to view the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Tema
From its humble origins as a fishing village to its current status as Ghana's largest port, Tema's industrial growth has somewhat obscured the picturesque scenery of the region. However, the neighboring beaches retain their unspoilt beauty, and happily, these serve as a testament to the diverse birdlife found in the area. Gannets, Boobies, and Kingfishers all nest and navigate the forests and waters along the coast. However, most visitors will undoubtedly want to travel the 20-mile distance to Accra, the country’s capital. Here you’ll find markets flush with color and activity as well as 17th-century churches and a surprisingly lush botanical garden.