Africa

Southwest Africa Cruise

15 Days aboard SH Diana. From USD $12,038pp.
Details

Overview

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.

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)

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

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.

Next Departure Date: 04 Apr 2026
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
04 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026 USD$12038ppExpand to view offers
Triple Oceanview M4 USD$12038ppContact us
Oceanview D4USD$13745ppContact us
Triple Balcony M5USD$14320ppContact us
Oceanview M4USD$14446ppContact us
Balcony D5USD$16548ppContact us
Balcony M5USD$17185ppContact us
Balcony D6USD$17885ppContact us
Quadruple SuiteUSD$18096ppContact us
Junior SuiteUSD$20688ppContact us
SuiteUSD$24127ppContact us
Premium SuiteUSD$27567ppContact 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 D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview M4

20 m2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
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 D5
Balcony D5
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 M5
Balcony M5
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.

Balcony D6
Balcony D6
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.

Junior Suite
Junior Suite
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.

Suite
Suite
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.

Premium Suite
Premium Suite
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 Oceanview M4
Triple Oceanview M4
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

Triple Balcony M5
Triple Balcony M5
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

Quadruple Suite
Quadruple Suite

SH Diana Deckplan

deck plan

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?

  • Flights not mentioned
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Southwest Africa Cruise

15 Days aboard SH Diana. From USD $12,038pp.