Name: Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D0926041813

Itinerary

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’.

A solemn reminder of the past, 15th century Elmina Castle in Ghana was a key slave trade hub, originally protecting gold trade before Dutch and British slave trade involvement. This UNESCO site exemplified the era's contradictions, with Europeans in luxurious quarters above filthy, cramped slave dungeons. The infamous Door of No Return opened to ships on the gruelling Middle Passage.

Elmina Castle, City walk & Batik Making

Optional

05 h 00 m

Upgrade your included tour with a workshop to learn how to make traditional batik cloth
A perfect way to meet with local artisans, learn the techniques of wax heating and stamping and help local women support their families
Enjoy the highlights of Elmina point by visiting St George's Castle, a UNESCO heritage site and the local fish market

Cooking with the locals

Optional

02 h 30 m

Explore authentic Ghanaian dishes with your local Mama Chef, unveiling new tastes and flavours
Create traditional dishes like fufu, groundnut soup, fried plantain, palava sauce and red red using African cooking techniques
Support Global Mamas, an organisation empowering local women to sustain their families

Kakum National Park's Canopy Walkway

Optional

04 h 30 m

Discover Kakum National Park a 138-square mile reserve, created to protect Ghana’s rapidly diminishing rainforest
Walk on the platforms and rope bridges of Africa’s world-famous rainforest canopy walkway while searching for wildlife
Experience the peaceful tropical rainforest atmosphere, surrounded by rare wildlife that call it home.

Cape Coast Castle

Included

04 h 00 m

Visit the UNESCO-listed Cape Coast Castle, the largest building holding the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
Learn about its role in the gold and slave trades, the arrival of Christianity, and the establishment of Castle Schools
Discover the West African Historical Museum before taking part in a traditional Ghanaian drumming and dance performance

Traditional music and dances on board

Included

01 h 00 m

Feel the rhythm of the djembe drums and witness the lively Ghanaian dances.
Enjoy a captivating traditional performance and discover the musical soul of Ghana
Experience first hand the Ashanti people’s folklore.

A city pulsating with energy, Abidjan, the former capital of Côte D’Ivoire, stands as a hub of creativity and innovation. The thriving arts and music scene interweaves with the cultures, cuisines and traditions that define Abidjan. Serving as a window into West Africa, the infectious tropical mood permeates the city. Abidjan's unique atmosphere, galleries and markets, along with the fascinating National Museum, make it a captivating destination.

Colonial Grand Bassam *

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore Grand-Bassam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site—a colonial gem where history and culture intertwine
Wander through distinct quarters, witness social dynamics, and discover Ivory Coast’s struggle for independence
Enjoy some free time for shopping at the Artisanal Centre

Upgrade - Abidjan highlights, Bingerville garden and local gastronomy

Optional

07 h 00 m

Visit the main sites of Abidjan and continue towards Bingerville, the Capital of Colonial Ivory Coast back in the early 1900s
Visit the lush Botanical gardens before enjoying a local lunch
Discover how to prepare Attieke, a cassava couscous used as a base in the Ivory Coast cuisine

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.

The bustling capital of Liberia, Monrovia, was founded in the 1800s as a settlement for formerly enslaved people from North America. The National Museum is custodian to the region’s history and art. Today’s city is a mix of architectural styles, lively beaches and street markets, such as the jumbled Waterside Market, filled with colourful fabric and crafts. Liberia's Creole cuisine fuses flavours brought from West Africa to America.

Historical city tour of Monrovia

Included

06 h 00 m

Explore the Centennial Pavilion, commemorating Liberia's 100 years of uninterrupted independence
Visit Providence Island, where freed American slaves settled in Liberia in the early 1820s
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic from Ducor Hill

Liberia in a Nutshell - Monrovia and Careysburg

Optional

07 h 00 m

Visit the major historical sites of Monrovia, including Providence Island, the Centennial Pavilion, and the National Museum.
Discover the early colonial history of Liberia at Careysburg, founded in 1856 for freed American slaves.
Enjoy a local lunch at Wulki Farms, Liberia's first agro-tourism resort.

Libassa Ecolodge: Wildlife Sanctuary & Fun

Optional

08 h 00 m

Explore Libassa Ecolodge, a stunning resort nestled within a tropical forest, where a virgin lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean
Visit the wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to rehabilitating wild animals, including endemic monkeys
Enjoy the resort's facilities – swim in the pool, slide down the lazy river, try waterslides, and partake in kayaking or snorkeling in the lagoon

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.

Sierra Leone’s portside capital city occupies a major position in history as the home of formerly enslaved people from North America and Britain. Sites like Cotton Tree and the King’s Yard Gate symbolise the town’s sombre past. Freetown today is a diverse city with a rich heritage – colourful Krio architecture, hearty, rice-based cuisine and lively beaches. Nearby, the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues endangered primates in a rainforest.

Bunce Island

Optional

04 h 15 m

Discover the haunting history of Bunce Island, the largest British slave castle on the Rice Coast
Pass by Tasso Island, keeping a watch for local waterbirds on the Sierra Leone River Estuary
Experience the authentic and raw state of Bunce Island, now left to decay, as its painful history is gradually buried under layers of greenery

Freetown Historical City Tour

Included

04 h 30 m

Discover the history of Sierra Leone's fallen heroes and heroines at the National Museum
Visit the Peace and Cultural Monument, celebrating Sierra Leone's independence
Explore the Railway Museum, showcasing British-built trains as a symbol of resilience after civil war and Ebola

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Optional

04 h 30 m

Discover the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary's crucial work with primates
Witness over 100 rescued chimpanzees engaging in playful activities and learn about their lives
Admire a diverse array of over 100 bird species in the surrounding area

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

The remote Bijagos Archipelago off Guinea-Bissau comprises 88 islands with mangroves, savannahs, and palm forests, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its ecosystems host endangered species like green sea turtles, saltwater hippos and African manatees, plus 800,000 migratory birds annually. Untouched by tourism, the Bijagos offers pristine beaches and a rich cultural heritage, with rare matrilineal customs and traditional ceremonies.

Lush island of Caravela and Bijagos dances

Included

02 h 00 m

Marvel at the lavish vegetation of Caravela
See one of the most traditional villages surrounded by century old trees where you might spot some monkeys
Visit one of the most authentic Bijago village and learn about their ancestral customs that are still very much alive

Discover the islands of Carache and Kere

Included

03 h 00 m

Land on pristine beach and meet the traditional Bijagós people who live in balance with their environment.
Visit a Bijagos village and discover how the local community has been able to perpetuate their ancestral way of life by taking only what they need from mother nature for their subsistence.
Enjoy a relaxing time at Kere, a true off-the beaten track paradisiac destination.

At the meeting point of the Gambia River and the Atlantic, Gambia’s relaxed capital city, Banjul, sits on a little island filled with colonial buildings and vibrant markets. The 19th-century Albert Market sells souvenirs and the vibrant traditional clothing of The Gambia’s diverse ethnic groups. Locals invite visitors to their typical Gambian home or ‘compound’ and tell stories of their heritage while offering herbal tea and traditional snacks.

Banjul Highlights

Included

04 h 30 m

Witness over a century of history at Bakau's Kachikally Crocodile Pool, home to a hundred crocodiles
Learn the ancient art of tie and dye at the Batik factory with a hands-on demonstration
Explore Banjul's rich history, culture and traditions at the National Museum and St Albert Market

Makasutu Cultural Forest Adventure

Optional

05 h 30 m

Explore the Makasutu Culture Forest and its many ecosystems on foot and by canoe
Look out for playful monkeys, graceful lizards, elusive mongoose, and perhaps even the charming presence of baboons in their natural habitat
Enjoy a guided bush walk through the palm forest and appreciate the local flora and fauna

Off the beaten track exploration of South Gambia with 4x4 trucks

Optional

06 h 25 m

Go off the beaten track to see a different side of Southern Gambia
Stop at small villages, see how palm wine is made and observe the locals in their authentic daily life
Visit a local school in Sanyang, where you can find out more about the ground roots of education in Gambia

Fabulous museums, a thriving art scene and elegant seaside dining showcase Dakar's rich culture and forward outlook. The bustling traditional Medina quarter with its mosques, tea shops and street markets contrasts with the Senegalese capital's French-influenced architecture and cuisine. Mbalax music dominates the vibrant nightlife. Traditional crafts like woodcarvings and paintings sell at Soumbédioune market, making it the perfect souvenir stop.

Dakar City Tour

Included

03 h 45 m

Discover Dakar, the large and vibrant African metropolis that was the cultural and intellectual capital of French West Africa
Marvel at the Byzantine-style Cathedral of African Memory and the iconic African Renaissance Monument, a towering copper statue on Collines des Mamelles
Uncover the rich history and architectural wonders of this dynamic metropolis

Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Optional

04 h 05 m

Board a ferry to Gorée Island, a haunting reminder of the slave trade and explore restored buildings that bear witness to this dark period
Gain insights into this historical era by visiting Fort of Estree, its historic museum, and the House of the Slaves
Wander through the island's charming alleys, adorned with colonial-era houses, offering a glimpse into the past

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.