Name: South-East African Horizons
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2825102917

Itinerary

A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa's rich history comes from a beguiling blend of cultures. Over centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers coexisted in the old town, blending African, European, and Asian architectural styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger and cardamom.

Kayaking with the Expedition team (throughout the cruise)

Optional

Breathtaking Scenery: Paddle through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, offering perfect opportunities for stunning nature photography.
Exclusive Marine Exploration: Experience an up-close view of marine life, from playful dolphins to colorful coral reefs and graceful sea turtles, making each kayaking trip unforgettable.
Personalized Adventure: With limited spots available, enjoy a unique and intimate kayaking experience, tailored to the best sea and weather conditions, and discover hidden natural gems along the way.

Cosmopolitan Zanzibar Island, or Unguja, known as the Spice Island, features Zanzibar City's UNESCO-listed Stone Town(Mji Mkongwe)—a lively warren of narrow streets with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and a spice market with stalls heaped with locally grown spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nearby, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the red colobus monkey, unique to Zanzibar.

Ruins and Spices of Zanzibar

Optional

04 h 45 m

Explore the Palace Museum in Kibweni, immersing yourself in the island's rich history
Discover the archipelago's spice legacy, which once produced 90% of the world's cloves
Continue to the lush countryside to smell, taste, touch and see different spice plants as well seasonal fruits, some unique to Zanzibar

Kilwa Kivinje, on Tanzania's southern coast, was a medieval Swahili coast trading hub. Founded in the 8th century, Kilwa Kivinje thrived in the 13th and 14th centuries as a centre for ivory and gold. Today, it provides insight into medieval East Africa's opulence, with dhows in the harbour and spice markets amid jungle and mangrove estuaries. The Great Mosque and Husuni Kubwa, The Sultan's African Palace, are UNESCO World Heritage Site ruins.

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.

Sandy swimming beaches, biodiverse jungle, and vivid blue crater lakes are among the highlights of verdant Nosy Be island off Madagascar's northern coast. In Hell-Ville port, remnants of French colonial architecture charm visitors. Nearby, Lokobe Reserve beckons with guided pirogue canoe tours, where black lemurs climb ancient trees and vibrant panther chameleons, growing about a foot and a half long, play hide-and-seek in the lush foliage.

Nosy Komba - AM

Optional

03 h 45 m

Visit this incredibly picturesque island to see the energetic lemurs in one of their most famous habitats
Take a walk through a small park to see if you can spot the “macaco macaco” lemur, some endemic chameleons, tortoises and snakes
Admire the traditional homes and shop for local souvenirs in the Sakalava fisherman’s village

Lokobe National Park - AM

Optional

04 h 00 m

Wander the lush forest on this guided tour to discover its varieties of endemic medicinal plants and ancient trees, lemurs, reptiles, chameleons and tropical birds
Get to know more about the flagship animal of the park, the Eulemur Macaco (black lemur)
Enjoy a delicious snack while taking in a traditional dance performance

The lively northern port of Mahajanga (Majunga) is known for its charming French colonial and Arabian architecture as well as a broad seafront promenade lined with coconut palms. A gigantic landmark baobab tree towers near the water. Long sandy beaches stretch north towards Cirque Rouge, a remarkable natural amphitheatre whose crumbling rocks are a blend of red, ochre and pale pink, and are at their most dramatic at sunset.

Mahajanga City Tour

Included

04 h 00 m

Feel the atmosphere of the city market place
Don't miss the symbol of the city the Huge Baobab, which is over 1000 years old
Enjoy stunning views of the town

The remote 1.97 km-long Nosy Vao, located 70 km north of Maintirano, offers an unspoilt tropical escape off Madagascar's northeast coast. With surrounding coral reefs and few visitors, Nosy Vao provides a peaceful retreat. Terns flock to the reefs, while lemurs inhabit the savannas, and palm trees dot the interior. Vezo fishers build temporary shelters and move between islands, fishing for sharks.

The relaxed west coast town of Morondava is the gateway to Madagascar's iconic Avenue of the Baobabs.  Lining a bumpy track between Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina, this striking grove of centuries-old giants - often nicknamed "upside-down trees" - is a must-see. To the south, Kirindy Mitea National Park is a protected coastal reserve home to several species of lemur along with the rare fossa, a close relation of the mongoose.

Morondava And The Baobab Avenue - PM

Included

04 h 30 m

Embark on an incredible journey to gaze upon dozens of colossal Baobab trees, one of natures more astounding creations
Take in the atmosphere of this multicultural island with a visit to the vibrant market in Morondava with a wide variety of foods to explore
Enjoy time to admire the dozens of Baobab trees, many of which are more than 800 years old

Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tuléar), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, the Arboretum d’Antsokay was created by a Swiss botanist in 1980 amid a swathe of spiny forest. Garden guides lead you past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, a fascinating small museum is dedicated to local marine life.

Visit of Arboretum Antsokay - AM

Included

03 h 30 m

Visit the Arboretum of Antsokay, established in 1980 by Swiss botanist Hermann Petignat, creating a micro-ecosystem unlike any other in the world
Admire over 920 plant species, as well as lemurs, radiated tortoises, snakes and chameleons
Enjoy a folkloric show and stop at the shell market to experience local crafts and souvenirs

Reniala Spiny Forest Discovery - AM

Optional

03 h 30 m

Explore the captivating Reniala Spiny Forest and hike along trails lined with Madagascar's oldest and most spectacular baobab trees
Visit the bird sanctuary, home to Madagascar's most sought-after endemic bird species
Keep your camera ready for sightings of endemic mammals like the grey mouse lemur and rare reptiles such as the spider tortoise and radiated tortoise

A busy port town with a deep natural harbour, Richards Bay is surrounded by extensive wetlands sheltering diverse birdlife. A hotspot on the Zululand Birding Route, it's a haven for rare species like cuckoo hawks and pygmy geese. The town's large lagoon becomes a cooling spot for hippos and crocodiles. Meanwhile, Alkantstrand Beach offers laid-back charm with long stretches of golden sand and gentle waves.

South Africa’s third-biggest city, Durban is friendly and cosmopolitan. Durban's golden mile is the heartbeat of the city with long sandy beaches and rickshaw rides. Durban's Indian District awakens the senses with its aromatic curry houses and spice stalls. Peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens is renowned for its orchid and palm collections. Nearby Umgeni River Bird Park is home to around 200 species, from vibrant parrots to majestic eagles.

Discover Durban

Included

05 h 00 m

Explore the culture and traditions of Durban
Visit to the well know Victoria Street Market

Tala Game Reserve

Optional

05 h 30 m

Embark on a 4 X 4 Game Drive at Tala Private Game Reserve, viewing big game including rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe and the rare sable antelope
Have a superb game viewing experiences
At Tala the aim is to get you close to nature

Scenic Drakensberg Helicopter Flight & Lunch

Optional

08 h 00 m

Take Scenic Helicopter flight to the Drakensberg Mountain range
Enjoy magnificent views of the World Heritage Site of the Drakensberg Mountains
Enjoy a fresh produce local lunch in the Drakensberg

On South Africa's Eastern Cape, East London is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, including Nahoon and Cove Rock. The city features the Buffalo Pass, a scenic road that winds through a lush valley, crossing the Buffalo River. The East London Museum showcases fossilised human and animal footprints and artefacts from the Xhosa-speaking people. In the surrounding areas, numerous game reserves provide habitat to elephants, lions, zebras and more.

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), on Algoa Bay’s western edge, has long stretches of beaches and pockets of Victorian architecture. Pods of frolicking dolphins swim close to shore. Just outside town, Amakhala Game Reserve offers thrilling game drives tracking white rhinos, cheetahs and other African wildlife, while guided game drives at Addo Elephant National Park (about 70 km northeast) offer thrilling encounters with the world’s largest land mammal.

Walking with the Giants and Buffalo Encounter

Optional

06 h 00 m

Meet the tallest wildlife members, giraffes, on a walking safari
Witness the feeding routine of Cape buffalos in the heart of Addo Valley Bushveld
Enjoy snacks and sparkling wine amid the reserve's natural beauty

Set on a hillside, the laid-back seaside town of Mossel Bay was the first place where Europeans made landfall in South Africa in 1488. The area’s history unfolds at Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which contains maritime displays, 19th-century stone cottages and a botanical garden. Nearby, Santos Beach is a wide sandy stretch for swimming and watersports. Southern right whales calve in the bay’s calm waters between July and October.

Friemersheim Wall Art Route

Optional

02 h 30 m

Visit the Friemersheim Wall Art Route
Local coffee roastery
Beautiful scenery on route to Friemersheim

Garden Route Wine Tasting

Optional

03 h 30 m

Visit a local Wine Estate
Wine Tasting of various local wines

Mossel Bay City

Included

02 h 30 m

Don't miss the opportunity to listen to Mossel Bay history
Enjoy a Wine and Mussel tasting

Hermanus, a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant marine life. Within Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a 12 km cliffside pathway offers stunning views of seasonal whale migrations. The historic Old Harbour, now a museum, encompasses the history of the old harbour, a fishermen's village and the Whale House Museum. The town's charming bars and restaurants offer local wines and fresh seafood.

Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.

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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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.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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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.

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