Name: The Slavery Coast: cruise from Senegal to Ghana
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2526091613

Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

Bolama Island - The former capital of Portuguese Guinea

Included

02 h 30 m

Discover the former capital of Portuguese Guinea from 1871 to 1941 and admire the beauty of the ancient colonial buildings
Explore Bolama’s classic style based on a Roman citadel with sunny avenues, empty squares, dry fountains and overgrown gardens
Admire the Governor’s Palace where goats now graze peacefully and the basketball field, now used to dry cashew nuts

Canhabaque and the traditional Bijagos culture

Included

01 h 30 m

Witness the enduring traditions of Canhabaque, the most traditional and sacred island in the Bijagos archipelago
Visit a Bijagos village and marvel at how little the inhabitants of Bijagos have been influenced by the outside world
Meet women in traditional saiya skirts and immerse yourself in rhythms shaped by cashew nut processing and palm oil blessings

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

Orango Parque Hotel Museum

Included

02 h 00 m

Explore the Orango Parque Hotel Museum for a closer look at the mythical yet very real Bijago community
Gain deeper insights into the Bijago's culture, spiritual life and unique celebrations
Unwind with free time on the beach, swimming or bird watching

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Abidjan highlights and Banco National Park

Included

05 h 00 m

Walk through Banco National Park, the green lung of Abidjan. See the primary forest with rare wood species
Discover the Plateau area and its impressive Cathedral, one of the city most remarkable monument
Visit the museum of civilizations boasting traditional masks, statues, musical instruments and clothes among many others

Grand Bassam Chocolate Factory

Optional

05 h 50 m

Discover the stages of manufacturing organic chocolate, including a visit to the cocoa plantation and meeting with chocolatiers.
Explore Grand Bassam, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical significance.
Tour one of the largest cathedrals in the world, designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito, notable for its size and architectural design.

Colonial Grand Bassam *

Included

05 h 30 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

The twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, known as Tadi, are a key commercial hub on Ghana’s deepwater port, featuring a 17th-century Dutch fort, a relaxed beachfront and Africa’s largest market offering coconuts, dried fish, and tangy jollof rice. Nearby Kakum National Park hosts an endangered Ghanaian rainforest with native wildlife, lush plant life, exotic birds, vibrant butterflies and a Canopy Walkway, suspended 100 feet above the ground.

Elmina Slaves Castle

Included

05 h 00 m

Gaze at colourful wooden boats sailing in and out of Elmina’s lagoon area
Stroll through Elmina’s atmospheric alleyways, surrounded by ancient history
Take photos of colourful shrines built by ancient warriors

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.

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.

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.

Elmina Castle & City Walk

Included

02 h 15 m

Gaze at colourful wooden boats sailing in and out of Elmina’s lagoon area
Stroll through Elmina’s atmospheric alleyways, surrounded by ancient history, visit the local fish market
Visit Elmina Castle, the oldest and largest European building in Africa, a former warehouse used to trade gold, ivory and eventually slaves, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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

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

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 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.