Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa

Sprawling across an endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. 

Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion's Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving - these oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.

Day 2: Langebaan, South Africa

Langebaan goes by many names, from the Ornithological Capital of South Africa, to the Jewel of the West Coast, so it’s no surprise that visitors and bird life alike flock here to revel in the intense natural beauty. The picturesque town luxuriates in a glutinous amount of sunshine, blooming with booms of color during the brazen beauty of the region’s renowned flower season. Pristine white sand beaches roll out beside azure Langebaan Lagoon, where shallow waters simmer under plentiful sun, offering up a spa-like experience, in stark contrast to the icy currents of the open ocean. The lagoon’s vast mudflats and salt marshes, fed by the rise and fall of the tides, cultivate a unique and sheltered enclave of ecological diversity. Over 300 different species of bird drop in each year. The photogenic lagoon shelters colossal plumes of roosting seabirds, and elegant long-legged wetland species like Palearctic waders, sanderlings and little egrets among its many residents. The rise of the afternoon winds promises adrenaline-seekers a thrill, with kite surfers whipping into the air and kayakers digging their way across the surface. Langebaan’s shallow beaches and lagoons are never more spectacular than when gorgeous sunsets are spilling a deep-red haze over the landscape. West Coast National Park brushes up close to Langebaan, inviting you out on adventures during the park’s flower season, when it explodes with burnt-orange colours, as the daisies and wildflowers unfurl to enjoy long, sunny days.

Enjoy your choice of the included activities:

Heritage of Paternoster – Art & History

Three hundred years ago the area of Paternoster was rich in wildlife including hippo and leopard on the land and the marches to the east, stretched for miles. The rocks and off-shore islands were abundant in guano and penguin colonies thrived. The ancestors of the coastline were Strandlopers who roamed the shore lines and gathered food from the sea to sustain themselves.

Over time, the settlement of Paternoster started its evolution as a town founded on fishing and the Strand culture. Learn about the heritage of the sea and the Crayfish tradition. Visit the old Crawfish Canning Factory turned into the Art Shed and meet with some local artists.

Kayaking the Great Berg River – Lunch at Local Pier Eatery

The tour begins at Bokkomlaan, a charming area known for its fishing heritage and scenic views. After receiving a safety briefing and kayaking gear, you will embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure along the scenic waterways of Bokkomlaan. Explore hidden coves, mangrove-rich areas, and discover the diverse marine life that calls these waters home. Paddle through birdwatcher's heaven as Bokkomlaan is home to a plethora of coastal bird species. Witness graceful herons, cheeky seagulls, and the occasional flamingo, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. Paddle towards Port Owen, a picturesque harbor town known for its waterways and waterfront properties.

Walk/drive to Riviera Hotel’s Die Pont Restaurant to enjoy a rustic lunch break. (Guests are advised to bring a change of clothing and a towel from the ship).

Please note: This excursion is recommended to guests who are in fit physical shape and are able to  swim. This excursion involves a moderate to extensive amount of activity, some of which at guest's discretion and driving transfers of approximately 20/30 minutes each way. Comfortable clothing and shoes, swimsuits, sun hats, sunscreen, sunglasses are recommended.  Guests are advised to bring a change of clothing and a towel from the ship. This tour is weather and sea conditions dependent and can be cancelled without previous notice. The tour order may vary. The description is a sample of the tour program.

!Khwa Ttu San Culture Experience with Garden-fresh Lunch

!Khwa ttu is a San culture and education center based on an 850 hectare Nature Reserve situated 70 kilometers north of Cape Town. A non-profit company, directed jointly by the San and the Swiss-based Ubuntu Foundation, !Khwa ttu has been providing jobs, and practical residential training for young San from all over southern Africa, since 1999. Situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom, itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, !Khwa ttu embraces and champions a range of environmental stewardship programs.

First People - Food from the Ancestors with Private San Guides

Let us introduce you to our shared story of human origins in South Africa. Hear what archaeologists can tell us about our ancestors who lived in this region for 200,000 years and let us show you how we have kept this knowledge alive. Use the tools, hear the knowledge and try the food that made life possible.

The Way of the San - Spirit, Hunting and Gathering

12,000 years ago we were all hunter gatherers. We knew that we, the land, the plants, the animals and the elements were all connected. We understood not only how to live, but how to live well in the world. Discover that the more you know, the less you need.

The Veld Pharmacy

San and other indigenous people have always understood the plants around them were so much more than simply pretty flowers or a tasty snack. 12,000 years ago we were all hunter-gatherers. Rediscover some of the powerful knowledge you have lost - what to use to win a wife, or heal a wound, or keep you alive on the long journey ahead. If lucky, you may also meet our chickens and hear one of their stories in |Xung.

Please note: This excursion involves a minimal to moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, and driving transfers of approximately 30 minutes each. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sun hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. The tour order may vary. The description is a sample of the tour program.

Hiking the West Coast National Park

Discover the captivating beauty of the Seeberg via Bakoor Trail, a 6.9km–14km journey that promises a delightful blend of scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and historical landmarks.

The West Coast National Park lies 88 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The park is found inside of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the R27 coastal road, and runs from the town of Yzerfontein in the south, up to the Langebaan Lagoon.

The park, with the islands in Saldanha Bay, has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. The park was proclaimed in 1985, and is 36,259.8 hectares in size.

Wildlife in the park includes large antelope such as eland, red hartebeest, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, mountain zebra, duiker and ostriches in the Postberg section. Other smaller animals include the bat-eared fox, caracal, and Cape gray mongoose

Enjoy all the sites this beautiful park has to offer before heading to the Boesmanland Farm Kitchen for a South African Lunch.

Please note: This excursion is recommended to guests who are in fit physical shape. This excursion involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces,  and driving transfers of approximately 20/30 minutes each way. Comfortable clothing and trekking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended. The tour order may vary. The description is a sample of the tour program.

Kayaking the West Coast National Park

This is a circular route starting and ending on Main Beach, Langebaan. We will start with a safety briefing and some paddling instruction before crossing the channel to Schaapen Island in the West Coast national Park Bay. We’ll paddle around the island, which is a protected bird colony, observing and identifying the birds. We’ll also learn about the Kelp Forest and its role in the local ecology. Finally, we’ll pause and observe the Cape Fur Seal colony on the landward side of the island. If luck is on our side, we’ll also spot and hear about the colony of feral white bunnies that have evolved to adapt to life on the island.

Enjoy all the sites this beautiful park has to offer before heading to the Boesmanland Farm Kitchen for a South African Lunch. (Guests are advised to bring a change of clothing and a towel from the ship).

Please note: This excursion is recommended to guests who are in fit physical shape and are able to swim. This excursion involves a moderate to extensive amount of activity, some of which at guest's discretion and driving transfers of approximately 20/30 minutes each way. Comfortable clothing and shoes, swimsuits, sun hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel and a change of clothes are recommended.  Guests are advised to bring a change of clothing and a towel from the ship. This tour is weather and sea conditions dependent and can be cancelled without previous notice. The tour order may vary. The description is a sample of the tour program.

Exploring the West Coast Fossil Park

The fossil site of Langebaanweg is located in the West Coast Fossil Park (WCFP), is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene. The site has exceptionally well-preserved remains of fossil fauna that date to circa 5.2 million years ago.

A national and international team of researchers are currently unravelling the fascinating and unique history of fossils from the West Coast Fossil Park and attempting to recreate the environment and climate of the west coast some 5 million years ago. At this time many animals that are now extinct, such as saber-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, hunting hyenas and African bears roamed the west coast which then had a more subtropical climate with lush, riverine forests and open grasslands.

Please note: This excursion involves a minimal amount of walking. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended as well as a wind jacket.

Day 3: Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Day 4: Luderitz, Namibia

The scorched desert that surrounds Luderitz means the city’s collection of German art nouveau architecture couldn't look more unusually placed along the Namibian coastline. This quirkiness is what gives the destination its charm. See gangs of playful penguins skipping across the waves, pink flamingos wading by the coast, and dolphins leaping into the air near Penguin Island and Seal Island. A much more haunting location, with an incredibly dark past, is Shark Island - which witnessed the deaths of between 1,000 and 3,000 people when it was the location of a German concentration camp, between 1905 and 1907. Inland from Luderitz is Kolmanskop, the site of a famous diamond mine and ghost town.

Enjoy your choice of the included excursions:

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Lüderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay, and is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. A peninsula with numerous coves juts out of the coast to form the bay. Twelve islands, collectively known as the Penguin Islands, lie in Namibian waters north and south of Lüderitz.

Behind the town, a road runs into the interior. It passes Kolmanskop, now a ghost town, where diamonds were first mined. Kolmanskop is Namibia's most well-known ghost town, situated in the Sperrgebiet (forbidden territory), just a few kilometers inland from Luderitz. In 1908, the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand he was working in a railway maintenance team near Kolmanskop. His supervisor, August Stauch, was convinced it was a diamond and when this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a "Diamond Rush" which caused fortune hunters to converge on the town in droves.

Kolmanskop soon became a bustling center, providing workers with shelter from the harsh environment of the Namib Desert. Large, elegant houses were built and it soon resembled a German town, complete with an impressive array of amenities including a hospital, ballroom, power station, school, theater and sports hall, casino, ice factory, butchery, bakery and the first X-ray station in the southern hemisphere. The development of Kolmanskop reached its peak in the 1920s, with approximately 300 German adults, 40 children and 800 Ovambo contract workers living in the town. The drop in diamond sales after World War I, as well as the discovery of richer deposits further south at Oranjemund, resulted in the decline of Kolmanskop. Within a span of 40 years, the town lived, flourished and died.

Today the ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The stately homes have been nearly demolished by the wind and are gradually becoming enveloped by encroaching sand dunes. The area creates the perfect backdrop for good photographic opportunities, and film enthusiasts may be interested to know that in 2000, the film "The King Is Alive" was filmed in Kolmanskop, with the town being utilized as the film's main setting.

Join a guided tour covering the history of the town as well as the diamond industry today. Also pay a visit to some of the more important buildings, before taking time to explore the town on your own. Refreshments are served before your return trip back onboard.

Please note: There is a small amount of walking on this tour (much of it optional), and transfers are offered to different vantage points within Lüderitz. There are steps to climb and steeper roads in some places in Lüderitz. Guests needing to return to the coach or wishing to rest at the coffee shop are welcome to do so.

Luderitz Walking Exploration

Lüderitz is an isolated town built on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay, and is located on the only part of the Namibian coast with a rocky shore. A peninsula with numerous coves juts out of the coast to form the bay. Twelve islands, collectively known as the Penguin Islands lie in Namibian waters north and south of Lüderitz. The most recent name for this bay, Angra Pequena (Narrow Bay), describes the locality well, a narrow bay dotted with little islands.

For nearly 400 years after Bartolomeu Dias first dropped anchor, Angra Pequena remained an obscure anchorage on the African coast. However, things changed forever after Adolf Lüderitz, a tobacco merchant from Germany, purchased the bay and adjacent land in 1883. Within months, Imperial Germany placed his acquisitions under its "protection" and proceeded to colonize the future South West Africa. Being the only natural harbor, Angra Pequena remained the principal port for German South West Africa. It was renamed Lüderitzbucht (Lüderitz Bay), eventually shortened to Lüderitz, after Adolf Lüderitz was drowned at sea in 1886. A plaque in his memory is located on Shark Island.

Join a 2-hour guided walking tour through the town's barren streets, passing many colonial German-style buildings, with their domes, towers and turrets, steep roofs, oriel windows, embellished gables, bay windows and Wintergärtens (sunrooms), which provide shelter from the wind. Pay a visit to the Luderitz Museum with its flora, history and ethnology exhibits.

Other notable buildings visited include the Goerke Haus and Felsenkirche. Goerke Haus is a grand residence or "diamond palace" built in 1909, restored to its former glory and furnished with period pieces. Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks) is the name given to the German Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1912. The stained-glass windows and the woodwork inside the church are impressive. The fine proportions of the church and its verticality of form represent the Vertical Gothic-style, which was popular in the Victorian era, rather than the neo-Gothic-style which was preferred in the German Church at the time.

Time permitting, explore the town on your own after the guided tour before returning to the ship.

Please note: This is a walking tour that entails moderate activity of at least 1.2 miles (2km) of walking for a total of two hours. There are 20 to 30 steps to negotiate in total. Guests are recommended to wear their walking shoes.

Hiking the Luderitz Peninsula

The Lüderitz Peninsula is located on the western shore of the Lüderitz bay, offering beautiful views and also serving to keep the fog out at sea. The area is very dry, with an average rainfall in the area of less than 22 mm per year. In May of 2018 this area experienced rain for the first time in 5 years! Because of the dryness, plant life is sparse, but after these rains some very interesting specimens can be found along the hiking route.

Depart the quayside and drive to Griffiths Bay, where your hike of the Lüderitz Peninsula begins. Your professional guide points out the rare flora growing in this region, as well as the interesting geological formations along the route.

After World War I the ridge along this route was occupied by British soldiers, who were stationed there to monitor the entrance to the Lüderitz harbor. It was feared that the former German regime would attempt to re-enter the territory from the sea. Some fortifications, merely built with the natural rock in the area, served as shelters for soldiers and horses. From the top of the ridge, enjoy a splendid view over the bay and on to Lüderitz to the east, and a view of the Sturmvogelbucht beach and Dias Point to the west.

After experiencing the stunning views at Sturmvogelbucht, your awaiting motor coach then transfers you 30 minutes back to the quayside.

Please note that the hike may last 4 to 5 hours, weather-depending. Summer is the time of the year when the south-westerly wind is at its strongest, and may reach gale force at times.