Namibia & South Africa by Sea: Natural Treasures & Human Accomplishments

Day 1 Walvis Bay, Namibia / Embark

Arrive in Namibia’s Walvis Bay and transfer to Corinthian II. Possessing one of the finest harbors in Southwest Africa, Walvis Bay is a convenient base from which to explore some of Namibia’s most interesting sites. Overnight aboard docked in port.

Day 2 Walvis Bay / Namib Desert Park / Walvis Bay Lagoon

Today explore the Namib Desert Park, with its incredibly beautiful sand dunes, home to some of the oldest desert landscapes in the world. Learn about the natural life of the desert and enjoy a spectacular private dinner in the dunes. You will also explore the wetlands around Walvis Bay, which comprise perhaps the most important bird sanctuary in Southern Africa. Over 150,000 birds are found here, including large numbers of flamingos, chestnut-banded plovers, curlew sandpipers, and others.

Day 3 Lüderitz / Kolmanskop

The first recorded European visitor was the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who sought shelter here in 1487. Later (19th century) Lüderitz became a thriving German colony, and today, the Bavarian architecture is unmistakable. Drive through the desert to the ghost diamond town of Kolmanskop, whose buildings give an insight to the area’s diamond boom years.

Day 4 At Sea

Days 5-6 Cape Town, South Africa / Nature Reserve / Botanical Gardens

Spend two days in Cape Town with Corinthian II conveniently docked near the center of the city. The striking combination of coastal and mountain geography of the famed Cape Peninsula, on which the city is built, makes Cape Town one of the world’s most attractive cities. Travel through rolling hills to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the lovely Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Also visit the outstanding Gold of Africa Museum, and explore South Africa’s celebrated wine lands including charming Stellenbosch, with its historic buildings and oak-lined streets.

Day 7 Mossel Bay / Garden Route / Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

Arrive in Mossel Bay, at the western part of the renowned Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most spectacular areas. Drive to the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, a private 3,000-hectare wilderness with over 30 different species of animals, including lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, and mountain zebra. Numerous birds also inhabit the reserve.

Day 8 Port Elizabeth / Kariega Game Reserve

Arrive in Port Elizabeth. Founded in 1820 by British settlers, it became a prosperous port and trading center. Drive to Kariega Game Reserve, a private game reserve set high above stunning Kariega River Valley. It is a sanctuary to abundant game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, and antelope; and myriad bird species, including nesting Martial, Crowned, and Fish Eagle. In Port Elizabeth, visit the Ubuntu Education Fund, a private initiative that helps children.

Day 9 Port Elizabeth / Addo Elephant National Park

Drive to Addo Elephant National Park, established in 1931 to protect the last surviving Cape elephants. The park consists of thick and dry brush, and in addition to elephants, it is home to other animals including eland, kudu, Cape buffalo, and red hartebeest. Choose from two full-day excursions in the park: the normally-scheduled game drive or an early morning game drive, which will give the opportunity to see greater numbers of wildlife.

Day 10 At Sea

Day 11 Richards Bay / Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park

From the port city of Richards Bay, drive to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, the oldest national park in South Africa, and certainly one of the country’s most outstanding game reserves. A pristine wilderness, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is known for its rich wildlife, including black and white rhinos, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, hippo, and others. Choose from two excursions in the Park: the normally scheduled game drive or an early-morning game drive, which will give you the opportunity to see greater numbers of wildlife. Enjoy an open-air barbecue lunch at the park.

Day 12 Maputo, Mozambique

Arrive in Maputo, Mozambique’s attractive capital. Built on the shores of a spacious bay, and with its architecture reminiscent of Mediterranean ports, Maputo is one of Africa’s most appealing cities. Inhabited by the local Ronga people since ancient times, Maputo was known until 1976 as Lourenço Marquest, the name of the Portuguese navigator who “discovered” the area in 1545. In the morning, explore the city, with its wide leafy avenues, graceful buildings dating from the Portuguese colonial period, and bustling markets. Also visit the National Art Museum.

Day 13 Maputo / Disembark

Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.