Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Exploring Africas Hidden Treasures - a voyage of West Africa to Namibia
click to enlarge
Morocco to Namibia Itinerary
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Casablanca, Morocco / Embark |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Casablanca / Rabat |
| Day 3 : | Safi / Marakech |
| Day 4 : | Agadir / Taroudannt or Imouzzer / Agadir |
| Day 5 : | Arracife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands |
| Day 6 : | Laayoune, Western Sahara, Morocco |
| Day 7 : | Dakhla |
| Day 8 : | At Sea |
| Days 9-10 : | Dakar, Senegal |
| Day 11 : | Banjul / Abuko Nature Reserve / Makasutu Culture Forest / Banjul, The Gambia |
| Day 12 : | At Sea |
| Day 13 : | Freetown, Sierra Leone |
| Day 14 : | Monrovia, Liberia |
| Day 15 : | Greenville / Sapo National Park |
| Day 16 : | At Sea |
| Itinerary continues - click for full itinerary | |
| Day 36 : | Walvis Bay / Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| Cat E | Cat D | Cat C | Cat B | Cat A | Cat AA | Cat VS | Cat PHS | ||
| 36 | Dec 1, 2010 Feb 27, 2011 * |
$24,290 | $27,890 | $31,490 | $35,090 | $36,890 | $38,690 | $40,490 | $44,090 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | |||||||||
| Destinations : Africa, Angola, Canary Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Morocco, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, History, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, River Cruising |
|||||||||
Contact us for less expensive triple occupancy rates on any program!
Single travelers can opt to pay a single supplement for a private cabin or opt for a willing to share triple space at LESS than double occupancy rates!!
The region of Africa explored in this itinerary comprises of a mosaic that is varied, rich, and diverse. Some of the continent’s ancient kingdoms flourished in these lands, and these seldom-visited countries are also home to some of the last remaining primeval rain forests in West Africa. Beyond the scenic delights, we have fashioned this voyage to focus on the countries’ culture and peoples as well as its rich biodiversity. Morocco beckons with Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square, where there is a cacophony of oral storytellers, jugglers, and snake charmers. Explore the natural wonders of Arrecife on the Canary Islands, enchanting Laayoune, and the wildlife of Abuko Nature Reserve in The Gambia. We continue our voyage of discovery in Dakar, Senegal’s beautiful capital city. In Monrovia, Liberia’s capital founded in 1822 and named after U.S. President James Monroe, we will sail along the country’s coast and explore Sapo National Park, known for its rich wildlife. Among the highlights of our voyage is our exploration of Ghana’s famed “Castle Coast” and Kakum National Park, where an aerial walkway rises 100 feet above the forest floor allowing us to view life in the rain forest canopy as well as the many special events we have arranged, including meeting with local government officials, private visits, and musical performances.Much has changed since the Portuguese sailed along the West African coast in the 15th century. These regions of Africa, rarely visited for more than a half-century, have become known as one of the most beautiful and exotic destinations opened up to the adventurous traveler in recent years. Guests on our epic Africa cruises have been enraptured by the exciting energy in Ghana, the vast mangrove lagoons of Gabon, and the soaring sand dunes of the Namib Desert. On this voyage spanning nearly 2,500 miles, we’ll enjoy an intimate exploration of the extraordinary diversity of animals, plant life, and human cultures spanning the equatorial rain forest to the dune seas southeast of Walvis Bay. As we sail through the Gulf of Guinea we’ll call in the small and fascinating countries of Togo and Benin. Next we’ll journey to Equatorial Guinea to explore Bioko Island’s unspoiled rainforest and the mainland town of Bata, with a visit to a game-rich national park. Learn about the latest in primate research at the Tchimpounga Sanctuary, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute, then venture into the legendary Congo, the deepest river on Earth, surrounded by dense jungles. As we voyage south, we’ll see the rain forest become savannah, then desert – and the colonial influence shift from French to Portuguese and Bavarian. We’ll learn how Angola is emerging from its past, then watch thousands of flamingoes in Walvis Bay.
Day 1 : Casablanca, Morocco / Embark
Arrive in cosmopolitan Casablanca, home to fine French colonial buildings built on a promontory facing the Atlantic. Board Corinthian II and spend the night aboard docked in port.
Day 2 : Casablanca / Rabat
From Casablanca, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Tour Rabat’s main sites, including its Medina, situated between the sea and the river. Within the Medina are colorful souks, the Kasbah des Oudaias, the evocative quarter of the old Almohad, the Chellah Citadel, and Merenid and Andalusian towns.
Day 3 : Safi / Marakech
From Safi, drive to fabled Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Capitals, founded in the 11th century and set among gardens and palm groves. Your exploration includes the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Medressa, the Jewish Quarter, and Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s central square at the heart of the Medina. There will also be the opportunity to walk through Marrakech’s colorful souks.
Day 4 : Agadir / Taroudannt or Imouzzer / Agadir
Built around a sweeping bay, Agadir was first colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century and was captured by the Saadians in the 1500s. From Agadir, enjoy a choice of excursions. On the first, drive through the fertile Souss Valley southeast of Agadir to reach the imperial city of Taroudannt, once the capital of the Saadian dynasty and now famous for its stately red ocher ramparts. Ascend the city walls and enjoy a walking tour of the city’s medina, including the souks around Assarag and Tamaklotte Squares. Alternatively, visit Imouzzer des Ida Oudatane, an extremely scenic area of the Atlas Mountains northeast of Agadir. The surrounding valleys harbor several Berber villages, nestled deep in picturesque gorges and accessible only by jeep, which all offer an authentic glimpse of traditional Berber life. After a beautiful drive, along which we will stop for photo opportunities, visit a home in one of the villages for tea and a taste of the locally-produced Argan Oil. Return to Agadir as the sun sets over “Paradise Valley.”
Day 5 : Arracife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Call at Arrecife, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the seven islands of the Canary Archipelago. From Arrecife, visit the National Park of Timanfaya, whose landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity and which is renowned for its distinctive plant species. En route to the Park, pass small villages of red-tiled houses that exist in bright contrast to the ash-covered mountains.
Day 6 : Laayoune, Western Sahara, Morocco
From the port of El Marsa, drive inland across Saharan dunes to reach Laayoune, the main city in Morocco’s Western Sahara. Explore the Spanish-Saharan architecture of the city’s old district, the Museum of Traditional Arts, and the Artisans Center’s craft workshops. After visiting a nearby oasis, where you will enjoy an elaborate Saharan tea show, end the day with a drive in the dunes.
Day 7 : Dakhla
The former capital of the Spanish colony of Rio de Oro, Dakhla is the southernmost town of Western Sahara, located on a long peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. Whitewashed houses characterize this easygoing and friendly town. Enjoy a tour of the city and a drive north through the scenic peninsula, which is flanked on one side by the Atlantic and by a tranquil bay on the other.
Day 8 : At Sea
Days 9-10 : Dakar, Senegal
Spend two days in Senegal’s beautiful capital city, Dakar. With its strong French influence, it is also a center of African arts and culture. Experience both at the Museum of African Art, one of the continent’s best, and the artisan market. A short ferry ride brings you to Gorée, a UNESCO protected island, with narrow alleyways and characteristic pastel mansions.
Day 11 : Banjul / Abuko Nature Reserve / Makasutu Culture Forest / Banjul, The Gambia
Founded by the British early in the 19th century, Banjul is the capital and commercial center of The Gambia. Disembark in the morning and drive to the Abuko Nature Reserve, one of the last surviving examples of tropical riverine forests in the country. Within its confines are about 300 species of birds, as well as red colobus and callithrix monkeys. Continue to the Makasutu Culture Forest, a private nature habitat with beautiful woodland and waterways. Enjoy lunch at the reserve. Return to Banjul to visit the National Museum, whose exhibits illustrate the history and culture of the country.
Day 12 : At Sea
With its lush forests, nature reserves, and white-sand beaches, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most attractive destinations. Tour Freetown, the country’s capital, including the Sierra Leone Museum, St. George’s Cathedral (1828), and the city’s colorful markets. Also visit the picturesque Regent Village, with its early 19th-century Krio-style houses tucked into the lush hills above the city.
Day 13 : Freetown, Sierra Leone
With its lush forests, nature reserves, and white-sand beaches, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most attractive destinations. Tour Freetown, the country’s capital, including the Sierra Leone Museum, St. George’s Cathedral (1828), and the city’s colorful markets. Also visit the picturesque Regent Village, with its early 19th-century Krio-style houses tucked into the lush hills above the city.
Day 14 : Monrovia, Liberia
Arrive in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. Inhabited at least since the 12th century, the Republic of Liberia was founded in 1847 by African Americans. Elected as president in 2005, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist, is Africa’s first female head of state. Tour Monrovia, named after President James Monroe, built on a hilly peninsula between a river and the sea, including the National Museum, displaying masks, for which Liberia is famed, and other objects, and the Waterside Market, where colorful textiles and other artifacts are sold. Also, meet with government officials and learn about the country’s recent history and development plans.
Day 15 : Greenville / Sapo National Park
From Greenville, explore Sapo National Park, which protects a great portion of West Africa’s last remaining primary rain forest. Rich in biodiversity, the park is home to forest elephants, chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, antelopes, over 500 species of birds, and a large variety of flora, with many endemic species.
Day 16 : At Sea
Day 17 : Takoradi, Ghana / Kakum National Park
From Ghana’s port town of Takoradi travel to Kakum National Park, one of the most extensive rain forest habitats in Ghana that is home to elephants, colobus monkeys, antelopes, 300 species of birds, some 600 varieties of butterfly, and an abundance of plants. Kakum’s highlight is the 1,000-foot aerial walkway through the rain forest canopy, 100 feet above the forest floor. Return to Takoradi in the afternoon to spend the night aboard docked in port.
Day 18 : Takoradi / The Castle Coast
The stretch of coastline around Takoradi is known as the “Castle Coast” for the string of imposing forts built by various European powers, starting in the 15th century, to protect their commercial interest. You will explore the two most important forts, Cape Coast Castle and St. George Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built by the Dutch in 1637, Cape Coast Castle was later captured by the British, who held it for 200 years. St. George’s Castle, in the picturesque small town of Elmina, was constructed in 1482 by the Portuguese and is the oldest European structure still standing in sub-Saharan Africa.
Day 19 : Tema, Ghana
The ship docks at Tema for a day, while some passengers choosing a shorter passage may disembark. Overnight aboard ship docked in port.
Day 20 : Tema / Accra
Drive to Accra, a city that vibrates with energy and an air of excitement and industry. Visit the excellent crafts market, which showcases the best of local artisans throughout the region, as well as the National Museum of Ghana and the Center for National Culture with its exhibits by local painters and sculptors.
Day 21 : Lome, Togo / Agbodrafo / Lake Togo /
For centuries Togo was part of several empires including those of Mali, Asante, Benin, and others. Arrive in Lome, Togo’s friendly capital and one of West Africa’s most exciting cities. Explore the city including the Handicraft Markets, with traditional goods from all over West Africa, noted especially for sculpture and batiks. Then drive to Agbodrafo, formerlly known as Porto Seguro, set on the shores of Lake Togo, from where you will explore the lake’s traditional villages by local pirogues.
Day 22 : Cotonou, Benin / Porto-Novo
The small country of Benin, home to an ancient sophisticated culture, is emerging as a popular travel destination. From the port of Cotonou, drive to the nearby capital Porto-Novo, set on green hills surrounding a large lagoon. Formerly the center of an indigenous prosperous kingdom, it later became the capital of the French colony of Dahomey. Explore this pleasant city, including visits to the Ethnography Museum, the restored palace of King Toffa and the Handicraft Center. After lunch, board local motorboats for a ride across Lake Nokoué to the picturesque fishing village of Ganvié, built on stilts.
Day 23 : At Sea
Day 24 : Malabo, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Arrive in Equatorial Guinea, which comprises two regions, one on the African continent, the other on the island of Bioko and several smaller offshore islands. Formerly a Spanish colony, the country attained independence in 1968. Call at Malabo, the major town of Bioko Island and the country’s capital, and spend the day exploring this lush volcanic island, with its rainforests that are home to an extraordinary amount of wildlife, including endangered primates.
Day 25 : Bata
The main city of continental Equatorial Guinea, Bata has attractive colonial architecture, but is also experiencing rapid modernization, generated by the country’s sizeable oil revenues. Explore the town and enjoy swimming and relaxing at one of the nearby beaches, or alternatively, drive for the day to Monte Alen National Park, a protected tropical rainforest that is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, large populations of birds, and other wildlife.
Day 26 : Príncipe, São Tomé
Explore Príncipe, much of which is covered by ancient forests. Enjoy a range of options for the day: tour the island’s atmospheric capital, Santo Antonio; walk through the abandoned plantation of Porto Real; witness Sao Joachim villagers making palm oil; relax on white-sand beaches after a hike through pristine rain forest; or drive to the old Portuguese roça of Sundi, where during a solar eclipse in 1919, Sir Arthur Eddington gathered evidence that enabled him to prove Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Day 27 : São Tomé
Arrive in São Tomé, the prized island of the Portuguese, who possessed it from the 15th century until 1975. That year, São Tomé and the nearby island of Príncipe gained independence and formed the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. Call at the island’s capital and main port, also called São Tomé, a picturesque and friendly town featuring colonial architecture. Also explore the island’s lush interior, known for its rich biodiversity, and visit an active coffee plantation, where you’ll observe a lifestyle largely unchanged since the colonial era and where you’ll also sample some of the world’s best chocolate.
Day 28 : At Sea
Day 29 : Mayumba, Gabon
Situated between a placid lagoon and the Atlantic, Mayumba, in south Gabon, is surrounded by endless fine-sand beaches lined with palm trees. The area around Mayumba has been declared a national park to protect the nesting grounds of leatherback turtles. Explore the lagoon and the rivers by motorized pirogue, and relax on the beach.
Day 30 : Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
Congo’s main port, Pointe-Noire is an orderly and appealing city, thanks primarily to the wealth generated by off-shore oil. Drive to the Tchimpounga Sanctuary, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute. Located within the Tchimpounga Reserve, over 18,000 acres consisting of a coastal plain of savannah and forest patches, Tchimpounga is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. Tour the facilities, meet the scientists, and view the chimpanzees before returning to Pointe-Noire and the ship.
Day 31 : Congo River
Cruise in the storied Congo River, explored first in 1485 by Diego Cão, and later by countless other explorers, adventurers, and representatives of European powers looking for Africa’s riches.
Day 32 : Luanda, Angola
Arrive in Luanda, Angola’s vibrant capital, for a two-day excursion to the Kissama National Park. Established in 1938, Kissama encompasses a large area of coastal savannah and is home to elephants, indigenous palanca antelopes, buffalos, and other wildlife.
Day 33 : Lobito / Benguela
Take an excursion to Benguela, known as Angola’s cultural capital. Founded by the Portuguese in 1617, Benguela retains much of its colonial architecture, including the church of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, built in 1748, the Palácio das Bolas, and the Pálacio do Governo, facing the sea.
Day 34 : At Sea
Day 35 : Walvis Bay, Namibia
At Walvis Bay, 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. 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. Just north of Walvis Bay is lovely Swakopmund, noted for its colonial architecture.
Day 36 : Walvis Bay / Disembark
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
Ship Description: Corinthian II
click to enlarge
Corinthian II Ship
The distinguished 114-guest Corinthian II offers a classic yacht-like atmosphere and fine accommodations. Corinthian II is ice-strengthened for voyages into Antarctic waters, and is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore. Originally built in 1992 and refurbished in 2005, Corinthian II accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly appointed with a sitting area, TV, mini-refrigerator, safe, and other amenities as well as a marble bathroom. Several suites include private balconies accessed via sliding glass doors. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a library stocked with books related to the itinerary and other volumes, and four computer terminals for e-mail access; an elegant lounge; and The Club, a space for convivial relaxation, with picture windows for panoramic views. The restaurant, serving fine cuisine prepared by European chefs, accommodates all guests at a single unassigned seating. The ship also includes a gym, beauty salon, a sun deck with Jacuzzi, and an outdoor café and bar, where meals may be served al fresco. Corinthian II is served by 70 experienced European officers and crew. There is also an elevator offering access to all decks.
Cabin Categories & Descriptions
All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with twin or queen-size beds, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, TV, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, and other amenities.
|
Cat E Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252 |
Cat D Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329-332 |
|
Cat C Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 - 262 |
Cat B Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348 |
|
Cat A Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 - 428 |
Cat AA Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 265 sq. ft. Suites 414 - 415 |
|
Cat VS Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 505 - 512 |
Cat PHS Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. (including balcony) Suites 601 - 604 |
