Ship: Corinthian II
Itinerary: Into Africa - Exploring Africas Hidden Treasures from the Gulf of Guinea to Namibia
* Great Discounts! [click here] * click to enlarge
Unique landscape in Namibia
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Accra / Tema, Ghana / Embark |
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| Day 2 : | Tema / Accra |
| Day 3 : | Lome / Agbodrafo / Lake Togo |
| Day 4 : | Cotonou, Benin / Porto-Novo |
| Day 5 : | At Sea |
| Day 6 : | Malabo, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea |
| Day 7 : | Bata |
| Day 8 : | Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe |
| Day 9 : | São Tomé |
| Day 10 : | At Sea |
| Day 11 : | Mayumba, Gabon |
| Day 12 : | Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo |
| Day 13 : | Congo River |
| Days 14-15 : | Luanda, Angola |
| Day 16 : | Lobito / Benguela |
| Itinerary continues - click for full itinerary | |
| Day 19 : | 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 | ||
| 19 | Dec 19, 2010 Feb 27, 2011 * |
$13,995 | $15,995 | $17,995 | $19,995 | $20,995 | $21,995 | $22,995 | $24,995 |
| * Itinerary operates in reverse | |||||||||
| Destinations : Africa, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe Activities : Cultural Activities, Expedition Cruising, History, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $1000-$1500 | Dec 19, 10 Feb 27, 11 |
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!!
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 this epic Africa cruise 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, 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 you sail through the Gulf of Guinea you’ll call in the small and fascinating countries of Togo and Benin. Next 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 you voyage south, see the rain forest become savannah, then desert – and the colonial influence shift from French to Portuguese and Bavarian. Learn how Angola is emerging from its past, then watch thousands of flamingoes in Walvis Bay.
Day 1 : Accra / Tema, Ghana / Embark
Arrive in Accra, Ghana’s sprawling capital, and transfer to Corinthian II. Overnight aboard ship docked in port.
Day 2 : 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 3 : Lome / 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 4 : 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 5 : At Sea
Day 6 : 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 7 : 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 8 : Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe
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 9 : 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 10 : At Sea
Day 11 : 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 12 : 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 13 : 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.
Days 14-15 : 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 16 : 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 17 : At Sea
Day 18 : Walvis Bay, Namibia
At Walvis Bay, we will 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 19 : Walvis Bay / Disembark
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
Ship Description: Corinthian II
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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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
