Road Scholar : Home
Into Africa: Exploring Africa’s Secret Treasures from the Strait of Gibraltar to Cape Town

Program Number: 21041RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/12/2013 - 2/19/2013;
Duration: 38 nights
Location: Spain/Morocco/Senegal/Gambia/Sierra Leone/Ghana/Togo/Benin/Sao Tome and Principe/Congo/Angola/Namibia/South Africa
Price starting at: $27,445.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 108; 37 Breakfasts, 36 Lunches, 35 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Embark on a grand voyage along Africa’s entire west coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Traveling by ship is the only way such unique journey is possible, as air and land connections between North Africa and South Africa are logistically complex and time-consuming.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile per day on uneven, sometimes hilly terrain. Small boats used for disembarkation and re-embarkation.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Granada (Spain), 2 nights; aboard Corinthian, 34 nights; Cape Town (South Africa), 1 night.



Day 1: Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-4: Arrival Málaga (Spain) / coach to Granada / embark Corinthian:

Discover the Alhambra, a majestic Moorish palace-fortress, and experience historic Granada. Lodging: Elegant hotel in the city center.



Day 5: Casablanca (Morocco):

Explore Casablanca including the vast Hassan II Mosque, built on a promontory facing the sea.



Day 6: Rabat:

Journey to Rabat to find colorful souks, the Kasbah des Oudaias, the evocative quarter of the old Almohad and the Chellah Citadel.



Day 7: Marrakech:

Venture through palm groves to fabled Marrakech to discover the Bahia Palace and Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s bustling central square.



Days 8-9: At Sea / Laayoune:

Cross the dunes to Laayoune, the main city in Morocco’s Western Sahara, and view its Spanish-Saharan architecture.



Day 10: Dakhla:

Walk among the whitewashed hourses of Dakhla, the former capital of a Spanish colony located on a scenic peninsula.



Days 11-13: At Sea / Dakar (Senegal):

Spend two days in beautiful Dakar, a center of African art and culture. Visit Gorée Island to confront legacies of the slave trade.



Day 14: Banjul (The Gambia):

Journey to the Abuko Nature Reserve, its tropical riverine forests home to many colorful birds.



Days 15-16: At Sea / Freetown (Sierra Leone):

Visit the Sierra Leone Museum and Freetown’s markets then continue to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.



Days 17-20: At Sea / Takoradi (Ghana):

Explore two of Ghana’s most important sites: the Kakum National Park and the historic coastal forts built by colonial powers.



Day 21: Accra:

In the bustling capital of Ghana, visit the excellent craft market and the National Museum.



Day 22: Lomé & Lake Togo (Togo):

Take in Lomé, one of West Africa’s most exciting cities. Explore Lake Togo’s traditional villages by pirogue boat.



Day 23: Porto-Novo (Benin):

An expert-led excursion to the historic capital city includes the Ethnography Museum and the restored palace of King Toffa.



Days 24-26: At Sea / São Tomé and Príncipe:

Experience this two-island nation, first visiting Príncipe’s charming colonial plantations then learning about the Portuguese-influenced culture of São Tomé.



Days 27-28: At Sea / Pointe-Noire (Republic of the Congo):

Journey through villages and countryside to Diosso Gorge, its red rock cliffs draped by the green of the jungle.



Day 29: Luanda (Angola):

Discover the Fortaleza de São Miguel, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1576.



Day 30: Benguela:

Explore Benguela, a city that retains much of its Portuguese colonial architecture including the Pálacio do Governo.



Days 31-34: At Sea / Walvis Bay (Namibia):

See the Namib Desert Park’s incredible sand dunes and enjoy dinner among them. Encounter the flamingoes of the Walvis Bay wetlands.



Day 35: Lüderitz & Kolmanskop:

Experience the unmistakable Bavarian architecture of Lüderitz and the nearby ghost diamond mining town of Kolmanskop.



Days 36-39: At Sea / Cape Town (South Africa) / disembark / departure:

Venture to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Board a catamaran for an excursion to Robben Island, famously used as a prison during the apartheid era. Lodging: Elegant waterfront hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Carmen
  Granada, Spain 2 nights
   Corinthian
  Aboard the Corinthian, At Sea 17 nights
   Corinthian
  Aboard the Corinthian, At Sea 16 nights
   Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge
  Aboard the Corinthian, At Sea 1 night
 Hotel Carmen
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Hotel is located in Granada's commercial and historical center, 5 minutes from the Cathedral, 10 minutes from the Alhambra and 500 meters from the Convention Center. Distance between hotel and the points of interest: - In the historical city centre - In the commercial centre - In the financial centre - In the fairground - 500 m. from the Palacio de Congresos - 15 km. from the airport - 2 km. from the train station - 3 km. from the bus station - 7 km. from the golf course - 60 km. from the port
  Contact info: Acera del Darro , 62
18005 Granada,   Spain
phone: +34 95 825 83 00
web: www.hotelcarmen.com/granadahotel/eng/index-eng.htm
  Room amenities: - Air conditioning - Individual heating - Safe deposit box - Mini-bar - Tv satellite - Private connection for fax and personal computer - Pipe music - Direct telephone - Complete bathroom - Hair-dryer - Wi-Fi Internet connection - Room service and laundry - Non-smokers rooms
  Facility amenities: - 270 standard rooms - 11 Junior Suites - 2 Suites - Coffee shop - Live music bar - Private garage - Boutiques - Facilities for handicapped - Private parking - Jacuzzi - Outer swimming pool (opened from 22/06 to 07/09) - Terrace - Restaurant - Animals allowed - Money exchange - Car rental - Laundry service
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: No Before/After Nights 

 Corinthian
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites.
  Ship Information: Gross Tonnage: 4,077 Overall Length: 290 feet Beam: 50 feet Draft: 12 feet Flag Malta
  Contact info: 132 East 70th Street,
New York ,, NY 10021 USA
phone: 800-257-5767
web: www.traveldynamicsinternational.com/
  Room amenities: All accommodations aboard the Corinthian are suites. And include a bedroom with two twin-sized beds or one queen sized bed, sitting area, mini bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, Marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower and other amenities.
  Facility amenities: Public facilities include a restaurant tha accomodates guests at a single, unassigned seating, two lounges, expansive library with Internet access, state-of-the-art gym/spa, beauty salon, boutique,Jacuzzi, hospital and ample deck areas for sunbathing and relaxing.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Just minutes away from restaurants, pubs, theatres and shops, the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge is premier Cape Town hotel accommodation, ideally positioned in the heart of Cape Town's V & A Waterfront development. Once a 19th Century prison, the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge today provides comfortable and affordable Cape Town hotel accommodation in a spectacular setting that looks over the bay and up onto Table Mountain. Neighbouring Cape Town's CBD, the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge lies within easy reach of the main routes to the beaches, mountain walks and city hotspots, not to mention the airport. So whether you're in Cape Town for business reasons or for a leisurely and relaxing holiday, the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge will provide you with comfort and convenience during your stay.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town,   South Africa
phone: +27 21 4061911
web: www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-breakwater-lodge-waterfront.html
  Room amenities: The rooms are all elegant and stylishly decorated with comfortable furnishings as well as being equipped with mini fridges, 22 inch LCD Television sets with an 11 channel DSTV package, radio and a direct-dial telephone. If you need a little refreshment, a welcome tray with biscuits and tea/coffee making facilities is supplied.
  Facility amenities: ◦Stonebreakers Buffet restaurant ◦Time Out Café ◦Bar ◦Wireless hotspots throughout the hotel ◦Conference facilities accommodating up to 220 delegates ◦Transit business lounge ◦Prokidz play room ◦In house Gym ◦Secure parking for cars and coaches
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
The program begins at 8:00 p.m. on day 2 with the Welcome Dinner at the hotel in Granada You will be staying at Hotel Carmen that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast at the hotel in Cape Town. You will be staying at Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **A Yellow Fever vaccine is required**
  Required innoculations:
Yes: A Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for some of the countries visited on this itinerary. It is recommended that you update routine vaccinations against hepatitis, tetanus, and measles and consult a travel clinic for specific vaccinations for the countries being visited.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Granada
  Transportation to site: The Carmen Hotel is located in Granada, Spain -approximately 140km from the Malaga International Airport. The transfer will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the airport. A taxi from the airport to the hotel will cost approximately 80-95 Euros (depending on the time of day). Participants who would like to join the group transfer should arrive no later than 3:55 pm.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Cape Town
  Transportation from site: The Cape Town International Airport is located approximately 20km from the Protea Breakwater Lodge. The transfer will take approximately 20-30 minutes.


Required innoculations:

Yes: A Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for some of the countries visited on this itinerary. It is recommended that you update routine vaccinations against hepatitis, tetanus, and measles and consult a travel clinic for specific vaccinations for the countries being visited.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight Flight from the US
(Saturday, January 12)
   
 Depart From: Depart the US for international flights to Malaga, Spain

Day 2: Arrive Malaga / Transfer to Granada / Welcome Dinner
(Sunday, January 13)

Note: The transfer from Malaga to Granada will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in Malaga, Spain and transfer to the hotel in Granada.
 Dinner: In the evening, join your group leader for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Carmen
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Granada / Alhambra
(Monday, January 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: In the morning, join your group leader for your program orientation, followed by a panoramic discovery of Granada.
 Lunch: Experience Spanish cuisine with lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Visit to the Alhambra: The Alhambra is more than just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions, barracks... All this surrounded by an impressive wall. Explore the site and imagine it coming to life 1000 years ago.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own
   
Accommodations: Hotel Carmen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Malaga / Embark the Corinthian
(Tuesday, January 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Check out of the hotel and coach to Malaga. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Embark the Corinthian where the friendly staff will greet you with h'ordeuvres and a welcome drink. Have some free time to relax and unpack before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner aboard the ship.
 Evening: The ship sets sail for Casablanca. If the opportunity arises, step outside on deck to see Gibraltar.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Casablanca, Morocco
(Wednesday, January 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet aboard the ship.
 Morning: The morning will be spent at sea sailing towards Morocco. Enjoy a presentation from one of the on board experts.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: This afternoon dock in Casablanca- Morocco's largest port city and commercial center. Explore the city, including the vast Hassan II Mosque, built on a promontory facing the sea.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: The ship will be docked in Casablanca overnight.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Casablanca / Rabat / Casablanca
(Thursday, January 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: From Casablanca, drive to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital. Tour Rabat's main sites, including its Medina. 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.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue discovering Rabat before returning to the ship
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Safi / Marrakech / Safi
(Friday, January 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: 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. Our 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.
 Lunch: Lunch in Marrakech, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploration of Marrakech and Safi, then return to the Corinthian II.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: At sea cruising along the coast of Morocco
(Saturday, January 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Laayoune, Western Sahara Morocco
(Sunday, January 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: 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.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Laayoune
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Dakhla, Western Sahara
(Monday, January 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Dakhla is the southernmost town of Western Sahara, located on a long peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. Discover the city them drive north through the scenic peninsula, with the Atlantic on one side and a tranquil bay on the other.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploration - whitewashed houses characterize this easygoing and friendly town.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: At Sea
(Tuesday, January 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue sailing en-route to Dakar, Senegal
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Dakar, Senegal
(Wednesday, January 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Dock in Senegal's beautiful capital city, Dakar. Explore this vibrant city known for African arts, culture and music. Dakar has become a center of African commerce and culture, and represents some of the best of Weat Africa. Experience what Dakar has to offer at the Museum of African Art, and the artisan market.
 Lunch: Lunch in Dakar, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Dakar City and the Dakar Peninsula.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Dakar / Goree Island, Senegal
(Thursday, January 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship.
 Morning: Board small vessels for the trip to picturesque Goree Island. This vibrant island has had a storied past. Today many artists call its historic buildings home. Goree's "Door of No Return", is an island icon. The story is now told that this was the exit from Africa - the last piece of Africa touched by captured individuals before making the passage over the Atlantic, into slavery. Over the past decade Goree has gained notoriety and has seen many famous visitors including former U.S. presidents Bush and Clinton.
 Lunch: Lunch on Gore Island, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue exploration of Goree Island, then return to the Corinthian.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Banjul / Abuko Nature Reserve / Makasutu Culture Forest
(Friday, January 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Founded by the British in the early 19th century, Banjul is the capital and commercial center of The Gambia. Drive to 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.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Continue to the Makasutu Culture Forest, a private nature habitat with beautiful woodlands and waterways.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
 Evening: At leisure
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: At sea
(Saturday, January 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Freetown, Sierra Leone
(Sunday, January 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Explore Freetown, the country's capital, including the Sierra Leone Museum, St. George's Cathedral (1828), and the city's colorful markets.
 Lunch: Lunch in Freetown, or on the ship
 Afternoon: Discover why Sierra Leone is one of West Africa's most attractive destinations. See some of is lush forests as you venture to Regent Village with its early 19th century Krio-style houses tucked into the hills above the city.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: At sea
(Monday, January 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: At Sea
(Tuesday, January 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Takoradi / The Castle Coast
(Wednesday, January 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: The Castle Coast is named for the string of forts that were built to protect trading interests. This morning visit two of the most important forts, Cape Coast Castle and St. George Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue visiting the historic sites of The Castle Coast and Takoradi
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Takoradi / Kakum National Park, Ghana
(Thursday, January 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: From Takoradi, travel to Kakum National Park, one of the most extensive rain forest habitats in Ghana and home to elephants, colobus monkeys, antelopes, 300 species of birds, 600 varieties of butterfly, and an abundance of plants.
 Lunch: Lunch on the shore excursion or on the ship
 Afternoon: Experience the highlight of Kakum! Walk on a 1,000ft long elevated walkway in the rain forest canopy. Return to Takoradi to the Corinthian II.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Tema / Accra, Ghana
(Friday, February 1)
   
 Breakfast: On board the ship
 Morning: Arrive in Tema, the port of Accra, Ghana's capital and a city that vibrates with energy and an air of excitement and industry.
 Lunch: On board or in Accra
 Afternoon: 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.
 Dinner: On board the ship
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Lome / Agbodrafo / Lake Togo / Lome, Togo
(Saturday, February 2)

Note: The field trip to Lake Togo will require getting in and out of small boats, similiar to a dugout canoe.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: For centuries Togo was part of several empires. Tour Lome, Togo's friendly capital and one of West Africa's most exciting cities, including the handicraft markets with traditional goods from all over West Africa and noted especially for sculpture and batiks.
 Lunch: Lunch served on board the ship, or at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Drive to Agbodrafo, formerly known as Porto Seguro, set on the shores of Lake Togo, from where we will explore the lake's traditional villages by local pirogues.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Cotonou / Porto-Novo / Cotonou, Benin
(Sunday, February 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: 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 and the restored palace of King Toffa.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch board local motorboats for a ride across Lake Nokoue to the picturesque fishing village of Ganvie, built on stilts.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: At Sea
(Monday, February 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25: Principe, Sao Tome and Principe
(Tuesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: The smaller of the two-island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, tiny Principe features an impressive landscape of soaring volcanic peaks covered with dense forest. Beautiful beaches with incredibly clear water line this tropical paradise. Wander in the charming colonial town of Santo Antonio, walk through the abandoned plantation of Porto Real, watch villagers make palm oil, or hike through the pristine rain forest.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continued exploration of the island of Principe
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26: Sao Tome
(Wednesday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Sao Tome was the prized island of the Portuguese, who possessed it from the 15th century until 1975. That year, Sao Tome and the nearby island of Principe gained independence and formed the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Call at the island's capital and main port, also called Sao Tome, a picturesque and friendly town featuring colonial architecture.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant or on board the ship
 Afternoon: Explore the island's lush interior, known for its rich biodiversity, and visit an active coffee plantation wehre you'll observe a lifestyle largely unchanged since the colonial era and where you'll also sample some of their coffee.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27: At Sea
(Thursday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28: Pointe-Noire, Congo
(Friday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Congo's main port, Pointe-Noire is an appealing city, thanks primarily to the wealth generated by offshore oil. Drive through typical villages and scenic countryside to visit the Diosso Gorge, with its red rock cliffsd raped by the green of the jungle.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Explore a nearby museum, exhibiting objects relating to Congolese history, archaeology and culture
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29: Luanda, Angola
(Saturday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Arrive in Luanda, Angola's capital, founded by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. Guarding the entrance to the port is the Fortaleza de Sao Miguel, a fortress built in 1576, which we will visit during our time in the city (the fortress now houses a museum) , along with other sites. Alternatively, take a full day excursion to the Kissama National Park, a large area of coastal savannah that is home to a rich wildlife.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Field trip to Kissama National Park continues
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30: Lobito / Benguela / Lobito
(Sunday, February 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Take a field trip 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 Populo, built in 1748, and the Palacio do Governo, facing the sea.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Continued exploration of the Angola coast
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31: At Sea
(Monday, February 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32: At Sea
(Tuesday, February 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 33: Walvis Bay, Namibia
(Wednesday, February 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: From 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 .
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant or on board the ship
 Afternoon: Exploration of Walvis Bay continues.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
 Evening: Ship overnights in Walvs Bay
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 34: Walvis Bay, Namibia
(Thursday, February 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: 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 flamingoes, chestnut-banded plovers, curlew sandpipers, and others.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Exploration of Walvis Bay continues before the ship sets sail for Luderitz, Namibia.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 35: Luderitz / Komanskop / Luderitz
(Friday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: The first recorded European visitor was the great Portuguese explore Vasco da Gama who sought shelter here in 1487. Later Luderitz became a thriving German colony, and today, the Bavarian architecture is unmistakable. Drive through the desert to the ghost diamond mining town Komanskop, whose standing buildings give an insight into the area's diamond boom years.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue exploration of the Luderitz area
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 36: At Sea
(Saturday, February 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Sea
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: At Sea
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 37: Cape Town / Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa
(Sunday, February 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: The striking combination of coastal and mountain geography of the famed Cape Peninsula, on which the city is built, make 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 Garden. Alternatively, explore South Africa's celebrated wine lands, including charming Stellenbosch, with its historic buildings and oak-lined streets.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Field trip to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (or South Africa's wine lands) continues
 Dinner: Farewell dinner on board the ship
 Evening: Ship overnights in port, conveniently docked near the center of the city.
   
Accommodations: Corinthian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 38: Cape Town / Disembark / Transfer to Hotel
(Monday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Disembark the ship. Transfer from Cape Town Harbour to Robben Island. From Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, board a catamaran for the half-hour crossing to Robben Island, which was used as an isolation prison for poltical prisoners. During the crossing, view a video giving you an overview of this island. Take a guided visit of the prison which includes seeing the cell wehre Nelson Mandela spent most of his incarceration.
 Lunch: Lunch at the home of a local Bo-Kaap family. Bo-Kaap is multicultural part of Cape Town, rich in history and situated on the slopes of Signal Hill. The area is known for its romantic cobble stoned streets.
 Afternoon: After lunch, visit the District Six Museum. District Six is the name of a former inner-city residential area in Cape Town, most known for it's forced removal of 60,000 inhabitants during the 1970's by the apartheid regime. The museum, established in 1994, serves as a remembrance to the events of the apartheid era as well as the culture and history of the area before the removals.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 39: Cape Town
(Tuesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for flights returning to the US. Or continue on to program extension #21042: Johannesburg Safari
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Africa Map


Author: Collins Maps


Description: This folded, full-color map shows the continent and surrounding islands, including the Arabian Peninsula, on a single sheet at 1:10,000.000.



Africa, A Biography of the Continent


Author: John Reader


Description: With the ease of a practiced journalist, Reader weaves a masterful and lively tale of the continent, from ancient cultures to modern times. Both authoritative and informal, this is a splendid introduction to all of Africa.



Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles


Author: Richard Dowden


Description: Africa editor of The Independent and The Economist, Richard Dowden draws on decades of experience in this multi-faceted, vivid portrait of contemporary Africa -- an Africa that, Dowden effectively argues, can only be developed by its own people.



African Art, An Introduction


Author: Frank Willett


Description: A concise, well illustrated overview of the art and culture of Africa, portraying the range of spectacular art produced throughout the ages.



African Silences


Author: Peter Matthiessen


Description: In this narrative of Equatorial Africa, Matthiessen recounts several trips to The Gambia, Senegal, Zaire and the Congo Basin in search of rhinos, elephants and other endangered wildlife.



Another Day in the Life


Author: Ryszard Kapuscinski, William R. Brand (Translator), Katarzyna Mroczkowska-Brand (Translator)


Description: Kapuscinski's visceral eye-witness account of the Portuguese withdrawal from Angola and of the civil war that engulfed the West African nation in the 1960s.



Cadogan Guide Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat


Author: Barnaby Rogerson


Description: This personal, comprehensive handbook combines Rogerson's insightful cultural and historical background with his savvy practical information and recommendations on what to see and where to stay and eat.



Journey Without Maps


Author: Graham Greene


Description: No one captures local personalities and complicated morality better than Graham Greene, who had a particular interest in West Africa. This account traces his trek to the Liberian coast.



Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals


Author: Jonathan Kingdon


Description: A convenient compact edition of Kingdon's gloriously illustrated Field Guide to African Mammals. With abbreviated information on identification, distribution, ecology and conservation status and the same 480 outstanding color illustrations and maps as its bigger cousin.



Lonely Planet West Africa


Author: Lonely Planet


Description: A comprehensive guide to all West Africa, this is the book to carry for travels from Mauritania to Niger, with both a good overview of culture and history and the usual Lonely Planet attention to practical travel information.



Radcliffe Bailey, Memory As Medicine


Author: Carol Thompson


Description: Carol Thompson, curator of African art at High Museum of Art in Atlanta contribues an essay to this celebration of the work of Radcliffe Bailey, whose paintings, sculptures, installations, and large mixed media works that draw inspiration from African and other sources of visual representation.



Rough Guide West Africa


Author: Jim Hudgens, Richard Trillo


Description: A comprehensive guide to all West Africa, including its history and culture. With its region-by-region descriptions, 172 maps and 12 pages of color photos, this guide covers from Mauritania south to Cameroon.



Search Sweet Country


Author: Kojo Laing


Description: One of the great novels of Africa presented here in a 25th anniversary edition, it follows the lives of an eclectic and inextricably interconnected group of Ghanaians living in and around the sprawling, chaotic city of Accra in the mid-1970s.



The Caliph's House, A Year in Casablanca


Author: Tahir Shah


Description: Shah is a marvelous storyteller, weaving Moroccan customs and history with deft portraits of neighbors, craftsmen and others in this entertaining tale of the transformation of a crumbling palace in Casablanca.



The Scramble for Africa


Author: Thomas Pakenham


Description: Absorbing and meticulously researched, this in-depth history of the Victorian land grab in Africa includes excellent portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.



The Slave Trade


Author: James Walvin


Description: Photographs, paintings and contemporary maps give insight into the reality and global impact of the transatlantic slave trade in this lively entry in the incisive History Files series.



The World and a Very Small Place in Africa


Author: Donald R. Wright


Description: In this fascinating uncovering of the impact of globalization, Wright studies the settlement of Niumi, located at the mouth of the Gambia River in West Africa, considering how global events and history have affected this apparently sleepy backwater.



Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa


Author: Mungo Park


Description: Park chronicles the culture, society and nature of West Africa before the colonial period in this classic account of a 24-year-old Scotsman exploring, often alone, in uncharted Africa. First published in 1799.



West African Folktales


Author: Jack Berry, Richard Spears


Description: These 123 unembellished tales reflect the rich oral tradition of cultures throughout West Africa, particularly Ghana and Nigeria, where the pioneering Berry did much of his field work.





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