Swan Hellenic has announced an extraordinary opportunity for travellers who dream of exploring Africa’s vast and varied western coastline. In 2026, the cultural expedition specialist will operate a series of cruises that together form one seamless journey from Cape Town to Lisbon. Each voyage offers unique itineraries, while guests who combine them can enjoy extended exploration and substantial savings.
Africa’s Rising Tourism Appeal
Africa is quickly becoming one of the world’s most exciting destinations for adventurous travellers. According to the UN Tourism Barometer, the continent welcomed over 74 million visitors in 2024. Growing demand reflects a wider appetite for sustainable, meaningful travel that offers both discovery and connection.
The western coast of Africa offers dramatic scenery, from pristine beaches to wild landscapes still largely untouched by mass tourism. Protected areas safeguard elephants, rare birds, and diverse marine life. At the same time, historic ports tell stories of trade, colonial encounters, and cultural exchange. Together, these attractions create a compelling mix of natural and cultural heritage.
Swan Hellenic’s Vision
Swan Hellenic has long pioneered cultural expedition cruising. Founded in the 1950s, the company built a reputation for pairing exploration with expert insight. Today, its fleet of purpose-built ships combines modern luxury with the ability to reach remote destinations.
Chief Commercial Officer Patrizia Iantorno highlights the enthusiasm for these new itineraries. “We’re proud that our expert-designed African cultural expedition cruises have met such an enthusiastic response,” she says. “They combine pristine nature, extraordinary wildlife, and unique cultures in a way few travellers have ever experienced.”
SH Diana: A Modern Expedition Vessel
All African voyages in 2026 will be operated by SH Diana, Swan Hellenic’s newest ship. Purpose-built for expedition cruising, she accommodates 192 guests across 96 staterooms and suites, each with a private balcony.
Facilities include three restaurants, a swimming pool, a panoramic sauna, and a club lounge designed for relaxation after shore excursions. A state-of-the-art gym allows guests to stay active during sea days. Tender boats ensure smooth landings at even the most remote destinations, bringing travellers ashore for close encounters with Africa’s coast.
First Leg: Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
The programme begins in Cape Town on 25 March 2026 with the 11-night “Cruising in Namibia: The Skeleton Coast” voyage. Guests will travel north along Namibia’s haunting shoreline before reaching Angola’s lively capital, Luanda.
Highlights include Walvis Bay, where flamingos gather in shimmering wetlands, and Cape fur seals, unique to this part of the world. Further north lies Ilha Baía dos Tigres, a sandbar island once home to a fishing village. Overnight, the sea cut it off from the mainland, forcing its abandonment. Today it stands as one of Africa’s most remote and seldom-seen places.
Guests can also enjoy optional excursions. Choices include a wine tasting in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s famous vineyard region, or a thrilling 4×4 desert expedition. Prices for this 11-night cruise start at £7,975 per person, including flights, transfers, pre-cruise hotel accommodation, meals, lectures, and one guided excursion in each port.
Second Leg: Senegal to Morocco
The journey continues on 1 May 2026 with a seven-night cruise from Senegal to Morocco. Guests embark in Dakar, a city alive with culture, music, and history.
The voyage then visits Nouakchott and Nouadhibou in Mauritania. Here, travellers can witness the world’s largest ship graveyard, where over 300 rusting vessels lie abandoned in the bay. Desert vistas stretch endlessly beyond the coastline, offering stark contrasts of sand and sea.
Next, SH Diana sails to Lanzarote’s Arrecife. Guests can explore Timanfaya National Park, where volcanic craters and lava fields create a surreal landscape. After a few relaxing days at sea, the ship arrives in Morocco.
Stops include Safi, a port city renowned for its pottery, and Casablanca, where Art Deco buildings blend with Moorish architecture. Prices for this leg start from £4,725 per person, again including international flights, transfers, hotel stays, and excursions.
The Grand Voyage
For travellers seeking the ultimate adventure, Swan Hellenic offers the 51-night “Grand Voyage.” This journey combines all five northbound cruises into one sweeping exploration from Cape Town to Lisbon.
Along the way, guests will visit Luanda, Accra, Dakar, Casablanca, and Lisbon, alongside many smaller ports. With an all-inclusive price starting at £42,999 per person in a balcony stateroom, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime cultural expedition.
Southbound Explorations
After reaching Lisbon, SH Diana will turn south later in 2026 to operate three return voyages. These cruises provide travellers with fresh opportunities to discover Africa’s coast from north to south.
The third and final leg, departing on 29 September 2026, travels 13 nights from Accra, Ghana to Angola. Guests can expect encounters with forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees in Gabon’s lush Loango National Park.
In Togo, travellers can explore bustling voodoo markets and witness authentic ceremonies. Benin offers another highlight with the stilt village of Ganvie, where traditional crafts and dances welcome visitors into the community. Prices for this journey start from £10,375 per person.
Extended Southbound Itinerary
Travellers seeking more immersion can join earlier southbound cruises. Departing Lisbon on 7 September 2026, SH Diana sails for 35 nights to Dakar and then Accra.
This itinerary visits Madeira, Mauritania, the Bijagós Islands, Dakhla, Elmina, and Congo. Each stop reveals a different aspect of West Africa, from unspoiled islands to historic trading posts. Prices begin at £23,664 per person for an Ocean-view stateroom.
Why Choose Africa in 2026?
Africa’s western coastline remains a largely hidden gem. Tourism numbers are rising, but the region still retains authenticity and space for exploration.
For many travellers, the chance to combine luxury cruising with close encounters in remote locations is irresistible. Safari-style adventures at sea offer a new way to experience Africa, avoiding the crowds while still enjoying comfort.
Moreover, Swan Hellenic enriches each journey with lectures and presentations by experts. Guests learn about history, culture, and wildlife while travelling through the very landscapes being described.
Book Now for Exclusive Experiences
These cruises are expected to sell quickly. Growing global interest in Africa, combined with Swan Hellenic’s reputation, makes availability limited.
Guests who secure places now can experience Africa’s western coast before it becomes crowded. They will return home with memories of rare wildlife, vibrant cultures, and landscapes that few have ever seen.