NEW TRIP
From Cape Town, South Africa, to Luanda, Angola, aboard the Diana
Cruising Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
Overview
On this exciting expedition cruise aboard the Diana, you’ll explore the coast of southern Africa from Cape Town and Namibia to Angola, a post-colonial country slowly emerging from the ravages of war. Along the way, you’ll discover the delights of Cape Town, watch for flamingos, pelicans, whales, and dolphins as you discover exquisite landscapes, and tour interesting townships before ending your journey in the charming, Portuguese-influenced city of Luanda.
Arrive: Cape Town, South Africa
Depart: Luanda, Angola
Highlights
- Explore the Kolmanskop ghost town in the barren Namib Desert near Lüderitz
- Spot flamingos and pelicans in the thousands at Pelican Point
- Look for the rare Welwitchia mirabilis in Namibe Partial Reserve
- Learn more about Angola's colonial and military history at the Portuguese-built Fortress of São Miguel
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Between mountains and the ocean, Cape Town is a vibrant, multicultural city with a lively waterfront featuring seafood restaurants, shopping, and attractions. A cable car transports visitors to distinctive Table Mountain with sweeping views. Boats head to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. Nearby Boulders Beach is home to African penguins, and world-class Stellenbosch vineyards offer wine tastings amid Cape Dutch architecture.
An included shore excursion is a stroll through the exquisite Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, enjoying panoramic views from Table Mountain's summit. Optional shore excursions include witnessing a breathtaking sunrise with views over the city, Table Mountain, and Robben Island and a hike through the scenic fynbos vegetation with a specialized guide. Additional optional excursions include wine tasting in the Cape Winelands and visiting Boulders Beach.
Langebaan Lagoon, a watersports and fishing paradise, is renowned for its wetlands and tidal mud flats, home to flamingos, the world's largest breeding colony of black harriers, and thousands of migratory birds. The West Coast National Park protects the lagoon and is home to the Slow Five—tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines, and dune moles. The Fossil Park has the oldest modern human footprint, Eve's Footprint, over 100,000 years old. The following day is at sea.
Lüderitz, with a unique West African-German culture, graces Namibia's coast on a windswept, rocky hillside beside the bay. Formerly a German colony, the town preserves colonial buildings in German Art Nouveau style, including Goerke Haus mansion and the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church built into the rocks. Beyond town, the desolate Namib Desert extends along the coast, home to Kolmanskop ghost town, wild horses, and tales of remarkable survival.
Walvis Bay offers shelter to thousands of flamingos in its natural tidal lagoon and protected wetlands. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit, a Cape fur seal colony hauls out, and marine wildlife like whales and dolphins swim by. Locally caught fish and German dishes are available in the harbor. Optional tours include desert dinners, dune jeep safaris, meeting the locals in Mondesa Township,
getting close to marine life on a kayaking tour around Pelican Point, and flights or hot air balloons over the desert.
After a day at sea, arrive at
Ilha Baía dos Tigres, Angola. Far from the crowds, the abandoned Ilha Baía dos Tigres, or Tiger Island, off Namibe Province's coast, offers a deserted island setting. Originally a peninsula, it became an island overnight when the ocean breached the isthmus and residents abandoned their homes. Nestled in clear blue waters, the island is a pristine oasis surrounded by secluded beaches, and vast dunes, renowned for desolate landscapes and eerie ghost towns.
Now known as Moçâmedes, the port of Namibe was settled by the Portuguese in the 19th century. This early slave trading town is the entrance to the arid Namib desert, with towering sand dunes and home to the ancient welwitschia mirabilis trees, each over 2,000 years old and threatened by climate change. Near the port, the old town has colorful colonial architecture, beaches, and historic buildings, including an abandoned spaceship-like cinema. The following day is at sea.
As Angola emerges from colonial rule and a long Civil War, its capital, Luanda, is evolving into a forward-looking city with a rich heritage. Landmarks include Gustave Eiffel's Iron Palace and the 16th-century São Miguel Fortress. Luanda's historic upper town, Cidade Alta, features pink colonial buildings, the Presidential Palace and ministerial houses. Ilha do Cabo shows Luanda's modern side with trendy seaside restaurants and bars.
Day 1: Luanda, Angola
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Namibe
Day 4: Ilha Baía dos Tigres
Day 5: At Sea
Days 6-7: Walvis Bay, Namibia
Day 8: Lüderitz
Day 9: At Sea
Day 10: Saldanha Bay (Langebaan)
Days 11-12: Cape Town, South Africa
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Launch boats are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to view cultural sites and to see wildlife.
Review Trip Level Details
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.