CAPE TOWN (Sudáfrica), Navegación, LUDERITZ (Namibia), WALBIS BAY -2 días- (Namibia), Navegación, NAMIBE (Angola), LOBITO (Angola), LUANDA (Angola), POINTE NOIRE (Congo), Navegación, SAO TOME (Sao Tome & Principe), KRIBI (Camerún), LIMBE -Victoria- (Camerún), Navegación, COTONOU (Benin), LOME (Togo), Navegación, TAKORADI (Ghana), Navegación -2 días-, FREETOWN (Sierra Leona), Navegación, DAKAR (Senegal)
Aventúrese en lo más profundo de lugares inexplorados, conectando con culturas en los destinos más remotos e inaccesibles del mundo. En estos lugares experimentará la libertad y la tranquilidad de la naturaleza, que fluye siempre a su ritmo, majestuosa, serena y generosa.
A bordo, el ambiente es relajado y cordial, íntimo gracias a sus solo 132 pasajeros, con una hospitalidad que incluye todos los detalles: las propinas no son necesarias, las cabinas son mucho más grandes que en cualquier otro barco de expedición, encontrará gastronomía gourmet inspirada por los expertos Chefs de Relais & Chateau, un completo Spa, Internet Café, Biblioteca especializada, el tiempo pasa tranquilo, la vida fluye a su propio ritmo, días nuevos de descubrimientos, uniéndole de nuevo a la Naturaleza, una experiencia que le permitirá descubrir la vida, la belleza, redescubriéndose a si mismo, una experiencia que cambiará su vida y su forma de ver el mundo... esto es SilverSea Expeditions, una nueva forma de viajar a esos lugares que siempre soñó visitar.
DETALLES DEL SILVER EXPLORER
• Todas las cabinas son exteriores con baño privado, dispone de las cabinas más grandes que cualquier otro barco de expediciones.
• El servicio superlativo y la hospitalidad genuina
• La proporción de tripulantes por pasajero casí alcanza el 1 tripulante por pasajero(1X1)
• Las tarifas incluyen las propinas a bordo
• Naturalistas especializados y conferenciantes afamados están a bordo (idioma a bordo: Inglés)
• Las expediciones de aventura están organizadas desde el barco.
• Incluye ropa de abrigo incluso polar.
• Tambien mochilas para los desplazamientos
• Turno abierto para la cena
• Vinos, Champagnes y licores están incluidos durante el viaje (excepto reservas especiales)
• Room Service de 24 horas
• Puente de Mando abierto a los pasajeros
• Internet y conexión para los móviles vía satélite (no incluido)
DETALLES DEL ITINERARIO (en inglés)
Date
|
Day
|
Port
|
Arrive
|
Depart
|
|
|
Tue |
Cape Town, South Africa |
|
17:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wed |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thu |
Luderitz, Namibia |
06:30 |
13:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri |
Walvis Bay, Namibia |
10:30 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Sat |
Walvis Bay, Namibia |
|
12:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sun |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mon |
Namibe, Angola |
07:30 |
13:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tue |
Lobito |
07:00 |
13:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wed |
Luanda, Angola |
08:30 |
16:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu |
Pointe Noire, congo |
12:30 |
18:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat |
Sao Tome, Sao Tome & Principe |
07:30 |
12:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sun |
Kribi |
09:30 |
19:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Mon |
Limbe (Victoria), Cameroon |
06:30 |
12:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tue |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wed |
Cotonou, Benin |
08:30 |
20:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thu |
Lome, Togo |
06:30 |
21:00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fri |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sat |
Takoradi, Ghana |
06:30 |
17:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Sun |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mon |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tue |
Freetown, Sierra Leone |
12:00 |
17:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wed |
Day at Sea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thu |
Dakar, Senegal |
08:30 |
|
Expedition Highlights:
• See colourful salt works, gravel desert plains and spectacular rock formations
• Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, whales and seals
• Identify pelicans, flamingos, herons, kingfishers, waders, cormorants, sandpipers, plovers and many rare endemic birds including the endangered Damara tern
• Contemplate the solemn history of slave trade sites
• Visit a stilt village, local school, cocoa plantation and natural blowhole
• Go off-roading in 4x4 vehicles
• Tour a former whaling station and abandoned diamond-mining town
• Purchase a lucky talisman at the voodoo fetish market
• Hike through rainforest and glimpse monkeys, parrots, butterflies
Optional Excursion: Fly low over the famous Sossusvlei Dunes
Day 1 — Cape Town, South Africa
Embark the Silver Explorer for your 23-day Silversea Expedition: Explorerªs Africa. This unique Cape Town to Dakar adventure explores some of the more remote and less visited areas along the West African coast. While some of the ports might present challenges such as poor infrastructure, the pay off will be truly one-of-a-kind experiences and lifelong memories. Once onboard, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the shipªs luxurious amenities. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.
Day 2 — At Sea
Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Gather in The Theatre to enjoy the first in a series of informative lectures presented by our onboard Expedition Team. Perhaps learn some tips and techniques for taking better photos during a photographic workshop offered by our resident photographer. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Silver Explorer crew.
Day 3 — Luderitz, Namibia
The small town of Luderitz is wedged between the Namib Desert dunes and the wild Atlantic seaboard. Today we will visit the abandoned diamond-mining town of Kolmanskop. In 1908, a sparkling diamond was found among the sand and the news spread like wildfire, causing fortune hunters to converge in droves on Kolmanskop. The town reached its pinnacle in the 1920s with approximately 300 German adults, 40 children and 800 Owambo contract workers as residents. In spite of, or probably because of, the isolation of the surrounding desert, Kolmanskop developed into a lively little haven of German culture. However, richer diamond deposits were discovered further south, and operations were moved. Today it is mostly a ghost town of crumbling ruins; the stately homes, eroded by the wind, are gradually becoming sand. However, a museum has been established and a number of buildings restored. Our excursion continues with a tour of the Wild Horses of the Namib. It is not known how long the Namib Desert Feral Horses have lived on an area covering approximately 350 square kilometres in the Namib Desert, but local speculate they have been there since ªGerman timesª. As there are no written records about their provenance their origins remain unclear, but there are, of course, quite a few theories.Viewing the wild horses in this quintessential getaway location is a must for any traveller. At the sign post Garub waterhole a roofed observation stand (hide) has been put up by conservationists, from where one can closely view the extraordinary animals that have adapted to the extreme desert conditions. Nobody knows exactly where the wild Namibia desert horses originate. But they are supposedly descendants of the horses of the German Schutztruppe. Not only horse can be viewed at the waterhole but some of the indigenous wildlife like the elusive gemsbok; springbok and ostriches can also be seen here. After this eventful day in the Namib Desert itªs time to head back to the Silver Explorer in Ludertiz.
Alternatively, take a hike at the Namib Rand. The Schanzen Trail is the perfect choice and the scenic walk midst mountains and foot slopes will take your breath away. The walk will lead through rocky terrain vegetated with bushman candle, pelargonium species and other succulent vegetation. After some welcoming refreshments, we will make a quick stop at the Garub waterhole to view the wild horses of the area before returning to Silver Explorer.
Days 4–5 — Walvis Bay, Namibia
Today we head ashore for an unforgettable off-road adventure. Travelling by land rover, we will first observe the many flamingos that visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon, and then continue past the Walvis Bay Saltpans towards the Kuiseb Delta. The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is a large natural tidal lagoon completely surrounded by giant sand dunes, and accessible only by 4x4 - even this relies largely on the tides.
Scenic Dunes Flight
Take advantage of an unparalleled opportunity to see the famous Sossusvlei Dunes from the air, a site very difficult to access by land. Following the (normally dry) Kuiseb River, fly over Sesriem Canyon then along the Tsauchab river valley where the freestanding but static dunes tower up to 250 metres above the plain. The dune belt runs north to south for over 70 km between Sossusvlei and the Atlantic. Upon reaching the coast, head north over deserted mining camps and seal colonies to Conception Bay and the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen (run aground in the early 40s). This optional Silver Shore excursion will operate only if weather/fog conditions permit. Visit Silversea.com/MyVoyage to make reservations in advance of your voyage.
Tonight, everyone will gather together again for a three-course meal in a spectacular desert location. Away from all habitation, there is virtually no ambient light in the coastal dunes and the stars should be amazing. Soft lights, candles, crisp white tablecloths, sparking chinaware and glasses enhance the special ambience of our unique and unforgettable evening.
We begin our second day in Walvis Bay with an early morning boat cruise in the protected outer lagoon area where the water is calm and abundant with bird life. Enjoy wonderful photographic opportunities as playful Havisideªs and bottlenose dolphins frolic in the boatªs wake and pelicans fly low overhead. Atlantic cape fur seals may even come aboard for a fishy snack! Other seabirds we will see include flamingos and cormorants. If we are very lucky, we may even see leatherback turtles, whales, or the local ªMola Molaª or sunfish. We will pass fishing factories and foreign ships in the port and conclude our excursion with a taste of fresh Walvis Bay oysters and local ªchampagneª.
Day 6 — At Sea
Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.
Day 7 — Namibe, Angola
Today we will head out to see the untouched Welwitschia mirabilis. The Welwitschia is a rare plant found in the Namibe Provence of South Angola and the Namib Desert. This wonderful plant is generally considered to be one of Earthªs oldest living plants and experts suggest that it can live up to 1,000 years, although some of the Welwitschia plants found in Namibe are estimated to be older than 2,000 years. The tour will continue through the desert landscape to The Arch Lagoon, also known as "the lost oasis," which is located in the Namibe desert. The lagoon, locally known as "Lago do Arco do Carvalhao," is formed by a magnificent rock formation, and is a unique display of art in nature. Inhabited by an abundance of birdlife, the beautiful and elegant flamingos are certainly a highlight.
Before returning to the ship, we will visit the little town of Namibe to visit the old city, with its baroque architecture, old stadium and churches.
Day 8 — Lobito, Angola
As we disembark the vessel, we will enjoy a train ride on the original British 1930ªs Victorian cars to Benguela city. Benguela Railway was founded in 1902; a 100 years concession to a British company, and it crosses Angola territory from Lobito to eastern border, on an extension of 1,350 km. The city of Benguela was founded in 1617 around Sao Filipe Fortress and was one of the bases for expansion in Africa. We will drive through the city to the most famous church in Benguela. "Igreja do Populo" is over 100 years old, and was built by the Portuguese during the colonial era, being the first stone building built in southern Angola. This church was used to baptize the slaves before they were shipped out. From there we will walk to the heart of Benguela city, where the courthouse surrounds the company gardens, the department of justice and the town hall. On route back to Lobito we will stop at the city of Catumbela and will visit S. Pedro fort, and will see the big Catumbela River and the 1905 steel bridge, from Eifelªs engineering company, which was in use until 2010.
Day 9 — Luanda, Angola
Luanda is the capital of Angola, and home to four million. This bustling city presents us with many places to explore including the 1575 Fortress of San Miguel de Luanda with its striking blue tiles and the anthropology museum that houses an array of traditional masks along with art, sculptures, tools, weaponry, jewellery, clothing and musical instruments. We will drive to Cidade Alta, or uptown – a pleasant, airy and calm suburb with several pink colonial buildings and then head to the Baixa, or downtown, to view the Houses of Parliament – both new and old. Afterwards we drive past Maianga en route back to the ship.
Day 10 — Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo
After sailing north along Angolaªs coast, the Explorer will dock in Ponte Noire. This seldom-visited outpost will be our base for exploring this regionªs attractive countryside, including the Diosso Gorge, where erosion has created a series of red rock cliffs and ridges. Near the gorge is the small but fascinating Ma-Loango Regional Museum, the residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Loango for hundreds of years, all the way into the 20th century. Visit a superb handicraft market and other sites in the town of Pointe Noire.
Days 11 — At Sea
Participate in onboard activities, relax in one of the lounges, or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. Tonight, before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of the vast sea and sky.
Day 12 — São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
The Portuguese-speaking island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the Gulf of Guinea, and is a virtually undiscovered paradise. Palm fringed beaches, crystal clear water and barely explored jungles are surely the reason for the pervasive national mood that translates to ªslowly slowlyª and loosely translates to ªitªs all good, take it easyª. The Portuguese-Creole flavour and unspoilt beauty of this tropical paradise is ours to savour.
Some of the worldªs best coffee is produced on the island, and during our full-day tour we will experience coffee culture at São Toméªs highest plantation estate and learn how coffee is still processed in the traditional manner. Travel along the east coast to enjoy the view of Ilhéu de Santana. In Água Izé we will stop at the viewpoint, Miradouro dªÁgua Izé and visit the cocoa plantation to meet with a local historian. On our way, we pass by Rio Iô Grande before continuing to Boca do Inferno – a natural blowhole. Before continuing our exploration, we will stop to enjoy a Creole-fusion lunch and traditional performance at a local restaurant or plantation house.
São Tomé is also an ornithologistªs paradise. As an alternate choice, guest may instead join a birding tour led by our onboard ornithologist. During this outing we hope to see some of São Toméªs native flora (700 species including a hundred orchids) as we search for the 143 bird species that have been identified here including rare endemic species like the São Tomé short tail, São Tomé giant sun bird, and São Tomé fiscal shrike.
Day 13 — Kribi, Cameroon
Cameroon has the oldest rainforest on the continent and some of the most diverse populations to be found in any African country. This morning we anchor off Kribi in the southern region of Cameroon. Soon after stepping out of our Zodiacs, we will embark on an exploration of the Lobe River. Using traditional dug out canoes; our guides and boatmen will row us upriver to Baguieli Village, where we will meet the forest-dwelling pygmy people of the region.
Before enjoying lunch ashore at a local beach resort, we will visit Lobe Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the world that falls straight into the ocean. Birders will delight in our afternoon birding excursion on the Lobe River before heading back to the Silver Explorer just after sunset.
Day 14 — Limbe, Cameroon
For our second full day in this amazing country we will Zodiac ashore to visit Limbe in the northern region at the foot of Mt. Cameroon. Our first stop for the day is the Limbe Botanical Gardens founded by a group of Germans in 1892. It served as a trials and acclimatisation centre for the introduction of exotic crop species such as coffee, cocoa, rubber, oil palm, banana, teak and sugar-cane for distribution within "Kamerun" and other German colonies. And in its heyday was said to be one of the most important tropical botanic gardens in the world.
In the late morning we will gather at the "Jungle Village" for a cultural presentation of various dances from all over Cameroon. Cameroonians are famed for their skilled wooden carvings including masks, and Silversea has arranged for various craftsmen to come to display and sell their goods today. This is a truly unique opportunity to purchase some fantastic souvenirs.
Before lunch on board, we will also visit the Limbe Wildlife Centre. This is home to a variety of critically endangered wildlife species and we will have the opportunity to see a variety of primate species including ellioti chimpanzee, drill monkey, western lowland and Cross River gorillas, plus several species of long-tailed monkeys such as the locally endemic Preussªs guenon. During a short lecture we will learn more about the centreªs wonderful work as well as their struggles and successes in educating the local population on the importance of conservation. After lunch a shuttle bus service will take us for a short visit to Mile 6 beach, where we can see the remains of the 1999 Mt. Cameroon volcanic eruption.
Day 15 — At Sea
This leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book youªve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails.
Day 16 — Cotonou, Benin
We dock this morning at Cotonou, Benin referred to by many as the ªLatin Quarter of Africaª. After we receive clearance from the local authorities, we head out on tour to Ouidah, a town typically and profoundly African. Ouidah is known as the religious capital of the country due to the numerous festivals with singing, chanting, drumming and dances that take place here. These celebrations bear witness to a tradition of beliefs and local superstitions interpreted over hundreds of years.
Historically, Ouidah was one of the busiest of the West African slave embarkation points. Along with Gorée Island in Senegal and the village of Juffure in the Gambia River, Ouidah is an important reminder of the slave trade that occurred along the West Africa shores. We will walk along the "Route des Esclaves" down to the shoreline where there is an imposing arch with bas-relief sculpture to memorialise the people who were shipped out from here.
After lunch at a local beach resort, we will travel to Lake Nokoue where we will board small motorboats to visit a fishing village built on stilts. Ganvié village is made up of bamboo houses resting on teak stilts, perched above the water. The village is scattered and all travel between homes is done in wooden boats on the waterways that separate them. We will have the chance to see the floating market and boatloads of chattering children heading to and from school. The welcoming Tofinu people like to show off their fishing skills.
Day 17 — Lome, Togo
We dock early in the morning and head out to explore the lush Plateaux Region north of Lome. Our destination is Kpalime, situated nearby Mount Agou, the highest point in Togo. Here we will meet a local etymologist and his team for an educational walk in the Kloto Forest, during which we will identify many of the endemic birds and butterflies and learn about the local usage of plants.
During lunch in the forest, our friends from Kouma Village will introduce us to the local Ewa culture with a performance of traditional song and dance. On our return journey, we will stop is at a bush school in a traditional Ewa village where we will meet the teacher and school children. We will learn about the difficulties and importance of education in these rural areas. Once back in Lome, we will enjoy local entertainment by traditional dancers later this evening on board Silver Explorer.
Day 18 — At Sea
How will you spend your day today? A photography workshop or martini tasting seminar? Learning of Africaªs fascinating cultures or simply finding a sunny spot on the open deck to take in the fresh sea air? Your choices are as diverse as your interests.
Day 19 — Takoradi, Ghana
Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana, the Land of Sunshine. Today we will visit the Cape Coast Castle, which was the seat of the British Colonial administration until 1877 when the capital was moved to Accra. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Castle is known for its role in the ancient slave trade.
This morning we set out to explore the Gold Coast area. We drive to Elmina Village where we will tour Elmina Castle, which was built in 1482 and is said to be the oldest European-built structure outside of Europe. Between the picturesque old town alleys and the numerous flat-bottomed pirogue boats in the harbour, we enjoy one of West Africaªs greatest photo opportunities.
We continue to the notorious Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. First built in 1653 for the trade in timber and gold, the Castle was later used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We will visit the museum, view the dungeons that once held hundreds of men and women in unspeakable conditions as they awaited deportation across the Atlantic as slaves, and see how a tunnel that once led male prisoners from the dungeon to the beach and the waiting slave ships has been converted into a fresh water cistern.
Alternatively, travel inland to visit the Kakum National Park, a 357-square-km park comprising undisturbed virgin rainforest. Join our natural history staff and local guides for a walking tour through the forest and on a canopy walkway, offering an opportunity to see much of Ghanaªs indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game.
Following each morning tour, we will enjoy lunch at a nearby beach resort before returning to Takoradi and sailing to Sierra Leone.
Days 20–21 — At Sea
Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.
Day 22 — Freetown, Sierra Leone
We arrive late morning in the bustling West African city of Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone. In 1787, British philanthropists founded the ªProvince of Freedomª, which later became Freetown, a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1,200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia had joined the original settlers, the Maroons. Another group of slaves rebelled in Jamaica and travelled to Freetown in 1800.
During our afternoon tour we anticipate visiting a local community clinic where we will see the work of volunteers and the Greatest Goal Ministries, a US non-profit organisation. In addition, we hope to attend a soccer match arranged by the Greatest Goal Ministries, played on the beach near Lumley. All soccer team members were affected by the horrible civil war and have lost one or both of their legs and form part of an amazing amputee soccer club! We also hope to visit the Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary to learn more about these primates and their struggle to survive in a country where the bush meat trade is still a very serious problem.
Day 23 — At Sea
Take this opportunity to enjoy a fine cigar and cognac at the Connoisseurªs Corner or to indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship that you have not yet had the chance to experience. Enjoy a variety of onboard activities and attend a final series of lectures. All accommodations feature an interactive television system allowing you to watch your choice of movies or documentary films and even lectures broadcast from The Theatre in the comfort and privacy of your suite or stateroom.
Day 24 — Dakar, Senegal
Following breakfast on board, disembark Silver Explorer.
Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members as well as guest speakers and their lecture topics scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Inoculations
You will need to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate in order to board this expedition. Local authorities will not allow us to embark any person without this certificate. As we are travelling through some malaria areas you will want to consult with your local medical practitioner or travel clinic regarding the need for malaria prophylaxes.
Passports
Your passport will need at least two completely empty, side-by-side pages for entry into South Africa. You might be denied entry into South Africa should you not have this.
Visas
You will require visas for all of the countries visited during this expedition. Silversea has made arrangements with local authorities for visas to be issued upon arrival in each port. Your shipboard account will be charged with the fees charged to us. (Visas will cost approximately USD$30 to USD$50 per person, per port.)
Clothing
When packing, you will want to bring lightweight, sensible clothing to wear ashore, and remember to leave any jewellery or other valuables safe on board in your suite. It may be best to just leave these items at home. Visit our online retail partner Ship to Shore for a comprehensive list.
Money
Before leaving home, make sure to change some money and break larger bills so that you have all small dollar and euro bills. Coins and large bills will be useless; ATMs/Cashpoints are few and often not functional.
School Donations
We also encourage you to bring a donation of school supplies or second-hand childrenªs clothing for our visits to local villages. Much-needed supplies include pens, pencils and writing tablets. Supplies will be collected on board by the Expedition Team and distributed on your behalf during the voyage.
Local Guides
Though none of the countries we visit provide a formal qualification for tour group guides, we do hire local guides in order to support the local community. It is also important to remember that among the thousands of languages spoken in Africa, local guides often speak English only as a lingua franca – a common language learned in order for speakers of different native languages to better communicate with each other.
Photography
Please ask your guideªs advice first before taking any photographs. Some of the international embassies and government buildings that we may see during our time ashore may be deemed as military or state defence objects, and thus photography is not allowed. Ignoring these rules can be considered a serious offence.
Infrastructure
In the western regions of Africa, the general infrastructure varies from fine to fair to, well … lacking. Roads are not always smooth or clear of debris and when we use local transportation, it will be the best available, but this may not be saying much.
