Home to a beautiful lagoon washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos Walvis Bay is a colourful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa the city takes its name from Whale Bay - which gives a clue as to the wonderful wildlife watching opportunities available here. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbour Walvis Bay is an important fishing centre for the country and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers. Walvis Bay is a bird lover's paradise and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds or you can admire the flamingos herons and carefully treading wading bird species from afar. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too there’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here. On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country with sands piling up 380 metres. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights or you can take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals who roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour where the golden sand dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Perched between the edge of the expansive Namib Desert and the cold waters of the Benguela Current lies the coastal city of Moçâmedes. Formerly known as Namibe, the south western Angolan city recently changed its back to its original Portuguese name, after being known as Namibe, between 1985 and 2016. Both names are used equally.Like much of Angola, Namibe has Portuguese roots. The city was founded in the mid-19th century by 160 settlers coming from the motherland as well as refugees fleeting the unrest in Brazil. The impact of Portugal has left its legacy on the city. Roman Catholic and colonial architecture in the historic centre of Moçâmedes range from Saint Ferdinand Fort and the churches of Saint Adrian and Saint Peter.Due to Namibe’s proximity to the desert, it is unsurprising that the city briefly changed its name. Vast deserts and semi-desert regions cover much of the territory, joining the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Desert vegetation is rife and includes the Welwitschia mirabilis, a rare plant found only in the Namibe Provence of South Angola and Namibia’s part of the Namib Desert. The plant, known colloquially as the “long-haired thing” is considered a living fossil, with experts believing that some specimens may be up to 5,000 years old, making Namibe’s examples the oldest living things on Earth. Namibe’s secrets are not just found in the desert however, the nearby (often dry) Arch Lagoon, or Lost Lagoon, is home to many bird species including water birds, raptors and weavers.

Discover the enchanting Baía dos Tigres in Angola, a hidden gem where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural heritage. As your luxury cruise docks, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of local markets and the warm hospitality of its people. Explore the pristine beaches and experience the captivating wildlife that inhabits this untouched paradise. Venture into the nearby historic towns to uncover the stories of Angola's past, or indulge in the exquisite cuisine that showcases the nation’s diverse flavors. Embark on a journey where serenity and adventure beautifully intertwine.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

A study in contrasting economies Luanda is a boisterous coastal city of haves and have-nots. As capital of Africa’s second-largest oil-producing country it has been deemed the world’s most expensive city and since independence in 2002 everyone seems to be gunning for a piece of the post-civil war economy. Its renaissance offers a range of experiences from cushy hotels to a restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade to locals hawking handmade goods at crowded public markets.

Discover the enchanting charm of Pointe Noire, the vibrant coastal jewel of the Republic of Congo. This bustling port city invites you to explore its stunning beaches, where golden sands meet the azure Atlantic. Wander through local markets, where an array of colorful crafts and delicious street food await. Engage with the warm-hearted Congolese culture as you savor the rhythms of traditional music. Beyond the city, lush landscapes and diverse wildlife beckon adventurers to seek out the hidden gems of this captivating region. Embark on an unforgettable journey in Pointe Noire, where every moment promises discovery and delight.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Pointe Denis, Gabon's hidden gem nestled along the Atlantic coast. This picturesque port is your gateway to pristine beaches and lush, tropical landscapes. Here, you can bask in the sun, swim in azure waters, or explore nearby islands teeming with diverse wildlife. Venture beyond the shores to experience Gabon's rich culture and vibrant history in Libreville, just a short journey away. Allow yourself to be captivated by the serene allure of Pointe Denis, where adventure meets relaxation in an unspoiled paradise. Your extraordinary journey awaits.

Discover Bom Bom Island, a hidden gem at the northern tip of Principe, Sao Tome and Principe. Here, a picturesque 140-meter wooden bridge connects you to a serene resort nestled within the lush local forest. Explore scenic trails that lead through vibrant villages and stunning gardens, or simply unwind at the resort’s pristine beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nature enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the avian beauty, as Bom Bom Island is home to unique species like the Principe Sunbird and the dazzling Blue-breasted Flycatcher. Experience a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in this tropical paradise.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Tucked between Nigeria and Togo in Benin is the busy trading port of Cotonou. Named a “market town” for its coastal placement and lucrative palm oil and textile trades Cotonou is a sprawling amorphous city swaddled between the Atlantic coast and Lake Nakoué. Because of its especial geographical situation Cotonou is bursting with life — visitors disembarking here will find a colourful port alive with economic activity and very much the capital (although not in name the official capital is Porto-Novo to the east) of the trading industry.

If polished beach resorts with identikit sun loungers and beach menus are not quite your idea of experiential travel, then you have come to the right place. Because Lomé is authenticity at it very best. Tourists are few and far between, village life carries on much as it has for centuries and adventure, excitement and discovery are guaranteed.The capital of Togo, Lomé enjoys a heady status as the former “jewel of West Africa” (although both Ghana and the Ivory Coast claim ownership of the title). With over 40 tribes calling the tiny city home, whether it is the jewel of West Africa or not, it is certainly the most diverse melting pot of cultures to be found on the west coast. This patchwork of population is best experienced in the capital, where the dizzying sight of vendors strolling with huge bags balanced on their heads and motorbikes beeping and slaloming between the traffic is a tangible lesson in modern day history! A trip around the daily market will have you discovering not only a treasure trove of different tribal traditions but will also have you bargaining for anything from thirst quenching fresh fruit and beautifully made fabrics to livestock and voodoo spirit dolls.Voodoo ceremonies are still widely seen all over Togo, and visitors that are lucky enough to witness one will definitely take home a souvenir worth remembering. These are not just for tourists but an ancient, deep religious practice that merges African and Christian beliefs and is said to rid you of the devil within.

The colours, chaos and the happy cacophony of street life greet you as you are welcomed in Takoradi (or Taadi to the locals). Internationally recognised as a major player on the world scene due to its prosperous oil and gas reserves, Takoradi is in fact and amalgamation of two cities. The plurality of these towns has given the town its dual personality — a beachside resort area, framed with uncrowded white sandy beaches and four-star hotels, and a busy traditional market, with street vendors selling a bewildering array of goods, piled high into metal basins or baskets and carried atop the vendor’s head. Suffice to say that these twin cities are infused with a vitality and history that is uncommon even in Africa. The panoramic beauty of the area is stunning; indulge in the subtle scents of jasmine, inhale the heady perfume of hibiscus and morahia, or admire the stark sketch of a royal palm set against a sapphire sky. Eco-tourists will be interested no doubt by the Monkey Hill reserve, a sanctuary for primates in danger set right in the heart of the city.An active fishing port, Takoradi’s sister city Sekondi gains its welfare from the sea. The industry supports millions of Ghanaians and fish is still caught in the traditional manner. Fishermen unload their catch from that morning or sit mending their nets in the boatyard while the womenfolk prepare and sell the fish to the local community on the harbour side.

From a modest fishing port to the biggest in Ghana Tema’s industrial activity has all but tarnished the charming postcard scenery of the region. The neighbouring white-sanded beaches remain immaculate still serving as a testimony of the rich variety of birds that can be found in the area.In the way Mother Nature intended it gannets boobies and kingfishers amongst other species fish in and around the cerulean waters of the coast. A light breeze tickles the inflamed iron-filled soil of the mainland on which the railway linking Tema to Accra lures hundreds of visitors each day. On board one of the carriages to Accra distinctively noticeable by their painted coats of red yellow and green that echo Ghana’s national flag a peek out of the window will offer scenic views of the harbour and coast as well as the fields that separate Tema from the capital.