Swan Hellenic West and South Africa: 13 nights from Tema with SH Diana
Apr 18, 2026

Elmina

Takoradi

Abidjan

 

 

Abidjan is the former political capital and main economic center of the country of Ivory Coast. As of 2011, it is the largest city in the nation and the third French-speaking city in the world, after Paris and Kinshasa. Considered the cultural center of West Africa, Abidjan is characterized by a high level of industrialization and urbanization. In the Plateau district, often nicknamed the "Little Manhattan", it is identified as one of the largest western cities in Africa. This metropolis has many tourist sites to see. Visitors can enjoy the various monuments, such as the Treichville Mosque, the Cocody Mosque, or the Cathedral of St. Paul. Culture and history lovers can discover the many museums, including the Goethe Institute, the Civic Museum, the American Cultural Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the French Cultural Center, the Museum of Civilization, the National Museum, the Palace of Culture and the craft center. It also has the Banco National Park. Sassandra, 210 km west of Abidjan, connected daily by bus, is known for its beautiful beaches, but what makes it particularly noteworthy is its fishing village. The wonder of wonders is Poly-Plage, a fantastic natural phenomenon. The climate is equatorial in the south with temperatures around 30 °C, with a rainy season that lasts from May to November, the rest of the time with occasional rainfall, in a very humid environment. In the north, the rainy season is less marked and stops in September, followed by a dry season, with clear skies and cool nights, from November to March. Ideal period to discover this tropical place.

Monrovia

Freetown

Isole Bijagos

Isole Bijagos

Banjul

Banjul, the capital of the Gambia, is a port city, peaceful African, exotic on the island of Santa Maria at the mouth of the Gambia River. Rich in history, Banjul has many colonial buildings and museums. The area around has wonderful and wide beaches on the edge of the tropical blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Boat trips on the Gambia River from Banjul are exciting. You will discover the fauna of the Gambia and its tradition.

The former center of the slave trade, founded by the British in 1816, is rich in many interesting monuments such as the State House in Banjul and the Banjul Court. At the entrance to Banjul is the Arch 22, an imposing monument 35 meters high, with a fantastic view of the city.
The African Heritage Museum has an excellent collection of African paintings and statues. There are also several beautiful mosques and two cathedrals. There are good shopping opportunities in the famous Albert market where you can experience the original African way of life, full of colors and scents with frequent African concerts.
The famous locations in Gambia are Fajara, Kololi, Kotu, and Bakau, all located near Banjul. These locations have a good selection of hotels and restaurants, and wide sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees offering good opportunities for water sports.
For those interested in flora and fauna, Abuko is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Gambia. Another popular tourist attraction is Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau. The beautiful Gambia River, over 1000 km long, and its banks are full of mangroves.
Banjul offers a pleasant tropical climate, a long dry season from November to May, and a rainy season from June to November.

 

Dakar

Explore West Africa from Dakar!

Set sail on an enriching journey from Dakar, Senegal, a vibrant and bustling port city on the West African coast. Known for its colorful markets, historical sites, and lively culture, Dakar offers a truly unique starting point for exploring the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Africa. Prepare for an adventure that combines cultural immersion with serene sea travel, promising profound discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

The city of Dakar is located along the Atlantic coast of Senegal, on an ancient volcano whose eruption gave rise to the Cap-Vert Peninsula. Other islands are located nearby, including that of Gorée, to the south, those of the Madeleine, to the west and Ngor to the north. An ancient fishing village, Dakar or Dahar means "tamarind" in Wolof (one of the six national languages of Senegal). Today the administrative, political, military, economic, social and cultural metropolis is a cosmopolitan, African and European city, with more than two million inhabitants. Several dates that mark the history of the city and the region, are between the 16th and 19th centuries, the highlight of the slave trade. The city was officially founded on May 25, 1857 by Pinet LAPRADE. The first cadastral map of Dakar was developed in June 1858. 4 years later, in June 1862, they formed a new alignment plan of the area. The city of Goree was founded in 1872 and on April 4, 1960, Dakar became the capital of Senegal. This metropolis has many places to offer. Tourists will be mainly attracted by the African Art Museum and the Antenna Gallery. Other important sites, in colonial style, are the Town Hall outside the Presidential Palace, jealously guarded by its guards in traditional clothes. Finally, don't miss the Dakar Mosque and the Hann natural park, with its numerous animals. Many typical products of the Dakar region are available to holidaymakers in various shops. Wide choice of souvenirs including fabrics, wooden sculptures, jewelry, sandals, bags, paintings, bronze objects, ceramics and musical instruments. Music, dance and traditional wrestling are part of the Dakar landscape. You will also notice the presence of a large shopping center (Plaza Mar), inaugurated in 2010, inside you will find a wellness center, a games room and a bowling alley. French is the official language and the only one taught in the public school system.

Dakar

Explore West Africa from Dakar!

Set sail on an enriching journey from Dakar, Senegal, a vibrant and bustling port city on the West African coast. Known for its colorful markets, historical sites, and lively culture, Dakar offers a truly unique starting point for exploring the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Africa. Prepare for an adventure that combines cultural immersion with serene sea travel, promising profound discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

The city of Dakar is located along the Atlantic coast of Senegal, on an ancient volcano whose eruption gave rise to the Cap-Vert Peninsula. Other islands are located nearby, including that of Gorée, to the south, those of the Madeleine, to the west and Ngor to the north. An ancient fishing village, Dakar or Dahar means "tamarind" in Wolof (one of the six national languages of Senegal). Today the administrative, political, military, economic, social and cultural metropolis is a cosmopolitan, African and European city, with more than two million inhabitants. Several dates that mark the history of the city and the region, are between the 16th and 19th centuries, the highlight of the slave trade. The city was officially founded on May 25, 1857 by Pinet LAPRADE. The first cadastral map of Dakar was developed in June 1858. 4 years later, in June 1862, they formed a new alignment plan of the area. The city of Goree was founded in 1872 and on April 4, 1960, Dakar became the capital of Senegal. This metropolis has many places to offer. Tourists will be mainly attracted by the African Art Museum and the Antenna Gallery. Other important sites, in colonial style, are the Town Hall outside the Presidential Palace, jealously guarded by its guards in traditional clothes. Finally, don't miss the Dakar Mosque and the Hann natural park, with its numerous animals. Many typical products of the Dakar region are available to holidaymakers in various shops. Wide choice of souvenirs including fabrics, wooden sculptures, jewelry, sandals, bags, paintings, bronze objects, ceramics and musical instruments. Music, dance and traditional wrestling are part of the Dakar landscape. You will also notice the presence of a large shopping center (Plaza Mar), inaugurated in 2010, inside you will find a wellness center, a games room and a bowling alley. French is the official language and the only one taught in the public school system.