FROM DAKAR TO Cape town 

Three important rivers originate in the relatively small country of Guinea: the Gambia, Bafing and Niger, which supply large parts of the continent with water. This gives the country an important role in the West African structure. Close to the water, directly on the Atlantic coast, lies the capital Conakry, where the dynamism of a young nation meets the legacy of French colonialism. Since gaining independence in 1958, the metropolis, which now has over 1.6 million inhabitants, has developed into a cultural and economic centre of the region. It is not only here that you will feel the elemental power of a country whose identity is shaped by nature, sound and movement.

Welcome to Abidjan, the former capital of Ivory Coast. With around 5.5 million inhabitants, it remains the economic and political centre of the country, which is considered the world’s largest exporter of cocoa. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Abidjan has developed into a modern, colourful metropolis: skyscrapers rise into the sky, colourful markets line the streets, shopping centres cater to everything consumers need and a vibrant art scene offers everything you could wish for. Abidjan is cosmopolitan and deeply African at the same time. Be inspired by the urban flair, take a break in one of the many parks and cafes or stroll through the Banco National Park, whose foothills extend into the city.

Due to its wealth of raw materials, including precious woods and, above all, gold, Ghana was known as the “Gold Coast” during the colonial era. But it has much more to offer: in addition to its rich natural diversity, you will experience a deeply rooted cultural diversity. Visit the twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi, the country’s third-largest city and economic centre. Here, colonial traces of the past blend with future-oriented industry. Take your time to form your own impression of golden Ghana between the bustling harbour, colourful markets and nearby tropical nature.

Economically speaking, Togo is one of the poorest countries in West Africa. For a long time, the small state was shaped by the slave trade. Later, the country was colonised and, before the First World War, was under German colonial rule for 30 years. Lome, the lively capital city on the Atlantic coast, offers a unique insight into Togo’s present and past. It combines colonial heritage, modern markets and vibrant everyday life in a small area. At the famous Grand Marche, traders in colourful robes sell spices, fabrics and local specialities – a reflection of the country’s cultural diversity. But Togo is not just a place of remembrance; it is colourful, vibrant, perhaps a little chaotic and incredibly welcoming. Despite its turbulent history, Togo has retained its identity as a multi-ethnic state with rich customs and around 40 living languages.

Benin looks back on an impressive history: once the heart of the Kingdom of Dahomey, the region was a political and cultural powerhouse in West Africa for centuries. The ornate bronzes and deep-rooted traditions bear witness to this past to this day. After the end of French colonial rule in 1960, the country was initially called the Republic of Dahomey, and has been known as Benin since 1975. Its economic centre is Cotonou – lively, bustling and full of contrasts. The largest city in Benin is chaotic and charming at the same time: a vibrant melting pot of motorcycle taxis, markets, art and everyday culture. At the Dantokpa Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, fabrics, spices, medicinal plants and electronics are stacked side by side – a city within a city. Between modernity and colonial traces, a creative scene is growing here that is making Cotonou a cultural hotspot in West Africa.

Ilheu Bombom is a tiny island paradise off the north coast of Principe. It is connected to the main island by a narrow wooden bridge that winds its way through mangroves and over turquoise waters. On just a few hectares, dense tropical forest meets golden beaches where sea turtles nest. The island is both a retreat and a nature reserve – a place where time and noise fade away. Surrounded by birdsong and the rustling of leaves, you can experience the quiet beauty of Principe in its purest form. Enjoy nature to the fullest with a relaxing day at the beach.

Thick vegetation rising up towards the sky and palms bending over golden beaches – Sao Tome is an island full of contrasts and unspoilt nature. The region is part of a chain of volcanoes, with remarkable rock and coral formations as well as rainforests – and home to the Obo National Park, a jungle region with a wide variety of species. The island’s interior is enticing with clear streams and waterfalls amongst forests and mountains. Sao Tome is a place where you’ll feel the heart of Africa in all its beauty and tranquillity.

Like a gleaming gem, Lobito nestles in the wide arc of the bay of the same name. Palm trees line the Avenida Marginal and on the horizon fishing boats bob up and down on the glistening water, while the tropical sun caresses the coastline. Here, the city’s colonial past meets the present-day life of a lively port city, whose houses tell the tale of ancient trading routes. The tranquillity of the sea and the hustle and bustle of the port form a harmonious backdrop to the meeting point between modern life in Angola and the traces left behind by its history.

Isolated and untouched by time, the abandoned Baia dos Tigres lies off the coast – a mystical testament to colonial rule and the forces of nature. Life once pulsated at Tiger Bay, where the fishing village of Sao Martinho dos Tigres flourished under the Portuguese flag. Since a flood in 1962 cut off the connection to the mainland and interrupted the fresh water supply, the Namib Desert has begun to reclaim the decaying structures. The island and its surroundings are now difficult to access and provide a refuge for numerous bird species and marine life. Amidst the barren landscape, the remains of the ghost town and the untouched nature are equally fascinating – a place full of history, silence and rugged beauty.

Sea, desert and culture combined: Walvis Bay deserves its nickname, the “pearl of Namibia”, and is a fascinating stop on your route along the African coast. The original settlement of the indigenous population was used as a territory by numerous colonial powers until it was handed back to Namibia in 1994. Life here today is governed mainly by the seabirds in the lagoon: countless pelicans and flamingoes flock to the calm waters and are a sight to behold. With luck, you might also see some dolphins and seals. The proximity to the Namib Desert with its majestic dunes provides a unique backdrop. A true highlight for nature lovers and those with a thirst for adventure. You will can gather exciting impressions until the evening, because your ship has an overnight lay time here.

Get right up close to German history on a visit to the former colony of German South West Africa in what it is now Namibia. At the edge of the Namib Desert, you will discover the traces left by the German imperial era in Luderitz, a colourful town with beautifully preserved art nouveau buildings. The German names on many of the streets and shops provide a hint of the past at first glance. The town was named after a businessman from Bremen, Adolf Lüderitz, who suspected that there were great mineral resources to be found in the region. And he was right: there were diamonds, which provided the riches for the nearby abandoned town of Kolmanskop, where magnificent stone houses were built in the German style. Find your own jewels on a stroll around Luderitz – perhaps in the form of the Church on the Rock, built in 1911.

Close to the border with Namibia lies the South African town of Port Nolloth, a sleepy coastal village with only around 6,000 inhabitants. Here, rough seas and economic hope collide. The people have always lived from fishing, but the real treasure lies hidden beneath the surface of the water. As early as the 19th century, the port was expanded for the export of copper ore from Namaqualand, and later diamond mining was added. Even today, offshore drilling boats dominate the scene off the coast: gemstones were once washed into the sea from the Kimberley region by the Orange River, and the seabed is still being searched for them. Together with your experts on board, you will explore the area and its coastline – on foot, with alert eyes and ears open for traces of human and geological history.

The small town of Lamberts Bay lives from fishing and fish processing – with its own factory for processing rock crabs. But what might be even more exciting for you is Bird Island, located off the coast, where up to 20,000 birds live. The small island is connected to the mainland by a dam and is considered one of the best places in South Africa for seabird watching. Researchers and ornithologists value it as an important breeding and resting place on the African Atlantic coast – join your ornithology expert on a birdwatching tour. Keep an eye out for cormorants and penguins and, with a little luck and caution, you may spot the breeding grounds of the Morus capensis, the Cape gannet. The breeding season in particular offers a fascinating natural spectacle: from a safe distance, you can marvel at the social behaviour of the Cape gannets – a rare insight into the life of these impressive seabirds.

North of Cape Town lies a place that embodies the maritime spirit of South Africa like no other: in St Helena Bay, the cold Benguela Current washes nutrient-rich water onto the coast, allowing the fishing industry to flourish. But it’s not just fishing boats that bring the place to life: from August to November, whales can be spotted here, along with dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds in the water and in the air. In the South African spring, countless wild flowers adorn the landscape, immersing the coastal plains in a colourful sea of blossoms. The peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt nature make St Helena Bay the perfect place for explorers who wish to enjoy the interplay of sea and land in its purest form. On a walk, you can feel the power of the ocean and the vibrant diversity of this special stretch of coastline.

At the foot of the imposing Table Mountain lies Cape Town, a lively metropolis and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The charming blend of Victorian villas on Long Street and modern skyscrapers in the financial district are what give the city its unique character. The popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its boutiques, cafes and excellent restaurants will make visitors’ hearts soar. A cable-car ride to the plateau of Table Mountain promises to be an exciting experience and offers a magnificent view over the city and peninsula. This stretches as far as the Cape of Good Hope, where idyllic beach resorts meet unspoilt nature, making Cape Town an even more unforgettable destination. Enjoy the flair long after sunset, because your ship will stay overnight here.