Swan Hellenic releases itineraries for a range of African voyages in 2026

Swan Hellenic is offering eight cruise itineraries in Africa for 2026, with two grand voyages aboard SH Diana that can be booked as shorter legs, one of which departs from Cape Town, South Africa.

Highlights of the grand voyages, which are 30 nights soutbound and 50 nights northbound, include the pristine Bijagos Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau, the lakeside dwellings of Benin, as well as historic fortifications in Morocco and elephants in Cape Town.

“We’re proud and delighted that our expert-designed African cultural expedition cruises have met with such an enthusiastic response,” said Patrizia Iantorno, CCO, Swan Hellenic.

“Combining in-depth encounters with pristine nature, extraordinary wildlife and unique cultures, they each offer exceptional experiences,” she added. “Which is why we’re delighted to respond to guest demand and offer the opportunity to combine them all into unique grand voyages of a lifetime for an equally unique price.”

The first grand voyage is a 51 night itinerary departing March 25th, 2026 from Cape Town, bound for Lisbon, Portugal. 

The grand voyage is formed by five northbound cruises, the first being an 11-night Cruising in Namibia: the Skeleton Coast voyage from Cape Town to Luanda, Angola.

SH Diana then sails a 13-night Southwest Africa Cruise from Luanda to Accra, Ghana, followed by a 13-night Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast itinerary from Accra to Dakar, Senegal.  

Two seven-night journeys then take place: from Dakar to Casablanca, Morocco, and then from Casablanca to Lisbon, Portugal, where the voyage ends on May 15th, 2025. 

The 35-night southbound grand voyage departs September 7th from Lisbon, and can also be booked as three separate itineraries of 9 to 13 nights. 

The first is a 9-night Atlantic Cruise from Portugal to Senegal sailing from Lisbon, arriving in Dakar on September 16th; the second is the 13-night The Slavery Coast: from Senegal to Ghana voyage, departing Dakar on September 16th and arriving in Tema on September 29th. 

The final Swan Hellenic cruise of the African season is the 13-night West Africa Cruise from Ghana to Angola, departing Tema on September 29th and arriving in Luanda on October 12th. 

SH Diana is the largest and most modern ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, but carries just 192 passengers and 127 crew. The 124-metre vessel features three dining options, including the Swan Restaurant main dining room, Club Lounge, and Pool Bar & Grill, as well as a panaramic sauna, spa, Stargazing Deck, Observation Lounge, and more.