PONANT
Experience the ultimate African odyssey, beginning with the colonial elegance of The Oyster Box. Immerse yourself in authentic Zulu traditions before sailing the iconic Cape of Good Hope with Smithsonian Journeys experts aboard the luxurious Le Dumont d’Urville. Uncover the moving history of Soweto and the haunting sands of Kolmanskop, finally transitioning from the rugged Atlantic coast to a five-night tropical sanctuary at The Oberoi, Mauritius for the pinnacle of island bliss.
Representing the pinnacle of PONANT’s limited-capacity explorer fleet. This sleek, French-flagged sanctuary features just 92 luxurious staterooms, each boasting a private balcony. The ship’s center piece is the Blue Eye, a world-first multisensory underwater lounge. Guests enjoy refined French-inspired cuisine, an infinity pool, and an intimate atmosphere designed for deep immersion into the world’s most remote coastal destinations.
Day 1-3
Check into the legendary Oyster Box. Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, this colonial-style landmark offers timeless elegance. Enjoy the famous curry buffet, traditional high tea, and soak in the refined coastal atmosphere of South Africa’s premier resort.
Day 4
After three nights at The Oyster Box check out and in the late afternoon, embark Le Dumont d’Urville ready for your onwards journey.
Day 5
Begin your Smithsonian Journeys experience with expert-led lectures as you sail south. Relax in the refined French atmosphere of the ship, visit the Blue Eye underwater lounge to listen to the ocean’s symphony, or enjoy fine-dining as the South African coastline glides by.
Day 6
Go ashore in the Eastern Cape. Choose between a visit to a local Xhosa village to witness traditional customs and dance, or head to a private game reserve for a safari experience, searching for the "Big Five" in the lush, rolling hills of the region.
Day 7-8
Explore the wildlife-rich Nelson Mandela Bay. Spend a day at Addo Elephant National Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming elephants, or explore the city’s colonial history along the Donkin Heritage Trail. The ship remains perfectly positioned for deep discovery of the rugged Garden Route coastline.
Day 9
A landmark day of sailing as you round the Cape of Good Hope. Take in the dramatic scenery where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Join your Smithsonian naturalists on deck to spot whales, seals, and diverse seabirds that frequent these nutrient-rich waters.
Day 10-11
Wake up beneath the iconic Table Mountain. With an overnight stay, you have time to explore the Cape Peninsula, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, and take a ferry to the historic Robben Island. Enjoy the vibrant energy and world-class dining of the V&A Waterfront.
Day 12
Sail north into the Atlantic along the desolate and beautiful coastline. This is a day for total relaxation; indulge in a spa treatment, attend a final Smithsonian presentation, or enjoy a multi-course French dinner as the ship moves toward the Namibian desert.
Day 13
Step into a German colonial time capsule. The highlight is the ghost town of Kolmanskop, where abandoned diamond-rush mansions are slowly being swallowed by shifting desert dunes. It is a haunting, surreal landscape that offers some of the most spectacular photography in the world.
Day 14
Disembark in Walvis Bay and fly to Johannesburg. Transfer to the Four Seasons The Westcliff, a hillside retreat overlooking the world’s largest urban forest. Enjoy a quiet evening taking in the views of the Johannesburg skyline from your refined sanctuary.
Day 15
Explore Soweto’s heart, starting at the Hector Pieterson Museum to learn about the 1976 Uprising. Visit Mandela House on Vilakazi Street and the historic Regina Mundi Church. Conclude at the Orlando Towers for a local beer and a discussion on contemporary life in this captivating township.
Day 16-20
Fly to Mauritius for five nights at The Oberoi. Set within sub-tropical gardens on the shores of Turtle Bay, this is your time for ultimate relaxation. Enjoy sunken marble baths, private pools, and the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean as you unwind from your adventure.
Day 21
Your journey comes to an end today as you head to the airport for your journey home.