With our planet “shrinking” at a rapid rate, expedition cruisers are
spinning their globes in search of new and enriching destinations to add
to their adventure CVs. Nowadays, the whole Earth is pretty much fair
game and with social and political relaxation on the west coast of Africa,
several cruise operators are setting out to these once dangerous lands.
If early indications are anything to go by, it will be a hit with most
departures booked out in advance. Here are some of the early-adopters:
Zegrahm Expeditions
This respected, 20-year-old company has been slow to make its mark in
Australia, but Zegrahm’s African itineraries and new local
representation may be just what they need to kickstart them in the
Aussie market.
From Mauritius to Morocco and everything in between, Zegrahm offer
one of the most comprehensive African explorations out there, but this
cruiser has his eye on April’s “Tracing the West Coast of Africa”
exploring Cameroon to Senegal. Stops include Ghana, Ivory Coast and
Sierra Leone. Zeco (that’s their industry nickname) operate the stalwart
Clipper Odyssey, well known in small ship circles. From US$12,980.00
for 18 days.
Contact: www.smallshipadventure.com
Variety Cruises
Apart from a few isolated cruises in Russia, Australians will know little
about this Greek company offering an intriguing exploration of the
rivers of The Gambia and Senegal. This week long cruise is in and out of
Dakar (Senegal) venturing 270 km upstream to Kuntaur aboard the
‘megayacht’ MY Pegasus. Twice renovated since launching in 1990,
Pegasus carries just 49 guests (max) in 23 cabins. Twitchers in particular
Variety Cruises’ M/Y Pegasus Pygmy girl from Cameroon Undiscovered, spectacular Mali
will foam at the mouth for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saloun
Delta Biosphere Reserve in Senegal. From €1390.
Contact: www.discovertheworld.com.au
Silversea
This well known operator adds a touch of glamour and luxury to its
expeditions aboard the much lauded 132-guest Silver Explorer.
Three itineraries are offered in the region ranging from 10 to 18 days, as
the vessel sails from Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands to
Cape Town. I’m betting there will be several guests staying on for the
whole 45 days. Highlights include UNESCO-listed Goree Island, the
seldom visited Bijagos Archipelago and a meet-up with the forestdwelling
pygmy people of Cameroon.
Heavily booked, you’ll need to get in early for this. It’s priced from
A$6699 for the ten day itinerary.
Contact: www.silversea.com
Those prepared to venture outside the mainstream will find a wide
variety of low key voyages on vessels of all descriptions. Old hands in
the shipping industry tell us that infrastructure is in place at most of the
cargo ports (for vessels that need it) and it’s just a matter of making
minor modifications for the small passenger numbers.
“Nobody takes the time to go there and try to work closely with these
destinations,” says Luis De Carvalho, an independent shipping
consultant now working with these ports to help them accept more
passengers. “Africa is learning, but it’s the responsibility of the cruise
industry to help them grow and to support them.”
That may all be about to change.
