SOUTH AFRICA & NAMBIA BY SEA

March 19 – 29, 2026

Overview:

The adventure begins in Durban, with a day at sea to enjoy onboard lectures and prepare for the experiences ahead, followed by a stop in East London. Here, excursion options include visits to private game reserves showcasing the Eastern Cape’s wildlife, an authentically reconstructed Xhosa village with traditional dance and craft demonstrations, or the East London Museum, renowned for its role in discovering and identifying fossil footprints—among the earliest evidence of homo sapiens in Africa.

Next, the ship docks in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for two full days, offering extensive opportunities to explore nearby game reserves. These include the Addo Elephant Park, home to 450 endangered elephants, and the Bellevue Forest Reserve, where you can embark on a unique “walking safari” among giraffes. Other reserves provide chances to see the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) in diverse habitats, from bushveld and grasslands to coastal forests, along with a variety of other wildlife such as cheetahs, zebras, hippos, and a myriad of bird species.

After another day at sea to unwind, the journey continues to Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest and most cosmopolitan city. With two days in port, guests can choose from various activities, including panoramic drives along the Cape Peninsula. Options range from a full-day excursion to the Cape of Good Hope and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to shorter tours of Hout Bay and the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive. City tours highlight landmarks such as the Company Gardens, Desmond Tutu’s St. George’s Cathedral, and the Truth to Power exhibit chronicling the struggle against apartheid. Additional excursions include a visit to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, or a journey into wine country to explore Stellenbosch and enjoy local tastings. For a different experience, you can visit the artisanal shops of Kalk Bay or ascend Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain.

The voyage concludes with a visit to Lüderitz, Namibia, a coastal town founded as a German colony in 1833. Once a booming diamond mining hub, Lüderitz retains its Bavarian charm. Guests can explore the town or venture to Kolmanskop, a nearby ghost town partially reclaimed by desert sands, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diamond rush era. The journey concludes the following day in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

 

Interested in more information? Please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team with any questions or interest.

This trip is Operated by PONANT in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys.

 

SOUTH AFRICA & NAMBIA BY SEA

March 19 – 29, 2026

 

Day-by-day Itinerary:

Day 1 | DURBAN

Embarkation 4:00PM to 5:00PM
Departure 6:00PM

Located in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the heartland of Zulu culture, Durban is South Africa’s third-largest city and one of the continent’s major ports. This vibrant city, nestled between expansive beaches lapped by the waves of the Indian Ocean and towering skyscrapers overlooking jacaranda-lined avenues, embodies the true essence of the “rainbow nation.” With a blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences, Durban boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, highlighted by its museums, colonial architecture, and charming neighborhoods. It is also renowned for the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in and around the city.

Day 2 | AT SEA

During your time at sea, take full advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in a relaxing spa session or maintain your fitness routine at the gym. Depending on the season, you can enjoy a swim in the pool or unwind with some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers opportunities to attend onboard conferences or shows, browse the boutique, or connect with the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the ship’s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to marvel at the waves and perhaps catch a glimpse of marine life. It’s a truly magical experience, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Day 3 | EAST LONDON

Located on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) from Cape Town, East London is the country’s largest river port. Fondly referred to as “Buffalo City,” it is nestled between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Nahoon River to the north, and the Buffalo River to the south, enjoying a delightful subtropical climate. While its sun-kissed coastline is a major draw, the city also boasts fascinating cultural treasures. Highlights include the type specimen of the coelacanth—a fish believed extinct for 80 million years—and the world’s only dodo egg, both housed in the East London Museum. Additionally, East London serves as a gateway to Xhosa culture and traditional villages. At the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, you can explore significant archaeological sites along the dunes, including one of the oldest known human footprints.

Day 4 & 5  | PORT ELIZABETH

Explore Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s prominent cities, situated in the Eastern Cape province. Known as “The Friendly City” for the warmth and hospitality of its residents, Port Elizabeth is celebrated for its stunning beaches and abundant wildlife, particularly in the nearby Addo Elephant National Park. The city is also home to notable landmarks, such as the Donkin Reserve, a public space featuring a collection of historic monuments. Port Elizabeth offers a glimpse into South Africa’s rich history, showcasing its colonial legacy alongside its modern journey shaped by the end of apartheid.

Day 6  | AT SEA

During your time at sea, take full advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in a relaxing spa session or maintain your fitness routine at the gym. Depending on the season, you can enjoy a swim in the pool or unwind with some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers opportunities to attend onboard conferences or shows, browse the boutique, or connect with the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the ship’s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to marvel at the waves and perhaps catch a glimpse of marine life. It’s a truly magical experience, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Day 7 & 8  | CAPE TOWN

Vibrant yet serene, cosmopolitan yet trendy, Cape Town offers visitors an unparalleled blend of experiences. Often described by locals as “the quintessential melting pot of South Africa,” this remarkable city is nestled in one of the world’s most stunning bays, crowned by the iconic Table Mountain. Its breathtaking scenery includes dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and expansive white-sand beaches. Cape Town invites exploration as the South African capital of fashion, lifestyle, and gastronomy. Beyond the city, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve beckons, offering a sanctuary for diverse endemic flora and fauna.

Day 9  | AT SEA

During your time at sea, take full advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in a relaxing spa session or maintain your fitness routine at the gym. Depending on the season, you can enjoy a swim in the pool or unwind with some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers opportunities to attend onboard conferences or shows, browse the boutique, or connect with the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. For those who love the open sea, the ship’s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to marvel at the waves and perhaps catch a glimpse of marine life. It’s a truly magical experience, blending comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Day 10  | LÜDERITZ

Situated in Namibia’s Karas region in southern Africa, Lüderitz is a charming coastal town with a unique character. Once a German colony on the edge of the Namib Desert, Lüderitz is known for its streets of sand and distinctive colonial architecture, some of which is strikingly ornate. Overlooking the ocean, this quaint port town exudes a captivating atmosphere. Notable landmarks include the Felsenkirche Lutheran Church, perched atop a granite hill, the Deutsche Afrika Bank building, and the historic Goerke Haus. Just outside town lies Kolmanskop, a hauntingly beautiful ghost town where desert sands have reclaimed abandoned colonial homes and a hospital, creating a setting straight out of a movie scene.

Day 11  | WALVIS BAY

Disembarkation 9:30AM

Along Namibia’s rugged coastline, witness the dramatic meeting of the endless dunes of the world’s oldest desert with the restless waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled in a bay shaped by an ancient river delta, Walvis Bay serves as a natural harbor shielded from the ocean’s fury by the protective arm of Pelican Point. This serene haven is a sanctuary for migratory birds, where thousands of pink flamingos and Cape cormorants mingle with one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies on Earth. The seals thrive along the Namibian coast, benefiting from the nutrient-rich, fish-filled Benguela Current that flows up from the Antarctic.

*Please note: This itinerary is subject to change and is operated by PONANT in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. In the spirit of expedition travel, plans may change slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.

SOUTH AFRICA & NAMBIA BY SEA

March 19 – 29, 2026

Rates: 

Package Rate based on Per Person Sharing. All Rates are Approximate

Staterooms

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3: $7,660
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4: $8,430
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5: $8,820
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6: $9,290

Suites

Deluxe Suite Deck 3-6: $12,710
Prestige Suite Deck 5: $16,980
Prestige Suite Deck 6: $17,840
Privilege Suite Deck 5-6: $18,690

– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking

Included:

-A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
– Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Durban to the ship on the day of embarkation
– Comprehensive 10-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
– One included shore excursion per day in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
– Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
– Transfer from the ship to the airport in Walvis Bay at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

International Airfare:

Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.

General Information:

– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Africa Easy and proof of purchase is required. Africa Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation / interruption coverage.

– A Yellow Fever Certificate is required if you are traveling from a country infected with Yellow Fever. Kindly refer to WHO-designated yellow fever countries link to review current regulations.

– Malaria Medication is strongly recommended, but not a requirement for all safari regions in Southern Africa.

Deposit & Payments:

A completed & signed Africa Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.

Reservations:

This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Africa Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.

To reserve space on a trip on the Africa Easy website, please contact Africa Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Africa Easy Team.

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March 19 - 29, 2026
Operated by Ponant in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys