The Slavery Coast: cruise from Senegal to Ghana

Meet the locals on this unique walk and zodiac adventure to Caravela, the northernmost island of the Bijagos Archipelago. This island is known for its stunning sandy beaches, dense mangrove forests and vibrant birdlife, including African grey hornbills, palm-nut vultures, kingfishers and weaverbirds. Walk to Anipoc village, glimpse their daily lives and enjoy the cultural traditions of the Bijago people with a traditional dance performance.

Explore Bolama Island, once the capital of Portuguese Guinea (1871-1941). Abandoned due to water scarcity, the town now crumbles under tropical vegetation. Marvel at sunlit avenues, empty squares and neo-Palladian-style buildings, like the Governor’s Palace, now hosting goats. Bolama, inhabited yet ghostly, exudes a fairy-tale atmosphere. The Bissau-Guinean government is aiming for it to be designated the nation's first World Heritage Site.

Experience a blend of unspoilt nature and enduring cultural heritage on a Zodiac cruise along the coast of Canhabaque Island, home to hidden forest villages. On land, immerse yourself in island life, meeting locals dressed in beautifully woven "saiya" straw skirts. Witness traditional ways still thriving, from cashew harvests to palm oil ceremonies. On this least developed of the Bijagós islands, sacred rituals and natural rhythms prevail.

Feel the weight of time as you explore Freetown’s landmarks, including the historic Cotton Tree, symbolizing the site where freed slaves settled in 1792. Visit the Peace & Cultural Monument, honoring Sierra Leone's independence and post-civil war transformation. Explore the Railway Museum, Fourah Bay College, and St. George's Cathedral. Dive into the National Museum, and pass by King's Yard, Fort Thornton, and the Presidential State House.

 Learn about Liberia’s cultural heritage and the landmarks that shaped this nation on a tour of its capital, Monrovia, founded in 1822 as a refuge for formerly enslaved individuals. Start at the lively waterfront marketplace, then visit key sites like Providence Island, where Liberia’s founding fathers arrived. See remnants of the first settlement, including a 200-year-old cotton tree, highlighting the island’s role in Africa's oldest republic.

Indulge in a feast for the senses on this tour to Grand Bassam, where you’ll visit a chocolate factory and learn the art of organic chocolate making, from cocoa plantation to chocolatiers’ craftsmanship. Explore Grand Bassam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Conclude with a visit to Abidjan’s majestic Cathédrale Saint-Paul, one of the world’s largest cathedrals, designed by Aldo Spirito.

Step back in time and explore the colonial charm of Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the Ivory Coast capital, it blends European and African cultures. Stroll through the French colonial district, past landmarks like the Palais de Justice, Sacré Coeur cathedral, Governor "Binger's" Palace and the Ariane Monument. Visit the National Costume Museum to delve into Ivorian heritage, and end with craft shopping at the Artisanal Centre.

 Journey through centuries of heritage and craftsmanship on this guided tour. Explore the oldest colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa, Elmina’s Castle of St. George dating back to 1482, a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. Visit the local fish market and see traditional wooden boats. Drive to Global Mamas, where women are empowered through fair trade. Learn the art of batik-making, create your own design and take it home.

Whet your appetite for Ghanaian food with a cooking lesson led by a local "Mama Chef" from Global Mamas, established in 2003 to empower African women and families. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like fufu, groundnut soup, fried plantain, palava sauce and red red. Your chef will guide you with tips and techniques. After the workshop, enjoy the delicious feast you've created and embrace the vibrant flavours of Ghanaian cuisine.

 Stand where African slaves once stood at UNESCO-listed Cape Coast Castle, a powerful symbol of resilience. It held more enslaved Africans than any other West African site. Delve into its history, from slave port to a moving museum. Witness the "Door of No Return" and tour the dungeons, walking in the footsteps of countless slaves. Finally, discover Ghanaian culture with traditional drumming and dance, telling stories through rhythm and movement.

 Soar above the treetops and journey inland to Kakum National Park, a sanctuary safeguarding Ghana's vanishing tropical guinea rainforest and rich wildlife. Walk along forest trails and cross Africa's renowned canopy walkway, 40 metres above the forest floor, offering stunning views from seven platforms and rope bridges. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and mammals camouflaged in the branches as you take in this awe inspiring perspective of nature.

Feel the beat of Ghana’s traditions as the rhythm of djembe drums fills the air. Witness lively dances and discover the Ashanti people’s folklore. Local artists will board the ship to enchant you with vibrant rhythms and movements, embodying the heartbeat of Ghana. Their colorful attire, expressive choreography and storytelling bring the country’s rich cultural heritage to life in unforgettable ways.