Africa - Passports Overloaded

Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde

June 8, 2025 – June 8, 2025

Enjoy charming São Vicente and the amazing landscape here and on nearby Santo Antão. Stroll through town past vibrant markets and the replica of Lisbon’s Belem Tower. Visit the stark but lovely lunar-like beach at Catfish Bay. On Santo Antão see lush and rugged landscapes and picturesque villages.

See the world from atop a volcano, discover arid but productive valleys and walk white sands nestled against black lava cliffs on this panoramic coach tour. Ascend to the top of volcanic Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, for sweeping vistas of the entire island. You’ll see lovely Mindelo and the eastern-shore beaches from your vantage point and appreciate the plant life and garden crops such as corn, sweet potatoes and bananas. Descend to Baja das Gatas, or Catfish Bay, and its sheltered lagoon created by volcanic eruptions spanning centuries. At Praia Grande beach, notice the stark contrast of the white sand against the backdrop of black lava mountains as you enjoy a pontche, a traditional island cocktail made with sugarcane molasses and grogue, the national liqueur of Cape Verde. Passing through an agricultural valley, find the stream that provides the island with much-needed irrigation. You’ll learn that despite São Vicente’s discovery in 1462, it wasn’t developed until the 19th century because of its arid nature and lack of substantial water sources, adding to your understanding of this enthralling island.

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Dakar, Senegal

June 6, 2025 – June 6, 2025

After three centuries of French rule, Dakar can’t help but exude a certain French flair, especially architecturally. Senegalese attire tends to be rather formal and conservative, but the city is full of life. Art galleries are plentiful, the beaches inviting, and the views fantastic from the Les Mamelles Lighthouse.

Treasure an overview of Senegal’s capital and its culture during an illuminating tour of traditional attractions and more contemporary landmarks. Travel to the bustling Kermel Market and pause at the majestic Presidential Palace for photos before passing signature sites such as the Senegalese National Assembly, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, the Médina district and the Dakar Grand Mosque, which was designed by French and Moroccan architects. You’ll make another photo stop at the striking Gate of the Third Millennium, built in 2000 to symbolize the opening of the African continent to the next thousand years, and arrive at the famed Soumbedioune Market to browse local handicrafts and art. Glimpse the lifestyle of Dakar’s more affluent residents during a drive through the Fann Corniche district and observe Senegalese college life at the University of Dakar library, an outstanding example of International Style architecture. In the Mamelles area, the Cape Verde Peninsula’s highest point, you’ll take in expansive views of the city and then admire how Senegal’s colorful sands are imaginatively used in original paintings at the Sand Painting Gallery. Relish time for shopping at this unique venue for a keepsake as marvelous as beguiling Dakar.

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Abidjan, Ivory Coast

June 3, 2025 – June 3, 2025

The Ivory Coast’s largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities, it’s often referred to as the “Paris of Africa.” Abidjan’s more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance.

Venture to Grand Bassam, the former colonial capital of the Ivory Coast, tucked between a lagoon and the ocean, on this enlightening coach tour. Observe abundant coconut groves before arriving in Grand Bassam village, briefly the French colonial capital of the Côte d’Ivoire in the late 1890s until government administration was transferred to nearby Bingerville. View splendid French Colonial buildings in the Ancien Bassam district during your narrated tour, some restored to their original grandeur, and pass sights such as the colonial governor’s palace. In the fascinating National Costume Museum, browse exhibits of colorful native garb, ceremonial masks and models of traditional houses and gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant history of the Ivory Coast. Wander through one of Grand Bassam’s finest arts and crafts markets with ample time to survey exquisite brass carvings, colorful batik paintings, eye-catching ceramics, intricate wickerwork and finely embroidered scarves in a dazzling display of Ivory Coast artistry.

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Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

June 2, 2025 – June 2, 2025

The twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi was Ghana’s first deepwater seaport and has prospered greatly. Still, the ambiance is rather laid-back, especially in the inviting beach areas. Monkey Hill, a tropical reserve for primates, lies in heart of city. Nearby Fort Orange was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and now serves as a lighthouse.

Explore a monkey-filled forest, bustling markets, cultural landmarks and historic sites during this scenic tour of Sekondi and Takoradi, combined as one since 1946. Learn about Ghana’s main exports as you cross the harbor to Takoradi’s Western Gate. You’ll marvel at the unique virgin forest inhabited by scores of monkeys and birds at Monkey Hill, situated in the heart of Takoradi. Drive through the European-style town of Sekondi, passing aged colonial buildings, the stately High Court and tree-shaded residential areas. During a stop at the bustling Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbor, watch nets being repaired and women buying and preparing the fish. You’ll view Fort Orange’s impressive lighthouse and the Takoradi Market Circle, Western Ghana’s commercial and economic hub. Stop for a spirited cultural show with refreshments at a local hotel and reflect on the distinct personalities of Western Ghana’s thriving twin cities.

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Lome, Togo

June 1, 2025 – June 1, 2025

Wedged between a lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, Togo’s convivial, beach-rich capital of Lomé has emerged from its colonial past as pure African. For a glimpse of its history and unique Togolese art, visit the National Museum. The spired Lomé Cathedral is also noteworthy.

Behold the distinctive African traditions of Togo by visiting a market for voodoo practitioners, touring a rural school and watching a folkloric dance with a village monarch. Enjoy a brief drive through Lomé, an engaging capital city of wide boulevards lined with colonial buildings. You’ll find that, although the country’s religion is predominately Christian, many of the people remain faithful to the religious ancestry of voodoo, which you’ll see at an open-air market frequented by traditional healers seeking ingredients for rituals or the creation of magic charms and potions. Following this compelling and rather unusual visit, travel into the countryside to a Togolese village school, where you’ll learn how rural children cope with Togo’s educational challenges. You’ll find the nearby ceremonial grounds and meet the village’s distinguished royal court, who will introduce you to the local monarch.

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Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe

May 30, 2025 – May 30, 2025

Off the beaten path, São Tomé and Principe is a tropical paradise that offers lush rainforests, birdwatching, secluded waterfalls and pristine, isolated beaches. Enjoy spectacular views on a hike to the peak of Pico de São Tomé, go in search of the 109 species of orchid that decorate the landscape, or marvel at the impressive Boca do Inferno blowhole.

Glory in the culture and history of São Tomé and view its marquee attractions, including the National Museum, Presidential Palace and lively city market. Drive through charming São Tomé, a capital city founded in 1485 by the Portuguese and noted for its colonial architecture and brightly colored buildings. You’ll uncover the island’s rich past at the National Museum, which houses myriad artifacts, many religious in nature, in a 16th-century Portuguese-built fortress that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the nearby Pantufo fishing village, where you’ll revel in a traditional folkloric performance that lends even greater insight into the island’s culture. Returning to the city center, find the Presidential Palace, which features a rose-pink façade with neoclassical elements, and make your way through many popular squares to the bustling city market for a rewarding dive into local life.

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We crossed the equator May 30, 2025

Luanda, Angola

May 28, 2025 – May 28, 2025

Angola’s capital and most populous city, Luanda has enjoyed a massive boom in construction in the last decade following the end of the Angola Civil War. Learn about the history of Angola at the many superb museums, historical sites and monuments throughout the city. The Parque Nacional da Kissama, south of Luanda, is an expansive wildlife park with elephants, water buffalo, antelopes and nesting sea turtles.

See the new face of rapidly changing Luanda and its historical landmarks, many built by the Portuguese, who occupied the city during much of its colonial period. Tour Angola’s capital to see the city’s inspiring rebirth and learn how the country’s vast oil and diamond resources fueled much of the growth and affluence evident along crescent-shaped Marginal Bay. You’ll pause for photos at the renovated colonial Church of Our Lady of Remedies and perhaps at Iron Palace, a pre-fabricated structure possibly designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame. Visit the National Anthropology Museum to understand Angola’s turbulent history and traditional culture. View Portuguese-built San Miguel Fort, altered in 1664 to a star shape, and the rocket-like Agostinho Neto Mausoleum tower, honoring Angola’s first president. Uptown, view the Presidential Palace and the Ingreja de Jesus Catholic Church. Downtown, you’ll see the old and new houses of parliament and other stunning examples of colonial architecture and soon appreciate how this fascinating city is reclaiming its nickname, the Paris of Africa.

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Walvis Bay, Namibia

May 24, 2025 – May 25, 2025

Although rimmed by the inhospitable Namib Desert, Walvis Bay boasts a huge natural lagoon that attracts hundreds of thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and migratory species. The desert’s Dune 7 is the highest sand dune near town and offers a spectacular view. The wooden Rhenish Mission Church is also noteworthy.

Experience the treasures of the Namib Desert during this memorable off-road expedition that includes a stop at the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon. Board your off-road vehicle for a drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which encompasses the Naukluft Mountain Range and part of the Namib, one of the world’s oldest deserts and site of the world’s highest and most vividly colored sand dunes. As you explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region, you’ll discover Moon Landscape, a vastly eroded valley that is reminiscent of the lunar surface due to the wind’s effect on the rock formations and sand. You’ll proceed to the Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of bizarre welwitschia plants are scattered about. Pause for photos at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area, then make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains, declared a Wetland of International Importance for its abundance of marine life, pelicans and a wealth of other avian species.

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Red Banded Jelly Fish

Cape Town (2025), South Africa

May 21, 2025 – May 22, 20225

Checked into 12 Apostles

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Durban, South Africa

May 18, 2025 – May 18, 2025

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

Uncover past and present-day African tribal culture in the ancestral homeland of the Zulu during this enthralling journey to the Valley of a Thousand Hills. During your scenic drive, hear that nearly two centuries ago the Zulu King Shaka, known to historians as the Black Napoleon, subjugated the tribes that today comprise the Kingdom of the Zulu. Upon arrival at the PheZulu Safari Park, you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour focused on the customs and beliefs of the Zulu people, including a performance of energetic songs by costumed members of the renowned Gasa clan. Revel in dances of courtship and betrothal, war and birth, and the throwing of bones by a witch doctor, or sangoma, all set to the mesmerizing beat of the Zulu drum. You’ll walk through a recreated village, learning about African tribal culture and visit PheZulu’s riveting reptile park to view some of Africa’s most notorious snakes and crocodiles.

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Alphabetic Links of Where We’ve Been