PonantEU210227
South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope – with Smithsonian Journeys
Date
2027-02-21
Duration
10 nights
Departure Port
Durban
South Africa
Arrival Port
Walvis Bay
Namibia
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Ponant Explorers
Launched
2019
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Durban
Depart 18:00
Durban is South Africa's subtropical gateway on the Indian Ocean, where Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage converge to create one of the continent's most culturally rich port cities. Visitors should not miss savouring an authentic bunny chow in the Grey Street quarter and exploring the nearby uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains or iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The South African summer — November through March — delivers warm seas ideal for swimming, though the mild winters (June to August) offer comfortable touring temperatures and prime whale-watching along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Day 2
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Day 3
East London
Arrive 07:00Depart 18:30
East London, South Africa, South Africa is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Viking. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is October through April, when warm weather and extended daylight create ideal conditions.
Day 4
Day 4
Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)
Arrive 07:00Depart 23:59
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the gateway to South Africa's Eastern Cape, where the Addo Elephant National Park—home to over 600 elephants and the rare "Big Seven"—lies just seventy-five minutes from the city's Indian Ocean beaches. Must-dos include a game drive at Addo, sampling local calamari and Eastern Cape braai, and whale watching in Algoa Bay during winter. September through April offers the best weather, while June–November brings southern right whales to the bay.
Day 6
Day 6
At Sea
Day 7
Day 7
Cape Town
Arrive 06:30Depart 23:59
Cape Town's port is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a premier destination for travelers. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like bobotie and exploring the bustling V&A Waterfront. The best season to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to February, when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Day 9
Day 9
At Sea
Day 10
Day 10
Luderitz
Arrive 06:30Depart 11:30
Luderitz is a surreal German colonial town on Namibia's desert coast, where Art Nouveau architecture, Lutheran churches, and half-timbered houses face the cold Atlantic amid some of Earth's most desolate terrain. Must-dos include visiting the sand-swallowed ghost town of Kolmanskop, feasting on West Coast crayfish, and admiring the Jugendstil Goerke Haus. September through April offers the warmest weather for this extraordinary desert-meets-ocean destination.
Day 11
Day 11
Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is Namibia's principal deep-water port, set between the ancient dunes of the Namib Desert and the wildlife-rich Atlantic lagoon famed for its vast flamingo colonies. Visitors should not miss a catamaran cruise through the lagoon for close encounters with dolphins and Cape fur seals, nor the otherworldly dune landscapes of Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The optimal season for cruising is October through April, when southern-hemisphere spring and summer bring warm, clear days and peak flamingo populations to the bay.
Day 1
Durban
Depart 18:00
Durban is South Africa's subtropical gateway on the Indian Ocean, where Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage converge to create one of the continent's most culturally rich port cities. Visitors should not miss savouring an authentic bunny chow in the Grey Street quarter and exploring the nearby uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains or iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The South African summer — November through March — delivers warm seas ideal for swimming, though the mild winters (June to August) offer comfortable touring temperatures and prime whale-watching along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
East London
Arrive 07:00Depart 18:30
East London, South Africa, South Africa is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Viking. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is October through April, when warm weather and extended daylight create ideal conditions.
Day 4
Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)
Arrive 07:00Depart 23:59
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the gateway to South Africa's Eastern Cape, where the Addo Elephant National Park—home to over 600 elephants and the rare "Big Seven"—lies just seventy-five minutes from the city's Indian Ocean beaches. Must-dos include a game drive at Addo, sampling local calamari and Eastern Cape braai, and whale watching in Algoa Bay during winter. September through April offers the best weather, while June–November brings southern right whales to the bay.
Day 6
At Sea
Day 7
Cape Town
Arrive 06:30Depart 23:59
Cape Town's port is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a premier destination for travelers. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like bobotie and exploring the bustling V&A Waterfront. The best season to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from December to February, when the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Day 9
At Sea
Day 10
Luderitz
Arrive 06:30Depart 11:30
Luderitz is a surreal German colonial town on Namibia's desert coast, where Art Nouveau architecture, Lutheran churches, and half-timbered houses face the cold Atlantic amid some of Earth's most desolate terrain. Must-dos include visiting the sand-swallowed ghost town of Kolmanskop, feasting on West Coast crayfish, and admiring the Jugendstil Goerke Haus. September through April offers the warmest weather for this extraordinary desert-meets-ocean destination.
Day 11
Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is Namibia's principal deep-water port, set between the ancient dunes of the Namib Desert and the wildlife-rich Atlantic lagoon famed for its vast flamingo colonies. Visitors should not miss a catamaran cruise through the lagoon for close encounters with dolphins and Cape fur seals, nor the otherworldly dune landscapes of Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The optimal season for cruising is October through April, when southern-hemisphere spring and summer bring warm, clear days and peak flamingo populations to the bay.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
290 m²Max 3
1
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
290 m²Max 3
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic slidging bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
290 m²Max 3
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
290 m²Max 3
4
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
484 m²Max 4
GDS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
2 panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Wi-FiSafeHair Dryer+12
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
484 m²Max 4
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler Service+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
Suite
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
Suite
9
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
344 m²Max 3
10
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
344 m²Max 3
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
204 m²Max 2
D
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+11
View Details
Prestige Deck 4
Suite
409 m²Max 4
5
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5
Suite
409 m²Max 4
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 6
Balcony
7
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
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