33 Night Cruise sailing from Cape Town to Agadir aboard National Geographic Explorer.

West Africa's many facets combine to make a whole even greater than the sum of its myriad parts. There is incredible diversity here, along with a richness of culture, both traditional and modern, that is nothing short of inspiring. There is much wildlife, and a great sweep of geography, from the maritime climate of South Africa; the deserts of Namibia; the tropics and savannas of much of the coast (with some volcanic landscapes added to the mix); and finally the desert of Western Sahara and the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco.

National Geographic Explorer will embark on an epic voyage to West Africa exploring sixteen countries. And we plan to make it extraordinary. There will be abundant opportunities to see and learn about all that makes these destinations important, to discover their nature and their history, and to have warm interactions with people who live and work here. We'll see how they are working to develop their countries, and meet with some of those who are helping in that effort.

You'll have a dazzling array of sights and experiences. Explore several national parks and wildlife centers. Take local boats on Lake Nokoue to the charming stilt village of Ganvie. Meet with a chief in his native village. Visit Goree Island, a World Heritage Site that was a hub for the slave trade. Paddle in pirogues (dug-out canoes) up the Lobe River to visit a encampment of Bagyeli "pygmy" people and much more.

This will be a journey that defines the term "voyage of discovery," and we hope you'll join us.

Day-to-day Itinerary:

DAY 1 - Cape Town/Embark Ship
Embark National Geographic Explorer and sail northward to begin our voyage. (D)

DAY 2 - At Sea
(B,L,D)

DAY 3 - Lüderitz, Namibia
See the mining "ghost town" of Kolmanskop and tour Lüderitz. (B,L,D)

DAY 4-5 - Walvis Bay & Swakopmund
Among the variety of excursions that awaits us: seeing the unique plants and landscapes of the Namib Desert, a cruise on Walvis Bay for its dolphins and outstanding birdlife, a visit to the town of Swakopmund, with its German architecture, and a bush dinner out in the desert. (B,L,D)

DAY 6-7 - At Sea
(B,L,D)

DAY 8 - Lobito & Benguela, Angola
Visit the picturesque town of Benguela, with pastel-colored Art Deco colonial buildings and lovely setting. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 - Luanda
Explore the Angolan capital of Luanda, or venture to Kissama National Park in search of wildlife. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 - Pointe Noire, Congo
Seldom-visited by tourists, Ponte Noire, the Republic of Congo's economic capital, is our base for an interesting excursion. If it's open, we will visit the Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary. We will also venture outside town to the impressive Diosso Gorge, where erosion has created a series of red rock cliffs and ridges. Nearby is the fine, simple Ma Loango Regional Museum, which occupies the house where some of the latter-day rulers of the Kingdom of Loango lived. The kingdom occupied a wide area between the 16th and 19th centuries, and the museum has many fine artifacts. Back in Pointe Noire, we'll visit the market, which even by West Africa's high standards is lively and colorful, and see the impressive colonial-era railway station. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 - At Sea
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DAY 12 - Libreville, Gabon
Cosmopolitan Libreville is developing rapidly, and today we will have a choice of excursions. You can choose to tour Libreville, seeing the Baraka Mission, founded in 1842 by American Presbyterians, the National Museum, touring the heart of the city, and seeing the extraordinary cathedral of St. Michel de Nkembo, whose pillars are elaborately carved with biblical scenes by a local artist. After lunch, we hope to tour the new U.S. embassy and gain insight into what goes into the building of an embassy and into the lives of the diplomats who work here. Alternatively, you can choose to visit one of the wilderness areas located surprising close to the city, for a view of the mangroves, birdwatching, swimming, and perhaps a chance to glimpse West African wildlife. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 - São Tome, Sao Tome & Principe
São Tome is the capital of the archipelago nation of São Tome and Principe - once an important entrepot for the slave trade, but today a friendly place with a relaxed lifestyle, whose Portuguese colonial history is apparent. We'll have a choice of excursions: to explore the capital city and its environs, including a plantation; or traveling above town to see picturesque waterfalls and seeing plantations that were once the mainstays of the economy but are now still in use but run down; or to venture along the island's scenic east coast to see other plantations, view a blowhole, have lunch at a fine restaurant at a plantation house, and go for a swim. We also plan to tour the facilities of the Voice of America, which has a major transmitting facility here. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 - Principe
The small island of Principe is the definition of a tropical paradise - a green locale with spectacular beaches and forests that harbor a number of bird species unique to here. We'll anchor just offshore, then spend the day swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching and visiting the tiny, sleepy capital, Santo Antonio (which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's smallest city). (B,L,D)

DAY 15 - Kribi, Cameroon
The pleasant town of Kribi is lined with golden-sand beaches, and the nearby Lobe River ends at the seashore in a series of picturesque waterfalls. We'll be poled in pirogues (dugout canoes) up the Lobe, lined with indigenous trees and shrubs. We'll visit a small village of the Bagyeli "pygmy" people, learn how they live, and have a chance to talk with them, with our guides providing interpretation. At the mouth of the river, we'll see the waterfalls, then visit a primary school. We'll also have time to enjoy one of the beaches, and if conditions permit, do some kayaking. (B,L,D)

DAY 16 - Limbe
The Limbe region offers us a number of interesting things to do. We'll drive along the lower slopes of imposing Mt. Cameroon to visit a tea plantation and learn how tea is harvested and processed. In lieu of visiting the tea estate, the truly fit have the option of a steep ascent and descent of Mt. Cameroon's lower portion, walking first through farmland and then through the rain forest. In Limbe, we'll visit the marvelous Limbe Wildlife Centre, a research facility that houses and rehabilitates large numbers of gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, and walk through the Botanic Gardens - also an excellent birding locale - to see a variety of West African and exotic trees and shrubs. Weather permitting, the truly fit can choose a hiking excursion along the steep lower reaches of Mt. Cameroon. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 - At Sea
(B,L,D)

DAY 18 - Cotonou, Benin
We drive to the interesting town of Ouidah, a center for the animist "voodoo" religion that is widely practiced in the region, and also a place which had a long history in the slave trade. We visit the tranquil Sacred Forest to see statues representing some of the deities, and continue to the Portuguese fort, now a fine museum devoted to slavery and the attendant links between Benin and the Americas. We follow the route along which slaves were driven, from the town down to the ocean. In the afternoon, we take motorized pirogues across Lake Nokoue to the village of Ganvie, built on stilts in the middle of the lake. The busy residents make their living by fishing in the lake, and we'll see the fish traps and the workings of the village, where practically all transport is by boat. At the lake's edge is a colorful market, where residents of Ganvie buy produce and other essentials and sell fish to "mainlanders." (B,L,D)

DAY 19 - Lome, Togo
The region to the north and west of Lome (and across the border into Ghana) is home to the Ewe people, whose traditions include a profound veneration for their ancestors and also weaving the renowned kente cloth. We'll visit an Ewe village, meeting the chief and local residents, and have a chance to stroll around and get a good sense of what life is like there. We'll visit a nearby school. We'll also explore Lome, seeing the outstanding Museum of the Gulf of Guinea and the friendly artisans' market. (B,L,D)

DAY 20 - Accra, Ghana
Bustling Accra, Ghana's capital is always lively and full of interest. We'll visit the fine National Museum, with an outstanding collection of artifacts and crafts, and the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president. Some Ghanaians choose to be buried in colorful caskets that reflect their occupations or passions, and we'll visit a workshop where brightly painted caskets may include giant fish, beer bottles, cars and more. We'll plan to visit a school and also an exceptional gallery with traditional and contemporary art. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Shai Hills Reserve in search of baboons, kob and birdlife, and the Aburi Hills Botanic Garden. Back aboard ship this evening, we plan to welcome a Ghanaian notable for dinner and conversation. (B,L,D)

DAY 21 - Cape Coast, Ghana
A variety of absorbing experiences awaits us today. We dock at the Ghanaian town of Takoradi and visit Cape Coast Castle, a World Heritage Site, from where tens or perhaps hundreds of thousands of slaves were dispatched through the "Door of No Return." The images of the dungeons and at fine quarters occupied by the overseers are haunting. The beach below the castle is a beehive of activity, as fishing boats come and go and fishermen work at repairing their nets. We'll also see the impressive exterior of Elmina Castle. The adventurous among us can visit Kakum National Park, whose canopy walkway, suspended high over the rain forest, is not for the faint of heart. Local guides will show us the plants and birdlife of the forest. We've planned several other surprises for this day. (B,L,D)

DAY 22-23 - At Sea
(B,L,D)

DAY 24 - Monrovia, Liberia
Liberia has made remarkable strides in rebuilding during the short time since its civil war ended in 2005, and an upbeat, optimistic spirit pervades the country. We'll meet with local officials to hear about the important work that is taking place and explore Monrovia, seeing Providence Island, where the Americo-Liberian settlers landed; fine objects in the National Museum; a school; Liberia's oldest church (built in 1839); and we'll enjoy great views from the top of Ducor Hill. Or if you wish, you can be paddled along a small river outside town to enjoy the mangroves and local communities. (B,L,D)

DAY 25 - Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is also rebuilding rapidly since the end of its civil war, and this friendly country possesses an exuberant spirit. We'll tour Freetown, seeing the National Museum, the massive cotton tree that is Freetown's symbol and a number of other stops. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Or you may choose to explore the beautiful peninsula on which Freetown lies, which has picture-postcard beaches, good swimming and snorkeling and interesting communities. (B,L,D)

DAY 26 - At Sea
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DAY 27 - Banjul, The Gambia
The country of Gambia straddles the Gambia River, and we dock at the capital of Banjul, where the river flows into the Atlantic. Among our activities today: exploring the important Abuko Nature Center, known for its birdlife and monkeys; taking a boat among the mangroves of the Tanbi Wetlands to look for water birds; touring the National Museum; and seeing a lively local market and a place where batik and tie-dyed clothing is made. We also hope to arrange a visit to the ship by an American official to talk about current issues in the region. (B,L,D)

DAY 28 - Dakar
Dakar is one of Africa's most vital cities. Tour the city, seeing the crafts market, cathedral and, presidential palace, and watch fishing boats return with their catch. Visit Goree Island, a World Heritage Site that was a key hub for the slave trade. See traditional and contemporary art, or choose birdwatching. Visit a local club for great Senegalese music. (B,L,D)

DAY 29-30 - At Sea
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DAY 31 - Dakhla, Western Sahara
At tranquil Dakhla, the Sahara meets the sea. Venture into the desert to the White Dune, swim in the lagoon, look for flamingoes, and enjoy a local lunch in a tent set up especially for the occasion. Tour the town and visit the market street. (B,L,D)

DAY 32 - El Hierro, Canary Islands
The smallest and least visited of the Canary Island Group, El Hierro is a hidden gem, making it a perfect stop on our expedition and a chance to experience someplace different. A natural paradise, El Hierro boasts lush vegetation, unique wildlife, breathtaking hiking trails, and stunning lava formations. Each corner of the island reveals something spectacular, whether strolling through a small village or taking in the view atop the towering sea cliffs. (B,L,D)

DAY 33 - At Sea
(B,L,D)

DAY 34 - Disembark Agadir
Disembark in the white-washed Moroccan seaside city of Agadir. (B)