Namibian & South African Coastlines
Set sail on an all-new, unforgettable 11-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville to explore the shores of Namibia and South Africa. From one ocean to another, from Walvis Bay to Durban, explore southern Africa’s incredible scenery, flamboyant wildlife and bustling cities.
Over the course of your trip, at every port of call, each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. On this cruise, from Lüderitz, visit the ghost town of Kolmanskop and its colonial buildings now overrun by sand; discover the spectacular Cape of Good Hope and its unique biodiversity from Cape Town; or admire the elephants in Addo Elephant National Park during a safari, from Port Elizabeth. The range of experiences on offer promises a great time with lots of variety (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab). On the Atlantic coast, facing an untameable ocean, lies the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world. In Walvis Bay, where your adventure begins, nature has sculpted the sand into mountains, sheer drops, ochre and rust-coloured waves in perpetual motion. In this erg listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, silence reigns supreme. And yet this place is teeming with life. Zebras and springboks wash here, while in the neighbouring lagoon, the natural barrier formed by Pelican Point offers thousands of flamingos and cormorants, as well as one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals, a choice refuge. In Namibia, the desert is king. This is clearly evident in the ghost town of Kolmanskop. A few kilometres from Lüderitz and its pastel-coloured houses clinging to the cliffs, the sand has long since reclaimed the homes of the German settlers, shrouding the abandoned houses in perpetual mystery. In stark contrast to the serenity of the desert, the bustling cities of South Africa will immerse you in a unique cultural kaleidoscope. Dominated by the distinctive silhouette of Table Mountain, Cape Town reveals its lively streets and colourful gastronomy. After rounding the mythical Cape of Good Hope, discover Port Elizabeth. Known as the “Friendly City” for its hospitality, it is also the gateway to Addo Elephant National Park, famous for its elephants and other iconic African animals. From East London and its beaches of fine sand located on the Sunshine Coast, meet the Xhosa community before your next stop, Durban. In the KwaZulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, this city of African, Indian and colonial influences is a perfect example of the term ‘Rainbow Nation’. This is where your journey will end, along the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
