Searching for trips..
Extraordinary Southern Africa: From Maputo to Cape Town Cruise
Explore the best of South Africa from the comfort of a boutique expedition ship as it visits ports along the Indian Ocean on our 7-night South Africa Discovery cruise. We begin our journey in the former Portuguese colony of Mozambique, starting in the capital, Maputo, exploring its culture before visiting pristine beaches. Our first venture on South African shores gives us the possibility to see rare bird species such as the cuckoo hawk and pygmy goose who make their home in the wetlands. Then it’s time for the big game reserves in the hope of spotting hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, cheetahs and the world’s largest mammal, elephants. Our voyage finishes in Cape Town. Between safaris, swimming and sandy beaches, you’ll be treated to incredible food, meet locals and discover the architecture that’s been heavily influenced by all the cultures that make this place home. Come aboard our cultural cruise of South Africa, and feel inspired by this incredible country.
05 November, 2024 to 13 November, 2024
Oceanview D4
$ 12,132 AUD pp
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
20 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Oceanview M4
$ 12,647 AUD pp
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
20 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Balcony D5
$ 15,223 AUD pp
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Balcony M5
$ 15,900 AUD pp
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Balcony D6
$ 17,406 AUD pp
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
28 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Junior Suite
$ 19,557 AUD pp
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
35 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Suite
$ 22,595 AUD pp
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
44 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Premium Suite
$ 26,168 AUD pp
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
47 m2 Sleeps 2
view cabin photo
view cabin photo
Extraordinary Southern Africa: From Maputo to Cape Town Cruise itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
DAY 1 PRE CRUISE
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
DAY 2 MAPUTO
Mozambique’s capital city has an intriguing mix of Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings on broad boulevards lined with jacaranda and palm trees. Architectural standouts include the early-20th-century domed railway station, painted in green and white, and the Smiling Lion, a distinctive post-modernist apartment block designed by Pancho Guedes. Exploring Maputo is also simply about wandering the historic district of Baixa and taking in the vibrant street scene of bustling pavement cafes, live music and busy markets.
DAY 3 PORTUGUESE ISLAND
kiosks dishing up local specialities. Umbrellas and loungers are available if you want to relax in the sun, or you can join in an energetic game of beach volleyball or tennis. Hop on a traditional dhow boat for a tour along the shore, or head to the nearby island of Inhaca to visit its marine biology museum and lighthouse.
DAY 4 RICHARDS BAY
A busy port town with a deep natural harbour, Richards Bay is surrounded by extensive wetlands sheltering diverse birdlife. It’s part of the Zululand Birding Route, whose rare species include the cuckoo hawk and pygmy goose. You might also catch sight of hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the town’s large lagoon. Long stretches of sand include laid-back Alkantstrand Beach, where you can picnic in the shade, take a dip in the ocean, or watch surfers riding the waves.
DAY 5 DURBAN
South Africa’s third-biggest city, Durban is friendly and cosmopolitan, with long sandy beaches and rickshaw rides along a wide seafront promenade. Beyond the beach, you can meander among aromatic curry houses and spice stalls in the Indian District, then take a stroll through peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens, renowned for its orchid and palm collections. A handful of small museums focus on local history, and nearby Umgeni River Bird Park is home to around 200 species in a lush former quarry.
DAY 6 AT SEA
You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.
DAY 7 PORT ELIZABETH
On the western edge of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is an unassuming city with long stretches of swimming beaches and pockets of well-preserved Victorian architecture. As you pull into the dock, you might spot pods of frolicking dolphins close to shore. Just outside town, Kragga Kragga Game Park is home to roaming white rhinos and cheetahs, while guided game drives at Addo Elephant National Park (about 70 km northeast) offer thrilling encounters with the world’s largest land mammal.
DAY 8 MOSSEL BAY
Set on a hillside overlooking a vast bay, this laid-back seaside town was the first place where Europeans made landfall in South Africa in 1488. You can trace the area’s history at the excellent Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which contains maritime displays, 19th-century stone cottages and a botanical garden. Afterwards, stroll to nearby Santos Beach, a wide sandy stretch popular for swimming and water sports. Southern right whales calve in the bay’s calm waters between July and October.
DAY 9 CAPE TOWN
Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood
Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Extraordinary Southern Africa: From Maputo to Cape Town Cruise reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please Note: *
Itineraries are subject to change.
DAY 9 CAPE TOWN *
Ending our epic transatlantic journey with one of the most spectacular city sceneries in Africa . Domiated by Table Mountain , Cape town is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nearby splendid vineyards , wonderful harbour fronts and surprising restaurants where one can indulge on the delicious seafood
DAY 8 MOSSEL BAY *
Set on a hillside overlooking a vast bay, this laid-back seaside town was the first place where Europeans made landfall in South Africa in 1488. You can trace the area’s history at the excellent Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which contains maritime displays, 19th-century stone cottages and a botanical garden. Afterwards, stroll to nearby Santos Beach, a wide sandy stretch popular for swimming and water sports. Southern right whales calve in the bay’s calm waters between July and October.
DAY 7 PORT ELIZABETH *
On the western edge of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is an unassuming city with long stretches of swimming beaches and pockets of well-preserved Victorian architecture. As you pull into the dock, you might spot pods of frolicking dolphins close to shore. Just outside town, Kragga Kragga Game Park is home to roaming white rhinos and cheetahs, while guided game drives at Addo Elephant National Park (about 70 km northeast) offer thrilling encounters with the world’s largest land mammal.
DAY 6 AT SEA *
You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.
DAY 5 DURBAN *
South Africa’s third-biggest city, Durban is friendly and cosmopolitan, with long sandy beaches and rickshaw rides along a wide seafront promenade. Beyond the beach, you can meander among aromatic curry houses and spice stalls in the Indian District, then take a stroll through peaceful Durban Botanic Gardens, renowned for its orchid and palm collections. A handful of small museums focus on local history, and nearby Umgeni River Bird Park is home to around 200 species in a lush former quarry.
DAY 4 RICHARDS BAY *
A busy port town with a deep natural harbour, Richards Bay is surrounded by extensive wetlands sheltering diverse birdlife. It’s part of the Zululand Birding Route, whose rare species include the cuckoo hawk and pygmy goose. You might also catch sight of hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the town’s large lagoon. Long stretches of sand include laid-back Alkantstrand Beach, where you can picnic in the shade, take a dip in the ocean, or watch surfers riding the waves.
DAY 3 PORTUGUESE ISLAND *
kiosks dishing up local specialities. Umbrellas and loungers are available if you want to relax in the sun, or you can join in an energetic game of beach volleyball or tennis. Hop on a traditional dhow boat for a tour along the shore, or head to the nearby island of Inhaca to visit its marine biology museum and lighthouse.
DAY 2 MAPUTO *
Mozambique’s capital city has an intriguing mix of Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings on broad boulevards lined with jacaranda and palm trees. Architectural standouts include the early-20th-century domed railway station, painted in green and white, and the Smiling Lion, a distinctive post-modernist apartment block designed by Pancho Guedes. Exploring Maputo is also simply about wandering the historic district of Baixa and taking in the vibrant street scene of bustling pavement cafes, live music and busy markets.
DAY 1 PRE CRUISE *
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Diana
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 125 meters
Passenger Capacity: 192
Built: 2022-2023
Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.
Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.
Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views.
The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.
SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.
• Wander past Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings in Maputo
• Explore Mozambique’s uninhabited islands and try local specialities
• Keep an eye out for rare bird species along the Zululand Birding Route
• Take a rickshaw ride along Durban’s wide seafront promenade
• Search for white rhinos, cheetahs and elephants in the game parks near Port Elizabeth
• Explore Mozambique’s uninhabited islands and try local specialities
• Keep an eye out for rare bird species along the Zululand Birding Route
• Take a rickshaw ride along Durban’s wide seafront promenade
• Search for white rhinos, cheetahs and elephants in the game parks near Port Elizabeth