Coastlines of Contrast:
Namibia & South Africa by Sea

An extraordinary voyage from the ancient Namib Desert to South Africa’s wildlife-rich eastern shores

DAYS 1 TO 3 | WALVIS BAY & LÜDERITZ

Your journey begins in Walvis Bay, where the towering dunes of the Namib Desert meet the restless waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Embark Ponant’s elegant Le Dumont d’Urville and settle into the refined rhythm of life aboard. Explore Walvis Bay’s remarkable coastal environment, a haven for Cape fur seals and thousands of flamingos, before sailing south to Lüderitz. Set between the ocean and the desert, this characterful town retains a fascinating German architectural heritage.Venture into the surrounding sands to discover Kolmanskop, an abandoned diamond-mining settlement whose once-grand buildings are slowly being reclaimed by the desert.

DAYS 4 TO 6 | AT SEA & CAPE TOWN

Spend a leisurely day at sea, enjoying the ship’s intimate atmosphere, beautifully appointed spaces and sweeping ocean views as you sail towards the Cape of Good Hope Arrive in Cape Town for two days of exploration. Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the city brings together spectacular natural beauty, compelling history and a celebrated culinary scene.

Explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront, ascend Table Mountain or journey along the dramatic Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. Beyond the city, the vineyards and historic Cape Dutch estates of the Winelands offer another captivating perspective on the Cape.

DAYS 7 TO 9 | HERMANUS, MOSSEL BAY
& GQEBERHA

Continue along South Africa’s coastline to Hermanus, a relaxed seaside town surrounded by mountains, fynbos and sweeping ocean views. In Mossel Bay, discover the natural beauty of the Garden Route. Walk the scenic Cape St Blaize trail or travel inland for a game drive through Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where rhino, elephant and other African wildlife roam its diverse landscapes. Sail onwards to Gqeberha, gateway to the wildlife-rich Eastern Cape. Visit Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its thriving elephant population, or explore the city’s beaches, historic landmarks and cultural heritage.

DAYS 10 TO 12 | AT SEA, DURBAN & RICHARDS BAY

Enjoy another relaxing day at sea before arriving in Durban, a vibrant city shaped by African, Indian and colonial influences. Discover its golden beaches, colourful neighbourhoods and rich Zulu heritage, set against the warm shores of the Indian Ocean. Your voyage concludes in Richards Bay, gateway to the wetlands, wildlife reserves and cultural landscapes of northern KwaZulu-Natal.

This remarkable 11-night voyage aboard Le Dumont d’Urville brings together Namibia’s haunting desert scenery, the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town, the beauty of the Garden Route and the wildlife-rich landscapes of South Africa’s eastern shores.

EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY / BIG FIVE SAFARI