ITINERARY

Portuguese Africa
August 3 - 20, 2010
Visiting Senegal, Santiago Island, Guinea Bissau,
Sao Tome, Principe, Angola, Cabinda & Mocambique

Leave PARIS by AF #718

SENEGAL

Leave DAKAR by VR #8001

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS

PRAIA

Morning excursion to Ciudad Velha.

Start with a city tour of Plateau from Cruzeiro’s belvedere. There’s a panoramic view of the harbour and the zone of the International airport.  It passes in front of the Military Quarter Jaime Mota to reach the statue of Diogo Gomes (one of the discoverers of the Cape Verde Island).  From here there’s a panoramic view of the bay of Gamboa, the islet of Santa Maria, the lighthouse Maria Pia. Next, it passes by the square Alexandre Albuquerque surrounded by buildings of the nineteenth century as the Church of Na Sra. Graca, the Courthouse, the City Hall and the lldo Lobo’s cultural palace. The tour ends with the Municipal Market where there are always fresh  fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish and some spices. It follows then to Cidade Velha, the first city of the archipelago.  Here the visits starts by the Fortress of Sao Felipe II (1578-1585); the ruins of the Cathedral, the Pelourinho (symbol of the justice and local of execution of  this justice); the Church of Na Sra. do Rosario, the distillery for the  fabrication of the grogue and the Convent of Sao Francisco. The excursion ends at Paria da Frente where the tourists can take some drinks and buy souvenirs.

Afternoon free.

Leave PRAIA by VR #8002

GUINEA BISSAU

BISSAU

Full day city tour of the capital.

Drive down the main street the wide Avenida Amilcar Cabral with its Presidential Palace.  Along here you will find most banks, the Cathedral and the cinemas.  Also visit the central market.  Continue to Avenida de 14 Novembro to visit the Bandim market.

Leave BISSAU by V7 #351
Arrive DAKAR
HOTEL SOFITEL

7:40 PM
8:40 PM

Leave DAKAR by morning flight.

GABON

LIBREVILLE

Morning free.

SAO TOME

Leave SAO TOME by KY #203

PRINCIPE ISLAND

 9:45 AM

Morning Jungle Walk.

The overgrown primeval forests are idyllic for visitors. The canopy teems with birdlife, some breeds which have not yet been classified. Coconuts litter the paths, monstrous elephant ears and emerald green palm fronds bend towards the ground.

The Jungle Walk is an exciting guided exploration of the equatorial forest - an exhilarating 3 hour walk over impressive volcanic rock formations, through dense jungle, under palm fronds and creepers. This walk ends by taking in the magnificent "Bella Vista" view over Banana Bay - a captivating and beautiful, palm fringed bay where the international Bacardi advert was filmed.

Afternoon free.

Leave BOM BOM ISLAND by KY #206

Arrive SAO TOME
HOTEL MIRAMAR

9:05 AM

 9:45 AM

SAO TOME

Full day excursion around the West part of the island, including Roca Aqua IZE, the spectacular blowhole Boca de Inferno, 7 Ondas Beach, San Joao d’Angolares, and a typical lunch at Roca San Joao.

SAO TOME

Full day sail around the Island.

We sail around the island clock-wise starting from the North in the city of São Tomé, down South along the semi-humid zone of the East Coast. On the way we pass by Ilhéu de Santana, the famous Sete Pedras, as we will be able to appreciate the typical views of the beaches surrounded by tropical forest of the East.

We stop for lunch at the most Southern point possible, Ilhéu das Rolas and after lunch, we will visit the mark of Equator.

Our return to city is made along the otherwise inaccessible and rocky West Coast that also hosts some of the best beaches of the whole island of São Tomé.

ANGOLA

LUANDA

Morning city tour.
Afternoon free

LUANDA
Boat trip to the wonderful islands of Mussulo, with stops in the most beautiful ones. Chance to do sky fishing.

Leave LUANDA by DT #577

SOUTH AFRICA

MOCAMBIQUE

MAPUTO

Full day city tour of Maputo, with its wide tree-lined streets and tall buildings over-looking the Indian Ocean. The city has been shaped by the Portuguese Colonial past and exudes an intoxication Euro-Afro vibe.

• Guided visit to Maputo town.
• View the Parliament, the Fortress and the Railway Station.
• Learn more about the Steel House.
• Visit to the Cathedral and the Polana Church.
• Pass through Polana, Sommerschield and other interesting areas of Maputo town.
• Stop at the colourful markets and other interesting sights of Maputo town.

MAPUTO

Enjoy a full day excursion to the charming Inhaca Island, where the locals are welcoming and the beaches inviting.

• One and half hour boat trip to Inhaca Island.
• Swimming and snorkelling at Portuguese Island.
• Swimming at any of the beaches.
• Lunch at Inhaca Island at a local and traditional restaurant (included).
• Optional activities include guided snorkelling, visit to the Maritime Biology Museum and/or open Land Rover trips on the Island. 

Note: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner