Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
South Africa and Namibia by Sea: Around the Cape of Good Hope – with Smithsonian Journeys
Durban - Walvis Bay
Dates:
3/19/2026
to
3/29/2026
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
This voyage along the southern coast of South Africa can be thought of as an expedition in two parts. The first five days, from Durban to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), are devoted to what might be called a 'safari by sea' as you explore the great game parks of the Eastern Cape, encountering elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and a host of other animals, including an amazing variety of bird species. The second part, focused on Cape Town and its surroundings, explores the natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula and the vineyards and whitewashed farmhouses of Stellenbosch, while also providing opportunities to delve into the city's role in the struggle against apartheid and the ongoing work of building a multi-racial society.
From Durban, begin with a day at sea, attending lectures and preparing for the experiences that lie ahead, before calling in East London. Here, your choice of excursions includes two private game reserves, both showcasing the wildlife of South Africa's Eastern Cape; a visit to an authentically reconstructed Xhosa village, for performances of traditional dance and displays of Xhosa handicrafts; or exploration of the fascinating East London Museum, which played a crucial role in discovering and identifying fossil footprints that are the earliest evidence of homo sapiens in Africa.
Your next stop is Port Elizabeth, now officially known as Gqeberha, where Le Bougainville remains docked for two full days, allowing for extensive exploration of the many varied game reserves in the surrounding countryside. Two of these focus on particular species—the Addo Elephant Park, home to 450 of these endangered animals, and the Bellevue Forest Reserve, which offers the unique experience of a 'walking safari' among giraffes. The other game reserves, all of which are actively involved in conservation efforts, provide possibilities for viewing the "big five"— lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—in a variety of environments ranging from bushveld and grasslands to coastal forests. They are also home to an abundance of other wildlife, including zebra, hippo, cheetah, warthog, and hyena, as well as myriad bird species.
A day at sea provides an opportunity to relax and recharge before you reach cosmopolitan Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city, where, just as in Gqeberha, your ship will be in port for two days. Options for activities ashore include panoramic drives on the Cape Peninsula—one a full day excursion along the entire length of the Peninsula, with stops at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; and another focusing on the northern end of the Peninsula around Hout Bay, including the world-famous Chapman's Peak Drive. A tour of the city center includes Company Gardens, the South African Museum, Desmond Tutu's St. George's Cathedral, and the Truth to Power exhibit that chronicles the fight against apartheid. You may visit Robben Island, home to the prison that housed political opponents of apartheid including Nelson Mandela, designated a World Heritage Site in 1999. You may venture into the wine country east of Cape Town and explore the lovely town of Stellenbosch and enjoy a tasting at a local vineyard. Or you may choose an excursion to the boutiques and artisanal shops of Kalk Bay. Whatever combination of activities you choose, however, you are likely to find yourself at some point atop Cape Town's emblematic Table Mountain.
On the final day of the voyage, visit the Namibian town of Lüderitz. Founded as a German colony in 1833, Lüderitz became a true boom town in the early 20th century, when diamonds were discovered nearby. Tour the town and its unmistakably Bavarian legacy, or travel across the desert to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, whose ruins provide a glimpse of what life was like during the region's time at the center of a diamond rush. Your voyage ends the following day in Walvis Bay.
Ref : DW0745US - EG190326
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging lectures and...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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L'AUSTRAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
4/2/2026 to the 4/12/2026
LE CHAMPLAIN
12/3/2025 to the 12/13/2025
LE BORÉAL
5/14/2026 to the 5/24/2026
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging lectures and discussions on board with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Phiwokuhle Mnyandu, the Assistant Director for the Center for African Studies at Howard University, and Don Wilson, Curator Emeritus of Mammals at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
- The world-famous conservation efforts of Addo Elephant Park.
- Multiple opportunities for safaris through game parks in search of the "big five."
- Panoramic tours of the stunning beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
- The wine country surrounding Stellenbosch.
- The UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island.
- Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain.
Ports of Call & Excursions
March 19, 2026 - Durban
Embarkation 3/19/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 3/19/2026 at 6:00 PM
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and one of Africa's major ports. Between long beaches rocked by the rollers of the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers dominating the avenues lined with jacarandas, in this multicultural city with African, Indian and colonial influences, the term "rainbow nation" takes on its full dimension. With a rich cultural and historical heritage, with its museums, colonial buildings and picturesque neighbourhoods, it is also known for the fauna and flora that surrounds it.
March 20, 2026 - At sea
Arrival 3/20/2026
Departure 3/20/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
March 21, 2026 - East London
Arrival 3/21/2026 early morning
Departure 3/21/2026 late afternoon
Situated on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, about 1,000 km (620 miles) from Cape Town, East London is now the country’s largest river port. Affectionately known as “Buffalo City”, it is bathed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and is bordered by the Nahoon River to the north and the Buffalo River to the south. It enjoys an incredible subtropical climate. But its sun-drenched coastline is not its only attraction. The city also boasts a number of cultural treasures, including the type specimen of the coelacanth, a fish thought to have disappeared 80 million years ago, and the world's only dodo egg. Both are on display at the East London Museum. The city is also a gateway to the Xhosa culture and their villages. In the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, important archaeological remains await you along the dunes, including one of the oldest footprints in the world.
March 22, 2026 March 23, 2026 - Port Elizabeth
Arrival 3/22/2026 early morning
Departure 3/23/2026 late afternoon
Discover Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s major cities. Located in the province of Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City”, in reference to the hospitality of its inhabitants. Renowned for the beauty of its beaches, Port Elizabeth is also home to rich wild life, particularly in the Addo National Park, famous for its elephants. Another key site in the city, the Donkin reserve is a public space home to numerous historic monuments. Port Elizabeth also reflects an important aspect of South African history, through both its colonial heritage and its contemporary history marked by the end of apartheid.
March 24, 2026 - At sea
Arrival 3/24/2026
Departure 3/24/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
March 25, 2026 March 26, 2026 - Cape Town
Arrival 3/25/2026 early morning
Departure 3/26/2026 early afternoon
Dynamic and peaceful, cosmopolitan and hip, Cape Town offers its visitors a most unique mix. Here, the locals like to say that their city is “the quintessential melting pot of South Africa”. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world and dominated by the famous Table Mountain, it is graced with extraordinary landscapes including sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and vast whitesand beaches. We invite you to discover this incredible city, the South African capital of fashion, the art of living, and gastronomy. Further on, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve awaits you and is home to a wide variety of endemic fauna and flora.
March 27, 2026 - At sea
Arrival 3/27/2026
Departure 3/27/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
March 28, 2026 - Lüderitz
Arrival 3/28/2026 early morning
Departure 3/28/2026 late morning
Located in Namibia, in southern Africa, Luderitz is a coastal town in the Karas region. A former German colony at the gates of the Namib desert, this singular town has houses featuring occasionally extravagant colonial architecture. With its sandy streets overlooking the ocean, the small port town gives off a particular atmosphere that will not leave you indifferent. Perched on a granite promontory, the Felsenkirche Lutheran church is well worth a visit, as are the Deutsche Afrika Bank building and the Goerke Haus monument. The Kolmanskop ghost town, with its hospital and abandoned colonial houses invaded by the desert sands , looks like it’s come straight off a film set.
March 29, 2026 - Walvis Bay
Arrival 3/29/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 3/29/2026 at 9:30 AM
On the wild coastlines of Namibia, you will feel the force of the encounter between the infinite dunes of the oldest desert in the world and the tempestuous waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A natural port in the curve of a bay formed by an old river delta, Walvis Bay is protected from the whims of the ocean by the natural barrier of Pelican Point. It is a real refuge for migratory birds, where thousands of pink flamingos and Cape cormorants mix with one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies in the world. On the Namibian coastline, the seals make the most of the Benguela Current, cold and full of fish, which comes up from the Antarctic.
Le Bougainville
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, an 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.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Phiwokuhle Mnyandu, the Assistant Director for the Center for African Studies at Howard University, and Don Wilson, Curator Emeritus of Mammals at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Durban to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 10-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bougainville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion per day in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Walvis Bay at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest*, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
*Excluding Paul Gauguin
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.