Seabourn Sojourn - January 21, 2025

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Luderitz is a quirky town lodged in one of the best harbors on the least hospitable coast in Africa. One of Luderitz' main attractions is Kolmanskop Ghost Town. This previously bustling diamond town is now abandoned and fights a constant struggle with the sand dunes of the Namib desert. There are tours every morning around Kolmanskop which are very informative, a particular highlight of the tour is a visit to the bowling alley where you are invited to try your hand.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

Cotonou is the main port and commercial center of Benin, as well as the gateway to the capital of Porto Novo. Find whatever you need in the Dantokpa market or browse around while you experience the quite animated market of Ganhi. Relax on Cotonou's beaches or check out the city's various churches, mosques, and museums.

Lome is the capital and largest city of Togo. It lies in southwest Togo on the Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. Lome is a popular tourist destination. Lome has an international airport. Highways and railroads connect the city with major towns of Togo's coast and interior. Lome was a small village until 1897, when it became the capital of German Togo. In 1919, Lome came under French control. Togo gained independence from France in 1960. Since then, Lome has expanded its port, built new hotels, and become the site of Togo's only university.

With the opening of an artificial harbor in 1961, Tema developed from a small fishing village to become Ghana's leading seaport and an industrial center. Most of the country's chief export, cacao, is shipped from Tema. Manufactures include aluminum, steel, refined petroleum, soap, processed fish, chocolate, textiles, cement, and chemicals.

Abidjan is the largest city in Cote d'Ivoire and also once served as its official capital. Some refer to Abidjan as the Paris of West Africa, perhaps because of its plentiful shopping opportunities. Other French influences in the city are also evident, ranging from the multitude of gourmet restaurants to the language of the locals. Be sure to try one of the famed pineapples.

Banjul, formerly Bathurst, is the capital of Gambia. It is located on St. Mary's Island where the Gambia River enters the Atlantic Ocean. It is Gambia's only large city and its administrative and economic center. Peanut processing, the chief industry, provides the leading export. The city was founded by the British as a trading post and a base for suppressing the slave trade.

The capital of Senegal on the tip of Western Africa is a modern town with a charming colonial center known for its handicrafts, textiles, silver-work and beaches. Watch the local fishermen or take a trip to see the beautiful African hinterland.

Mindelo is the most culturally rich, cosmopolitan city on the island of Sao Vicente. The architecture on this Cape Verde island has a distinctly British feel, and the nights feature a Brazilian rhythm. Enjoy the fantastic local seafood. The beaches of the area are quite excellent. Mindelo is the home of the famous composer B. Leza.

The capital of Gran Canaria is a delight for strollers with areas such as Ciudad Jardin, where beautiful gardens surround the Canarians' homes, and the old quarter of Vegueta, where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492. Explore the island's beautiful landscape; the highlight is a visit to the Guanches' caves, where the island's primitive inhabitants once dwelled.

The island of Lanzarote has the most active volcanoes and the most bizarre landscape you'll see anywhere. In the National Park of Timanfaya, weird formations of cooled lava thrust cave-pocked formations into the sky like pieces of Swiss cheese. Right on the steep sided crater, circles of volcanic rock enclose vineyards producing the island's distinctive Malvasia wine. In contrast are the inviting, gently sloping beaches of the South side of the island.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

The economic capital of Morocco and the second largest city in Africa, Casablanca is an exotic blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of ancient Medina, the original Arab Section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. The Ain Daib quarter in the southern part of the city boasts a strand of oceanfront resorts and restaurants set along the beach. Visit the mysterious "pink" city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to the Mediterranean. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for a spectacular view of two continents as well as the famous Barbary apes.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.