Expedition Highlights:

• Follow the trading routes of Henry the Navigator
• Wander through ancient laurel tree forests
• Learn of this region’s European colonization
• Visit Goree Island – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Admire panoramic Ribeira Grande vistas
• Contemplate the solemn history of slave trade sites
• Meet the descendants of Kunta Kinteh at Juffureh
• Explore the seldom visited Bijagos Archipelago
• Watch for exotic birdlife, wild monkeys and rare butterflies
   

Day 1 — Santa Cruz Tenerife, Spain
Embark the Silver Explorer for your 17-day Silversea Expedition: “Atlantic Islands & African Shores”. This unique itinerary explores some of the more remote and less visited areas along Africa’s northwest coast, and while some of the ports might present challenges such as poor infrastructure, the pay off will be truly one-of-a-kind experiences and lifelong memories. Once onboard, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the ship’s luxurious amenities. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

Day 2 — San Sebastian, Isla La Gomera, Spain
The National Park of Garajonay is undoubtedly La Gomera’s most outstanding attraction. It is one of the world’s most ancient forests and densely packed with laurel trees. Leaving San Sebastian, we make our ascent into the spectacular forest, which stands at 4,000 feet above sea level and affords breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to the neighbouring islands of Tenerife in the east and La Palma in the west. In all, 16 varieties of laurel thrive in Garajonay and as many as 400 species of flora, including Canary willow and Canary holly. Everything is covered in moss and lichen because of the moist conditions and vast canopy that lets little light through. Around 2 million years ago, laurel forest covered most of the Mediterranean, but most has been wiped out because of climate change. We will have plenty of amazing photographic opportunities before we make our descent to the coast and the Valley of the Great King. The valley is ringed by mountains and terraced farms cling to the slopes all around. We will learn that it was once home to the island’s last Guanche chieftain and about the conquest of Gomera at the beginning of the 15th century.

Day 3 — Dakhla, Western Sahara
Dakhla is located at the tip of a thin peninsula and we will head ashore this afternoon to explore and to capture a sense of this quiet little place with our cameras. Historically, the area was once a Spanish colony named Villa Cisneros and an old Spanish lighthouse still stands on the outskirts of town. Climb the 240 steps for magnificent views in all directions. A walk along the beach reveals the main industry to be fishing. The simple, rustic boats clustered together make for excellent images, as do the whitewashed buildings, chaotic streets and fabrics woven in colourful patterns. In small groups we will shop at the local souk or tag along with the onboard ornithologist in search of wild flamingos, gulls and terns.

Days 4-5 — At Sea
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 6 — Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão, Cape Verde Islands
Our excursion today begins with a scenic drive into the mountains of Ribeira Grande. The landscape, temperature and weather conditions change dramatically in this fascinating place. We will stop to admire the panoramic views at the Cova volcano crater and the hillside homes of Corda. Throughout the drive our local guide will point out details of the natural landscape – verdant green valleys and terraced gardens reminiscent of the Far East – as well as a history of the island, its primarily Creole culture.

We will visit the traditional Portuguese village of Cocoli, the small fishing village of Ponta do Sol and the parish of Nossa Senhora do Livramento with its beautiful old church. Following our traditional lunch of fresh fish and catchupa, a national dish made with corn, beans and vegetables, we will be entertained by a live musical performance at the church praça (plaza) courtesy of the mayor of Ribeira Grande. Returning to our scenic drive, we next explore charming Sinagoga village and the Vila das Pombas (Paúl) district where we will have the opportunity to snap a few photos of the pastel-coloured buildings and snap up a few souvenirs at the shops. Before returning to the Silver Explorer, we will be served some refreshments at the Santantão Art Resort.

Day 7 — At Sea
Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 8 — Dakar, Senegal
Goree Island is located just off the coast of Dakar, and is our afternoon destination. This small island is notable in history as a major centre in the slave trade and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as a powerful historic symbol representing hundreds of similar posts dotting Africa’s west coast from Senegal to Angola, in which more than 12 million Africans were sold into slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Our primary focus will be the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) built by the Dutch in 1776 as a holding point for slaves. Now a museum, we will tour through the dungeons where slaves were held, and hear of how they were sold and shipped. Next, we visit the IFAN Historical Museum to learn more about the history of Senegal, the Musee de la Femme (The Women's Museum) to look at the role of Senegalese women in traditional and modern West African culture, and the Maritime Museum to better understand Senegal's seafaring history.

Day 9 — Banjul, The Gambia
               Albreda, The Gambia
Ornithologists all over the world consider The Gambia to be a birdwatchers’ paradise where over 500 species can be seen. So, naturally we will offer an excursion for our birding enthusiast guests! This morning we head to the Abuko Nature Reserve where our guides lead us on a forest walk. More than 500 birds live in the reserve, as well as monkeys and crocodiles. At the Reserve’s zoo we can also see lions, hyenas, reptiles, antelopes, bush ducks and crown cranes.

Alternatively, visit the Makasutu cultural forest situated on the banks of a beautiful meandering tributary of the River Gambia, and encompassing many different ecosystems including dense forest, savannah and mangrove regions. The forest is home to hundreds of varieties of birds, three species of monkeys, monitor lizards, pygmy deer, and mongoose to name but a few – and, if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of migrating baboons that make the forest their home for a number of months each year.

The Expedition Team will offer a variety of different activities for our visit today – guided walks through the forest, bird watching and wildlife observation. There may also be an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing river ride in a traditional dug-out canoe. Drift along while spotting wildlife and watching fishermen and women collecting oysters from the mangrove.

During lunch, the Silver Explorer will cruise up The Gambia River to the village of Albreda and the ruined fortified slaving station built by French traders in the late 17th century. We are met on shore by our local guides who will take us to Juffureh, the ancestral home of Roots author Alex Haley and of Kunta Kinteh, the main character in this famous historic novel. Although slavery has long been abolished, the ancestors and direct descendants of many extracted Africans in the Diaspora can be found today. At Juffureh, we will meet a descendant of the Kinteh family and visit an excellent museum dedicated to the history of slave trade in this area. We will learn of Kunta Kinteh who was captured and taken to America as a slave some 200 years ago, and how his saga is reflected in The Gambia’s continued traditions and culture – a little-known story of survival, love of country and people, and freedom. A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each preserving its own language and traditions.

Day 10 — At Sea
Take advantage of our Open Bridge policy. Except when in port and weather permitting, the gregarious Bridge officers are always welcome guest to visit and learn about the sophisticated navigation equipment aboard Silver Explorer. Did you know? All expedition lectures are broadcast from The Theatre so that should you prefer, you can enjoy from the comfort of your suite or stateroom.

Days 11-12 — Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
Few people have ever heard of, let alone visited the cluster of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau. The 88 semitropical islands, of which only 26 are inhabited, are a UNESO Biosphere Reserve In 1996 due to their high level of biodiversity. The islands are an exciting paradise for birders and botanists alike, while for those who enjoy getting to know native cultures, the islanders maintain a matriarchal society and still practice their traditional animist faith.

Our visit to this region will mark a first for of any expedition ship, and will be dictated entirely by the tides and weather. The tidal differences are huge here, and each tidal period offers different activities. Together, the Expedition Leader and Captain will take advantage of the conditions to provide the best possible experience whether it is swimming and beachcombing on a remote uninhabited island, visiting a traditional village that can only be reached during high tide, or cruising by Zodiac amongst the mangroves. The Bijagos Archipelago offers true expedition cruising and our visit here is sure to be a memorable experience.

SPECIAL REQUEST
Silversea Expeditions guests are encouraged to bring a donation of school supplies or new or used children’s clothing (ages 1 to 10 years) from home when packing for your voyage. Much-needed supplies include pens, pencils and writing pads. Supplies will be collected on board by the Expedition Team and distributed to a local village school on your behalf during the voyage.

Day 13 — Freetown, Sierra Leone
We arrive late morning in the bustling West African city of Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone. In 1787, British philanthropists founded the ‘Province of Freedom’, which later became Freetown, a British crown colony and the principal base for the suppression of the slave trade. By 1792, 1,200 freed slaves from Nova Scotia had joined the original settlers, the Maroons. Another group of slaves rebelled in Jamaica and travelled to Freetown in 1800.

During our afternoon tour we will visitsites such as the St. Georges Cathedral, Railway Museum, National Museum, Maroon Church, Martello Tower and Fort Thornton, which is now the location of the State House.

Day 14 — Banana Islands, Sierra Leone
The Banana Islands are comprised of two main islands: Dublin Island and Ricketts Island, which are linked by a causeway and uninhabited. Ricketts Island has some great forest areas to explore, while Dublin Island boasts beautiful beaches. Both islands also exhibit some relics of Sierra Leone’s role in the slave trade. We depart on tour today to explore the islands’ series of white sand beaches, each nestled in a secluded cove of dramatic rock formations and lush rainforest. We will explore on foot and go in search of the numerous fruit trees – mangoes, bananas, papaya, citrus fruits, coconuts and starfruit. We hope to see some wildlife too including reptiles, birds, and grey long-tailed monkeys who fish for crab with their tails! After lunch on board the Silver Explorer, we will go snorkelling with our marine biologist who will point out an abundance of underwater life and possibly some secluded shipwrecks. For guests who prefer not to swim, there will be opportunities for beachcombing or perhaps a Zodiac cruise.

Days 15–-16 At Sea
Two leisurely days at sea are yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky.

Day 17 — Takoradi, Ghana
Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana, the Land of Sunshine. This morning we set out to explore the Gold Coast area. We drive to Elmina Village where we will tour Elmina Castle, which was built in 1482 and is said to be the oldest European-built structure outside of Europe. Between the picturesque old town alleys and the numerous flat-bottomed pirogue boats in the harbour, we enjoy one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities. 

We continue to the notorious Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. First built in 1653 for the trade in timber and gold, the Castle was later used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We will visit the museum and view the dungeons that once held hundreds of men and women in unspeakable conditions as they awaited deportation across the Atlantic as slaves.

Alternatively, travel inland to visit the Kakum National Park, a 357-square-km park of undisturbed virgin rainforest. Join our natural history staff and local guides for a walking tour through the forest and on a canopy walkway, offering an opportunity to see much of Ghana’s indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game.

Following the morning tours, we will enjoy lunch at a nearby oceanfront resort and a final afternoon together, relaxing on Ghana’s magical beaches.

Day 18 — Tema (Accra), Ghana
After breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer.