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Overview

An awe-inspiring exploration of West Africa

Everything about this extraordinary part of the world is rich in diversity: the languages, cultures, flora, and fauna. As we travel along the West African coast, you’ll enjoy unique experiences ranging from a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary to stops at multiple fine art and regional history museums.

This is an opportunity to examine some of the myriad ways Africa has shaped civilization worldwide; we will be delving into the arts, foods, and architecture of the region. Spend time honoring age-old cultural traditions of the Bijagó people and discovering the unique wildlife found on the Bijagós Archipelago, including the African manatee, saltwater hippo, and western chimpanzee.

Dates

April 15–30, 2024

Duration

16 days

Price

From $18,495 per person

Trip size

37 participants

Minimum age

18 years
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Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Joel Samoff

Center for African Studies

An educator, researcher, and evaluator with a background in history, political science, and education, Joel has been teaching at Stanford since 1980 on Africa, foreign aid, public policy, and education.

Itinerary

Cruising Africa’s fabled Gold Coast from Ghana to Senegal

Beginning in Ghana, sail north along the coast to Abidjian, the financial capital of Francophone West Africa. Discover the craftsmanship of Dan artisans in Liberia and learn about the Krio culture of Sierra Leone. Spend two days in Guinea-Bissau, exploring an archipelago of tiny islands, then cruise to Banjul to marvel at extraordinary wildlife. Conclude in Dakar with its colorful markets and poignant historical ties to the slave trade.

  • Accra, Ghana

    Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

    Accommodations:

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

  • Accra, Ghana

    Embark on a tour of the city this morning, focusing in Jamestown and Usshertown, the old quarters of the city. See the Jamestown Lighthouse, originally built by the British in 1871; Fort James, also built by the British in 1673; the colorful fishing harbor; the UNESCO-restored Brazil House Museum; Fort Ussher, Accra’s oldest fortification, built by the Dutch in 1642; and the Center for National Culture, Ghana’s largest craft market.

    Accommodations:

    Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Accra, Ghana / Embarkation

    In nearby Aburi, wander the expansive Aburi Botanical Gardens. Set in the verdant Akwapim Hills, the lush gardens are planted with indigenous and exotic trees and plants. After lunch, visit Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, which has been in operation since 1879, and learn about the important role of cocoa in the country’s economy. From there, continue to the port town of Tema to board our ship.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Takoradi, Ghana

    Located at the center of the “Castle Coast,” Takoradi is our gateway to the coastal fortifications built by colonial powers beginning with the Portuguese in the 15th century. It was through these fortifications that millions of Africans were forced onto slave ships bound for the Americas. Learn about this dark time in West Africa’s history during a visit to Cape Coast Castle.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Takoradi, Ghana

    Today we explore Kakum National Park, an extensive rain forest that supports a marvelous diversity of wildlife, including endangered mammals such as forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and primates like the endangered Diana monkey, as well colobus monkeys, 266 species of birds, some 600 varieties of butterfly. 

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

    This morning's tour of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's commercial and financial capital, includes the immense Hôtel Ivoire; the Italian-designed St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of Africa's most elaborate churches; and the National Museum of Abidjan, showcasing statues, masks, jewelry, tools, carved doors, tom-toms, and musical instruments from every region of the country. In the afternoon, travel to the nearby town of Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire's first capital.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea

    Our lecture program continues as we cruise up the coast, taking in panoramic views of the sea from the ship’s many decks and lounges.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Monrovia, Liberia

    The Republic of Liberia was founded in 1847 by emancipated African Americans. Tour Monrovia, the nation’s capital, named after United States President James Monroe, including the National Museum, featuring exhibits of Liberia’s famed tribal masks, sacred to the Dan people, as well as other cultural artifacts of the region. We also spend time at the bustling Waterside Market, where marvelously colorful textiles and other handicrafts are offered for sale by local merchants.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea

    Spend another day at sea, listening to lectures and enjoying the ship’s many amenities.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Freetown, Sierra Leone

    With its lush forests, nature reserves and white sand beaches, Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s most attractive destinations. Tour Freetown, the nation’s capital, including the Sierra Leone Museum with its wonderful collection of masks and drums and browse the city’s colorful markets. After lunch, travel to Regent village, where we visit a collection of early 19th-century Krio-style houses. Afterward, head to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a 100-acre tract of rainforest that provides protection to over 100 endangered western chimpanzees.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea

    Our lecture program continues as we cruise toward Guinea-Bissau.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • to

    Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

    Spend two days exploring the Bijagós Archipelago, a cluster of 88 pristine and seldom visited islands, of which only 23 are inhabited. Their impressive biodiversity and abundant flora and fauna have been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While our exact itinerary will be governed by tides, which in some places can be up to 20 feet, we expect to visit several of the most important islands, including Orango, home to a rare species of salt-water-dwelling hippos, and Canhabaque, a breeding ground for marine turtles. We also meet with some of the Bijagós people and learn about the traditions of this matriarchy where women choose their husbands and where communities are led by female priests.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Banjul, The Gambia

    Founded by the British early in the 19th century, Banjul is The Gambia’s capital and commercial center. Travel to Abuko Nature Reserve, one of the country’s last surviving examples of tropical riverine forests, home to some 300 species of birds, as well as red colobus, vervet and patas monkeys. Afterwards, visit the Makasutu Culture Forest, a private nature habitat of beautiful woodlands and waterways.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dakar, Senegal

    Once a small settlement on the Cap Vert peninsula, Africa’s westernmost point, Dakar has grown into a great metropolis. This morning, tour the main sites of the city—Place de L’Independence, the Presidential Palace, the Great Mosque—before exploring the IFAN Museum of African Arts, one of the continent's best collections. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gorée Island, a center of the West African Slave Trade, where our tour includes the Historical Museum, the Slave House, St. Charles de Borromee Church, and the Castle Fortress, with views across the channel to Dakar.

    Accommodations:

    Vega

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dakar, Senegal / Disembark / Home

    After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category E

Oceanview stateroom on Deck 4 with two large oval windows (206 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $18,495 per person

Category D

Oceanview stateroom on Deck 4 with two large oval windows (206 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $19,095 per person

  • Singe: $28,645 per person

Category C

Suites on Deck 5 with balcony and living room area (300 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $20,695 per person

Category B

Suites on Deck 5 with balcony and living room area (300 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $21,395 per person

  • Single: $30,295 per person

Category A

Suites on Deck 6 with balcony and living room area (300 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $22,495 per person

Category AA

Deluxe suites on Deck 5 and Deck 6 with separate living room and balcony (475 sq. ft.)

  • Double: $25,395 per person

Join us in West Africa

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