Seabourn reveals new pre- and post-cruise South Africa tours for 2024 Grand Africa voyage
Seabourn has introduced a selection of new pre-, mid- and post-cruise “Seabourn Journeys” available to guests on the 2024 Grand Africa Voyage, with five South African-based tours available.
Seabourn Journeys provide in-depth, land-based cruise extensions that go beyond single-day excursions and offer guests a chance to linger and make new memories amid Africa’s extraordinary destinations.
The luxurious pre-, post-, and mid-cruise Seabourn Journeys during the Grand Africa voyage will allow guests to further explore South Africa’s premier destinations, from joining a safari to see South Africa’s “Big Five,” to exploring culturally and historically important landmarks.
The tours include unique properties and national parks in Botswana, Namibia and more, as well as interesting sites such as the Kariega Game Reserve (Settlers Drift); Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, and Onguma The Fort.
In addition, guests seeking exclusive wine experiences can enjoy gourmet dining and wine tastings at La Residence Wine Estate in Franschhoek during four-day pre- and post-cruise stays.
“Seabourn Journeys allow our guests to create deeper, more immersive experiences of the destinations by extending their travel beyond the first and final ports of calls,” said Natalya Leahy, President of Seabourn.
“I am very proud of this bespoke collection of offerings and believe our guests will be delighted with these experiences,” she added. “Whether spotting the ‘Big Five’ on thrilling game drives, or relaxing in luxurious accommodations, or savoring award-winning wines, every moment is crafted to enhance the voyage and create unforgettable ‘Seabourn Moments’.”
The new Seabourn Journeys for the Grand Africa Voyage include:
La Residence Wine Experience (4-Day Pre- or Post-Cruise Journey)
Cape Town, South Africa | Pre: January 25-28, 2025 | Post: January 28-31, 2025
Guests sailing on shorter segments that either embark or debark in Cape Town on January 28, can enjoy a pre-cruise or post-cruise experience in South Africa’s stunning Cape Winelands. Upon arrival at Cape Town, guests are transported to La Residence in the Franschhoek Valley, where they can relax and dine at their leisure in opulent surroundings. The second day features a tour of historic wine estates in Paarl and Boschendal, complete with tastings and a picturesque picnic. On the third day, guests further explore the region’s esteemed vineyards and savor gourmet meals paired with local wines. After a final morning of the journey includes a wine tasting before guests either return home or board the ship.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (4-Day Post-Cruise Journey)
Cape Town, South Africa | January 28-31, 2025
Guests debarking their voyage in Cape Town on January 28 can embark on a multi-day post-cruise journey at the renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Known for its conservation efforts and luxurious accommodations, Grootbos offers a warm welcome and transfer to the Forest Lodge, where guests stay in elegant suites surrounded by stunning landscapes. Activities include exploring the Milkwood Forest, botanical hikes, 4×4 flower safaris, and visits to the ancient Klipgat Cave and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. A private Cape Agulhas tour features wine tastings and a curated picnic in South Africa’s southernmost wine region, known for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Syrah. Guests enjoy a marine safari to see the “Marine Big Five”—whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins—guided by marine biologists from Dyer Island Cruises. Each evening, guests dine at Grootbos’ unique lodge restaurants, the Garden and the Forest Lodge, before relaxing in the serene wilderness.
Ultimate Botswana Experience (7-Day Mid-Cruise Journey)
Durban, South Africa | January 22-28, 2025
After disembarking in Durban, guests fly to Johannesburg and stay at the Sanctuary Mandela Boutique Hotel, Nelson Mandela’s former residence. The next day, they travel to Botswana’s Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, known for its intimate setting and unique construction using recycled cans, offering game drives and mokoro excursions in the Okavango Delta. On the fourth day, guests transfer to the prestigious Chief’s Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, renowned for exceptional game viewing, including the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo – and over 500 bird species. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, gourmet dining, and optional activities like scenic flights and spa treatments. The Journey concludes with a final morning game drive before flying to Maun and then Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.
Kariega Game Reserve (4-Day Mid Cruise Journey)
Port Elizabeth, South Africa | January 25-28, 2025
Upon reaching Port Elizabeth, guests are transferred to Kariega Game Reserve, a vast 10,000-hectare wilderness known for its diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five”, and abundant birdlife. Guests stay at Settlers Drift, a blend of tented safari and 5-star luxury, with private viewing decks overlooking the Bushman’s River. Over the next two days, they enjoy exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, optional activities, and gourmet dining. On the fourth day, after a final game drive and breakfast, guests are transferred to Port Elizabeth Airport for their flight to Cape Town, where they rejoin Seabourn Sojourn to continue their voyage.
Escape To Etosha: Onguma The Fort (4-day Mid Cruise Journey)
Cape Town, South Africa |January 29-February 2, 2025
This mid-cruise journey offers a luxurious safari at Onguma The Fort, a magical oasis where guests are treated to breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Namibian sunset. With its prime location overlooking the Etosha Pans, the fort envelops visitors in massive, cool walls adorned with a blend of African, Moroccan, and Indian influences, all while surrounded by diverse wildlife. Highlights include guided game drives to spot the “Big Five” and various antelope species, and opportunities to observe the breathtaking Namibian sunset from the main tower or during a sundowner safari. Visitors can relax in elegant suites with private verandas, indulge in delicious meals, and learn about rhino conservation efforts. After several days of adventure and relaxation, guests fly to Walvis Bay to rejoin Seabourn Sojourn.
Departing on November 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a 90-day voyage that includes visits to 42 marquee and off-the-beaten-path destinations and cities in 20 countries, with seven overnight stays.
2024 Grand Africa voyage segments: For guests who cannot sail the entire voyage, shorter segments are available, giving guests more flexibility and opportunities to add pre- or post-journeys to extend their experiences. Shorter segments include the following: 27-Day Jewels of Northwest Africa – November 30th-December 27th, 2024, from Barcelona to Cape Town 17-Day Mozambique Channel Discovery & Zanzibar Nights – December 27th, 2024-January 13th, 2025, from Cape Town to the Seychelles 59-Day Northwest Africa to The Mozambique Channel – November 30th, 2024 – January 28th, 2025, from Barcelona to Cape Town 22-Day West African Discovery – January 28th – February 19th, 2025, from Cape Town to the Canaries
