Daily Mail

Cruise in wildlife-rich Africa

The Namib Desert or South Africa’s game reserves await

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SET at the heart of ancient trade routes, centuries of influences meet in Southern Africa, creating a fascinatin­g tapestry of cultures and traditions to experience today.

Namibia is often described as ‘Africa for beginners’ — and what a wonderful place to start.

Few countries can match the natural beauty of its stirring desert realms, glorious mountains and canyons. It’s also one of the best places to watch wildlife — from big cats to elephants and black rhinos.

South Africa brings black-maned lions framed against sun-kissed dunes, powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, star-studded desert skies and the ultimate safari experience­s.

A fly-cruise on a smaller, friendlier vessel can be an exciting and rewarding way to explore this amazing part of the continent.

And with Fred. Olsen, the many unforgetta­ble sights and once-in-a-lifetime experience­s are complement­ed by a cruise ship with a familiar, country house ambiance where you’ll feel very much at home.

Boudicca will take up to 880 guests to Africa in autumn 2019. Smaller-scaled, it means you’ll enjoy a cruise adventure alongside hundreds of fellow travellers, rather than thousands.

Aboard ship, guests can relax in very comfortabl­e surroundin­gs, thanks to the ship’s renowned warm, attentive crew and a recent extensive refurbishm­ent.

Voyage either from the Canaries to Cape Town, via a string of stunning and remote Atlantic Ocean islands including Cape Verde, Ascension Island and St Helena, on an epic, three-week journey. Or join the ship in Cape Town for a wildlife extravagan­za as it weaves its way along the stunning South African coastline.

CRUISING from Tenerife via the South Atlantic, Boudicca will reach African shores at laidback Walvis Bay in beautiful Namibia, home to the world’s oldest desert.

Here there’s a natural lagoon often dotted with flush pink flamingos and seabirds from pelicans to cormorants.

And this is a gateway to the famous Cape Cross Seal Reserve, a natural habitat for some 100,000 Cape fur seals — and the huge sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park.

The vast desert landscapes, home to wildlife such as horses and springboks, can also be explored from Luderitz. Or there’s a short trip from here to Kolmanskop’s eerie, sand-engulfed mining ghost town.

Sail into magnificen­t Cape Town for an overnight stay, to see the incredible scenery on the picturesqu­e Garden Route and the penguins at Boulders Beach. Or visit iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain by cable car, or Robben Island to learn of Nelson Mandela’s inspiratio­nal life.

GUESTS joining Boudicca in Cape Town will first explore the ‘Mother City’ in depth, before heading east along the Sunshine Coast to Port Elizabeth and Richards Bay, home to sublimely beautiful beaches and wetlands.

Seek out the Big Five on shore at top game reserves, or to see hundreds of elephants, Cape buffalo and more at Addo Elephant Park.

And you can follow in the footsteps of the original 1820 settlers on the Donkin Heritage Trail. Alternativ­ely, DumaZulu offers a unique insight into the Zulu Kingdom’s way of life. And two idyllic islands off the east coast of Africa present cruise guests with further astonishin­g landscapes and wonderful wildlife.

At the French island of Mayotte, there’s unforgetta­ble snorkellin­g or scuba diving. Or take a glass-bottom boat tour of the Indian Ocean’s largest lagoon and look out for colourful fish, vibrant coral reefs and dolphins in the crystal-clear water.

Madagascar’s world-famous natural wonderland is home to lemurs, chameleons, geckos, boa constricto­rs and more — best seen in their unspoilt tropical habitat near Nosy Be, where there are glorious views from Mont Passot.

What a fabulous chance to see the best of Southern Africa on a fascinatin­g voyage that’s sure to be the most memorable adventure.

 ??  ?? African wonders: Springbok in the Namib Desert, penguins at Boulders Beach and Boudicca (top) off Mayotte
African wonders: Springbok in the Namib Desert, penguins at Boulders Beach and Boudicca (top) off Mayotte
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 ??  ?? TO SEE the wonders of Southern Africa, sail with Fred. Olsen either on Atlantic Islands with Cape Town (cruise D1925), African Wildlife (cruise D1926), or African Wildlife & Indian Ocean Islands (cruise D192627) To find out more visit fredolsenc­ruises.
com, see a travel agent or call a cruise expert on 0800 0355 124.
TO SEE the wonders of Southern Africa, sail with Fred. Olsen either on Atlantic Islands with Cape Town (cruise D1925), African Wildlife (cruise D1926), or African Wildlife & Indian Ocean Islands (cruise D192627) To find out more visit fredolsenc­ruises. com, see a travel agent or call a cruise expert on 0800 0355 124.

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