Africa Cruise - from Dakar - 120240

'The capital of the Republic of Senegal has the largest port in West Africa. Its oil refineries and the international airport mean it is one of the most important trading centres in West Africa. Dakar has a population of 1.7 million and is known as the finishing point of the world famous intercontinental car rally from Paris to Dakar. Cultural and scientific highlights of the city are the university, which was founded in 1957, the research institute "Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire" (IFAN) and the museums.

Lomé is the capital of Togo and was founded in the 19th century. There are still many buildings dating from the colonial period at "Grand Marché", which lend the area a special atmosphere. Lomé is also known for the long, palm-lined promenades along the coast. The main shopping street is the Rue du Commerce, which is also where you will find the neo-gothic style cathedral, "Sacre-Coeur". The residents of Lomé are friendly and hospitable. Nightowls will love the many bars and nightclubs that are open till the early hours of the morning.

The port of Cotonou is in the south of Benin, on a strip of land between the Gulf of Guinea and lake Nokoue in West Africa. The name of the city is derived from the word "Ku-Tonu", which in the language of the natives means "the estuary of the river of the dead". Cotonou developed from a small fishing village by the banks of a lagoon. Today, the city is the seat of government of the African country of Benin. The city's architectural spectrum ranges from traditional mud huts to colonial-style buildings to modern high-rises. The cityscape is shaped by the workshops and huts of the tradesmen, street traders, market women and cookshops. But it is the markets that are the most alluring: the international market of Dantokpa is one of the largest in West Africa. The early morning fish market, Ganhi fruit market and the art market are also well worth seeing.

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.