Le Lyrial, Along the South African Coastline ex Cape Town to Durban

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8 Night Cruise sailing from Cape Town to Durban aboard Le Lyrial.

8 Night Cruise sailing from Cape Town to Durban aboard Le Lyrial.

Discover a PONANT itinerary that explores the essential towns and sites of South Africa's wild east coast. A circuit in partnership with RADIO CLASSIQUE, with the exceptional presence of Alain Duault and of the Sirba Quintet.
At the crossroads of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, embark aboard Le Lyrial on a 9-day cruise between Cape Town, mother-city of the country, dominated by Table Mountain, and Durban, a cosmopolitan seaside city.
This journey in South Africa will also allow you to discover Port Elizabeth, nicknamed "the friendly city" for its welcoming inhabitants, and Richards Bay.

A land of ethnic diversity, South Africa is often described as “a world in one country”. Its incredible melting pot of cultures, religions, and histories infuse its rich heritage.
The diversity of fauna and flora is also one of South Africa's treasures: the nation is home to three of the largest terrestrial mammals—the elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus—and its plant life alone represents one tenth of the world’s botanic heritage, with some 25.000 species.

Between its bustling metropolises and its breathtaking natural beauty, we invite you to discover the two contrasting sides of this incredible country.

Highlights of this cruise:

Cape Town
Cape Town and surrounding regions are regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The city is a rare cultural gem resulting from the amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.

The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula.

Cape Town boasts a multitude of entertainment, ranging from outdoor activities and adventures in the sun to a roaring night life under neon signs. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes haggling with shopholders at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as breezing through sophisticated and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of restaurants reflects the multicultured history of the Cape and caters for everyone's taste, from fast-food outlets and casual to the chic to the very elegant.

Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is located on the Indian Ocean about halfway between Cape Town and Durban. The city is beautifully set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay, making Port Elizabeth a Mecca for all beach and watersport activities. Across the bay is the wonderful Addo Elephant National Park. In and around the city there are scenic nature trails and wildlife experiences, long golden beaches, historic heritage and a warm sunny climate.

Port Elizabeth has a famous oceanarium on the seafront, colourful Edwardian architecture, and a fort, Ft. Frederick, from which no shot was ever fired. The old library, City Hall and Market Square are worth a visit , and there are several other interesting buildings.

South of the city are good beaches, such as King’s Beach and Humewood Beach. The latter features the Apple Express, one of the few remaining narrow-gauge steam trains, which runs on occasion from Humewood to Thornhill.

Durban
Durban is South Africa's third-biggest city and reflects a mix of cultures, including a large Indian community and a new influx of Africans from countries to the north. Indians were brought out to KwaZuli-Natal in the 1860's as indentured slaves to what was then the Colony of Natal. They have stayed and with them they brought their culinary delights and a variety of spices can be found in this city. In Durban's Victoria Market there are many hawkers selling fine spices.

Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West creating a wealth of influences to entertain and enthrall with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire walkers and colonial heritage.

Traditionally Durban was well known for its conservatism when it came to the erection of public buildings,yet in the 1930's the city threw off this mantle and embraced a new Art Deco. Numerous buildings, especially residential high rises, were erected in this new design. In many ways the art work on the Art Deco Buildings reflect a particular Durban identity with a strong emphasis on the city's maritime background.