Study Voyage: South Africa and Namibia
French elegance and the spirit of exploration aboard Le Dumont d'Urville
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Durban to Walvis Bay
Ten nights aboard Le Dumont d'Urville in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys round the Cape of Good Hope from Durban via Cape Town to Walvis Bay. The voyage links subtropical KwaZulu-Natal with the Garden Route, the dramatic Cape landscapes and Namibia's desert coast. Smithsonian experts accompany the cruise with lectures on the history, geology and wildlife of southern Africa. Table Mountain and Robben Island as UNESCO heritage, the ghost town of Kolmanskop near Lüderitz and the dune world of the Namib mark the highlights. With a marina, sixteen Zodiacs, the Blue Eye lounge and only 184 guests, the ship offers intimate expedition calls.
Route highlights
- Durban: Indian-influenced port metropolis on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and start of the Cape circumnavigation.
- East London: Indian Ocean port, gateway to the Wild Coast and to Xhosa culture.
- Port Elizabeth: Starting point for Addo Elephant National Park and the wildlife of the Eastern Cape.
- Cape Town: Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and Robben Island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lüderitz: German colonial architecture and the abandoned diamond town of Kolmanskop in the shifting dunes.
- Walvis Bay: Flamingo lagoon and gateway to the Namib desert with Sossusvlei and Sandwich Harbour.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2028 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Durban
10 nights
Walvis Bay
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Durban · Embarkation
Durban lies on South Africa's east coast on the Indian Ocean in the KwaZulu-Natal province and operates the largest and busiest port on the subcontinent. The city blends a Zulu cultural hinterland, the largest community of Indian descent outside India and the long surfing beachfront of the Golden Mile.
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At sea
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East London
East London lies on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa's Eastern Cape province at the mouth of the Buffalo River and is the country's only river port. Long surf beaches and the East London Museum, which displays the first coelacanth caught off the coast in 1938, are its main draws.
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Port Elizabeth (Bequia)
Port Elizabeth on Bequia (Grenadines) is the most charming Caribbean harbour for yachts. The small bay with wooden schooner boatyards on the beach, the turtle conservation programme and the whaling tradition make Port Elizabeth unique.
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At sea
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Kapstadt
South Africa's second-largest city on the Atlantic, framed by the flat plateau of Table Mountain and the rocky Lion's Head. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape of Good Hope and the wine estates inland define the experience.
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At sea
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Lüderitz
Port town on Namibia's south-western Atlantic coast, wedged between rocks and the Namib Desert. The German colonial Art Nouveau houses and the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, swallowed by desert sand, give the town its distinctive face.
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Walvis Bay · Disembarkation
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Dumont d'Urville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 7.570 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 8.340 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 8.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 9.170 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 12.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 12.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 12.520 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 12.520 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 16.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 17.540 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 18.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 18.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 20.120 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 27.780 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 6.770 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
