46-DAY WEST AFRICA EXPLORATION & THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying 44 km NE of Mahe. Once used as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, it is now known as a tourist destination as it is home to beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. There are also several very rare birds such as the endemic Seychelles Bulbub and the Seychelles Black Parrot, as well as being the only place on earth that is home to the unique Coco de Mer, a fruit from an extraordinary palm tree. Read more about Praslin, Seychelles

Nosy Be (‘Big Island’: Malagasy), an island off the NW coast of Madagascar, is its largest port and Madagascar’s most popular beach-resort. Though Nosy Be’s inclination is towards mass tourism, it is still a largely peaceful place with sugar cane plantations, rum distilleries, ylang ylang bushes, and lounging lemurs. This still beautiful island offers some amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities as well as primary forests with great wildlife. Read more about Nosy Be, Madagascar

Located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte (French Comoros) primarily consists of two islands, Grande Terre - on which Mamoudzou the capital of Mayotte is situated - and Petite Terre, as well as many other uninhabited islands. These islands are of volcanic origin as evidenced by the ancient volcanic peaks and ravines, and are endowed with breath-taking natural splendour including endemic flora and fauna. The islet of Pamandzi has a volcanic crater filled with emerald green waters known as the ‘Lake of the volcano’, while another beautiful site is in Sulu, where a waterfall falls directly into the sea. Read more about Mamoudzou, Comoros

Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and is its busiest port. Its subtropical climate and extensive beaches provide excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers, surfers and swimmers. The Golden Mile, a wide stretch of golden sands, is artificially separated by various piers. Read more about Durban, South Africa

Port Elizabeth - or PE as it is fondly known - is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Also known as the Friendly City and the Windy City, it tends to live up to both names. The long stretches of white beach and its historical significance make PE a vibrant city, with shopping, flea markets, great restaurants and other entertainment on offer. Read more about Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth - or PE as it is fondly known - is South Africa's fifth largest city and is located on the Indian Ocean coast half-way between Cape Town and Durban. Also known as the Friendly City and the Windy City, it tends to live up to both names. The long stretches of white beach and its historical significance make PE a vibrant city, with shopping, flea markets, great restaurants and other entertainment on offer. Read more about Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Mossel Bay is a small harbour town situated on the Southern Cape, or Garden Route, of South Africa. It has, over the years, developed into a town of unhurried hospitality, complementing the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the area. It was here that the first modern Europeans set foot on southern African shores, so most visitors visit the Da Gama Museum Complex - in the town centre - where this event is commemorated. Read more about Mossel Bay, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was the first European settlement in South Africa, and today is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flowers. Be sure to get to the top of the mountain by taking the Table Mountain Cableway and absorb the fascinating views. Read more about Cape Town, South Africa

Luderitz is a quirky town lodged in one of the best harbours on the least hospitable coast of Africa. Its appeal as a town lies in the fact that little hasn’t changed since the early 20th century. There are many historic buildings in Luderitz including the Deutsche Afrika Bank, the Railway Station, the Old Post Office, and the Church on the rocks. Read more about Luderitz, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, Namibia, lies on the Atlantic coast where the desert dramatically meets the sea, and has long been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour protected by the Pelican Point sand spit. This is the only harbour along the 1350km Namibian coast, hence important historically to vessels rounding the Cape of Good Hope, discovered in 1485. Variously coming under British, German and South African control, The Republic of Namibia became independent in 1990, and Walvis Bay came under its control in 1994. Read more about Walvis Bay, Namibia

Cotonou is the largest and most important city of the Republic of Benin, situated in the Gulf of Africa to the west of Nigeria. A majority of the population live on its small southern coastline. While the official language is French, several other languages are commonly spoken. Read more about Cotonou, Benin

Lome is the capital of Togo, West Africa. Located on the Gulf of Guinea, it is the country's administrative and industrial centre and its chief port. The dock is not within walking distance to town, so shuttle buses are provided. Read more about Lome, Togo

Banjul, the capital of Gambia, is a seaport town located on St Mary’s Island where the Gambia River enters the ocean. The island is connected to the mainland to the west and the rest of Greater Banjul Area via bridges. There are also ferries linking Banjul to the mainland at the other side of the river. Read more about Banjul, Gambia

Dakar, the western-most city on the African mainland, is a very French capital and the largest city of Senegal. A feverish city that brims with life, together with its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, results in it having the most European atmosphere of any city on the continent. To get an excellent view of the city visit Les Mamelles Lighthouse that was built in 1864 and located on a small volcanic hill. Read more about Dakar, Senegal

Las Palmas, the ninth largest city of Spain, is situated on one of the smaller islands of the Canary Islands that are located just off the NW coast of mainland Africa. About twenty percent of all inhabitants of the entire group of islands live in this city. It is set in magnificent scenery of two bays and their beautiful beaches. Read more about Las Palmas, Spain

Lanzarote, the easternmost of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, lies about 125 km off the African coast. Due to its mild, dry climate it is regarded as a perfect year-round destination. Lack of erosion means that the volcanic landscape appears much as it did just after past eruptions. Read more about Lanzarote, Spain

Africa’s second largest city and Morocco’s largest city and chief port, Casablanca (Portuguese for ‘white house’), is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the west of the country. The city has passed through Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and French control, and the famous 1942 film Casablanca reflects its colonial status in the 1940s. Today it is the largest city of the Maghreb (Barbary Coast), land of the Berbers and Moors. Read more about Casablanca, Morocco

Africa’s second largest city and Morocco’s largest city and chief port, Casablanca (Portuguese for ‘white house’), is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the west of the country. The city has passed through Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and French control, and the famous 1942 film Casablanca reflects its colonial status in the 1940s. Today it is the largest city of the Maghreb (Barbary Coast), land of the Berbers and Moors. Read more about Casablanca, Morocco

Gibraltar shares a northern border with Spain, but is a UK Overseas Territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It has an area of 6 sq.km. and a 1.2 km border with Spain. Read more about Gibraltar, Spain

Melilla is one of the two Spanish enclaves that lies on the coast of Morocco. It has been in Spanish hands since the late 15th century. The town is a convenient entry point into Morocco, with ferries to Malaga and Merida. Read more about Mellila, Spain

Barcelona, located in Catalonia Spain, is Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, and one of the world’s major global cities. Today, Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Indeed Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. Read more about Barcelona, Spain