Day 1 (MAR 27): Cape Town, South Africa

Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world's most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism, and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid-back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture

Day 2 (MAR 28): Day at Sea

Day 3 (MAR 29): Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city of many faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet, and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honoring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom. Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region who want to put it (back) on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianized central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, and restored Victorian terraces.

Day 4 (MAR 30): Day at Sea

Day 5 (MAR 31): Richards Bay, South Africa

Considered the official gateway to Zululand, Richard’s Bay has morphed from being a tiny fishing village into a bustling harbor town. Today, the 30 square kilometer lagoon is the major port of the region (and also the deepest in Africa), a growth spurred on by the significant mineral deposits, wonderful wetland scenery, unspoiled beaches, and game reserves.

Day 6 (APR 1): Day at Sea

Day 7 (APR 2): Bazarto Island, Mozambique

Bazaruto Island lies within the eponymously named archipelago, which forms a chain of barrier islands a short distance off the coast of Mozambique. The archipelago became a National Park in 1971 in recognition of its precious and varied flora and fauna, including iconic animals such as sea turtles and dugongs. At least 170 bird species have been recorded across the 6 islands and nearby waters, along with 48 species of reptiles, 21 land mammals, 9 marine mammals, 500 species of mollusks, and 2,000 species of fish. Sighting even a small fraction of this diverse assemblage of wildlife will make the journey to Bazaruto Island worthwhile.

Day 8 (APR 3): Day at Sea

Day 9 (APR 4): Island of Mozambique, Mozambique

The densely populated Mozambique Island is small at only 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and less than 500 meters (650 yards) wide. The Portuguese had already settled here by 1507, and the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere is found on Mozambique Island: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte. Fort São Sebastião also dates back to the 16th century. Historical buildings on the northern side of the island include the Palace and Chapel of São Paulo, built in 1610 as a Jesuit College - later converted to be the Governor’s Residence, and now a museum. As a result of its rich history and architectural remains, the Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10 (APR 5): Day at Sea

Day 11 (APR 6): Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania

Kilwa Kisiwani dates back to the 9th century as one of the most famous trading posts in East Africa and on the Indian Ocean. From the 11th century to early 15th century this island community off the southern coast of present-day Tanzania was a powerful city, political force, and major trading center with close links to the interior of Africa as well as distant Asian ports. Goods exchanged here included gold, iron, ivory, textiles, jewelry, porcelain and spices. Today, Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose ancient ruins can be explored on foot. From the Malindi Mosque and cemetery, to Fort Gereza, the tombs of the sultans, several mosques, and the Great House, the site allows the imagination to experience the Kilwa Sultanate that once ruled here.

Day 12 (APR 7): Sinda Island, Tanzania

Snorkel into the irresistible, off-the-radar underwater world of Sinda Island. Just offshore from Dar es Salaam, the island is a glorious drop of powder-soft beach, dense jungle, and brilliant blue waters. Soak in the tranquility of the soft and deserted sandy shores, or push out on a kayak across the surface to admire views of this paradise island’s lush beaches. Together with Inner and Outer Sinda, it forms a protected Marine Park, and is renowned for exceptional snorkeling and diving. Explore the rich patch reefs that cover the seabed just offshore. Many species, including bright orange clownfish and lurking moray eels, mingle among the corals in diverse underwater ecosystems. Join the expedition team on illuminating, expert-led nature walks through the dense interior, accompanied by knowledgeable local park rangers. Be sure to keep an eye out for the endangered and startlingly large coconut crabs as they scuttle across the terrain of this incredible and secluded Indian Ocean sanctuary.

Day 13 (APR 8): Misali Island, Tanzania

Misali Island draws the keen attention of snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, because this remote Indian Ocean sanctuary is revered for astounding coral reefs and pristine underwater eco-systems. Located just off Pemba Island’s western shores, Misali boasts some of East Africa’s most beautiful coral gardens. Explore the island via Zodiac cruises, landing ashore on paradise sands. Enjoy a gentle swim or push your kayak across the turquoise surface. Soak in the luscious tropical scenery as you crunch along nature trails led by Silversea’s experienced Expedition Team and knowledgeable local rangers. The island is part of a protected marine environment, and you can dip into a diverse and vibrant underwater eco-system, enriched with 42 different types of corals and more than 300 species of fish.

Day 14 (APR 9): Zanzibar, Tanzania

A tropical paradise, with swathes of long white sand and flanked by tall, skinny, palm trees, Zanzibar sits in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, the island – also confusingly called Zanzibar – is found just 22 miles from mainland Tanzania. Considered today as a honeymooners’ paradise, visitors will find vestiges of both Arabic and Portuguese colonialism, amid the picture-perfect landscape. But there is much more to Zanzibar than meets the eye. With just one step off the ship, you are already breathing the heady scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. Rightfully known as the Spice Isle, Zanzibar was once a trading hotspot on the trading route from Arabia to Africa

Day 15 (APR 10): Day at Sea

Day 16 (APR 11): Assumption, Seychelles

Assumption is a rough and arid island, shaded only by shrubs and palm trees but is redeemed by a spectacular reef with huge coral heads and a white ocean floor. A notable feature of this island is the Assumption Island day gecko, a subspecies of gecko found only on this island. Assumption is also a known nesting site for turtles and rare birds. Because Assumption Island was found to be rich in guano, coveted for its phosphorous fertilizing abilities, it was essentially plundered in the early 1900s. The island today is has an interesting geography that includes a gorgeous 3-mile white beach, a rocky coastline, caves, and two very large sand dunes prominent on the south eastern coast of the island, one of them reaching 104 feet high.

Days 16-18 (APR 11-13): Aldabra, Seychelles

Part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, Aldabra is reputedly the world’s second-largest atoll and has been described as “one of nature’s treasures” and a “sanctuary”. The inner lagoon teems with marine life like eagle rays and sea turtles. It is possible to snorkel and drift along with the tide passing in or out of the lagoon as massive numbers of fish come and go through the same channels. Narrow channels between fossilized coral islands are fringed in mangrove forests supporting large colonies of nesting boobies and Great Frigatebirds. Its distinctive island fauna includes the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population of giant tortoises live on Aldabra – some 100,000 out of a reported 150,000. Because of its extreme isolation in the blue of the Indian Ocean, and due to a lack of freshwater, the island has not been developed for tourism. No airport has been built, and only a handful of smaller ships with special permits are allowed to call at this unique atoll.

Day 20 (APR 15): La Digue, Seychelles

Urbanites look away. You’ll find no bright lights or big cities here. The attraction of La Digue is that there are none. Instead, it’s just long ribbons of perfect beach, lush inland forests, and enough kaleidoscopic coral reef to make any diver weak at the knees. Because of La Digue’s proximity to both Praslin and Mahe, it is considered part of the holy trinity of the Seychelles. But that is not to say that it’s a hot spot. On the contrary, life is taken at a slow pace here – transport is by bicycle or ox-cart (there are rumors that motor taxis exist but for now that’s just hearsay), entertainment is a slow walk on paths shaded by tropical flowers, and life hums to the rhythm of bygone days. That is the true attraction of La Digue, the very other wordiness of the island; the feeling that nothing has changed since the 18th century. In fact, some of the residents (called Digueois) still carry the names of their forefathers, who arrived as slaves with the French colonialists in 1789. The island’s beaches are, of course, legendary. The jewel in La Digue’s crown (and there are so many) would have to be La Anse Source d’Argent, frequently considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. This is truly the Holy Grail - a long string of powdery, white sand, bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Scattered around the beach and shore are smooth granite boulders that form coves and caves and provide homes for some of the most colorful underwater life you’re ever likely to see.

Day 21 (APR 16): Mahe, Seychelles

Few places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahe. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometers east of Mombasa, Mahe is the biggest of the 115 islands and is home to so many stunning attractions you won't know where to begin. For many the Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime. Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle, and surreal, natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Not only does Mahe boast 68 pristine beaches, it is dominated by the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois National Park. This splendid National Park takes up over 20% of the island and is home to a vast amount of endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. Unsurprisingly, the crystal-clear waters are a diver's heaven, promising a colorful cornucopia of underwater life, regardless of how experienced you are.