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ollow in the wake of 18th- and 19th-century explorers and laden merchant ships as we undertake a cruise that encompasses the grand scope of the African continent. On our ship, the 114-passenger, all-suite Corinthian II, trace the western coast from South Africa to Morocco. Along the way, we explore cities, towns, and islands that don’t often see foreign travelers.

Ancient cultures, poignant history lessons, tribal customs, wild animals, and magnificent markets await...

Cape Town, South Africa, is our jump-off point. Before leaving this nation, there’s time in the Cape Peninsula, a finger of rock that just out into the Atlantic and curls around False Bay. The scenery here is gorgeous, the vistas infinite.

Then hop north along the coast: Namibia, with an al fresco dinner on the incredible sand dunes; Angola and her fascinating history and culture.

Three days in Gabon allow us to gauge the country’s French-entwined history, its sublime beaches, and spectacular wildlife.

Ever heard of the Republic of Säo Tomé and Príncipe? Now you have. This twin-island nation is part rain forest, part beach, and 100 percent charming. Visit coffee and chocolate plantations to round out the experience.

Cameroon is a strange mix of tribal and German. See how that fits together in both Limbé and Buea. And visit a town of 20,000 built entirely on stilts in the middle of a lake.

Ghana, next, then the Gold, Ivory, and Grain coasts, which lead us to the port of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Dakar, Senegal, is the place to go for a close examination of pan-African culture and fine arts. The IFAN Museum here is wonderful.

Mauritania, then Morocco, from the Sahara to cosmopolitan Casablanca, with visits to Taroudant, fabled Marrakech, and Rabat.

After a look around Gibraltar, one of Britain’s last outposts, we disembark in Seville, Spain, and catch our flights home.

Whew!

From the Cape of Good Hope to Gibraltar: Exploring West Africa. 35 Days.