Africa Cruises

The Best Time to Cruise

The perfect time to visit Africa will depend on:

• What it is you are after: safari, hiking, beach
• Which part of Africa you are visiting

Here are some general points to take into consideration before booking an Africa cruise:

• – If you are after a relaxed beach holiday in Africa, you can go all year-round, there is always somewhere on the continent where it is sunny, beautiful and warm.
• – Wildlife and nature enthusiasts should consider going between May and October – viewing the animals on a safari is at its best then. In June and early September, cruisers will be able to catch East Africa’s Great Migration.

Top Cruise Lines

Africa is often part of a grand world voyage that is offered by a number of great cruise lines:

• Cunard cruises to Africa – fascinating world journeys, visiting South Africa and Namibia on the way

The northern part of Africa will be included in many Mediterranean Sea cruises:

• MSC cruises to Africa – great value-for-money sailings

If you are after something that is more immersive and Africa-intensive:

• Azamara cruises to Africa – you will be surrounded by luxurious comfort on board and get to see some of Africa’s best hidden gems

Top Ports

Cape Town, South Africa

The spectacularly beautiful city of Cape Town is one of the most popular ports in Africa. Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures, landscapes and cuisines and is not to be missed on a cruise around Africa.

Here are just a couple of our favourite things to do in the city:

• – Go up the iconic 600-year-old Table Mountain, one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’
• – A visit to the District Six Museum is a must to understand the history of Cape Town and the pass laws
• – Walk along the Sea Point Promenade and enjoy beautiful ocean views and public artworks on the way
• – Mingle with the African penguins along the Boulders Beach

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is part of numerous African itineraries. The city is a great representation of the modern Morocco, full of young people being creative, setting up businesses and earning money.

Casablanca may not be as atmospheric as some of the other cities in Morocco, but there is still a lot to see and do:

• – Visit the opulent Hassan II Mosque, overhanging the ocean, it is one of the two Moroccan mosques that non-Muslims are allowed to enter
• – Enjoy the mix of Moroccan and European-style architecture and shop till you drop in the Quartier Habouse
• – The Marche Central is the perfect place to have simple local food and people watch at the same time
• – Admire traditional Moroccan arts, jewellery, furniture and more at the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay is a charming port city in Namibia that’s home to quite a few unique natural attractions. The city is a pleasant stop on your way around the African continent. Here are our top suggestions on what to do in Walvis Bay:

• – Walvis Bay boasts one of the largest flocks of flamingos in Southern Africa, one of the places to admire the beautiful creatures is the Bird Paradise sanctuary
• – Go up to the Lookout and enjoy a spectacular view of the bird ponds
• – Visit the Raft seafood restaurant for stunning sunsets, ocean views and fantastic fresh seafood

Safaga, Egypt

Safaga is a small port town in Egypt, located on the coast of the Red Sea. The town is part of the so-called Red Sea Riviera.

Safaga is world famous for:

• – Diving spots
• – Water sports facilities
• – Black sand dunes
• – Mineral springs

Highlights

Africa is not the first destination that springs to mind when one considers cruising, but that is precisely why it is such a memorable experience. The mainstream tourist industry has not yet invaded the region, and so it maintains a refreshing authenticity which converts to a memorable holiday experience.

Natural diversity

Cruises to Africa are unique due to the diversity of the continent. The bustling Arabian cities in the north contrast starkly with the arid deserts and dense rainforests that dominate elsewhere.

Africa is bordered by three significant bodies of water:

• Mediterranean Sea
• Indian Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean

This has given rise to an assortment of natural landscapes, all equally beautiful:

• – Glorious coastlines
• – Lush rainforests
• – Towering mountains
• – Arid desert and deep canyons

There aren’t so many continents on this planet that can compare to Africa’s diverse landscapes.

Wildlife

Africa is home to a spectacular number of different wildlife species, so however cliche you think an African safari is – it is an absolute must.

Seeing elephants, lions, hippos and other animals in real life is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

• – Explore one of the world famous national parks: Serengeti, Masai Mara, South Luangwa and others of which there are plenty
• – Visit the numerous bird sanctuaries to meet African penguins, barbets, weavers, flamingos and hundreds of other bird species
• – Discover crocodile ponds in Ghana, where people live peacefully alongside the reptiles

• Ancient History

  Africa is filled with ancient history, customs, traditions and sites to explore. There are some rural areas where civilization as we know it does not exist at all, they are full of hospitality and communal spirit.

  • – Meet some of the last nomadic tribes in Africa: Maasai in Kenya, Samburu and Hadzabe in Tanzania. Accessing their territories requires a special permission. Seeing the way they live today is fascinating.
  • – Discover the lavish complex of the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh, Morocco, built in the 16th Century and hidden away for hundreds of years, this mausoleum is spectacular to see.
  • – Hire a boat and take a tour to the Sai Island in Sudan, it provides a great picture of the country’s ancient history. The ruins on the island are quite striking, plus they are close to the river and provide for a pleasant excursion.