Africa Cruises

The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, cutting through dunes and deserts of the region. The construction of the canal shortens the journey from the North Atlantic to northern Indian Oceans and vice versa by about 7,000 kilometres. Passage through the canal does not require a locking system as the seawater from both sources sits at about the same level. Cruising through the Suez Canal offers spectacular views around every bend.

• Catch some amazing views of the desert sand on both sides
• Pass through the lock-free canal unhindered
• Enjoy leisurely passage to the Mediterranean or Red Sea

Cape Town is the third largest city of South Africa with a population of almost 3.5 million and has been the city of the South African Parliament since 2004. Between October and march, Cape Town is a popular attraction for many tourism which is shown by their growing numbers in recent years. This in turn has made Cape town an important economic sector for the country. One of the favourite sites of tourists is the Table Mountain but the city has plenty more to offer. Museums, historic buildings, Castles and the oldest surviving building in South Africa are all options worth considering.

• Climb the famous Table Mountain
• Whale watching
• Tours to Robben Island

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and major commercial and industrial center. The main attraction of the city is the Hassan II Mosque, which was opened in the 90s. In the markets, there are vegetables, fish, footwear and handicrafts for sale. From the cafes, observe the street life and immerse yourself in another culture.

• Quartier Habous
• Hassann II Mosque
• Camel Trekking through the desert

Walvis Bay, 'Whale Bay' in English, is a city and bay on the west coast of Namibia. The city is home to the main sea port in Namibia and is the third largest city in the country. 67,000 people live in Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast. In the city there is the Rhenish Mission Church, which is a National Monument in Namibia. Outside the city numerous tours and excursions are offered. Besides seals and dolphin tours, a trip to the southern lagoon is recommended. The 5,000-year-old lagoon is Namibia's oldest and largest.

• Dune 7 - The highest sand dune in Namibia
• Dolphin and whale watching
• Try Namibian oysters in local restaurants

With around 737 600 inhabitants, the city of Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city in South Africa and is situated directly on the Indian Ocean. Visit the large leisure complex 'The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World' and the many museums that can be found there or go shopping in the huge shopping center of Greenacres.

• Visit the Donkin Reserve
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
• No. 7 Castle Hill

Durban is situated on the Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa. Durban is South Africa's second biggest city, with slightly more than 3 million inhabitants, and is one of the most important industrial cities in the country. The beaches and the subtropical climate make Durban a popular spot for vacationers from around the world. Watersport enthusiasts will be extremely impressed by the activities on offer and the cultural side of the city boasts many museums, theatres and botanical gardens.

• Durban Botanic Gardens
• West Street Mosque
• See the Phansi Museum

Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, home to about 60,000 people. In the 19th Century, the port of Mindelo was of important strategic significance for shipping logistics. The city on the Atlantic is known for its carnival. Explore the rough, but sweet charm, of the Cape Verde islands.

• See the wonderful marine life
• Ponta Joao Ribeiro
• Cemiterio do Mindelo

Tangiers is characterized by its steep streets, which wind between the white walls of houses. The small and large businesses with all kinds of merchandise extend like a maze through the Moroccan port city. Other attractions include the Grand Socco, a large and important marketplace.

• Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures
• Grand Socco
• The Medina

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. With a population of around 170 000, the city is the largest on the island. It is also the economic center of the country. Port Louis feels like a mixture of different countries and continents - Africa, China, Europe, the Middle East and others. Its lively streets provide a good alternative to the other part of the island filled with peaceful resorts and private beaches. Be aware that once the commuters leave the city after dark, it dies out and practically nothing is open.

• Pray for a miracle at the Pere Laval Shrine
• Place a bet at the Champ de Mars rececourse
• Get a feel for local life and enjoy exotic fruit at the Central Market

Richards Bay is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The city has many sports facilities and a fantastic landscape with numrous bays and lagoons. Try your hand at surfing, visit the wildlife Richards Bay Game Reserve park or get an astonishing view of the beach and port from atop the Lighthouse.

• Alkantstrand Beach
• Pelican Island
• Kosi Bay

The harbour town of Luderitz is named after a German merchant from Bremen 'Adolf Lüderitz' on behalf of whom the area in question was bought. A lot of the architecture is typical to the Art Nouveau period, which was prominent around the turn of the 20th century. Luderitz is very charming with its village feel, its churches and small bakeries. However, it is the surrounding nature that makes this place so amazing - flamingo flocks, penguin colonies and the most pristine landscapes are just 10km away from Luderitz.

• Enjoy the stunning views of the water and the town from the Felsenkirche
• Try some local or German cuisine at the Diaz Coffee Shop
• Visit one of the most extravagant houses in town, the Goerke Haus

Sitting on the western bank of the Suez Canal approximately 170 kilometres outside of Cairo is the northeastern Egyptian seaside city of Port Said. The global city is home to various nationalities and religions, mostly from the Mediterranean. Port Said, coexisting with its twin city Port Fuad on the eastern bank of the canal, form a metropolitan area that spans both the Asian and African continents. Free ferries operating on the canal connect the two cities.

• Check out the History Botanical Garden right at the harbour
• Visit the Port Said Military Museum
• Hop on a ferry and visit Port Said's twin city

Suez is a modern port city in northern Egypt and is situated at the mouth of the Suez Canal. Suez was once a hub for trade between Europe and India but suffered a severe blow to its economy in 1973 when the Suez Canal was closed. Now that the Canal is back in action (since 1975), the city has returned to its prosperity and enjoys being the biggest transit port in the country. Suez serves as a departure point for those on their pilgrimage to Mecca.

• Visit the local market in the Arbaeen district to stock up on fresh exotic fruit
• Take a ride southeast of Suez to the Ain Musa, the site where Moses turned a bitter spring into sweet drinking water
• Relax on the beautiful Ain El Soukhna beaches nearby

Dakar is the capital of Senegal as well as the largest city of the country. It expertly combines the modern big city with a traditional African way of life. Markets, museums, art galleries and film festivals all add to the charm of this vibrant port city. Cruisers will want to make the most of their time in Dakar. The twin hills Deux Mamelles, the African Renaissance Monument, and the Dakar Grand Mosque are just some of the must-see landmarks in the city. Also make sure you enjoy some of the delicious African cuisine.

• Vibrant markets
• . The twin hills, Deux Mamelles
• Dakar Grand Mosque

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. The city's new developments on Avenida Marginal, wide selection of hotels and restaurants and its well-stocked supermarkets make it into the country's most forward place. Maputo is a must-see if you want to get to know Mozambique. It is said to be one of Africa's prettiest capital cities thanks to its Mediterranean-style buildings, jacaranda-lined avenues, lively culture and leisurely sea side life. Maputo is pricier than other places, however, there is enough variety for any budget.

• The best way to get an introduction to the city is on a walking tour (best to book in advance)
• Explore Mozambique's contemporary art at the National Art Museum
• Visit the Fish Market one late afternoon for the freshest grilled fish in the city