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Africa

From the stunning coastlines of South Africa to the ancient wonders of Egypt and the untamed wilderness of East Africa, discover why an African cruise is one of the most extraordinary voyages on earth.

Set Sail on an African Cruise

Africa is a continent of breathtaking contrasts—a place where sweeping savannas meet dramatic coastlines, ancient civilizations blend with vibrant modern cultures, and wildlife roams freely across legendary landscapes. An African cruise lets you experience this incredible diversity from the comfort of your ship, waking up to a new adventure at every port. With warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, and landscapes that will take your breath away, Africa promises an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

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Norwegian Fjords
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Incredible Wildlife

Witness the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat through world-class safari excursions from port.

Dramatic Landscapes

From Table Mountain to the Sahara, volcanic islands to lush rainforests, Africa’s scenery is endlessly awe-inspiring.

Ancient Civilizations & Culture

Explore the pyramids of Egypt, vibrant Moroccan souks, and diverse tribal traditions spanning thousands of years of history.

Explore African Cruise Regions

Africa offers several distinct cruising regions, each with its own unique character and appeal. Our expert cruise advisors have been there and will help you find the perfect itinerary for your dream African voyage.

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Southern Africa

Key Ports: Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Maputo (Mozambique), Walvis Bay (Namibia), Richards Bay

Known For: Table Mountain, safari excursions, wine country, penguin colonies, stunning coastal scenery

Ideal For: Nature lovers and those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and scenery combination

Duration: 10-21 nights

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North Africa & the Mediterranean Coast

Key Ports: Casablanca, Tangier (Morocco), Tunis (Tunisia), Alexandria, Port Said (Egypt)

Known For: Ancient Egyptian wonders, Moroccan souks, Roman ruins, rich culinary traditions, Saharan landscapes

Ideal For: History enthusiasts and those combining Africa with a Mediterranean cruise

Duration: 7-14 nights (often combined with Mediterranean itineraries)

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East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands

Key Ports: Zanzibar (Tanzania), Mombasa (Kenya), Nosy Be (Madagascar), Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles

Known For: Pristine tropical islands, spice trade history, unique wildlife, world-class diving, remote paradise beaches

Ideal For: Experienced cruisers seeking exotic, off-the-beaten-path destinations

Duration: 10-21 nights

Compare African Cruise Regions

Feature Southern Africa North Africa & Med Coast East Africa & Indian Ocean
Typical Duration 10–21 nights 7–14 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Cape Town, Durban Barcelona, Rome, Southampton (combined itineraries) Mauritius, Cape Town, Dubai
Best For Nature lovers, safari enthusiasts, wine lovers History buffs, culture seekers, Mediterranean combo cruisers Experienced cruisers, island lovers, divers
Highlights Table Mountain, Big Five safaris, Garden Route, penguin colonies Pyramids of Giza, Moroccan medinas, Roman ruins, Saharan landscapes Zanzibar spice tours, lemurs of Madagascar, tropical paradise islands
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Our Africa cruise advisors will help you navigate this incredible continent.

Africa is vast and wonderfully diverse, and choosing the right cruise itinerary can feel overwhelming. In Southern Africa, you can explore Cape Town’s stunning waterfront, venture on safari to spot the Big Five, tour the winelands of Stellenbosch, and watch penguins waddle along Boulders Beach. Head north to Morocco and you’ll find the vibrant souks of Casablanca and Tangier, while Egypt offers the timeless Pyramids of Giza and the ancient temples along the Nile. The East African coast and Indian Ocean islands—Zanzibar, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles—offer some of the most pristine and exotic destinations on the planet. Many itineraries also combine Africa with stops in the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, or even a transatlantic crossing. If this sounds like a lot to take in, that’s exactly why we’re here. Our team of 23+ expert cruise advisors will match you with the perfect African cruise itinerary. Talk to us today—no fees, ever!

Beyond Africa

Many African cruise itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more extraordinary voyage.

  • Arabian Peninsula – Dubai, Oman, and Abu Dhabi’s modern luxury and ancient traditions
  • Mediterranean – Combine North Africa with Greece, Italy, Spain, and the French Riviera
  • Transatlantic Crossings – Grand voyages connecting Africa with South America or Europe
  • Indian Ocean Islands – Extend to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, or India
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise Africa

Africa is a vast continent spanning both hemispheres, so the best time to cruise depends on the region you’re visiting.

Southern Africa (November – March): Summer in the Southern Hemisphere brings warm weather, ideal for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Mozambique. This is peak cruising season for the region.

North Africa & Mediterranean Coast (April – October): The best time coincides with the broader Mediterranean cruise season, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall.

East Africa & Indian Ocean (October – March): This is the dry season for many East African and Indian Ocean destinations, offering the best weather for island hopping and beach excursions.

West Africa (November – February): The dry season provides the most comfortable conditions for exploring this less-traveled coastline.

Many Africa cruises are seasonal, so we recommend booking well in advance. Our advisors perform weekly price monitoring on your booking to ensure you always get the best rate.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Africa Cruise FAQs

The best time depends on the region. Southern Africa is ideal from November through March (Southern Hemisphere summer), while North Africa and the Mediterranean coast are best from April through October. East Africa and Indian Ocean islands shine from October through March during the dry season. Because Africa spans both hemispheres, there’s always a great time to cruise somewhere on the continent. Our advisors will help you find the perfect timing for your dream itinerary.

Health requirements vary by country. Some African nations require proof of yellow fever vaccination, and malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for certain regions, particularly if you’re planning safari excursions inland. We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel medicine clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure. Your cruise advisor can provide guidance on which ports may require specific preparations.

Yes! Safari excursions are one of the most popular shore experiences on African cruises. Ports like Durban, Richards Bay, and Mombasa offer day-trip safaris to nearby game reserves where you can spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Some cruise lines also offer multi-day pre- or post-cruise safari packages that allow for a more immersive wildlife experience. Ask your cruise advisor about combining your cruise with a safari for the ultimate African adventure.

African cruises tend to be longer than Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries due to the greater distances involved. Southern Africa cruises typically run 10-21 nights, North African itineraries combined with the Mediterranean range from 7-14 nights, and East Africa and Indian Ocean island voyages usually last 10-21 nights. Grand voyage itineraries circumnavigating the continent can last 30 days or more. Your cruise advisor can help you find the perfect duration for your schedule and budget.

A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your travel dates is essential for all Africa cruises. Many African countries also require visas, which vary depending on your nationality and the specific ports of call. Some visas can be obtained on arrival, while others must be arranged in advance. Our cruise advisors will review your itinerary and provide guidance on all documentation requirements so there are no surprises.

Several cruise lines offer African itineraries, including luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Oceania, as well as premium lines like Holland America, Celebrity, and Azamara. MSC Cruises offers extensive sailings from South African ports. Expedition lines like Ponant and Viking also feature African voyages. Our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line based on your preferences and budget—with no booking fees.

Africa cruise ports are generally very safe for tourists, especially when you’re on organized shore excursions. Cruise lines carefully select ports and work with reputable local tour operators. As with any international travel, we recommend staying with organized tour groups, being aware of your surroundings, and following your cruise line’s guidance. Our advisors who’ve been to these destinations can share practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between regions and between daytime excursions and air-conditioned ship interiors. For safari excursions, bring neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige), comfortable closed-toe shoes, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent. For the ship and port cities, casual resort wear is perfect for daytime, with elegant attire for formal evenings. Don’t forget a good camera—you’ll want to capture every moment. Your cruise advisor can provide a tailored packing list for your specific itinerary.

Popular African shore excursions include Big Five safari game drives, Table Mountain cable car rides in Cape Town, visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, exploring Moroccan medinas and souks, Stellenbosch wine country tours, penguin viewing at Boulders Beach, spice tours in Zanzibar, snorkeling in Mauritius, and cultural village visits. Many ports also offer zip-lining, shark cage diving, and helicopter tours over dramatic landscapes.

Absolutely! Africa cruises are often combined with other exciting regions. Southern Africa itineraries frequently include stops in the Indian Ocean islands or connect to the Arabian Peninsula. North African ports pair naturally with Mediterranean cruises visiting Spain, Italy, and Greece. Transatlantic repositioning cruises may link Africa with South America or Europe. Our expert cruise advisors love helping clients plan extended voyages that combine multiple regions for the ultimate bucket-list experience. Talk to us about your dream itinerary—there are no fees, ever!