Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa / iStock.com / Jean-Francois Rivard
1 of 7
Cheetah in Namibia
Cheetah in Namibia / iStock.com / Jannie_nikola
2 of 7
Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar / iStock.com / Anton Zelenov
3 of 7
An oryx on a dune in Namibia
An oryx on a dune in Namibia / iStock.com / zistos
4 of 7
Wildlife around Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Wildlife around Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania / iStock.com / Pal Teravagimov
5 of 7
A beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles
A beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles / iStock.com / peppi18
6 of 7
Batia Waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia
Batia Waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia / iStock.com / SerengetiLion
7 of 7
Cruise All Ocean Cruise Destinations

Africa

Our Review
by Heidi Sarna
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The long coast of Africa holds a wide variety of wonders, and there are many options for cruises to the port cities and beaches, with opportunities to go inland to view wildlife as well as ancient wonders. Some Mediterranean cruises include calls to Moroccan ports like Tangier and Casablanca, while a few lines offer cruises to the beautiful Seychelles Islands off the eastern coast of Africa. Months-long world cruises often include a handful of ports in Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Namibia. If you're drawn to the ancient architecture of Egypt, cruise the Upper Nile to see the Temple of Karnak and tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

What We Love

Stunning Natural Features: The continent of Africa holds a variety of striking landscapes and great beauty, like Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, and Namibia’s salt pan and sand dunes.

Beaches: Some of the best stretches are on the Indian Ocean, especially the gorgeous, wide, white sands along the coast of Zanzibar and out on the islands of the Seychelles.

Best Known For

Wildlife: Many itineraries include optional overland excursions to the continent's many game preserves. You'll see a greater quantity of wildlife here than you could see anywhere else in the world — from lions to elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, and those menacing-looking Cape buffalo. 

Best Ports

Cape Town, South Africa: Cruising into this gorgeous port is up there with the harbors of Rio de Janeiro and Sydney. Travel to the top of Table Mountain for incredible views of the city and the cape. If you have time, book a trip out to wine country to sample the area's famous Pinotage.

Zanzibar, Tanzania: Set on the Indian Ocean, this tropical city has many narrow lanes to wander, lined with carved doorways, mosques, and bazaars.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Be Flexible: Political instability, conflict, and disease can lead cruise lines to avoid certain countries and ports at times. If your itinerary changes, trust it's for a good reason.