Africa Cruises: Your Extraordinary Voyage of Discovery

From the dramatic coastline of South Africa to the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar and the ancient wonders of Egypt, discover why Africa is one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations — a continent of breathtaking contrasts and untamed beauty.

Your Extraordinary African Adventure Awaits

Africa stirs the soul like no other continent — a land of raw, untamed beauty where golden savannas stretch to the horizon, ancient civilizations have left their mark in stone, and vibrant cultures welcome you with warmth and rhythm. Whether you’re watching a pod of dolphins play off the Cape of Good Hope, wandering through a Moroccan medina fragrant with saffron and cedar, or marveling at a fiery sunset over the Mozambique Channel, an African cruise is an immersive journey for every sense. With coastal temperatures ranging from 65–85°F depending on the region and season, there’s an ideal time for every traveler to explore.

A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic city center, featuring the Prague Castle complex, colorful baroque buildings, and the Vltava River with the iconic Charles Bridge in the foreground.
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A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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A stunning panoramic view of a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and reflecting a clear blue sky. The serene waters create a mirror-like surface, showcasing the breathtaking landscape of Iceland's glacial region.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic cityscape featuring Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River under a clear blue sky.
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Legendary Wildlife

Witness the Big Five on safari, spot penguins along the South African coast, and encounter marine life from whales to dolphins in some of the world’s richest waters.

Dramatic Landscapes

From Table Mountain’s iconic silhouette to the lush Indian Ocean islands and the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast, Africa’s scenery is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ancient Civilizations & Vibrant Cultures

Explore the pyramids of Egypt, wander through centuries-old medinas in Morocco, and experience the vibrant rhythms, art, and cuisine of coastal West and East Africa.

Explore Africa’s Cruise Regions

Africa’s vast coastline offers distinct cruising regions, each revealing a different facet of this magnificent continent. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect match for your dream voyage.

A stunning winter view of the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, with illuminated baroque buildings and a pastel pink and purple sunset sky.
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Southern Africa

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

Known For: Table Mountain, Cape Winelands, Big Five safaris, the Garden Route, penguin colonies at Boulders Beach

Ideal For: Experienced travelers seeking wildlife, natural beauty, and world-class wine and cuisine

Duration: 10–21 nights

A breathtaking panorama of floating blue icebergs in a tranquil glacial lagoon, with a dramatic pink and purple sunset illuminating snow-capped mountains in the background.
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East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands

Key Ports: Zanzibar, Mombasa, Nosy Be (Madagascar), Mahé (Seychelles), Port Louis (Mauritius), Réunion

Known For: Spice islands, pristine coral reefs, lemur-filled rainforests, idyllic beach escapes, Swahili culture

Ideal For: Luxury seekers, honeymooners, and nature enthusiasts craving exotic island experiences

Duration: 10–18 nights

A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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North Africa & the Mediterranean Coast

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

Known For: Ancient pyramids and temples, vibrant souks, Roman ruins, Saharan landscapes, Mediterranean charm

Ideal For: History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those combining Africa with a broader Mediterranean voyage

Duration: 7–14 nights (often part of longer Mediterranean or transatlantic itineraries)

Compare Africa Cruise Regions

Feature Southern Africa East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands North Africa & Mediterranean Coast
Typical Duration 10–21 nights 10–18 nights 7–14 nights
Main Departure Ports Cape Town, Durban Mauritius, Mahé, Mombasa Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Southampton
Best For Wildlife lovers, wine enthusiasts, nature seekers Luxury travelers, honeymooners, island lovers History buffs, culture enthusiasts, Mediterranean cruisers
Highlights Big Five safaris, Table Mountain, Garden Route, Cape Winelands Zanzibar spice tours, Seychelles beaches, Madagascar wildlife Pyramids of Giza, Moroccan medinas, Roman ruins of Carthage

Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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Our Africa cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With a continent spanning over 18,000 miles of coastline and dozens of extraordinary ports, choosing the perfect African itinerary can feel overwhelming. That’s where our expert advisors come in.

In Southern Africa, you can explore Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Walvis Bay in Namibia, Maputo in Mozambique, and much more — with Big Five safari excursions just a short journey inland.

The East African coast and Indian Ocean islands beckon with Zanzibar, Mombasa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Réunion — an intoxicating blend of spice-scented culture and pristine tropical beauty.

North Africa opens the door to ancient Egypt, the medinas of Morocco, and the ruins of Carthage in Tunisia — often combined with broader Mediterranean or transatlantic voyages.

Many Africa itineraries also connect seamlessly with the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, or even South America via transatlantic crossings.

If that sounds like a lot to navigate, rest assured — every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated Africa cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond the African Coast

Many Africa itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more immersive journey of discovery.

  • Arabian Peninsula – Dubai, Oman, and Abu Dhabi offer a dazzling contrast of modern luxury and ancient tradition
  • Mediterranean – Combine North Africa with Spain, Italy, Greece, and the French Riviera
  • Suez Canal – A legendary transit connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and beyond
  • Transatlantic Crossings – Grand ocean voyages linking Africa to South America or Europe
A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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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.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Africa

Africa’s cruising seasons vary by region, and timing your voyage can make all the difference in the experiences you’ll enjoy.

Southern Africa (November – March): The Southern Hemisphere’s summer brings warm temperatures between 70–85°F, longer days, and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and coastal exploration. This is peak season for Cape Town and the Garden Route.

East Africa & Indian Ocean Islands (May – October): The dry season along the East African coast and island nations offers comfortable temperatures, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.

North Africa (April – June, September – November): The shoulder seasons offer pleasant Mediterranean-style weather in the mid-70s°F, perfect for exploring outdoor markets, ancient ruins, and coastal cities without the intense summer heat.

Many Africa cruises are offered as repositioning voyages or grand voyages during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months, offering exceptional value and extended exploration time.

A stunning view of Prague's historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, featuring medieval architecture, historic towers, and colorful buildings at golden hour.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

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 cruises are ideal from November through March (the Southern Hemisphere’s summer), when temperatures range from 70–85°F and wildlife is abundant. East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands are best visited May through October during the dry season. North Africa is most pleasant during the shoulder seasons of April–June and September–November. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will help you time your voyage perfectly.

Several premium and luxury cruise lines offer Africa itineraries, including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Seabourn, Azamara, Ponant, and Celebrity. Expedition lines like Silversea Expeditions and Ponant provide immersive small-ship experiences in more remote African waters. MSC Cruises also has a strong presence in South Africa. Our advisors will match you with the ideal cruise line for your preferences.

Absolutely — and this is one of the most popular ways to experience Africa by sea and land. Many cruise lines offer pre- or post-cruise safari packages in South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Our White Glove Service can coordinate every detail of a combined cruise-and-safari journey, from flights and transfers to lodge accommodations and game drives, creating a seamless extraordinary adventure.

Requirements vary by country and itinerary. Some African nations require proof of yellow fever vaccination, and visa requirements differ depending on your nationality and ports of call. We strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider well in advance, and your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will provide detailed guidance on documentation requirements for your specific itinerary.

Africa cruises tend to be longer voyages, typically ranging from 10 to 21 nights for regional itineraries. Grand voyages and world cruise segments that include Africa can be even longer. North African ports are sometimes included in 7–14 night Mediterranean cruises. Your cruise advisor can help you choose the perfect duration and routing.

Popular excursions include Big Five safaris from South African ports, visiting Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands in Cape Town, touring the pyramids and temples of Egypt from Alexandria or Port Said, exploring the spice plantations and Stone Town of Zanzibar, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Seychelles, and wandering through the colorful medinas of Morocco.

While Africa cruises are most popular with couples and experienced travelers, families with older children and teenagers can have an incredible experience — especially those with an interest in wildlife, history, and cultural exploration. Safari excursions and island beach days are particularly family-friendly. Your advisor can recommend cruise lines and itineraries that best suit families.

Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly between regions and between sea days and shore excursions. Essentials include lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, a warm jacket for cooler evenings (especially in Southern Africa), comfortable walking shoes, binoculars for wildlife viewing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat. Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for safari excursions. Your cruise advisor can provide a tailored packing guide for your specific itinerary.

Yes. Major cruise lines carefully select their African itineraries and ports of call with passenger safety as a top priority. Port cities like Cape Town, Casablanca, and the Indian Ocean island destinations are well-established tourist centers with excellent infrastructure. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will provide guidance on the safest and most rewarding experiences at each port.

An Africa cruise offers a uniquely immersive experience that combines ocean voyaging with encounters you simply cannot find anywhere else — from Big Five safaris and ancient Egyptian wonders to spice island explorations and some of the world’s most pristine, uncrowded beaches. The longer itineraries allow for deeper exploration, and the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife across the continent is unparalleled. It’s a voyage that transforms travelers. Ask your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor about crafting your African journey.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.