Though many travelers interested in taking a cruise may immediately think of the Caribbean, an African cruise is another option that can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of adventure, beauty, and unparalleled views.
Africa is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea, offering many ports of call. There are also options for river cruising the interior of this massive and diverse continent.
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Here are the best options for African cruises:
1. Crystal Symphony Port Louis to Cape Town — The 922-guest Crystal Symphony cruise ship is one of the two best Conde Nast Traveler’s cruise ships. The Port Louis to Cape Town itinerary is new for 2017, and features stops in Madagascar; Mozambique; Mauritius/Port Louis; Reunion, France; Richards Bay, South Africa; and Cape Town, South Africa. This 13-day trip is priced from just over $6,000.
2. Regency Seven Seas Lisbon to Cape Town — This 24-night cruise aboard the Seven Seas Navigator tours the entire west coast of Africa. After departure from Lisbon, Portugal, some of the ports include Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain; Porto Grande, Cape Verde; Dakar, Senegal; Banjul, Gambia; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Cape Town, South Africa. In addition to on-shore adventures, this cruise features an educational onboard enrichment program offered by Smithsonian Journeys. Prices for this cruise begin at $12,599 per person but can climb to $30,599 depending on accommodation type.
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3. AMA Waterways Stars of South Africa — This luxury river cruise boasts a 14-day itinerary that explores inland South Africa. After a short stay in Cape Town, travelers fly to Kasane, Bowswana, to begin the cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River. Points of interest on this amazing journey include Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Greater Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, and a stay at an exclusive luxury safari lodge. This cruise is priced starting at $11,695 per person.
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