Whether you’re searching for powder-white beaches or once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters, a cruise to South Africa and beyond offers the ultimate combination of exploration and tranquillity, writes Gilly Pickup

There’s no doubt that Africa is one of the most spectacularly diverse continents on the planet and a cruise to its most southerly point is an adventure for all travellers, whether first timers or old hands.

Not only does it offer the chance to embark on exhilarating excursions in cities such as Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), but they can also be combined with visits to paradisial destinations like Mozambique, Mauritius and Namibia.

This part of the world is where to see some of the most incredible sights imaginable, from upside-down trees and penguins that bray like donkeys to the world’s highest sand dunes.

Much more than simply a cruise, this is a sensory experience, an immersion into countless different cultures, intriguing landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters that define this region. A voyage here fires the soul.

“While South Africa more commonly appears on a world cruise itinerary, it now features as a destination in its own right,” explains Dave Mills, chief commercial officer at Iglu Cruises. “We’re seeing new interest in East and South Africa, as ports invest in new facilities and cruise lines pick up momentum to show off these destinations.”

Zulu traditions

Most cruise ships call at ports including Africa’s busiest, subtropical Durban. Affectionately known as ‘Durbs’ by locals, the city is awash with a colourful mosaic of cultural enclaves and excellent beaches.

Guests can tap into folklore and a hybrid of history in Richards Bay, the country’s second largest port and gateway to Zululand, once the mightiest of mighty sub-Saharan African Kingdoms.

Silversea’s Cape Town to Mahe Silver Cloud expedition voyage calls here, where excursions include a sunrise safari with bush breakfast and the chance to visit Dumazulu Cultural Village for an insight into Zulu traditions.

Of these there are many, from basket-weaving, spear-crafting and pot-making to bone-throwing by a ‘sangoma’, a traditional healer who communicates with ancestral spirits on guests’ behalf.

Then there’s the spectacular Zulu dancing, pronounced by heavy stomping, rhythmic chanting and beaded, brightly coloured attire. Further south along the coast, East London is a new port of call for Viking.

Neil Barclay, the line’s head of sales, explains: “Some new stops we’ve introduced in South and East Africa are off the beaten track and would be relatively difficult for the average traveller to visit independently.

“East London is a highlight, where we offer privileged access to learn the traditions of the Xhosa people in the rural village of Ngxingxolo.”

Also of note is the port’s East London Museum, which contains the world’s only dodo bird egg as part of its collection of unique ecological specimens.

Wildlife thrills

Gqeberha, sometimes still listed as its former name, Port Elizabeth, is a popular stop for cruise-based safaris. Some lines offer visits to smaller family-owned reserves such as Schotia Private Game Reserve, the oldest private game reserve in the Cape Province.

Addo Elephant National Park is also nearby, possibly a slight misnomer because not only do visitors have the chance to see elephants here, or indeed, the fabled bucket list Big Five, they can, if they’re lucky, actually see the Big Seven: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, great white shark and southern right whale.

Local travel companies like Rovos Rail give cruise-goers the opportunity to extend their holiday with an exhilarating pre- or post-tour by luxury train, which, as well as visits to Addo Elephant Park, includes hiking along the foothills of the Maluti Mountains and tasting reds, whites and rosés in the Cape Winelands.

“Our guests are eager to discover the magic of this continent,” says Stephen Joyner, senior sales manager UK & Ireland, Crystal Cruises. “Being part of the A&K Travel Group with deep roots in Africa allows us to craft truly authentic and immersive experiences.”

Ships generally overnight in South Africa’s effervescent capital Cape Town, lorded over by the impressive Table Mountain. While there, it is well worth taking a cable car ride to the summit for the chance to take in the jaw-dropping Atlantic views.

Demand is rising for South Africa’s unique landscapes and exceptional excursions

Known as the Garden City, Cape Town has a heady dose of parks and botanical gardens providing pockets of shady peace, while visitors shouldn’t miss the imaginatively landscaped Victoria and Alfred Waterfront beside Cape Town’s cruise port.

Linked by a series of bridges, it overflows with quirky shops, handicraft stores, sea-view cafés and restaurants. Just outside town, the 10,000-hectare Aquila Game Reserve offers more wildlife-based thrills via drives in traditional safari vehicles, on horseback or quad bikes.

Speaking of wildlife, CroisiEurope’s eight-night safari cruise is just the ticket for nature and wildlife lovers. The trip, combining Botswana and Zimbabwe, also features four days on Lake Kariba onboard RV African Dream or RV Zimbabwean Dream, a luxury lodge stay and both water and land safaris.

Antonio Paradiso, VP of international sales at MSC Cruises says: “To sell this region effectively, it’s important to highlight its diversity, from thrilling safaris and wine tours to vibrant city experiences. There’s truly something for every type of traveller. Of course, for Brits and Irish, the weather is a huge selling point, especially when they’re seeking a winter escape.”

Picture-perfect escapes

The cobalt-blue waters that lap Mozambique’s palm-fringed beaches showcase an entirely different side to this spectacular corner of the world. Norwegian Dawn, Azamara Quest and MSC’s Musica and Opera venture to Mozambique, a top destination for snorkelling and ecotourism, while Crystal Cruises’ new December 2025 voyage on Symphony will also head there as part of its Cape Town to Mombasa cruise.

Mozambique’s five island Bazaruto Archipelago, which lies between the mainland and Madagascar, is home to the world’s largest population of the elusive dugong, the massive sea cow creature which inspired ancient seafaring tales of mermaids.

Passengers can go on authentic dhow safaris, sailing past a wide range of sights from mangroves and opulent waterfront properties to the thought-provoking slave memorial garden. It is a bucket list experience like no other and guests have the satisfaction of knowing that their visit is providing real benefits to local sailors and fishermen.

In Maputo, Mozambique’s bustling capital, those who prefer to stay on dry land can experience a fusion of African, Portuguese and Arabic influences through architecture, music and cuisine, while seafood lovers might want to try the city’s legendary peri-peri prawns.

Oh, and if you’re wondering where you can see those penguins that bray like donkeys, they are ‘jackass penguins’, which make their home along the southwestern rocky coast of Africa from Namibia to Gqeberha. As for the ‘upside‑down trees’, plains studded with these mighty baobabs stretch across South Africa and Madagascar.