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Aside from the obvious (you’ll be visiting cities in Africa, not tropical islands), there are a few things to prepare for if you’re thinking about looking more info Africa cruises. In much of Africa, booking via Facebook or WhatsApp is common, and legitimate companies may not even have websites. The downside of booking excursions not through your ship means the ship will leave without you if you’re late. Many tourist guides in Africa speak four or five languages, so be sure to ask if your tour will be English-speaking, or a mixed-language group. You absolutely do not need to book excursions through your cruise company. Booking through local companies (or websites like Viator and GetYourGuide) can be a lot cheaper and good alternatives if the excursion you want is sold out or not offered through your cruise company.
What is the best time to cruise to Africa?
The best time to go on an African cruise varies depending on the region. Generally, the dry season, which differs by country, is the ideal time to visit. But there’s nothing more exhilarating than embarking on a game safari to go in search of the Big Five, which is made up of the lion, Cape buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and the leopard. You’ll be in total and utter awe as you watch these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat.
Surfing in the waters of South Africa
Relax by the pool, compete in a friendly game of trivia or bocce ball, indulge in treats at afternoon tea and gain insight from an expert lecturer. An island full of history, this is where influential icons, such as Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned. Today it's full of museums where you can head out on guided tours led by ex-political prisoners. Travel insurance is a smart investment for the peace of mind it affords. Safari cruises are expensive, and should an illness or other unforeseen circumstance disrupt your travel plans, you'll get reimbursed if you've purchased insurance. Not to mention that your regular health insurance likely won't cover you during your travels in Africa -- another major area where travel insurance can step in should the unexpected occur.
Adventure Travel
(Of course, these arrangements can be made independently of the cruise line as well.) Here's what's on offer, by cruise line. Cruise lines such as Silversea, Regent, Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd offer excursions for both reserves. Once in a while, Crystal Cruises offers a relative African itinerary (ranging from 12 to 15 nights), sailing roundtrip from Cape Town or from Cape Town to Mauritius, with stops at plenty of safari-friendly South African ports.
When contemplating an Africa cruise vacation, the itinerary holds the key. Routes that meander down the Chobe River in Botswana promise thrilling encounters with the kings of the jungle, while others take you to the tranquil beaches of Dakar, Senegal. With expert platforms like Expedia on your side, crafting your ideal African cruise becomes a delightful endeavor.
Photo Gallery for Africa Cruises
Trained guides are well-versed in the prime in-park vantage points and can get timely updates from other park rangers on current animal movements and migrations. Cruise-run safari excursions will typically make such arrangements as part of their tour (be sure to inquire when booking). If you're making plans to visit the safari park independently during your time in port, you'll definitely want to hire a knowledgeable guide. You'll cover more ground and have access to different types of reserves. We recommend taking in as many as possible on your sailing, since no two reserves are alike, and there is a wide diversity of landscapes and wildlife from park to park.
Ports
I went on one of the weirdest cruise itineraries possible. There were some major challenges, but I would do it again - Cruise Blog
I went on one of the weirdest cruise itineraries possible. There were some major challenges, but I would do it again.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This way, when you're ready to book your 2024 cruise vacation to Africa, you'll be in the know about the best deals. On a Mediterranean and Middle East cruise, a stop in Safaga, Egypt, offers a chance to step back in time. Consider an overnight excursion to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which brings you face-to-face with ancient Egyptian civilization's grandeur.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. There is an endless amount of things to do throughout the 54 countries located in Africa, especially for adventurous and nature-loving cruisers. Enjoy sightseeing at significant cultural and historic sites, classic safari excursions, beach-hopping in Cape Town and ATVing in the Namib Desert. Your Personal Consultant will help you or your Travel Advisor plan your next luxury cruise vacation. You’ll find time spent on board the ship to be just as enriching as time ashore.
And because you’ll be traveling by sea, you’ll have the bonus of experiencing these destinations from a unique perspective. Africa is the perfect cruise destination for a rugged safari adventure or a discovery of native cultures from the Middle East to Madagascar. Jump in a Jeep and see the lions, giraffes, and other wildlife of the Serengeti firsthand. Learn about the history and change of Angola’s people and culture, or have a village culture experience in Senegal. Choose from remarkable itineraries on three beautiful ships, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, and the recently refurbished Norwegian Sky. Some itineraries include an overnight stay in the Seychelles, Egypt or Richards Bay, allowing you to explore even more.
The music, the food and even the languages are influenced by various ethnic roots. There’s no denying that every aspect of the culture is beguiling and will lure you into its charms. You won’t find anywhere quite like Africa with its sun-beaten deserts, the vast plains of the Serengeti and the cultural hub of Cape Town. As you cruise around Africa, you’ll be introduced to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the unmistakeable sights and sounds of places like Madagascar and Zanzibar.
Whether you’re savoring the wines of South Africa or watching the sunset over the Kenyan plains, African cruises deliver experiences that remain unparalleled. While African cruises are often synonymous with wildlife, the continent’s 18,950 miles of coastline have their own tales to tell. From bustling cities to the untouched islands and the expansive desert landscapes of the Western Sahara, there’s an experience awaiting every kind of traveler. African cruises offer the unique chance to dock at some iconic ports. Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, offers proximity to the Addo Elephant Park, where a game drive promises encounters with nature’s giants. Each destination offers something different and unforgettable, from incredible wildlife sightings to stunning natural wonders.
8 Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded on African Island Catch Up to Ship After Traversing 7 Countries - PEOPLE
8 Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded on African Island Catch Up to Ship After Traversing 7 Countries.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Every port provides unforgettable adventures, and every one of our ships promises marvelous days at sea. Surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, Africa has a ring of prime ports that help cruisers discover this exciting continent. Visit Africa's Gold Coast on the Atlantic Ocean, including Ghana and Senegal, and make a stop at the tropical Cape Verde islands.
Some cruise lines also offer stops in remote areas, such as the islands of Madagascar and Comoros. These cruises take you down some of Africa’s most famous rivers, such as the Nile, Zambezi, and Chobe. On a river cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to see various wildlife and experience the local culture and history.
From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Browse our Africa cruises photo gallery and envision the possibilities for your own safari adventure around Africa’s coasts and the Cape of Good Hope. To plan your dream African cruise, contact one of our expert consultants today.
While wildlife sightings are a big draw for African cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. From visiting traditional villages to learning about the region’s history, you’ll have the chance to learn about the people and places that make Africa so unique. Take advantage of the cultural excursions your cruise line offers to get the most out of your experience. From Big Five sightings and safari adventures to enriching experiences in local villages and wine tastings in Cape Winelands, our Africa shore excursions bring you the best of the local culture, history, cuisine and natural wildlife. Extended evening stays and overnights across the region give you the chance to more fully embrace the iconic wonders and local life with explorations ashore and leisurely, meaningful touring. Unlike a land-based safari, where you can get up at the crack of dawn or set out on safari close to sunset (two times when animal activity is heightened), you'll be limited by the time constraints of your ship's scheduled port call.
