Worldwide Destinations: Africa
Best known for its exotic wildlife, rolling grasslands, vast deserts and safari adventures, Africa also is a continent of many cultures and beautiful beaches. From Mombasa's Old Town of exotic colors in Kenya to the magnificent wine producing valleys and dramatic views of Cape Town, a cruise to this region of the world offers everything from historic museum visits to close encounters with Zebra.
For vacationers who want to go further into Africa or spend more time at embarkation/disembarkation ports, most cruise lines offer escorted safari cruise tour options that take guests into central and eastern Africa, and pre- and post-cruise packages that include in-depth tours of Africa's cities.
Some ships visit ports in Africa during world cruises, while others sail voyages from Lisbon (Portugal) and other European countries as well as from India and Cape Town. Itineraries to Africa, for the most part, do not strictly visit only ports on the continent. Stops along the way to Africa may include port calls in the Seychelles, Spain, Greece, India and Egypt. Africa cruise itineraries tend to be longer than most cruises and can last more than 20 days.
Who Cruises There
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Ports of Call
Cape Town - Blessed with breathtaking scenery and amazing beaches, Cape Town ranks as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it's known as South Africa's "mother city." Historic buildings, great wineries, museums, parks and shops make this cosmopolitan port a highlight.
Stellenbosch - This university town of Cape Dutch buildings also houses the area's oldest wine estates. Visitors can explore its noted museums, shops and restaurants by foot or tour one of the many wine estates for a wine tasting and underground look at its cellar operations.
History and Culture - Historic tours of Cape Town include visits to the country's oldest museum - the South African Museum; the Cultural History museum - which once housed a slave lodge and unofficial brothel; and Company Gardens - a park and a botanical collection, all while passing preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings and waterfront properties.
Table Mountain - Surrounded by Devil's Peak on the left, Lion's Head on the right and Signal Hill in the foreground, Table Mountain is Cape Town's most celebrated landmark. A Swiss-engineered Rotair cable car takes guests up to the summit, providing extraordinary views as the base of the car rotates 360 degrees.
Mombasa - This Kenyan city is the largest port on Africa's coral coast. It's also known for its bustling Old Town of exotic color, narrow alleys and old houses, and the starting point for safaris and other adventures into the continent's interior.
Historic Tours - The long and complex history of Mombasa begins with the 16th century-built Portuguese fortress Fort Jesus, which now houses an extensive museum. Other attractions to see and visit along the way include mosques, woodcarvings of Arabian chests and a stop in downtown Dhow Harbor.
Tsavo East National Park - An excursion to this woodland area, located between the Kenyan coast and Nairobi, allows cruise vacationers to see elephants, leopard, cheetah, eland, klipspringer, gerenuk, fringe-eared Oryx and kudu. A game run may also be on the agenda.
Safari Adventure - Cruise visitors to Mombasa also have the option to take a game safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. Considered one of the best game sanctuaries in the country, Maasai Mara is a short flight from the city, and safari excursions include a game drive with an expert guide to spot lions, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, topis, gazelles, black rhinos, and hippos.
Zanzibar - Known as the "spice island" - a name derived from its plentiful spices - this 60-mile long island is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from Tanzania. It's also popular for its beaches and the old city of Stone Town.
Stone Town - A visit to this city - noted as the capital of slave trade in the mid-19th century - is a cultural feast. Going down winding alleys, past bustling bazaars, mosques, and extravagant Arab houses, tour guides note highlights such as the Anglican Church of Christ, the Arab Fort, the House of Wonders, Jamituri Gardens, the People's Palace (formerly the Sultan's Palace), and the Old Dispensary.
Spice Plantations - Cruise lines offer excursions to the Jozani Natural Forest Reserve (home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey) as well as a working spice plantation, where visitors can learn the history of Zanzibar spices and spice oils and sample the island's signature product.
Beach-Bound - Visitors who prefer to spend the day in port on the beach can take a short ride to one of the island's 25 brilliant white beaches. Picturesque fishing villages along the coast add their charm to the warm sun and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
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