South Africa Cruises
Fantastic beaches and breathtaking wildlife
The country of South Africa is an unforgettable destination and a worthy item on anyone’s bucket list. From the spectacular scenery along the coastlines to the sweeping savannahs and dense forests inland, there’s plenty of natural beauty to appreciate, and safari-goers flock from across the world to spot famous African wildlife in the reserves here. In your ports of call, you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate the great local beaches, check out the rich South African culture, and explore top sights at famous cities like Cape Town.
Ports of Call & Places to Explore
Cape Town
Set on the tip of the African Continent, Cape Town enjoys some of the most gorgeous scenery of any cruise port in the world, with magnificent ocean views and the looming Table Mountain providing vistas unlike anything else. Explore the mountains or beaches, sample local cooking, attend a festival and so much more.
Durban
Known as the busiest port in Africa, Durban is famous for its bustling melting pot of cultures and the fantastic beaches in the area. Discover this convergence point of Zulu, Indian and European heritage and visit the local Zulu village to explore the history, or take a trip to the Tala Game Reserve for a chance at spotting iconic African wildlife.
Port Elizabeth
One of the largest ports of South Africa, Port Elizabeth sprawls over steep hills at the edge of the beautiful Algoa Bay, surrounded by idyllic countryside and spectacular beaches. Visit the Old Port or museum to get a sense of the fascinating history of the city, then hit the beach for some quality R&R.
Mossel Bay
A small town on the South African Garden Route, this is a fantastic place for history and culture lovers to make port. Its greatest attraction is the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex, hosting a historic spring and the massive ‘post office’ milkwood tree that once served as a message centre for passing seamen. Proximity to the Garden Route also means that Mossel Bay offers excursions to surrounding forests and beaches, with hikes, whale watching, kayaking, bungee jumping and more all to be found nearby.
Richards Bay
Somewhat north of Durban along the coast, Richards Bay enjoys access to fantastic natural and cultural sites of interest. To engage with Zulu culture and history, take a trip into one of the nearby cultural villages of Zululand. The greatest allure of Richards Bay however is its access to nearby game reserves and parks, where magnificent animals like black rhinos and hippos can be spotted, as well as other iconic African creatures.
Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
- Most South Africa cruising is done from October to May, which are the best months to cruise without requiring longer repositioning voyages. December and January are most popular, enjoying the South African summer weather.
- Some exciting festivals in coastal cities like Cape Town, or some animals you might want to spot in game reserves, are best seen at specific times of year. Keep this in mind when choosing your itinerary.
- Prepare for the sun. Pack high-SPF reef safe suncream to protect your skin, and be sure to bring a sun hat. If you’re planning on doing any walking, take good shoes and light, covering clothing that will cover your skin without being too warm. Sunglasses are a must.
- With a total of 11 official languages, preparing a phrase-book for your South African cruise can be a challenge. English is the third most spoken language, so you’re likely to be able to find people who’ll understand you, but it can be worth brushing up on common local slang before you travel.
- The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand. Tipping at restaurants, bars, Ubers and taxis and so on is common practice in South Africa. Be sure to carry cash around to ensure you can leave tips.
Things to Do
- Learn local history. From the fascinating colonial history of South African cities like Cape Town to the native Zulu history you can discover across the region, there’s plenty for history and culture lovers alike to explore.
- Sample delicious local flavours. No matter which mouth-watering South African staples you’re most intrigued by, the ports you may choose to call at each have something utterly delectable to discover. Fresh seafood, exotic spices, juicy ripe fruits, and so much more await.
- Hit the beach. Many of the ports you’ll call at are famed for their fantastic beaches, with gorgeous views and crystal-clear waters making a perfect combination. Catch some rays, stroll through the sands, and take a refreshing dip whenever you want to cool off.
- Spot iconic African animals. Whether you take a day trip from one of your ports to visit a game preserve or extend your trip with a longer inland excursion, there’s plenty of opportunity to spot amazing wildlife. Take a safari to Kruger National Park and spot some of Africa’s most famous animals, from lions and rhinos to zebras and hippos, and more.
- Another option for extending your trip comes in the form of a fantastic rail excursion. Choose between Rovos Rail – sometimes called the most luxurious train in the world – and the similarly opulent Blue Train, both of which make routes through the heart and soul of South Africa. Marvel at natural wonders like Victoria Falls, spot incredible wildlife and enjoy scenery that’s some of the best in the world.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
At Kenwood Travel we’re passionate about crafting the best cruises you could dream of, and we’re ready to turn that passion towards making sure your South Africa cruise is as fantastic as can be. With plenty of specialist knowledge to share, we’ll help you pick the best possible itinerary for your desires, giving you the getaway you deserve. ATOL and ABTOT protection on your cruise ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your South African cruise to the fullest, and our dedicated cruise experts will take care of every little detail so you don’t have to.
Let us help you
We’ve put together an incredible programme of luxury suppliers that can offer all types of experiences, from Tahiti to the Ganges. If you wanted to learn more – or ask about something that you can’t see on our website – just give our team of experts a call on 020 7749 5484 and they’ll create your perfect dream holiday.
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