You are here

Cruise your way around the Indian Ocean and Africa

25th July 2014

The continent of Africa is home to many exciting destinations that often provide the traveller with something new, unique and extra special.

Why not explore some of this amazing landscape with a cruise? It's a great option for discovering multiple cities and countries in comfort and convenience.

Here's a little bit more about one of the cruising journeys you can take around Africa, from Mombasa to Cape Town.

Set sail from Kenya to South Africa

There are various options for cruises around Africa, and one of our favourites is the Mombasa to Cape Town journey with Silversea, an award-winning luxury cruise line boasts elegance and glamour.

Your adventure will begin in Kenya's second-largest city, Mombasa. Here there are plenty of marvellous things to experience. Enjoy stunning white-sand beaches, snorkelling and diving or exploring the local restaurants, bars and nightlife. There's also fascinating art and architecture influenced from around the world including Arab, Portuguese and British settlers. Take time to visit the Old Town, which is a great example of Swahili culture.

Your next port of call will be Zanzibar, an island of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the tropical climate and picturesque beaches, and explore cultural and historical gems such as Stone Town. This is a labyrinth of winding alleyways, lanes, markets and mosques and has been deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You will then visit Dzaoudzi on the small island of Petite-Terre, in the French-managed Mayotte region. This uninhabited island offers up more pristine beach and ocean panoramas.

Then it's time to visit the island nation of Madagascar. A particular highlight of this destination is the wildlife, evident at the six World Heritage-listed national parks here. There are nearly fifty species and sub-species of lemur on the island, with new varieties discovered all the time. There are also whales, chameleons, incredible exotic birds, trees, other plants and flowers in this environment that simply teems with life.

You'll then spend days at sea travelling through the Mozambique Channel, before arriving at Richards Bay in South Africa. Explore the wetland scenery, look out for the rich bird life and enjoy your first foray into this fascinating country.

Your next stop is Durban, which features a warm, sunny climate, plenty of great shopping malls, markets and entertainment, and great art to top it all off. The city is also surrounded by beautiful hills, valleys, reserves and villages, such as the World Heritage Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

Next of all, you will visit East London on South Africa's Eastern Cape. This friendly destination is also known as Buffalo City. Once again, beaches reign supreme here, as well as some serious historic wonders. In fact, the oldest fossilised footprints in the world, dating back 200,000 years, have been found here.

Your final port of call is, of course, the incomparable Cape Town. Here, there is a never-ending list of things to see and do. From enlightening attractions such as the Heart of Cape Town Museum to stunning nearby natural features such as the Cape Overberg, also known as the Whale Coast for its large volume of whale sightings, Cape Town and its surrounds don't disappoint.

Make sure you pay a trip to Table Mountain, which stretches 1,088m high, full of amazing hiking trails, wildlife and scenery, it's not to be missed. Cape Point, another significant natural feature, is linked to Table Mountain by the Hoerikwaggo Trail.

No matter whether you are interested in cultural attractions or heading into the outdoors, Cape Town is home to something that will suit you.

The best part of it all? Your journey through Africa will be in supreme comfort and luxury with all the outstanding services and facilities your cruise ship has to offer.

If a luxury cruise around Africa is an experience you want to add to your bucket list, then let the experienced consultants at Travel Associates help plan your next adventure. Take the first step towards your next holiday -  enquire online or call 13 70 71 to speak with a travel expert.