South Africa

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city.

A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Immerse yourself in one of the sunniest destinations in all of South Africa—Port Elizabeth. Home to vibrant communities, worldly flavors, and safari-worthy wildlife, Port Elizabeth (or PE as the locals call it) is a piece of paradise on Nelson Mandela Bay.

Our South Africa cruises give you the chance to explore PE’s townships for a deeper look at what makes the Rainbow Nation so diverse. Embrace the sense of community known as Ubuntu, shop in the lively marketplaces, and visit a shebeen (pub) to share homemade umgqoboti—a popular traditional beer—with the locals. Then, chase the surf and an endless summer at Hobie Beach, where the warm waters and refreshing breezes are perfect for relaxing under the sun.

With the rugged and aptly named Wild Coast to the north, and the Sunshine Coast to the south, immerse yourself in the surrounding scenic beauty of East London, affectionately known as “The Buffalo City.”

With an African backdrop, English connections extend beyond the city’s name, and traces of German heritage are also seen in the well-preserved, charming 19th-century architecture.

A medley of African and Mediterranean influence is abundant on cruises to Mozambique’s bustling capital and center of commerce. Settled by the Portuguese in the 1700s, centuries of travel and trade from Africa, Asia, and Europe created Maputo’s vibrant, diverse cultural scene.

Easily explored by foot, Maputo’s Old Town stretches northeast from the port. From here, the city’s most prominent street, Avenida Julius Nyerere, parallels the coastline and passes the sprawling Presidential Palace and the stunning Hotel Polana. Peruse local boutiques and vendors for bright African waxprint and woven fabrics, Batik cloth, wood carvings, or any type of cashew imaginable (they’re Mozambique’s second biggest export).

Perched on the lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in South Africa. It’s also one of the main gateways to KwaZulu-Natal province and Zululand, the much larger inland region popular for its mountains, diverse wildlife, and vast surrounding savannah ecosystems.

Often overlooked in favor of trendy Johannesburg or popular Cape Town, sunny Durban has been on the rise since it got revitalized to help host the 2010 World Cup, and is an unexpected delight on any cruise to South Africa. Thanks to its golden beaches, Indian influences, and nearby natural wonder, you’ll understand why South Africans love to vacation here as soon as you step on shore.

The city is home to the proud Zulu people, and the largest Indian population in Africa. Weave in colonial Victorian architecture with ornate mosques, and the rich tapestry of world cultures is found around every corner. It’s a place where Catholic church spires mingle with minarets. Where calls to prayer blend with sounds of buzzing Indian markets. Where the cheers of a soccer match pulse to the rhythm of native drum beats

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city.

A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city.

A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.