Summary
Highlights
- Marvel at the hundreds of thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and migratory species at Walvis Bay
- Port Elizabeth offers spectacular beaches, historical attractions, and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries
- Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters at Richards Bay
In Brief
- 2 Nights Cape Town
- 1 Night At Sea
- 2 Nights Walvis Bay
- 2 Nights At Sea
- 1 Night Port Elizabeth
- 2 Nights Durban
- 1 Night At Sea
- 1 Night Maputo
- 1 Night Richards Bay
- 1 Night At Sea
- 1 Night Mossel Bay
- 2 Nights Cape Town
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture | Ocean cruise | Wildlife
Let the exuberant wilderness of Africa take center stage on this visit to breathtaking ports dotting the southern half of the continent, ideal staging points for a wide array of safaris across beautifully maintained natural reserves. In your explorations, discover towns rich in European colonial history, from the German-tinged villages of Namibia to the Commonwealth treasures of South Africa.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
UK to Cape Town
Fly overnight to Cape Town, arriving in the morning. Make your way to the ship or if you have time, explore the city. It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
3
At Sea
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Days
4-5
Walvis Bay
Although rimmed by the inhospitable Namib Desert, Walvis Bay boasts a huge natural lagoon that attracts hundreds of thousands of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and migratory species. The desert's Dune 7 is the highest sand dune near town and offers a spectacular view. The wooden Rhenish Mission Church is also noteworthy.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Days
6-7
At Sea
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Port Elizabeth
South Africa's third largest port, Port Elizabeth is known as “The Friendly City.” A popular destination for water sports, Port Elizabeth offers spectacular beaches, historical attractions, the oldest bowling green in South Africa and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. Bayworld features a fascinating cultural history museum, an oceanarium and a snake and dinosaur park.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Days
9-10
Durban
British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it's the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
11
At Sea
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Maputo
Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo's struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
13
Richards Bay
Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
14
At Sea
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Day
15
Mossel Bay
With an average of 320 sunny days a year, Mossel Bay has the second mildest climate in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches, horseback riding and whale and dolphin watching. Track big game on a thrilling safari or take a cruise to Seal Island, populated by over 2,500 Cape fur seals.
Stay: Nautica
Meals: B L D
Days
16-17
Cape Town
Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay.
Stay: Nautica
Debark on day 17 and make your way to the airport for your included flight to the UK, arriving the following day.
Meals: B L D
Map
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