cruise tourism in south africa

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How Africa is looking to invest in boosting cruise tourism after the pandemic

With Africa having borne the brunt of the economic crisis that came with the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns put in place to protect public health, many up-and-coming cruise destinations on the continent are now looking to the resurgent cruise industry for post-pandemic growth.

P&O Aurora (image for illustrative purposes only).

The COVID-19 pandemic struck globally in March, 2020, leading to cascading lockdowns around the world as more and more countries began to experience surging cases of the virus. Even though most African countries lack the socio-economic infrastructure to sustain such lockdowns, these measures found their way to the continent nonetheless.

By June of 2021, Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, was warning of an economic calamity for the continent. She warned that the pandemic had become a “two-track pandemic…leading to a two-track recovery”. As a result, “Africa is already falling behind in terms of growth prospects. It is a human tragedy and an economic calamity.”

The World Bank has forecast that economic growth in the region is expected to decelerate from 4.1% in 2021 to 3.3% in 2022 compared to advanced economies that are expected to revert to the pre-pandemic growth trend in 2022. As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also created a  double-digit inflation rate in 17 countries , skyrocketing commodity prices, food insecurity, and supply chain constraints.

The cruise industry is forecast to fully recover from the pandemic this year.

Yet there is good news amid all the doom and gloom, one of the bright spots has been the cruise industry, which has seen a stunning return to form following the lifting of lockdowns and international travel restrictions. The major cruise lines have all brought most of their fleets back into service, major cruise destinations have reopened around the world and demand has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

There has also been marked growth in interest in Africa as a cruise destination, according to Harry Sommer, CEO & President, Norwegian Cruise Line, who recently said the cruise line’s upcoming 2023/24 South African itineraries are already among the fastest selling, with demand coming from more than 60 countries. This year is also anticipated to be the year that the industry makes a complete recovery .

Nautica alongside in Mombasa

As a result, African cruise destinations are looking to capitalise by diversifying their tourism offerings away from safari tourism and into cruise tourism. Kenya and the Seychelles in particular are investing in cruise infrastructure in an effort to grow their cruise sectors and grab some of the US $15.1 billion that the industry is expected to be worth by 2028.

Kenya has built a new cruise terminal on the island of Mombasa. It opened to its first cruise ships in January this year and three more are expected by the end of March. Peninah Malonza, the country’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, said visitors arriving on the second ship in December would inject more than $800,000 into the local economy.

“Cruise tourists form a crucial part of the tourism industry,” said John Ololtuaa, the principal secretary in the country’s tourism department. “Cruise tourism is a high-value market worth billions of dollars.”

The Seychelles, more than 1,000 miles to the east in the Indian Ocean, is also seeing a tourism benefit from the cruise industry. Port Victoria, its only notable port, is scheduled to receive 18 cruise ships during the current season. The Seychelles Port Authority opened  a passageway to the port entrance in time for the season  that the agency believes will provides visitors to Victoria a safer exit and entry point. Sony Payet, the authority’s chief executive, acknowledged that prior to the opening of the passageway, passengers had to exit the main gate of Port Victoria, where they often encountered heavy trucks.

Cape Town has redeveloped its cruise terminal

South Africa is the most advanced cruise market on the continent, with Cape Town scheduled to accommodate 75 cruise calls from several dozen cruise ships during the year. The cruise sector brings in around $16.4 million to the local economy annually, with some 250,000 cruise tourists having visited during the current cruise season.

“It is essential to have adequate infrastructure in place to support the arrival and departure of large cruise ships, including a deep-water port and terminal facilities,” says Wrenelle Stander, CEO of  Wesgro , Cape Town’s official tourism promotion agency. The city has upgraded its cruise infrastructure significantly in recent years, with the redevelopment of the Cape Town Cruise Terminal directly adjacent the V&A Waterfront, a sprawling retail and entertainment area around a marina.

The V&A Waterfront

The redevelopment of the terminal was intended to attract more cruise lines to not only cruise from the city, but also to get more cruise lines to homeport during the annual cruise season between November and March. It worked on both counts, with MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas, and AIDA all having sailed a homeporting season in Cape Town this year.

Durban Cruise Terminal

On the other side of the country, in Durban, MSC Cruises has also partnered with a local development company in a joint venture to build the Durban Cruise Terminal, or KZN Cruise Terminal, where MSC Cruises homeports annually for the summer season, sailing roundtrip voyages up the South African coast to Mozambique. The cruise terminal was opened in November 2021 and features retail space and facilities for conferences and meetings.

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Categories: Cruise Industry , Cruise Destinations , Cruise Features , News , SA Cruise News

Tagged as: Africa , Cape Town , Durban , Mombasa , South Africa

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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Our Top South Africa Cruise Excursions

By Chris Wain

When you think of cruising the open waters, most people automatically imagine sailing around the shores of the Mediterranean or island-hopping around the Caribbean, but more and more ocean-going liners are now including Africa, and in particular South Africa , into their itineraries. Whilst sailing the high seas on your African cruise is all part of the journey, the real excitement begins when you step ashore and experience everything that the destination has to offer. Booking your South African cruise ships’ own excursions may be all well and good, but these trips are renowned ‘cash cows’ for the cruise companies, and you will invariably be herded around with the masses as you tick off the sights. Instead, Africa Travel are able to save you money and craft the perfect, personalised cruise ship excursion for your time on dry land in South Africa - whether it be a guided walk up the slopes of the famous Table Mountain, an afternoon wine-tasting in the company of an expert sommelier in the Cape Wine region, or an unforgettable safari in the Eastern Cape or poignant visit to KwaZulu Natal’s historic Battlefields. When you cruise to South Africa, let Africa Travel be your perfect partner.

Top Five Cruise Ship Excursions

With so many things to see and do, South Africa is a landlubber’s paradise, but Africa Travel have done the hard lifting for you and we are pleased to be able to offer you our exclusive run down of the country’s Top Five Cruise Ship Excursions.

The Cape Peninsula

Escape the crowds on your cruise to South Africa and spend your onshore time wisely down in the depths of the Cape, where wild beaches and dramatic vistas are the order of the day. The brave can swap being on the high seas for being under them with an exhilarating shark-cage dive, the hardy can join a boat trip to enjoy some of the planet’s finest whale-watching, and the pioneering can stand on the continents’ Southernmost tip and look far out to sea, before re-joining their South African cruise.

Wine Region

The battlefields.

South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province was the scene of many historic battles between the British, the Boers and the Zulus during the 19th century, and the keen historian should definitely try to include a trip there amongst their South African cruise’s offshore excursions. When it comes to historical sites, the region has a multitude of memorials and landmarks just waiting to be discovered – from the battles of Blood River, Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift, to the Anglo-Zulu War and the devastating siege of Ladysmith.

Big-5 Safari

Any self-respecting cruise to South Africa really should include a safari – after all what could beat rising early, heading out in the first light in search of the famed Big-5 and returning for an alfresco lunch, before an afternoon trip into the African bush and a magnificent dinner under the skies are completed by a pampering overnight stay in a world-class safari lodge? Numerous safari options are available from both of the main South African cruise ship stops of Cape Town and Durban.

Why book your Cruise Ship Excursion with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating and arranging holidays to South Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise unforgettable shore excursions from your South African cruise in this wonderful destination than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect off-ship trip and as all of our staff have travelled the country themselves, you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the cruise holiday to South Africa that you have always dreamed of. We even have our own staff located in South Africa to ensure your cruise ship excursions run as smoothly as possible. Our years of knowledge mean that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best safari areas to stay in, the leading wine estates to visit, and the top guides to escort you.

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  Cruise Tourism

• To raise awareness of the Southern Africa region as an important and growing destination for cruise tourism operations;
• To communicate the potential of cruise tourism for South Africa.
• To communicate the value of cruise tourism in enhancing the competitiveness of destination South Africa from the tourism point of view.
• To raise awareness of the socio – economic and environmental impact of cruise tourism to South Africa.

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South Africa Cruises

With endless sunsets, breathtaking scenery and diverse cultures and cuisine, South Africa makes a spectacular cruise destination. Full of natural beauty there are impressive beaches, forests and vineyards to explore. Take a trip up to the top of the iconic Table Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to Cape Town or relax in the sun on Durban's beautiful stretch of beachfront The Golden Mile. From mountain biking and hiking to wine tasting and safari tours, on a cruise to South Africa you'll experience the extraordinary.

Popular cruise ports in South Africa

Situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world.

Situated on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is South Africa's third-largest city.

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Cruise Tourism Potential in South Africa

I receive many email replies to my column “Talking Tourism”, which is particularly rewarding. These emails include many from local students; like one who recently asked me my views about “cruise tourism.” By Michael Bertram.

The standard response is normally “Cruise tourism is just like any other tourism although it involves cruise ships. It is a great way to expose a country’s beauty and culture and also a nice way to travel the world giving tons of jobs and employment to places that it visits, mostly “ports of call”.

Students, by their very nature are inquisitive creatures who always have follow-up questions. Such as how big is the market, how are we going to access this growing sector and most importantly what is in it for us?

Interesting questions; having attended several meetings over the past few years, my interest was piqued once again. History is never as straight-forward as it would seem.

The South African National Department of Tourism identified Cruise Tourism as a niche tourism product with the potential to accelerate growth of the tourism sector. A study conducted in 2009 included four coastal cities, and the Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, stated “We need investment in port facilities. We want to be part of this industry as tourists, working on board and as operators.”

The official SA Cruise Tourism Report, which covered the prospects, benefits and strategies for the industry, noted that the return on public sector funding would be an estimated R14.81 for every R1 spent in terms of a medium passenger forecast of more than 400 000 by 2025.

For low and high passenger forecasts (of 200 000 and almost 1 million, respectively) the returns would be R11.49 and R48.83, respectively. But the report stated: “If international passenger numbers do not materialise as envisaged then the project is not viable from a South African perspective.”

Readers, please note that; “Public sector funding includes investments in new passenger terminals at ports and marketing of South Africa to cruise liners”.

The economic benefits are far reaching and include port charges, spending by international crew, earnings by local crew and spending by the ship operators. The contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to increase from R682m in 2010 to R1.3 billion in 2025. It is estimated that the cumulative contribution to GDP by 2025 will be R14bn.

According to the International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing (Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 205-226); “cruise tourism has been the fastest growing sector of the travel industry for the past twenty years with an average annual growth rate of passengers of 7.4%. It has increased at almost twice the rate of growth of tourism overall and this growth is expected to continue in the future”.

Questioned about the status of the cruise terminal plan for Durban harbour during a tour of the port during February 2012, Mr Hamilton Nxumalo, head of the infrastructure at Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA), said; “No decision has been made, despite a pre-feasibility study having been undertaken… We are spending about R21.3 billion in upgrades to the Durban Port over the next seven years, which is part of the R300bn infrastructure spending plan”.

Nxumalo added; “Transnet was looking for a partner to invest in the cruise terminal development either as a public-private partnership or some sort of joint venture. It will cost anything upwards of R800m. But we are yet to put out tenders calling for expressions of interest from possible partners or investors”.

MSC Starlight Cruises, reported early this year that it had already carried more than 100 000 passengers on the MSC Sinfonia and MSC Melody for the present SA summer; Stefano Vigoriti, a director of MSC Cruises, said a plan needed to be finalised and construction under way by 2013, adding “Insufficient infrastructure for cruise tourism in Durban won’t stall growth for now… But, it could inhibit growth in the future and business could go elsewhere” .

Ships such as the Queen Mary 2, which has visited Cape Town twice in recent months, is too large to be accommodated in the V&A Waterfront, and therefore a new cruise liner terminal in the main port would be first prize. It has been suggested that due to the relatively small number of cruise line visits to date, the new cruise liner terminal should be developed as a multifunctional venue, suitable for weddings and conferences too.

It would appear that South Africa is particularly well positioned to leverage good growth off this niche market as we are now part of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA) check out http://www. cruiseindianocean.org/ – for more information – clearly this is one area where we must develop our infrastructure now.

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Cruises - South Africa

• South Africa
• By 2024, the revenue in the Cruises market in South Africa is projected to reach US$39.65m.
• A steady annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 3.60% is expected, leading to a projected market volume of US$45.67m by 2028.
• Moreover, the number of users in the Cruises market is expected to reach 44.01k users by 2028.
• In 2024, the user penetration rate is 0.06% and it is expected to increase to 0.07% by 2028.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be US$1.00k.
• Furthermore, it is projected that online sales will account for 19% of the total revenue in the Cruises market in South Africa by 2028.
• It is interesting to note that in a global perspective, United States will generate the most revenue in this market, with a projected revenue of US$15,160m in 2024.
• South Africa's cruise market is growing as it offers unique experiences such as safari cruises and stops in remote ports.

Key regions: Germany , Singapore , Indonesia , India , Vietnam

Definition:

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Cruises market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Multi-day cruises
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• Trips by ferry (including trips with overnight stay)
• Trips by ferry mainly for transport purposes

Travel & Tourism

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The Cruises market in South Africa has been experiencing significant growth and development in recent years. Customer preferences: Customers in South Africa are increasingly drawn to cruise vacations due to the unique experiences they offer, such as exploring multiple destinations in one trip, all-inclusive packages, and onboard entertainment options. The convenience of unpacking only once while visiting various locations is particularly appealing to travelers seeking a hassle-free vacation. Trends in the market: One notable trend in the South African cruise market is the rise of domestic cruises catering to local tourists. These cruises offer opportunities to explore the country's picturesque coastlines and ports, providing a convenient and luxurious travel option for South Africans. Additionally, themed cruises and experiential travel packages are gaining popularity among travelers looking for niche experiences. Local special circumstances: South Africa's strategic location as a gateway to other African countries and its diverse coastal landscapes make it an attractive hub for cruise operators. The country's ports serve as key embarkation points for cruise ships traveling to various destinations in the region, contributing to the growth of the local cruise industry. Moreover, South Africa's rich cultural heritage and wildlife make it a compelling destination for international cruise tourists seeking unique and immersive experiences. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the South African economy, coupled with increasing disposable incomes and a growing middle class, has fueled the demand for leisure travel, including cruises. As more South Africans prioritize experiences and travel, the cruise market is poised to expand further. Additionally, government initiatives to develop the tourism sector and improve infrastructure, including port facilities, are enhancing the country's attractiveness as a cruise destination.

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Modeling approach:

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

7 Epic Safari Cruise Destinations in Africa

The unique ecosystems along Africa’s great rivers are home to a staggering array of wildlife, impressive ancient cities, and temples, as well as fascinating tribes and cultures that flourished on their banks.

A great alternative to a traditional safari is a  safari cruise . And by that, I mean an epic river voyage that will show you Africa’s charming nature from a different perspective.  Game viewing  on the water is a bewildering experience – intimate for the visitor and unobtrusive for the wildlife.

Safari cruises focus on the wildlife reserves and tourist attractions that are located in the proximity of the river and offer a great opportunity to visit less crowded national parks and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are by no means less rewarding than the popular ones located further inland. A safari cruise will also allow you to cover more ground, while at the same time avoiding those long dusty roads.

One of the best ways to explore Africa is from the very rivers that sustain its rich wildlife and varied ecosystems. So go ahead and save your front-row seats for the great spectacle that nature has to offer in Africa’s best river cruise destinations:

The Chobe River, Botswana

The life-giving Chobe River springs in Angola and travels through the Kalahari before reaching  Botswana , where the waterway forms the northern border of the Chobe National Park. Being one of the few water sources for the rich wildlife in the area, it supports one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

During the dry winter months (April to October), large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and antelope, as well as big cats, come to drink, bathe, and play on the riverbanks. This translates to incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Home to over 400 bird species, the Chobe River is also a paradise for bird lovers. The stunning backdrop lures photographers from far and wide, and wildlife photography cannot get any better than from on board a quiet boat trip.

There a few houseboats operating on the river, the most acclaimed of which is the Zambezi Queen and the Chobe Princesses. The 28-passenger ship Zambezi Queen travels from Namibia to the Chobe National Park, home to the world’s largest population of elephants, estimated at 50,000 individuals. Due to the moist terrain, the best way to get close to these gentle giants is on a safari cruise.

The Zambezi River

Africa’s fourth-largest river flows for 1,599 miles (2,574 km) through six countries, from northwestern  Zambia  to  Mozambique , where it enters the Indian Ocean. The mighty Victoria Falls marks the border between the Upper and Middle Zambezi, and there are boats and luxury houseboats offering cruises on both the Upper and Lower Zambezi.

Catamarans and old steamers take nature lovers on the Upper Zambezi, where you are bound to see crocodiles and hippos. Chances are that you’ll also see elephants, antelopes, and big cats on the riverbanks. While the wildlife viewing may be unpredictable, a stellar sunset while sipping sundowners is always guaranteed.

Some ships that operate in shallow water can take passengers much closer to Victoria Falls than bigger ships, which usually take off 3 miles (5 km) upstream. Unfortunately, you still cannot see the falls from there, but you can take a short land trip to explore them and the surrounding landscape. While here, why not take a dip in Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool where you can swim to the very edge of the thundering Victoria Falls?

The best time of year to go on a river cruise on the Zambezi River is between May and September. Combine a sunset river cruise through the Lower Zambezi National Park with guided walks through rainforests to get up close and personal with the elephants and observe as many of the 300 recorded species of birds as you can.

The Congo River

“Going up that river was like traveling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings. An empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest. […] We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.” Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (1902) describes a journey up the Congo River towards the end of the 19th century that continues to inspire avid travelers seeking adventure to go on the same path over a century later.

The second longest river in Africa after the Nile, the second largest river in the world after the Amazon, and the world’s deepest river, the Congo River flows for 2,900 miles (4,700 km) from the Katanga Plateau to the Atlantic Ocean. There are over 4,000 islands in the Congo River basin and the river crosses the Equator twice. And let us not forget that it gives life to the Congo Rainforest, the second largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon.

Cruise the Congo River in a pirogue, traditional dugout canoes, and embark on a journey through one of the world’s least explored corners. Retrace the footsteps of renowned explorers Stanley and Livingston and discover remote villages, barely-touched rainforests, and get the chance to meet some of the last remaining pygmy tribes.

On your way, stop at Ekolo Ya Bonobo to see the bonobo apes that can only be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a critically endangered species with as few as 50,000 individuals still left in the wild. Here, Lola Ya Bonobo rescues orphaned bonobos and rehabilitates them to be reintroduced to the wild.

Exploring the Congo River by boat is the ultimate river cruising experience and can take several weeks to complete, usually more than 22 days, and is not for the faint-hearted. Shorter trips are also available.

The Nile, Egypt

The Nile is probably the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning river cruises in Africa. Walk like an Egyptian and cruise the world’s longest river through the heart of Egypt. Although 4,160 miles (6,695 km) from source to mouth, the highest concentration of ancient relics can be found along the stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. That’s where the most popular cruises sail.The journey between Aswan and Luxor typically takes three to four days to complete and covers approximately 120 miles (200 km). It is combined with land trips and visits to famous archaeological sites like the Karnak Temples, Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings.

Longer cruises are available, though less frequent. There are only a few companies that offer six to seven-day cruises that sail north of Luxor to Dendera, one of the best-preserved temples complexes in  Egypt .

Home to one-third of the world’s antiques, immerse yourself in Egypt’s ancient past on a luxury cruise ship or on a felucca, the traditional sailboats of Egypt’s Nile that rely solely on wind power. Make sure you include camel-back rides, visits to the Great Pyramids and add Cairo to your bucket list, too. At the end of the day, lay back and relax on the deck while admiring some of the best sunsets on the planet.

Niger River, Mali

The third longest river in Africa, the Niger River runs for 2,600 miles (4,180 km) through West Africa before entering the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its charm, major cruise lines do not include the Niger River in their itineraries. Luckily, passenger boats operate on the river between August and mid-December, during the high-water season, and regular ferries set sail from Mopti, Mali’s touristic hub.

The most popular trips on the Niger River are from Mopti to the Dogon villages and Timbuktu. The Cliff of Bandiagara, also known as the Land of the Dogons, is one of the most impressive sites in West Africa and includes 289 villages.

Around 65 percent of Mali is covered in desert and semi-desert, with the Sahara Desert occupying most of the northern half of the country. At the gateway to the Sahara Desert, 12 miles (20 km) north of the Niger River, the fabled ancient city of Timbuktu fights for its very existence and is currently on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger. Nicknamed “The City of 333 Saints” and “The Pearl of the Desert,” Timbuktu is a former Arab-African trade hub that was once synonymous with Africa’s inaccessibility.

Cruising Lake Malawi

Also known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Malawi is the third largest in Africa and the ninth largest in the world, occupying about one-third of Malawi. It is here that steamer MV Ilala, a relic from the colonial times, has been carrying passengers and cargo across the lake ever since 1951. Nowadays, the ship offers six-day round trips once every week, from Monkey Bay in the southern region of Malawi to Chilumba near the lake’s northern end.

The trip is about 300 miles (480 km) long, and the motor ship makes 13 stops on its way, in the major towns on both Malawi and Mozambique’s coasts, but also on Likoma Island, where David Livingstone established his missionary headquarters.

Steamer MV Ilala can accommodate 120 passengers. It is certainly not a luxury cruise, but it is an African adventure that should not be missed, especially when combined with an off-the-beaten-path safari in Malawi.

The Senegal River

In West Africa, the Senegal River draws a watery line between Senegal and Mauritania. Here, Bou El Mogdad is an old colonial French steamer dating from 1950 that takes tourists and locals some 125 miles (200 km) up on the river on a seven-day round trip.

Starting from Saint-Louis, a city on the Atlantic coast with charming French colonial architecture, the journey will take you through mangrove forests, lagoons and sand channels, and past open markets with exotic flavors and colors. You will stop in harbors, former trading posts, and in Toucouleur villages.

On your way, stop at the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in the Senegal River Delta for a birdwatching safari, a stronghold for more than 1.5 million migratory birds and the third most important ornithological reserve in the world.

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Indian Ocean Rim Association States share best practices for developing cruise tourism at conference

Officials and experts from the indian ocean rim association (iora) member states including bangladesh, kenya, madagascar, maldives, mozambique, sri lanka, south africa, seychelles and tanzania participated, the ministry of external affairs said..

The two-day India-IORA Cruse Tourism Conference was held in New Delhi on June 13 and 14. Officials and experts from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member States including Bangladesh, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Seychelles and Tanzania participated, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"The Conference provided a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and policy initiatives towards developing and strengthening the cruise tourism sector in IORA Member States," the MEA statement added. "Discussions covered infrastructure development, regulatory issues, sustainable tourism, employment generation, inclusion of women and business opportunities among others," it also said.

FICCI in partnership with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) secretariat and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, organised a 2-day, India-IORA Cruise Tourism Conference at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. IORA-India Cruise Tourism Conference aims to foster cooperation, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships to maximize the potential of cruise, coastal, and marine tourism within the IORA region.

The objective of the Conference is to bring together government and business stakeholders from IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners working in the Indian Ocean Region cruise tourism sector and related sectors. (ANI)

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