Best boating destinations in Africa

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Africa's boating offer ranges from the liveaboard diving circuits of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean coastlines to the river boating networks of the major inland waterways and the motor cruising environments of the great lake systems. The continent's most compelling boating destinations combine exceptional marine biodiversity, wildlife encounters and dramatic natural settings with the particular access that water-based travel provides to otherwise unreachable environments.

Liveaboard diving operations along the continent's eastern coastlines deliver access to remote reef and wreck environments inaccessible from shore, with multi-day itineraries covering dive sites of considerable marine significance. River boating across the continent's major waterways offers a contrasting experience built around slow movement through wildlife-rich landscapes where water provides the most practical and immersive means of travel.

Wildlife awareness is essential across most inland river and lake boating environments and guided operations are strongly advisable where hippos and crocodiles are present. Weather and seasonal flooding affect river boating viability considerably and local advice before departing is non-negotiable. Your money goes a long way making extended boating itineraries practical on modest budgets.