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Best boating destinations in Africa

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Aswan
Nile Islands, Nubian Culture, Golden Light
7.1
At Aswan the Nile runs nearly 2,100 feet wide just north of the first cataract. Traditional feluccas still carry people here. Travellers favour their quieter, calmer ride over motorboats. A typical felucca takes about ten passengers and a crew of two or three. Elephantine Island and Nubian villages line the water.
Highlights:
  • ⚙️ Marvel at the High Dam, Egypt’s modern engineering wonder
  • 🏛️ Visit the magnificent Philae Temple dedicated to Isis
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional felucca at sunset along the Nile
Sharm el-Sheikh
Coral Reefs, Desert Safaris, Endless Sun
7.4
Clear waters and coral reefs make this Red Sea resort popular for scuba diving and snorkelling. Ras Mohammed National Park and Nabq Protected Area lie nearby. The city overlooks the Straits of Tiran, which narrow to about 3 to 4 miles wide by Tiran Island. Shipping routes there lead on to Eilat and Aqaba.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Enjoy nightlife and shopping at SOHO Square
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at the popular Naama Bay Beach
  • 🤿 Explore vibrant coral reefs at Ras Mohammed National Park
Chobe National Park
Elephant Haven in Botswana
7.9
Chobe River forms the northeastern edge of this 4,500 square mile park. Its riverfront is the most visited section and has floodplains and seasonal birdlife. Buffalo gather at the water in the dry season beside elephants and giraffes. An estimated 50,000 elephants may form the largest concentration of Kalahari elephants.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Watch massive elephant herds at Chobe Riverfront
  • 🚤 Take a boat cruise on the scenic Chobe River
  • 🦁 Join thrilling game drives for wildlife spotting
Livingstone
Gateway to Victoria Falls Adventure
7.7
Zambezi sunset cruises leave from Livingstone and head upstream towards the national park. Guests can spot hippos and elephants. Crocodiles and birdlife line the banks. Boats are generally shaded with safari chairs and a bar. Victoria Falls drops 354 feet across a mile wide front nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🦁 Go on a game drive at Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
  • 🚣‍♂️ Take a thrilling white-water rafting trip on the Zambezi
  • 🌊 Witness the thundering Victoria Falls, a natural wonder
Mahé
Tropical Paradise with a Wild Side
8.6
A sailing trip from this 61 square mile island reaches Sainte Anne Marine Park in about 30 minutes. Snorkellers find turtles there. Curieuse Island lies 27 nautical miles away and offers a mangrove trail and giant tortoises. Further stops include La Digue and the Cousin Island bird sanctuary.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the summit of Morne Seychellois for panoramic views
  • 🤿 Snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine National Park’s coral reefs
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Beau Vallon Beach
Okavango Delta
Africa’s Uncharted Water Wilderness
8.0
Mokoro canoe excursions glide through channels across this inland delta. Floodwater spreads from March to June and peaks from June to August. The delta then swells to about three times its permanent size. Thousands of islands dot it and about 70 percent began as termite mounds. UNESCO inscribed it in 2014.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot diverse bird species during dedicated birding tours
  • 🛶 Glide silently through waterways in a traditional mokoro
  • 🦁 Explore the wildlife on guided 4x4 safari drives
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