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Best cruise destinations in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
The 2024 to 2025 cruise season was the longest and busiest in the city's history. It brought 83 ship calls, including 11 inaugural visits. March was the busiest month with 22 calls. The V&A Waterfront operates the cruise terminal. Officials cited about 2,000 jobs supported and over R1 billion added to the economy.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
A dedicated cruise jetty was built at Port Louis in 2009. The Mauritius Ports Authority planned a new terminal building for November 2023. It can handle 4,000 passengers per day. The island recorded 40 cruise calls in 2018 and aims to beat that record. AIDA Cruises returned for a 2023 to 2024 homeporting season.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Casablanca
Modern Vibes and Rich Traditions
6.7
King Mohammed VI inaugurated the new cruise terminal on 18 September 2025. The first ship arrived on 26 September. By January 2026 the terminal had received 53 ships and 93,940 passengers. Global Ports Holding took over operations on 1 January 2026, which gives the port a new commercial operator.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll along the lively Casablanca Corniche seaside
  • 🏘️ Explore the historic Habous Quarter and markets
  • 🕌 Admire intricate artistry at Hassan II Mosque
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Stone Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Its Old Fort dates to the 17th century and is the oldest building in town. The House of Wonders was built in 1883. A passenger terminal at Maruhubi is planned. The concession was signed in February 2024 at an estimated 350 million US dollars.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
8.3
Ships dock at Le Port on Pointe des Galets on the west coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010 covers about 40 percent of the island. Piton des Neiges is the highest point at 3,070 metres. The Mafate caldera is reachable only on foot or by helicopter.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Explore the Cirque de Mafate by air or on foot
  • 🏖️ Swim in turquoise waters at L’Ermitage Beach lagoon
  • 🌋 Hike the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano crater
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
7.6
Gorée Island lies about 2 kilometres offshore from Dakar's main harbour. A regular ferry takes about 30 minutes each way and there are no cars on the island. UNESCO listed Gorée in 1978. Ships typically depart around 6 PM after about 10 hours ashore. Bandia Reserve is about 30 minutes from the city.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Visit Gorée Island's historic slave trade museum
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll along the bustling Boulevard de l'Indépendance
  • 🛍️ Explore Dakar's vibrant Sandaga market for local crafts
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.7
The country has 115 islands. About 42 percent of its territory is allocated for conservation. The coco de mer palm grows only on Praslin and neighbouring Curieuse. Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with about 150,000 giant tortoises. Several cruise itineraries start or end in Victoria.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
  • 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
  • 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
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