Southern Africa Expedition Cruises

Although it is easy to think of Africa as a hot destination, and you need to take precautions to protect you from the African sun, it can be cold at night so take a fleece especially if you are going to spend time stargazing, or for early morning game drives. The Namibian coast is often foggy where the cold current from Antarctica meets the hot front coming down from Angola, so take warm layers and a lightweight waterproof.

Your ship may provide binoculars but we recommend taking your own. Ensure you have insect repellent and sunblock and plan to wear long sleeved tops and trousers for protection from the sun and from insect bites, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Take a hat too, and sunglasses of course.

The majority of Southern Africa is not malarial but if you are visiting low lying areas in the north east then antimalarials might be needed. Take advice! And make sure all your regular routine vaccinations are up to date.

No visa is required for short stays in South Africa for UK travellers, but you will need three blank pages in your passport. If you are travelling to other countries such as Namibia or Madagascar, make sure you check carefully what the requirements are.

Southern Africa expedition cruise pricing typically ranges from approximately £5,000 to £15,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category and itinerary length. Ponant and Silversea Expeditions voyages are generally all-inclusive, covering shore excursions, premium beverages, gratuities and Zodiac landings. Hapag-Lloyd offers excellent value with comprehensive inclusions. Peak season departures (December-January) command premium pricing, while shoulder season sailings (March-April, October-November) offer better value. Safari extensions and luxury lodge stays add £2,000-£8,000+ per person depending on duration and lodge category.

UK passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa or Namibia for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must have at least three blank pages and be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date. If your itinerary includes Angola, Madagascar or other African countries, specific visa requirements apply. We will advise on these during the booking process.

Yes, combining a cruise and safari in South Africa is one of the most popular options. Pre-cruise extensions to Kruger National Park typically run 3-5 nights in luxury lodges with twice-daily game drives. Post-cruise options include Victoria Falls and Botswana's Okavango Delta. From Port Elizabeth, day safari excursions to Addo Elephant Park are available. Richards Bay offers access to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve for Big Five viewing. We can tailor safari extensions to match your cruise dates and wildlife interests.

Southern Africa expedition cruises offer exceptional marine and coastal wildlife viewing. The "Marine Big 5" - Southern Right Whales (June-December), dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, sharks and African penguins - are regularly encountered. Walvis Bay hosts tens of thousands of flamingos, while the Cape Fur Seal colony at Pelican Point numbers up to 50,000 year-round. Shore excursions can include Big Five safari opportunities from Richards Bay and Port Elizabeth. Birdwatching highlights include African penguins, Cape cormorants, kelp gulls and numerous seabird species along the coast.

The Skeleton Coast is Namibia's northern Atlantic coastline, one of the world's most remote and dramatic shores. Named for hundreds of shipwrecks scattered along its fog-bound beaches, this desert-meets-ocean landscape stretches from Swakopmund to the Angolan border. Expedition cruises explore this region via Zodiac landings and coastal sailing, visiting abandoned diamond mining towns, massive seal colonies, and landscapes where towering sand dunes meet the cold Atlantic. The Skeleton Coast represents one of Southern Africa's most distinctive expedition cruise destinations.

Southern Africa expedition cruises typically range from 10 to 16 nights for coastal itineraries between Cape Town, Namibia and Durban. Shorter 10-12 night voyages focus on either the western coast (Cape Town to Walvis Bay via the Skeleton Coast) or the eastern Garden Route (Cape Town to Durban). Longer 14-16 night expeditions may continue to Madagascar, the Seychelles or combine both coasts. Grand voyage segments linking South America, Africa and Asia can extend to 25+ nights.

Expedition cruises use smaller ships carrying 100-250 guests with ice-strengthened hulls and shallow drafts, enabling access to remote coastlines and small ports that larger ships cannot reach. You'll travel with expert naturalists, geologists and cultural historians who lead Zodiac excursions, wildlife spotting and shore exploration. Expedition cruises emphasise discovery and learning over onboard entertainment, with included shore excursions, all-inclusive pricing, and enrichment lectures. Regular cruises to South Africa typically visit major ports like Cape Town and Durban on much larger ships with traditional cruise amenities.

Yes, but only with a traditional cruise line. Expedition operators don't offer no-fly cruises to South Africa.

South Africa is very safe when visiting on organised shore excursions and in established tourist areas. Cape Town's waterfront, Table Mountain, the Winelands, and all major cruise ports have excellent safety records. As with any international destination, we recommend staying with organised groups in cities, avoiding isolated areas, and keeping valuables secure. Your expedition cruise line will provide comprehensive safety briefings and only operate excursions in areas where they can ensure guest security.