While there are occasional round-Africa cruises, this vast continent with its wealth of wildlife and cultures, is best taken in stages.

Cruises to Africa

Itineraries in the Mediterranean take in North African nations such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and even Libya; Indian Ocean sailings cover East African ports like Mombasa while most Africa-bound cruises head to South Africa via Namibia with possible calls in Ghana, the Gambia and Senegal en-route.

One of the top cruise experiences is rounding the Cape of Good Hope as you catch your first glimpse of Table Mountain and Cape Town in South Africa. Here you can take a side trip to the famous Stellenbosch wine producing region, visit the Victoria & Albert Waterfront’s many shops, bars and restaurants and take a cable car up the famous flat-topped mountain.

Sights of Africa

Much of Africa's appeal lies inland where wild animals roam in the many game reserves. It is here where you will go on a safari to view the Big Five - lions, leopards, rhino, elephants and buffalo - as well as antelope, ostriches and various species of birds.

Kenya is also getting on the cruise map with Costa Cruises becoming the latest company to market regular scheduled Indian Ocean cruises to Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The line’s Costa Marina will sail from Mauritius to The Seychelles, Kenya, Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Réunion and back to Mauritius from December 2007 to March 2008.

Africa also features on many world cruise itineraries which can be broken down into manageable segments if 100 days on board ship appears too daunting.