Quick answer
Southern Africa cruises run November to March from Cape Town and Durban; Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles and Madagascar are best from October to April. Safari add-ons in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa pair well.
- Cruise season
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
- Typical length
- 7–21 nights
- Main departure ports
- Cape Town, Durban, Port Louis, Mahé
- Popular ports
- Cape Town, Durban, Walvis Bay, Port Louis, Réunion, Mahé, Nosy Be, Zanzibar
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 11
Why cruise here
- Combine a safari and a cruise
- Island beaches of Mauritius and the Seychelles
- Chobe river houseboats for elephants
Weather by month in Cape Town
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 25 |
| Avg low °C | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Rain days | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Ports of call
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Walvis Bay
- Port Louis
- Réunion
- Mahé
- Nosy Be
- Zanzibar
- Mombasa
Sailings & fares
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Cruise lines sailing Africa & the Indian Ocean islands
Mainstream ocean cruises
Premium ocean cruises
Luxury & ultra-luxury cruises
Expedition & polar cruises
European river cruises
Coastal, sailing & small-ship cruises
Visas for Africa & the Indian Ocean islands cruises
South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar each set their own rules; several offer visa-free or on-arrival entry for Indian passports.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Africa & the Indian Ocean islands?
The cruise season is Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec; the best months are January, February, March, November, December.
Do I need a visa for a Africa & the Indian Ocean islands cruise?
South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar each set their own rules; several offer visa-free or on-arrival entry for Indian passports.
How long is a typical Africa & the Indian Ocean islands cruise?
Most are 7–21 nights, usually from Cape Town, Durban, Port Louis.
Which cruise lines sail Africa & the Indian Ocean islands?
MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ponant, Swan Hellenic, Aurora Expeditions, Variety Cruises, CroisiEurope, Noble Caledonia, Zambezi Queen Collection.