How to Select an Africa Cruise

Africa is filled with waterfalls, exotic wildlife, ancient mysteries and native tribal cultures. If you think the best things to see are all about the game reserves of Kenya, you haven't heard of the other wonders of Africa. When you go on an Africa cruise, you get pulled in by Africa's adventurous spirit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what you'd like to see. Cruise lines give land tours of places like Zululand, Richards Bay, and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park. Each cruise sees different things so pick what you'd like to see before you search for the cruise.

2. Take plenty of time. Africa cruises can last more than 20 days because they stop in ports like Seychelles, Spain, Greece, India, and Egypt.

3. Head off in the winter. The best season to go on an Africa cruise is between October and February. This is usually the only season you can book a ship, too.

4. Look at your options. Only a few cruise lines visit Africa, usually on a world cruise. Lines to check with for Africa-specific cruises are Princess Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

5. Consider a safari. Many of the lines combine a pre- or post-cruise safari in one of their packages which lets you see much more of the natural beauty of Africa than you'll get from the ship.

6. Bring a credit card. Most of the ports in Africa accept the rand, so you'll be safer using a credit card than trying to count unfamiliar money.

Tips & Warnings

• During the winter months, when most Africa cruises are sailing, temperatures average 72 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night so pack a few warmer clothes just in case.
• If you make port in Seychelles, don't miss the giant Aldabran tortoises at the Botanical Gardens and keep your eyes out for rare black parrots. Lots of film is key!
• You will have to plan in advance just because there are only a few lines that cruise Africa. Try to find a good deal for the winter season and book airfare separately to save some cash.
• The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings strongly urging American visitors to exercise caution in Egypt, Kenya, Algeria and Nigeria.