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Africa, Arabia & Indian Ocean cruises - Beach in the Seychelles

Africa, Arabia & Indian Ocean cruises

The region encompassing Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean is vast, home to huge cultural and geographical diversity. Come face to face with the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa, get lost in the intoxicating souks of Morocco and Oman, or use the island of Zanzibar as a jumping off point to explore the sparkling turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean.

When to go

October to April

Duration

Usually 14 nights or more

How to get there

Flight from the UK

Our insight

Africa, Arabia & Indian Ocean cruising

Africa is a vast continent offering a wealth of cruising options. Cruises embarking or disembarking in Cape Town can be combined with a Garden Route tour, a trip on the Blue Train or Rovos Rail, a safari in Kruger National Park, or a visit to Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta, while voyages commencing in Mombasa can be paired with a Kenyan or Tanzanian safari.

The gateway of Dubai is an easy starting point for exploring the Persian Gulf on a Middle East cruise, with calls at modern cities such as Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Guaranteed sunshine, good shopping and fascinating trips into the desert add to the appeal, but there is also the opportunity to see the contrasts of ancient and modern trade in this region, juxtaposing the nomad peoples of the Arabian deserts with the lavish wealth of the oil-producing nations.

The area to the east of Africa features intermittently within cruise line programmes, with itineraries that follow the old trading routes between Europe, Africa, India and Arabia. The paradise islands of the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives offer stunning natural beauty, amazing wildlife and an intoxicating cultural mix whilst Madagascar provides an opportunity to see some unique flora and fauna.

Repositioning sailings, often from the Mediterranean or Asia, will explore Arabia or travel Africa's more remote areas before most ships spend some time operating Cape Town round trips. Although the season runs from October to April some cruise lines will only offer a handful of sailings in this area, so if you're keen it's worth booking early.

Our tips

Ways to make it better

Franschhoek, South Africa

Extend your stay in South Africa

Take a wine tour to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for tastings, beautiful countryside and great food.

Temple of Luxor at night

Don't miss

The Temple of Luxor with its extraordinary history. Return at night for a memorable sound and light show.

Hatta Village, UAE

Private tours from Dubai

Head out into the desert for the lush valley of Wadi Hatta and Hatta Village, then travel by four wheel drive across the dunes.

Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Mauritius

Mauritius excursions

Explore Port Louis’s markets with a private guide, visit Fort Adelaide, the National Botanical garden and the Sugar Estate and museum.

What our clients say

“Excellent service as always from Mundy staff. Very helpful sorting out visas.”

Mr Arrowsmith

Get in touch & let us tailor-make your perfect cruise holiday

Call us on 020 7399 7670 or visit us at our comfortable offices just off London's Regent Street.

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Mundy Cruising office, 48/49 Russell Square, London