Holland America to Africa

Have you ever dreamed about exploring Africa? From its rich, old civilizations to modern cultures to European influences? For the wildlife and beautiful landscapes of jungle and desert? Holland America presents a solution: With mid-sized vessels able to enter smaller ports, travelers get to experience several angles of the continent – all with a single trip.

Itineraries and Ships

Cruises to Africa begin in the Middle East or Cape Town and then make their way around the coast. Along the way, you’ll see areas as diverse as the Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana, and Casablanca, Morocco.

Africa Explorer cruises last anywhere from 20 to 85 days and take the following routes:

85 Days: A cruise spending more time in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe gives you a fuller picture of the entire continent and the areas surrounding it.

49 Days: A cruise begins in the Middle East or Europe to sail around the continent’s entire perimeter.

35 days: Cruises launch from Cape Town, travel up the western coast of Africa to stop in Namibia, Ghana, and Morocco, and then terminate in London or Rotterdam.

28 Days: Trips start in the Middle East, go around the peninsula, and then travel to multiple points in North Africa.

20 Days: Cruises start in Dubai, go down the eastern coast of Africa to places like the Seychelles and Durban, and then end in Cape Town.

The MS Rotterdam sails all African itineraries. This ship is the sixth in Holland America’s Rotterdam Class. Launched in 1996, it is based on the SS Rotterdam and, in addition to Holland America’s attentive service and elegant dining, features a $2 million art collection on board.

Where You’ll Go and What You’ll See

Holland America’s intimate yet spacious mid-sized ships let you visit far more ports than the typical contemporary cruise. While you’ll make several stops in Africa, some of the highlights include:

Victoria, Seychelles: The island nation’s capital is perfect for shopping and exploring architecture, particularly the old, narrow streets and colonial-style buildings, promenades, and cathedrals. Or to take in nature, stop by the Botanical Garden.

Durban: South Africa’s major eastern port takes travelers to the Kwa-Zulu Natal homeland and the Golden Mile, an area of bronze-sanded beaches juxtaposed with blue waters. During your time in port, explore the area’s many sights and attractions: flea markets, shops, temples, historical museums, and the Umgeni River Bird Park.

Cape Town: South Africa’s mother city brings together African history with the country’s English and Dutch influences. Take a cable-car ride, see Cape Dutch buildings, or sign up for a safari.

Walvis Bay: Namibia’s coastal city and port gets you close to exotic wildlife and the Namib Desert. Depending upon the excursion you take, you may see gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, brown hyenas, cheetahs, or desert elephants.

Arrecife, Canary Islands: This port rakes you to Lanzarote, a World Biosphere reserve. But that’s not all there is to see. You’ll likely come across fields of melons and grapes and see the island’s volcanic fields.

Experience Africa in a more intimately, insightful way with Holland America. To begin scheduling your trip, make reservations today through Direct Line Cruises.