As Africa seeks to broaden its tourism appeal beyond traditional safari experiences, cruising is emerging as a rapidly growing sector, attracting increasing interest and investment.
According to travelweekly.com, “The demand is almost double compared to 2022, and we see it growing year by year,” said Patrizia Iantorno, chief commercial officer at Swan Hellenic Cruises.
Recognizing the economic potential, countries across the continent are making strategic investments in infrastructure and policy. Kenya, for example, has established a dedicated “blue economy” sector within its government. This initiative shows that the country is serious about developing a comprehensive and sustainable approach to tourism development.
Mohammed Hersi, group director of operations for Pollmans Tours & Safaris, explained, “We now have a ministry that deals with the blue economy, which also includes cruise tourism. This allows us to work with nearby ports like Zanzibar, Seychelles, all the way to Madagascar.” This collaborative approach aims to solidify East Africa as an attractive cruise destination.
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This commitment to growth is evident in the development of new infrastructure, such as the recently opened cruise terminal in the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, Kenya. “Now we actually have a proper terminal,” said Hersi. “It allows Kenya to accommodate larger vessels and provide a seamless experience for passengers, signifying a long-term commitment to the cruise industry.”
The impact of this investment is already visible. Hersi points to recent figures: “In the last few years, we’ve seen a significant improvement. Last year, we had around eight cruise ships calling in, and this year we’ve had quite a number already. The third and fourth quarters are looking good, especially toward December, when we expect three or four more cruise ships.”
Farther south, South Africa, and particularly Cape Town, is also capitalizing on the growing cruise industry. Last November president Cyril Ramaphosa praised the newly launched Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal in Durban, calling it “an important step toward restoring the position of the city as a premier cruise tourism destination.”
Travis Stedman, Cruise Cape Town business development manager at Wesgro, Cape Town’s tourism promotion agency, highlights impressive numbers: “The 2022-2023 cruise season saw 70 ships docking at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, generating an economic impact of around R1.2 billion [roughly $67 million] for the region.”
What’s behind the boom
Industry insiders attribute the growing interest in Africa cruising to the unique itineraries and immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional mass-market approach to sailing. Iantorno explained, “Small ships with expedition activities are seeing growth because they can reach remote little ports and offer intimacy and a tailor-made service. Travelers interested in Africa want to explore and be immersed in nature and wildlife.” She cites excursions and activities such as kayaking alongside seals in Namibia and guided walks through the Namib desert with a biologist.
New itineraries are also attracting attention. Iantorno highlights routes like the Luanda to Accra sailing, which she said enables passengers to explore the Conkouati Reserve in the Republic of Congo and Gabon’s Loango National Park. Other popular options include Madagascar, offering unique biodiversity and the Seychelles, where Iantorno said travelers can experience “a different atoll every day.”
Among the excursions highlighted by Iantorno: “Lowland gorillas and chimpanzee encounters; Togo, with the voodoo cultural experience; and the Elmina castle [in Ghana] to learn about the slavery history.”
Hersi added to this: “From Mombasa, visitors can fly to Masai Mara, Amboseli or other national parks. We have new luxury lodges and international hotel brands. There’s also cultural experiences in the old towns of Mombasa and Lamu [in Kenya].”
What’s in store
Cruise lines are responding to this demand by curating itineraries that combine iconic destinations with lesser-known gems. Oceania Cruises recently announced new and expanded itineraries in Africa for the 2025-2026 winter season; notably, the line will make its debut in Mauritius. An Oceania spokesperson spoke about some of the line’s offerings: “Guests can embark on safaris to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat or engage in cultural encounters in local villages through our ‘Go Local’ tours. With extended evening and overnight stays, travelers have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Africa’s wonders.” Oceania’s itinerary to Richards Bay, where guests can tour one of South Africa’s largest pineapple farms and interact with the local community, exemplifies this commitment to authentic experiences.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also started offering several new destinations across the continent, added Bubolz, with the Norwegian Dawn docking for the first time in Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Banjul, Gambia; Dakar, Senegal; Luanda, Angola; Nosy Be, Madagascar; Pointe Des Galets on Reunion Island, which is east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean; and Sao Tome, an island nation off the coast of Gabon.
Local expertise and knowledge are increasingly being incorporated into itineraries to ensure genuine cultural exchange. Swan Hellenic, for instance, brings onboard African experts, including wildlife specialists, anthropologists and historians, to provide passengers with enriching context and insights: “We have African experts onboard to visit the countries we touch through their eyes and knowledge.”
Challenges to overcome
Despite the positive trajectory, obstacles remain. While piracy has decreased, visa regulations and health requirements remain a challenge.
“Kenya is still listed [by the World Health Organization] as a yellow fever endemic region,” Hersi pointed out. “This is something we’ve asked our government to lobby very hard and remove.” This classification requires travelers staying over 12 hours to produce proof of yellow fever vaccination, which means many cruise ships only stay a very short time in Kenya.
Also in South Africa, there are some difficulties. “The biggest challenges Cape Town faces in developing cruise tourism include infrastructure limitations, such as the need for more berth space and improved traffic management during peak times,” said Stedman. “Additionally, the city is working to address environmental concerns and ensure sustainable growth. To overcome these obstacles, the City of Cape Town is investing in port infrastructure, improving logistics and adopting ecofriendly practices.”
Still, the future of African cruise tourism appears promising. Stedman emphasized the collaborative approach Cruise Cape Town is taking with stakeholders to make it a premier global cruise destination, which includes boosting the tourism economy, creating jobs and increasing the cruise tourism contribution to the GDP.
With continued investment, collaboration and a focus on sustainable practices, officials feel the future of African cruise tourism looks bright. As Pollmans’ Hersi concluded: “Africa… there is a lot that we can offer. We’re just scratching the surface.”
