Embarkation in Cape Town is the perfect start to a West Africa cruise, including Namibia from Walvis Bay. Sometimes ships set course westwards from here en route for South America, or continue up the coast to Bom Bom Island, the Gambia, and the Cape Verde Islands.

Alternatively, ships leaving from Cape Town sail for the South African ports of Port Elizabeth, East London or Durban, all gateways for national parks and local culture. 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.

For British travellers, the non-stop flight to Cape Town, though long, is quite easy, as the hour change is minimal, meaning no jet lag. There are also a few cruises to South Africa from the UK or Mediterranean.