posted 13th December 2023
Best time to go
While the weather is warm year-round, the main cruise season is during winter. In South Africa and other Southern Hemisphere countries, this falls during their summer which runs from December to March when temperatures sit around 28 degrees Celsius with plentiful sunshine. April is also considered to be a good month to visit as the summer heat lessens. Across Africa, the climate varies and is split between wet and dry seasons. Specifics can vary, but as a rule of thumb West Africa's dry season is from October to March, while in East Africa it is from May to September and December to March.
Cruises to the Indian Ocean run all year, particularly to the Seychelles, with its tropical year-round climate ensuring warm temperatures in the high 20s. The dry season generally runs from January to March while the wet season is from May to November, though this can vary between the islands.
Tips
- Book a stay and cruise and see the big 5, well try anyway. The middle of the day is not good for spotting as they hide away from the sun.
- Personal safety - Its not advisable to venture outside of the tourist areas without being on an organised excursion, some countries have very high crime rates, and Africa has some very dangerous animals!
- Smaller ships get to the smaller islands especially in the Indian Ocean archipelagos.
- We have all heard the stories of the Eastern Cape, its not known as the wild coast for nothing. Strong winds and whipped up seas along the western cape too can be wild, so pack those sea sickness pills jut in case.
