Africa Ports« Back to Port Information
| Egypt | Ghana | Kenya | Libya | Madagascar |
| Morocco | Senegal | South Africa | Tunisia |
Egypt↑ Back to top
Alexandria (Cairo)
Alexander the Great traveled to Egypt after conquering Greece and selected a small fishing village in the Mediterranean for his new capital, Alexandria. It’s now Egypt’s second largest city, and a juxtaposition of modern influences and ancient culture. Its lighthouse, the world’s first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria is also the departure point for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
Port Said (Cairo)
Port Said was founded in 1859 when excavation work for the Suez Canal began. Upon completion of the canal in 1869, the city continued to develop until the bombing attacks in 1956 during the Suez crisis. Port Said suffered additional damage in 1967 and 1973 during the wars with Israel. Today most of the structures have been rebuilt. Port Said is also a gateway to Cairo and the great pyramids.
Safaga (Luxor, Karnak)
From Safaga most travelers head inland to discover the magnificent antiquities of Luxor and Karnak. Site of the ancient metropolis of Thebes, Luxor has a history which goes back to 2000 B.C. Like Babylon and Nineveh, it was considered one of the great cities of the ancient world, but of the three it is only here that the splendor survives. The massive columns and statues are unique and exciting to visit. You can walk down the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the grand ceremonial gateway of the Temple of Amun-Ra. Across the Nile is the Valley of the Kings, sacred burial ground of the Pharaohs.
Sharm El Sheikh
The tip of the Sinai Peninsula hints at the massive granite mountains looming up behind. Among them is the peak of Mt. Sinai itself. St. Catherine’s Monastery, a wildly beautiful outpost of faith preserved for more than 800 years, is available on optional shore excursions.
Suez Canal
One of 19th-century engineering’s most useful achievements, the 110-mile Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. Unlike the Panama Canal, this is a sea-level waterway with no locks. Sailing through the canal is a tranquil experience imparting an acute sense of history and place. The first attempt to excavate a canal was recorded in 2100 B.C., and over the years Egyptians, Persians, Romans, and Arabs attempted this project. The British and French did so in a joint undertaking that culminated in the 1869 completion of the canal.
Ghana↑ Back to top
Tema (Accra)
Tema is Ghana’s major port and your gateway to Accra, the nation’s capital. Europeans descended on Ghana in the 15th century in search of gold. The wealth of the slave trade led them to stay, erecting forts along the Gulf of Guinea and naming the region “The Gold Coast.” Today, Ghana is a fascinating destination, and one of the most densely populated countries in West Africa. It has a population of approximately 20 million.
Kenya↑ Back to top
Mombasa
East Africa’s history is on view in Mombasa. The old Dhow Harbour was a center of trade among the Swahili nations of the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Fort Jesus looms above, surveying the old town’s Arab-style craft bazaars. From here, it’s a short flight to Nairobi, the staging ground for one of travel’s most exciting and rewarding experiences: an East African game safari. Herds of elephant, giraffe and other game are to be found in reserves like Tsavo East, Taita Hills, Shimba Hills and Masai Mara national parks.
Libya↑ Back to top
Tripoli
Libya’s capital, also known as Tarabalus Al-Gharb (Tripoli of the West), dates back to its founding by the Phoenicians in 1000 B.C. Remains of once regal Greek and Roman cities were buried beneath Libya’s sands for eons. Only in the past century, excavation works have brought to light the unbelievable splendor of Libya’s artifacts. The country’s stunning connection to the past is also depicted in some world-class museums. Tripoli’s natural harbor and strategic location on the Mediterranean led to Libya’s position as a cross-road of cultures with essential ties to Europe and Africa dating back to ancient times.
Madagascar↑ Back to top
Nosy Be (Nosy Komba)
Nosy Be, the largest island in proximity to Madagascar is known as “the perfumed isle” for its profusion of ylang-ylang, patchouli, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and saffron. It is also a holiday resort with a colonial French atmosphere. Neighboring Nosy Komba, is set aside to protect the small, endearing primates known as lemurs which are indigenous here.
Morocco↑ Back to top
Agadir
Across the river from the gleaming new town of Agadir is ancient Taroudant. Here you can explore within old city walls and see merchants selling handicrafts fashioned by centuries-old methods. Caravan trails lead south along the coast. Down them, a view of Berber life awaits in the pink-walled town of Tiznit.
Casablanca (Marrakech)
The economic capital of Morocco and the second-largest city in Africa, Casablanca is a blend of African, Arabian and European cultures. White-washed houses and peaceful mosques line the narrow streets of the ancient Medina, the original Arab section. Nearby, souks hum with the activity of contented shoppers bargaining for fine leather and handicrafts. For a glimpse of the old Morocco, go to the mysterious “pink” city of Marrakech with its famed market and snake-charmers.
Tangier
The “Gateway to Africa,” located at its northwestern tip, Tangier is a fashionable resort that retains all of its age-old mystery and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy streets of the bazaar while the higher part of town, with its broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.
Senegal↑ Back to top
Dakar
The capital of Senegal, on the tip of Western Africa, is a modern town with a charming colonial center known for its handicrafts, textiles, silver-work and beaches. Watch the local fishermen or take an optional excursion into the beautiful African hinterlands.
South Africa↑ Back to top
Capetown
One of the world’s most scenic harbors, the “Mother City” has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city’s dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. Browse in shops and restaurants in the redeveloped waterfront area or head for nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, where you can sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.
Durban
In addition to golden beaches, the cosmopolitan city of Durban offers a fascinating mélange of African and Asian cultures. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban’s Marine Parade, a harbor-front esplanade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the bustling Oriental Arcades. It is also a gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the third-largest port and the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The center, spread over steep hills overlooking Algoa Bay, boasts a wonderful city museum, a must-see Oceanarium with a very scary snake park. One of its closest game reserves is Addo Elephant Park. Here you will find more than 300 Cape Elephants – so relaxed you can really get up close and personal, even to mother elephants with babies in trunk-to-tail tow .There are ostriches, antelope, 200 species of birds, and a few shy rhino, too.
Tunisia↑ Back to top
La Goulette (Tunis)
Tunisia’s capital lies at the western end of the shallow Lake Tunis which opens to the sea at La Goulette. The city’s port, La Goulette, is located at the first of a string of beach suburbs that stretches away to the north. This coastal area attracts more visitors than Tunis itself. You will be awed by the Roman baths, cisterns, and basilicas of ancient Carthage. The theater and amphitheater are worth a visit as well. The capital city of Tunis has an easy-going, unhurried air about it. It is very liberal by Islamic standards and certainly leading the way in Western trends for the rest of the country.
Some content provided courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)