How to do a safari on your South Africa cruise

South Africa cruise and safari holidays are the ultimate way to make the most of a getaway to this incredible country.

Explore multiple destinations from the comfort of your ship and enjoy time on land watching some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife on a safari pre- or post-sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one cruise line which offers voyages around South Africa’s beautiful coastline and thanks to cruise and stay holidays booked via travel agent Iglu Cruise you’ll get the best of both worlds without any extra effort on your part – it’s all organised for you, with return flights packaged in.

We’ve taken a peek at an NCL cruise to South Africa to find out what globetrotters can expect both out on the water and on terra firma.

Book your South Africa cruise through a travel agent like Iglu Cruise and you can benefit from a cruise and stay holiday – why not kick the trip off with a sojourn in Cape Town?

There are countless things to see and do in the famous city but there are some highlights you should be sure to tick off during your time in Cape Town, and this itinerary should help.

What to do in Cape Town in three days

Day 1:

Table Mountain: Ride a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of the city and coastline.
Bo-Kaap: Visit the colourful neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, known for its brightly painted houses and rich Cape Malay culture.
V&A Waterfront: Spend the afternoon exploring the V&A Waterfront, a bustling hub of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Day 2:

Robben Island: Take a ferry to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Be sure to join a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and significance.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, known for its diverse plant life and beautiful setting at the foot of Table Mountain.
Camps Bay: While away the evening at this trendy beachfront area with plenty of restaurants and bars.

Day 3:

Cape of Good Hope: Opt for a scenic drive down to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of the African continent and stop at Boulders Beach to see the resident penguin colony.
Constantia Wine Route: You can’t come to South Africa and not drink! Enjoy an afternoon exploring the Constantia Wine Route, home to some of South Africa’s best wineries and tasting rooms.
Long Street: Settle in for the evening on Long Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse array of restaurants and bars.

Other itinerary highlights on select NCL cruises to South Africa include Richards Bay and Walvis Bay. The former is a city on a lagoon on the east coast of South Africa where the Mhlatuze River meets the Indian Ocean.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Richards Bay’s lagoon and nearby wetlands house a variety of bird species, while the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa, with a glut of wildlife including elephants, lions and rhinos.

Want to simply laze? The spot has several beaches that are popular with tourists and locals alike; Alkantstrand Beach is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and facilities for swimming and surfing and Tuzi Gazi Waterfront has a variety of restaurants and bars.

South Africa cruise port of call Walvis Bay takes you over to the neighbouring country of Namibia on Africa’s southwest coast. The bay is situated on a lagoon hosting a plethora of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans and cormorants. Anyone looking to get active will relish nearby Namib-Naukluft National Park, a popular destination for hiking and desert tours.

Fancy some sport out on the water? Kite surfing, windsurfing and sandboarding are all popular here, with lessons and rental equipment available to holidaymakers. Or perhaps you’d rather sample the fruits of the sea without getting in? Fresh seafood is available in the city’s many restaurants so tuck in with gusto!

South Africa has become the go-to destination for travellers looking to enjoy a safari experience and get up close to the Big Five: African elephants, lions, leopards, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros – as well as many other animals such as giraffes, zebras, hippos and cheetahs.

With a surplus of safari camps available it can be hard to know where to start when planning a holiday, but cruises to South Africa with NCL via Iglu Cruise take out this tricky part for you.

For instance, follow your Cape Town stay with a safari at Aquila Game Reserve just two hours outside the city. The 10,000-hectare conservancy is situated between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape, with game drives offered on traditional safari vehicles, horseback or quad bikes.

On safari here, guests can enjoy a wide diversity of wildlife and natural Karoo beauty with the opportunity to capture stunning wildlife photos. Elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos and leopards as well as a significant amount of other wild game all roam freely on the reserve making for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

You’re guaranteed a scenic backdrop to all the prowling, mating, and feasting you might see en route too – the South African landscape is breathtakingly beautiful, with vast grasslands, rolling hills and dense forests.

Still not convinced? Take it from the stars – past guests have included everyone from Margret Thatcher and Rihanna to Katie Holmes and MC Hammer!

There are oodles of opportunities to relax at Aquila Game Reserve, it has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar along with large dedicated dining areas and an African-style restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African dessert. There’s even a spa!

Of course there’s plenty of time to relax (and more besides) back on your NCL ship for those on cruises to South Africa.

Norwegian Sun operates NCL’s South Africa cruises for 2026 and the ship offers a Mandara Spa, fitness centre, casino, pools and hot tubs, with entertainment ranging from live music and themed parties to Broadway-style shows. There are also family-friendly facilities including a kids’ club and video arcade.

Feeling peckish? Norwegian Sun features 14 dining options including complimentary main dining rooms, casual spots like The Local Bar & Grill and Garden Café, and speciality venues such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro and Teppanyaki.

At the end of the day, you’ll bed down in your choice of staterooms—from inside cabins to oceanview, balcony and suite options—all with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge and private bathroom.

Even better, NCL’s Free at Sea package is often included with an Iglu booking, making the cruise all-inclusive. This upgrade gives you a premium drinks package, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit (for guests one and two) – so you’ll feel like royalty. Lions aren’t the only kings around here!