Mauritius, Madagascar & South Africa Cruise: Port Louis, Taolagnaro & Cape Town

When you cruise to Mauritius with Azamara®, you’ll find endless coral sand beaches to while the day away, but there is so much more to explore in Port Louis. Beyond beachfronts, beneath the surface, the capital city of Mauritius is rich in immersive cultural experiences. Influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East can be seen, heard, and savored all around downtown streets. It can feel a little chaotic—but in the best way possible.

Cruise just off the coast of Madagascar to Pointe des Galets (or simply, Le Port), a gateway to all Réunion has to offer. It’s not hard to miss Réunion on the map. After all, this charming island 500 miles off the coast of Madagascar is just 30 miles wide. But after viewing its towering volcanic peaks, hiking its lush rolling hills, and walking the palm tree-lined streets of Pointe des Galets, it transforms into a destination never to be forgotten

At Azamara® we believe the most memorable destinations are found off the beaten path—and with only dirt roads connecting it to the rest of the country, Tolagnaro certainly fits the bill. Jutting out into the Indian Ocean, surrounded by crescent-shaped beaches on three sides, this secluded port on the southeast coast is your gateway to otherworldly natural wonder when you cruise to Madagascar.

Perched on the lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, Richards Bay is one of the largest and deepest natural harbors in South Africa. It’s also one of the main gateways to KwaZulu-Natal province and Zululand, the much larger inland region popular for its mountains, diverse wildlife, and vast surrounding savannah ecosystems.

Often overlooked in favor of trendy Johannesburg or popular Cape Town, sunny Durban has been on the rise since it got revitalized to help host the 2010 World Cup, and is an unexpected delight on any cruise to South Africa. Thanks to its golden beaches, Indian influences, and nearby natural wonder, you’ll understand why South Africans love to vacation here as soon as you step on shore. The city is home to the proud Zulu people, and the largest Indian population in Africa. Weave in colonial Victorian architecture with ornate mosques, and the rich tapestry of world cultures is found around every corner. It’s a place where Catholic church spires mingle with minarets. Where calls to prayer blend with sounds of buzzing Indian markets. Where the cheers of a soccer match pulse to the rhythm of native drum beats

Immerse yourself in one of the sunniest destinations in all of South Africa—Port Elizabeth. Home to vibrant communities, worldly flavors, and safari-worthy wildlife, Port Elizabeth (or PE as the locals call it) is a piece of paradise on Nelson Mandela Bay. Our South Africa cruises give you the chance to explore PE’s townships for a deeper look at what makes the Rainbow Nation so diverse. Embrace the sense of community known as Ubuntu, shop in the lively marketplaces, and visit a shebeen (pub) to share homemade umgqoboti—a popular traditional beer—with the locals. Then, chase the surf and an endless summer at Hobie Beach, where the warm waters and refreshing breezes are perfect for relaxing under the sun.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.

Tucked beneath the storied Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s capital is awash in contrasts. Mountains meet oceans. Warm trade winds intermingle with icy waters. A decidedly European climate in Africa’s most southernmost city. A world-focus during the 20th century, South Africa’s struggles with colonialism and apartheid have defined Cape Town. A global, multicultural metropolis with a thriving LGBTQ community, today the port city has emerged as a beacon of change. Get a local perspective as you learn about Cape Town’s segregation-era at the District Six Museum. See its past history of artistic censorship at the South African National Gallery. Understand the remaining effects of Apartheid with a township tour.