The African islands and coasts are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and you can easily take advantage of a cruise to gain a new perspective of this fascinating region.
Cruise itineraries take you sailing to Moroccan ports lying on the sun-drenched Atlantic coast and other ports of North and East Africa that are not only rich in natural beauty but fascinating underwater wildlife as well.
Venture into the wilderness to get a glimpse of some of the North African birding hotspots as well as some unusual land animals. From sand cats in Morocco to spotting Dugongs in Mozambique, Africa is sure to get your senses racing with the diverse range of wildlife adventure opportunities.
Whale sharks and turtle hatching on Tanzania’s East Coast
Each year, between November and April, a natural phenomenon has been taking place since millions of years when leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles migrate from the Indian Ocean to nest on the East African coasts. Seeing the spectacle of turtle mothers toil in the in the middle of the night on sand to lay eggs is an incredible experience.
The narrow channels of Mafia islands off the coast of Tanzania also offer the best chances to swim with whale sharks who migrate here to feed on plankton close to the surface.
Penguins and whales in Cape Town
An adorable colony of endangered African penguins have made their home at Boulders Beach, near Cape Town in South Africa. The broad walk offers a splendid opportunity to view these cute creatures from above, no more than a meter away. Another colony of African penguins can also be found at Betty’s Bay, which is just an hour away from Cape Town.
A scenic drive from Cape Town will take you to Hermanus, which is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world for southern right whales which come here to calve and nurse between June to early December. Apart from whales you can spot dolphins, penguins and Cape fur seals.
See elusive Dugongs in Mozambique
The unique Dugongs are large grey bulbous animals with flattened fluked tails. Once very common in this region, there are less than 400 in the wild today with most of them at the Bazaruto National Park and the surrounding coastal waters. Thankfully, these animals are now protected and found exclusively off the coast of Mozambique.
Witness the Great Migration of Morocco
Every year the skies over North Morocco, certain Western Palearctic species like nightingales, cuckoos, bee-eaters and storks migrate in their millions from Europe and Russia and then fly back across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa.
Some of these birds like the Arctic Tern, at times summer in Morocco, especially at the scattered marshes and lagoons near Kendra, Moulay Bousselham and Larache, southwest of Tangier.
Land animals are more difficult to spot in Morocco than birds, but there are places where you can find Barbary macaques, golden wolves and even sand cats, providing you know where to look for them. In Southern Morocco you can see unusual reptiles like spiny-tailed lizard and the agile desert-horned viper.
Giant turtles and Manta Rays in Kenya
Enjoy a cruise to Africa’s waters blended with a mix of magnificent coral reefs and regular sightings of giant turtles, manta rays and whale sharks that have made the Watamu National Marine Park in Kenya their home.
Snorkeling and diving trips can also be arranged from the nearby coastal resort town of Malindi. Take a sunset dhow trip to watch dolphins and other marine life which this region is known for.
Spot flamingos and pelicans on the Skeleton Coast
Set sail from Cape Town on a captivating cruise along the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. As you navigate through the diverse coastline on your way to Angola, the charming capital of Luanda. Langebaan lagoon is renowned for its wetlands and the world’s largest colony of breeding black harriers and thousands of other migratory species.
The West Coast National Park is also home to whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. At the remote Pelican Point sand spit you will find a large colony of Cape fur seals and whales and dolphins swimming nearby.
Mammals of the East Coast
The coastal forests of Eastern Africa are a hotspot for mammals with over 200 species found here, including eleven endemics like the Vulnerable Adler’s Duiker and Vulnerable Pemba Flying Fox. The hotspot may be tiny in terms of area, but boast of three endemic monkey species such as the Tana River red colobus and Tana River mangabey and Zanzibar red colobus.
The two endangered species of Galagos found here are the Rondo dwarf galago and the Kenya coast galago. Critically endangered herbivores include black rhinoceros, savannah elephant. The highly vulnerable African wild dog can be found in the wilds of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.