African cruise destinations are shifting their focus from simply hosting cruise ships to maximizing the economic benefits of tourist visits. By developing safari, wildlife, cultural and inland tourism experiences, ports are encouraging passengers to spend more and explore beyond the main terminal. Cape Town, South Africa, has seen significant growth in cruise tourism, with 70 vessels carrying 78,000 passengers in the 2022/23 season, increasing to 79 vessels and 127,000 passengers by 2024/25.
Cape Town's cruise terminal at E-Berth is part of a R20 billion precinct redevelopment, and surrounding areas such as Mossel Bay, Hermanus and Saldanha Bay are also benefiting from cruise tourism. In 2024/25, these areas recorded 32,000 passengers across 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million in local expenditure. The city's tourism industry is promoting experiences such as Bo-Kaap heritage walks, Langa and Khayelitsha food and entrepreneurship tours, and visits to the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Kenya is also capitalizing on cruise tourism, with a focus on connecting passengers to its safari economy. The Kenya Wildlife Service has introduced a 30% group incentive for cruise travelers visiting national parks, including Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli. The goal is to increase the number of passengers extending their trips to parks and reserves from 20% to 40%, which could boost overall park revenues by up to 40%.
The Kenyan government has partnered with Pollmans Tours & Safaris to make group excursions easier to coordinate around cruise schedules. International operators such as Abercrombie & Kent are also being brought into the market. A Ministry of Tourism calculation estimated that a short cruise stop could generate about Sh50 million, while a group of 70 tourists traveling to the Maasai Mara could inject Sh23 million into the economy.
Other African countries are also developing their cruise tourism industries. In Namibia, the Namibia Tourism Board and Ministry of Home Affairs are working to strengthen Walvis Bay as a tourism gateway. The country offers a range of experiences beyond wildlife, including Sandwich Harbour, the Namib Desert and coastal and desert experiences. European Cruise Service opened African Cruise Service in Walvis Bay in late 2025.
West Africa is also seeing growth in cruise tourism. Cape Verde recorded 110,554 cruise passengers and 250 calls in 2024, up from 86,945 passengers and 171 calls in 2023. Global Ports Holding expanded its African operation to Mindelo in 2025, and Benin is building its own position in the Gulf of Guinea with a dedicated cruise quay planned for 2027.
Mozambique is also developing its cruise tourism industry, with Maputo expecting 15 cruise calls and close to 16,000 visitors in 2026. Authorities are coordinating arrivals with the National Tourism Institute and FEIMA, where passengers can buy local handicrafts and experience Mozambican food and culture. The country received nine cruise ships carrying 4,492 tourists in 2024.
Key points
- African ports are investing in infrastructure and destinations are building more products around passengers to capture spending beyond the main terminal.
- Cruise passengers have limited time onshore, making it essential for ports to connect ship calls to local businesses and attractions.
- The growth of cruise tourism in Africa is driven by increasing demand for safari, wildlife, cultural and inland tourism experiences.
