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SAILING FOR SOUTH AFRICA
An expedition voyage provides a unique – and truly authentic – look at this stunning part of the world
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White sandy beaches, remote fishing villages and lush botanical gardens
Hidden gems, nature reserves and local community engagement
From glittering Cape Town up the Diamond Coast to Walvis Bay, and on to Namibia and back down to Port Elizabeth, a small ship cruise brings South Africa into sharp focus for first time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. And those voyaging have the ability to access once-remote fishing villages, lush botanical gardens and hikes in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve – all designed with the help of local guides to engage guests while also enriching the surrounding communities.
From legacy projects restoring derelict trains to spectacular celebrations under the stars
South Africa’s most under-the-radar, hyper-local experiences
“We firmly believe that we must have a positive relationship with all destinations we visit, and that there needs to be an economic benefit to the people at the destination,” explains South African-born Conrad Combrink, SVP Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management at Silversea, of the company’s approach to exploring new areas for positive change. “In South Africa, we partner with the women-owned and operated Afri-Centric to provide the most under-the-radar, hyper-local experiences. This six-person collective is effecting change on a grassroots level in South Africa, and after training and programme development with us, they now offer their services to other cruise operators for increased economic benefit.”
What started with one project in 2019 has now become an ongoing partnership, explains Itumeleng Pooe, Managing Director, Afri-Centric. “We started with a legacy project where we restored a derelict old train for one of the Silversea experiences,” she says. “This gave the train company the chance to use it regularly again – on a very popular tourist route from Cape Town out to a country market for the day.” Many such collaborations have ensued, ranging from spectacular celebrations under the stars to a surprise lunch at the iconic Cape Columbine Lighthouse on South Africa’s West Coast.
Beyond well-trodden spice markets and big game safaris – a level of creativity shines
“Upon arrival, the air was filled with the aroma of fresh crayfish on the fires, complemented by flowing cocktails and local wines – setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Guided tours of the lighthouse offered panoramic views of the rugged coastline, showcasing the untamed splendour of this wilderness,” says Pooe of the first-of-its-kind gathering. “This day will be etched in South African history as a celebration of unity, diversity and the timeless allure of the magnificent West Coast. As the last vehicle departed that day, the Cape Columbine Lighthouse stood tall – a silent witness to the legacy of this extraordinary event.”
The luxury cruise line has made its name by going beyond the well-trodden spice markets and big game safaris, so a level of creativity is expected. Expedition sailings aboard its Silver Cloud are specially equipped for accessing the rare and remote, such as hiking in the mountains near Hermanus and getting as close to nature as possible. “One example of this access to wildlife was our recent work with a game reserve near Mossel Bay,” says Combrink. “They arranged for our guests to visit with a veterinary programme at the reserve to learn about everything from herding elephants to drawing blood for testing, to feeding and caring for these precious animals.”
Cultural growth and local celebrations in Cape Town
In urban communities such as East London, the focus has been on cultural development, including supporting local schools and arts initiatives; while in Cape Town, celebrations featuring local makers are always a highlight. “We recently got permission to use the residence of the premier of the Western Cape, an incredible historical building on the slopes of Table Mountain,” says Combrink of one particularly unique harvest festival set overlooking the majestic city. “The menus were reflective of diverse South African cultures – grilled prawns, local lamb, wines from a trio of female winemakers in Franschhoek, and Oryx Desert Salt from a local maker who is now distributed globally.”
Empowering local communities and celebrating South African youth
With its World Cruise setting sail in 2025, Silversea is once again focused on ongoing projects in South Africa that will benefit local communities and guests alike. One major passion project involves the Hamilton Rugby Club and the sport that Nelson Mandela used as a unifying force during the 1995 World Cup. “The Game That Made a Nation – rugby – was once the preserve of white male athletes and has subsequently become a sport that many people now play here,” says Combrink. “This club helps at-risk children through its work with the JAG Foundation, a local non-profit,” he says of the programme. “We worked with the club to build a grandstand – something good for the entire community to gather around and enjoy – that will last well beyond our visits. This isn’t necessarily for our guests, nor is it commercial, but it's just the right thing to do and so we feel it’s important to give back.”
Another initiative has been Opera in the Quarry, specifically designed for its World Cruise guests, an evening that was filled with arias and celebration. “We made the decision to sponsor some of the voice students of Cape Opera, and they went on to represent South Africa at the international level,” says Combrink proudly of the company’s support for young people in the arts within the larger world. In 2022, World Cruise passengers were entranced by a special evening of opera at the Hillcrest Quarry where enormous rock walls and rolling green lawns welcomed visitors at dusk and made for the perfect natural amphitheatre.
Synonymous with luxury cruises, Silversea is also set to sail along the West Coast of Africa aboard the Silver Wind in 2026. “The expedition team we will select for this cruise will be very specific,” Combrink says of the required skill sets. “It’s not always about the natural history along the west coast of Africa; and countries such as Angola, Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bassau hit all the senses. It takes a certain traveller to choose this unique voyage – one who is culturally curious and can go with the flow because things will change.”
We firmly believe that we must have a positive relationship with all destinations we visit, and that there needs to be an economic benefit to the people at the destination.
See South Africa through a unique point of view with Silversea
To learn more about Silversea’s voyages to South Africa click below
