Indian Ocean Cruise - from Port Louis - 95628

Port Louis, the capital of the African island paradise of Mauritius lies on the West coast of the island, nestled between the Moka mountains and the Indian Ocean. The city is an invigorating mix of city bustle, the grand elegance of a bygone age and multicultural cooperation. Popular destinations in the town centre include the wide luxury street with its King palms and the market with its iron market halls. If you want to buy something here, you have to be prepared to barter. In the town centre close to the port a number of colonial buildings add a touch of palatial pizazz. The best view of the city is to be had from Fort Adelaide, which dates from the British era and sits enthroned in the centre of the city atop a small hill. The island of Mauritius itself is of volcanic origin which is why it is lined by mountain ranges. Huge sugar-cane plantations and paradise beaches are what the island is famous for.

A multitude of cultural influences have shaped the face of this East African port, which is still seen as the unofficial capital of Tanzania. Even more than other areas in Africa, Tanzania has absorbed various cultural and religious influences over the centuries: churches, moques and Hindu temples can all be seen in the city of Dar-es-Salaam. The style of the many old buildings in the city centre, as well as the Askari monument are a reminder of colonial rule. In the shade of the trees along the waterside promenade, farmers from the surrounding countryside of Dar and Kigamboni (a fertile peninsula by the port) sell potatoes, onions, oranges and papaya, all polished and lovingly stacked in pyramid shapes. Sights include: the National Museum, the Botanic Gardens, the Village Museum and Kariakoo Market.

A multitude of cultural influences have shaped the face of this East African port, which is still seen as the unofficial capital of Tanzania. Even more than other areas in Africa, Tanzania has absorbed various cultural and religious influences over the centuries: churches, moques and Hindu temples can all be seen in the city of Dar-es-Salaam. The style of the many old buildings in the city centre, as well as the Askari monument are a reminder of colonial rule. In the shade of the trees along the waterside promenade, farmers from the surrounding countryside of Dar and Kigamboni (a fertile peninsula by the port) sell potatoes, onions, oranges and papaya, all polished and lovingly stacked in pyramid shapes. Sights include: the National Museum, the Botanic Gardens, the Village Museum and Kariakoo Market.

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha is at Algoa Bay and is the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The pretty old town has retained its rural charm, while modern buildings line the periphery of the city. Climbing the steps up the 52-metre-high bell tower, 'Campanile', is well worth it for the excellent view of the port and the city centre. One of the oldest buildings in the city is on Castle Hill Street, the manse built in 1827 which today houses the Historical Museum. Other sights include: Fort Frederick, Market Square, the Oceanarium with a snake park and tropical hothouse

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha is at Algoa Bay and is the fifth-largest city in South Africa. The pretty old town has retained its rural charm, while modern buildings line the periphery of the city. Climbing the steps up the 52-metre-high bell tower, 'Campanile', is well worth it for the excellent view of the port and the city centre. One of the oldest buildings in the city is on Castle Hill Street, the manse built in 1827 which today houses the Historical Museum. Other sights include: Fort Frederick, Market Square, the Oceanarium with a snake park and tropical hothouse

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.