From the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean to the wild Atlantic, Africa is a great option for sailing enthusiasts looking for a unique marine adventure.
One of the best ways to do this is by experiencing a yacht charter in Africa, allowing you total freedom and flexibility to set your own schedule. Explore secluded African islands, visit remote African beaches, try your hand at deep-sea fishing and enjoy a plethora of water-based adventures, from scuba diving and snorkelling to kayaking under the African sun.
Whether you are looking for a multi-day liveaboard journey, or a short cruise in a luxury yacht, you can look forward to uncrowded waters, spectacular vistas and an abundance of marine life.
Where to go Yachting in Africa
When it comes to choosing the perfect yachting destination in Africa, it helps to consider the type of sailing experience you are after. The Indian and Atlantic oceans surround the African continent and each offers a completely different yachting experience. The Indian Ocean offers crystal clear, calmer waters, while the Atlantic Ocean offers more adventurous and sometimes also challenging conditions.
These are a few of our favourite destinations for yachting in Africa – along with a few suggestions on making the most of your sailing experience in each.
Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago of about 115 granite and coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, east of continental Africa. The islands are gorgeous: fine white sand beaches, palm trees and tranquil turquoise waters – a true tropical paradise.
It is also one of the finest sailing grounds in the world, with excellent weather conditions year-round on account of its location being outside of the cyclone belt. In November and March, you can expect north-westerly wind, while between April and October, the south-easterly wind brings breezy conditions that are ideal for a Seychelles yacht charter.
It is also home to a well-established yachting community predominantly based at Eden Island Marina, which is the largest in the archipelago, located off the east coast of the main island of Mahé. Eden Island Marina offers berthing for vessels of all sizes, including super-yachts up to 120 metres, as well as access to luxurious amenities: hotels, restaurants and boutiques just steps away.
Charter a yacht in the Seychelles with one of the many private companies which offer a selection of yachts and catamarans. Many offer skippered or crewed charters, along with the option to go ‘bareboat’ if you are an experienced sailor.
Starting your journey from Mahé, you could set sail to any of the archipelago’s beautiful islands. Praslin is home to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit La Digue where you can discover some of the most stunning beaches in the Seychelles. Iles Cocos and Felicite are just north of La Digue and are ideal for snorkelling as the area is part of a protected marine park, while Fregate is home to giant Aldabra tortoises.
Zanzibar
Surrounded by warm Indian Ocean waters off the east coast of Tanzania, the Zanzibar Archipelago comprises a string of beautiful, palm-fringed islands including the Zanzibar mainland, Mafia and Pemba Islands.
Known as the ‘Spice Islands’ on account of the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper that is grown here and that scent the air, Zanzibar has a rich history and varied influences, including Arabic, Indian, European, and of course, African which you will experience during your sailing adventure.
Yachting conditions are best during Zanzibar’s dry seasons, from June to October, as well as from December to February. During this time you can look forward to sunny days and gentle winds.
All across its waters, you will notice traditional sailing boats, known as dhows, used for centuries for coastal trade throughout the area, and today they are still widely used for transport and fishing. While there are an array of traditional yachts and catamarans available for charter in Zanzibar, for a more authentic and unique adventure you may consider chartering a dhow. Some have been refitted to include modern comforts while still boasting the traditional dhow design.
Highlights in a Zanzibar sailing itinerary include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, where you can see the historic buildings and bustling markets. From there, you could sail to Mnemba Atoll which is famous for exceptional snorkelling and luxury diving experiences, including the chance to see majestic whale sharks at certain times of the year.
For those looking for a shorter Zanzibar yacht charter, you could opt for a day cruise to Prison or Grave Island, or a visit to a remote tidal sand bank in the middle of the sea for a lovely morning or afternoon spent sunbathing and swimming surrounded by the azure ocean.
Cape Town
The Mother City of Cape Town in South Africa is a must-visit yachting destination. Boasting one of the most dramatically beautiful coastlines in South Africa, the city is situated between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a busy marina at the V&A Waterfront, a thriving community of yachting aficionados, a busy calendar of sailing events, and many of the best restaurants, hotels and shopping opportunities on the continent.
Cape Town is a seasonal sailing destination and while you may experience some beautiful calm and sunny days in the winter months from May to September, the best months for yachting are from October to April.
The area is known for strong winds, particularly its fearsome south-easterly which can reach high speeds. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean also have a reputation for cold and rough seas, with the Cape of Good Hope located at the southern tip of Africa, being known as ‘The Graveyard of Ships’ in maritime history.
For those with a taste of luxury, you have the option of chartering some stunningly beautiful yachts and catamarans. Enjoy full-day charters exploring the Cape Peninsula, or set sail for Robben and Seal islands. A romantic and unforgettable Cape Townian yacht experience is a champagne sunset cruise as you gaze out towards the city.
Mozambique
With a coastline spanning 2,500 km, it’s hardly a surprise that Mozambique is fast emerging as one of Africa’s premier yacht charter destinations. Retaining a truly barefoot and largely underdeveloped charm, Mozambique is also home to a chain of castaway islands known as the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos.
The perfect time to go sailing here is between May and November, which is the Mozambique dry season. Much like you will find in Zanzibar, its waters are filled with traditional dhows, used by the locals to get around and also for fishing which is one of their main sources of income.
The sailing community is much smaller in Mozambique than in other countries, but you can still charter a yacht or dhow for a wonderful exploration of its palm-lined coastline. Many lodges, including the beautiful Sussurro on the Inhambane Coast in Southern Mozambique, offer guests the chance to enjoy dhow cruises with a picnic brunch stop on a desert island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Mozambique also offers some of the best diving spots in Africa, with clear and calm coastlines.
Interested in African Yacht Travel?
If you are ready to set sail for African waters on a yachting expedition across the Indian or Atlantic Ocean, then we are here to help you put together an unforgettable yacht charter in Africa. Get in touch with our expert travel team on +44 20 8044 9538 or at connect@journeyswithpurpose.org and start designing your perfect sailing adventure today.
