Kay Showker

When I finally arrived in South Africa, I had to ask myself, “What took so long?” With more and more cruise ships making their way here, do yourself a favor and take the opportunity to visit this fascinating country. Here are five must-do moments to get a great introduction to the country’s million square miles. Dubbed the Mother City, Cape Town began as a way station for ships sailing the trading lanes between Europe and Asia.

So much attention has been showered on Fathom’s historic cruises to Cuba, they have overshadowed the new company’s earlier launch of alternate cruises to the Dominican Republic which better reflect the Fathom experience. Those travelers who say they want authenticity in their travels and to have an “experience,” need look no further. Fathom is designed for them.

Whether your Africa cruise starts from Cape Town on a northbound itinerary or ends there on a southbound one — as most Africa cruises do — high on your list should be a safari add-on. Going on safari doesn’t mean roughing it, unless you want to. A pleasant surprise is the high level of comfort, communication, and services available in the bush. Lodges serve sophisticated European cuisine and local specialties as well as famous South African wines.