At Sea

Off the beaten path on the southern edge of Sri Lanka, Hambantota reveals verdant beauty, ample culture and incredible biodiversity. It’s a gateway to several stunning national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Yala National Park is a top choice for its sheer variety of wildlife – you might spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears and more. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle is also accessible from Hambantota – the 18th-century walled Old Town features charming Dutch architecture and possesses a beguiling, exotic ambiance that enchants travelers. Mirijjawila Botanical Garden, located in the dry zone, features a dazzling spectrum of rare and endemic plant species.

At Sea

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

Sailing in to Port Louis, you’ll notice that the city is situated on several islets extending into the harbor. Discover delightful neighborhoods and shops, or take a tour to one of the many ecological preserves with wildlife, waterfalls, ponds and forests.

Enjoy the ecological diversity of this volcanic island; hike to Bride’s Veil Falls, explore the rainforest, take an excursion to the volcano peaks. Or visit a perfume factory, a vanilla plantation, and then amble through the streets of the charming Creole city.

Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo’s struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

The nation’s only port on a river, East London stretches along the banks of the Buffalo and is revered for its unspoiled beaches. Although links to England are apparent, East London still bears a refreshing South African ambiance. The aquarium is phenomenal, as is the East London Museum, which displays the world’s only dodo egg.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.