Africa Yacht Charter Itinerary – Top Routes, Ports, and Travel Tips

Book a 12–14 day Cape Town to Maputo charter on a 40–50 ft yacht with 3 cabins; this length keeps passages manageable, ensures sheltered bays between fronts, and suits both first-time sailors and owners who charter multiple yachts.

Top routes span several countries along Africa’s coasts: from the white sands of the southern leg Cape Town to Walvis Bay to Maputo in Mozambique, and from Dakar to Abidjan in West Africa, then along the Indian Ocean to Mombasa, Zanzibar Town, and Dar es Salaam; island paradise anchorages in Mahe (Seychelles) and Port Louis (Mauritius) are a natural add‑on when you extend your chart by a week.

Key ports to include in your plan: Cape Town and Walvis Bay in the south; Luanda in Angola; Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar in West Africa; Mombasa, Zanzibar Town, and Dar es Salaam on the east coast; with island paradise anchorages in Mahe (Seychelles) and Port Louis (Mauritius) if you extend.

Travel tips for smooth compliance: arrange visas in advance, verify permit requirements, and confirm port clearance with local authorities; keep a table of anticipated costs, secure doors to cabins, and review bunk layouts to suit size и sqft.

Onboard planning: book early to snag prime slots; keep spaces organized, and choose a theme for each leg (calm anchorages, wildlife evenings, cultural nights). Even with careful planning, ensure length и size of the tender match the crew, maintain comfortable bunk arrangements, and have a sturdy table for meals and nav notes.

From Cape Town to Zanzibar, the coast offers views of endless horizons, coral reefs, and wildlife; by focusing on 4–6 ports per leg, you balance weather windows and compliance while staying close to paradise and reducing long passages.

Africa Yacht Charter Itinerary

Book a 98ft vessel for a summer charter along the Cape Town to Maputo corridor to secure serene anchorages and true trade-wind efficiency. The design prioritizes easy handling with lisle lines and low-profile deck profiles, while the boat profiles and France-based management align to coordinate every step until you reach each destination.

1. South Africa to Mozambique coast
   • Ports: Cape Town → Hermanus → Mossel Bay → Knysna → Port Elizabeth → Richards Bay → Maputo
   • Distance and pacing: 8–12 days total, with 180–260 seamiles between major harbors depending on weather and provisioning.
   • Season and conditions: best comfort window is the Nov–Feb summer, when daylight is longer and seas stay moderately calm along the coast.
   • Highlights and notes: sheltered anchorages along the Garden Route, whale watching near Hermanus, and a final approach into Maputo Bay for a serene finale. Place the tender on a sturdy side deck slide for easy provisioning runs to shore.
2. West Africa loop: Lagos to Abidjan arc
   • Ports: Lagos (Nigeria) → Cotonou (Benin) → Accra (Ghana) → Abidjan (Ivory Coast) → Dakar (Senegal) optional
   • Distance and pacing: 5–7 days between Lagos and Abidjan, longer if you add Accra and Dakar as extended stops.
   • Season and conditions: choose dry-season windows (Nov–Mar) for calmer seas and better night-anchorage options.
   • Highlights and notes: a diverse avenue of coastal towns, rich profiles of local markets, and a chance to sample regional cuisine onboard. Ensure France-based crew coordination for port clearance and bunkering, and place a high priority on secure berthing in busy harbors.
3. East Africa extension: Kenya and Tanzania coasts
   • Ports: Mombasa → Lamu → Malindi → Zanzibar (Stone Town) → Pemba
   • Distance and pacing: 6–9 days for the core loop, longer if you add island hops or a detour to Dar es Salaam for provisioning.
   • Season and conditions: the northeast monsoon months (Nov–Feb) bring steady trade winds and clearer seas; avoid heavy rains in the short shoulder periods.
   • Highlights and notes: world-class snorkeling near Malindi and Chole Island, historical Stone Town in Zanzibar, and calm anchorages near private coves on Pemba. Use a secure, placed anchor and stagger night watches during passages.
4. Indian Ocean islands: Seychelles and Mauritius extension
   • Ports: Mahe (Victoria) → Praslin → La Digue → Mauritius (Port Louis)
   • Distance and pacing: 10–14 days with generous layovers for reef cruising and island exploration.
   • Season and conditions: Seychelles offers year-round cruising with a peak in the northeast trade winds; Mauritius shines best from May through Oct for clear seas and gentle crosswinds.
   • Highlights and notes: pristine lagoons, snorkeling among coral gardens, and a relaxed island hop that pairs well with a longer offshore leg. Consider a France-based crew handover for the Mauritius leg and a crew change at Mahe if required.

• Preparation and on-board management: confirm crew profiles and medical readiness before each leg; keep a standing stock of shore-provisioning options at major ports to minimize downtime on land.
• Safety and compliance: secure all permits, check visa requirements for each country, and maintain updated insurance coverage for the entire period of the cruise.
• Provisioning and waste: plan for a 10–14 day cycle with fresh produce from local markets whenever possible; use designated waste disposal points at each port and follow local regulations.
• On-board comfort: stock lisle lines and spares for routine rigging checks; place cushions and true-to-design seating in prime viewing areas to maximize comfort during long passages.
• Weather awareness: monitor seasonal wind patterns, avoid head seas in narrow channels, and schedule tighter passages during daylight for maximum visibility.
• Communication and coordination: maintain a France-based contact for fleet updates and clear, concise port instructions; keep a single point of contact on land to speed up clearance and berthing.
• Ground transport and shore time: arrange ground transfers in advance at major ports and map a compact itinerary that keeps each sea day productive while preserving vacation downtime onboard.

Best West Africa Routes: Lagos to Abidjan and Beyond

Start with a Lagos-to-Cotonou leg, then proceed to Lomé and Abidjan for a balanced West Africa coast itinerary. A 98ft charter yacht handles this well, with a true interior that spans roughly 650 sqft, two guest rooms, and a master suite linked by a wide hallway. A single berth is reserved for the captain, breakfast is served on deck, and dinner can be enjoyed aboard or ashore; storage keeps gear tidy. This escape from crowded marinas sets the tone for the rest of the route.

From Lagos to Cotonou, sail along the Benin coast for about 132–150 nautical miles, typically a 12–14 hour leg at 9–12 knots. Anchor near Fidjrosse Beach or the Cotonou Marina; provisioning stores are available in town. babac market and a known chandler help keep storage stocked; the guest areas stay comfortable, and there’s space to accommodate children on family trips. Breakfast can be served on deck or in the salon, while dinner options range from onboard fare to local eateries.

Next, move from Cotonou to Lomé, covering roughly 80–110 nautical miles depending on the chosen route. Expect a light lance of wind to ease departures; anchor at Aneho or Lomé’s harbor, then top off with fresh provisions in town. The interior remains quiet, with two guest rooms and the master suite offering privacy for families; a hallway connects living spaces, while a dedicated storage locker holds fishing gear and spare lines. Breakfast can be prepared ashore or aboard for a flexible day start.

From Lomé to Abidjan, you’ll follow the Ivory Coast coast toward Grand-Bassam, with the Ebrié Lagoon and Abidjan skyline in sight. Plan two legs of 150–200 nautical miles each if you split the crossing, or treat it as a single long hop over two days if winds cooperate. Grand-Bassam offers a town feel and cultural stops, while Abidjan serves as a practical hub for repairs, fuel, and restocking. The crew will keep the interior tidy and comfortable for guests, and the 98ft craft remains stable in moderate seas–great for families with children and for longer stays aboard.

Beyond Abidjan, extend toward San Pedro, Assinie, and Sassandra along the southern Ivory Coast. Statistics show that the late-dry season (roughly November to March) gives the most reliable trades and calmer seas for these hops. Use anchorages with protection from prevailing swells, and reserve a couple of rooms for guests; ensure dining options stay flexible, with breakfast available on deck and dinner prepared in the galley or enjoyed ashore. A well-run plan keeps the interior clean, the hallway clear, and the ship’s storage well organized for continuous comfort.

Coordinate with local authorities and your crew: captains coordinate deck operations, the dyer handles lines and colors, and babac remains a reliable provisioning contact. The user experience prioritizes comfort: breakfast available on deck, dinner options flexible, and rooms laid out to accommodate families with children. Keep the hallway and interior tidy, and ensure storage is accessible for daily needs.

East Africa Coasts: Mombasa, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam Highlights

Book a 90ft watercraft for a 7–10 day loop along the East Africa coast, going from Mombasa to Zanzibar and then Dar es Salaam. This chartering plan serves everybody, including adults, with comfort as a priority: a roomy salon, shaded side decks, and a capable crew. The basics are simple: arranged legs, clear weather forecasts, and a buffer day for weather. theres no need to rush; spend nice time in each port and sample local flavors. On board, the crew handles lines and provisioning, so you travel without board distractions while you stay composed under steady winds and moderate waves, supported by absolute technologies for routing and safety alerts.

In Mombasa, anchor in Tudor Creek or along Nyali Beach to enjoy Fort Jesus, the Old Town market with fresh spices, and easy shore visits by tender. The main channel offers depths of roughly 6–12 metres near the approach, with calmer water inside sheltered harbours. Expect a short, well-provisioned stay: you can refuel, clear customs, and arrange guided shore walks without rushing, keeping everybody comfortable for the next leg.

Moving to Zanzibar, Stone Town anchors the cultural pulse, while Mnemba Atoll provides access to superb reef visibility and snorkeling safety–without diving. Freshly harvested spices, cloves, and cinnamon fill spice tours nearby, and nights can be spent in Nungwi or Kendwa with nice beaches and consistent offshore winds. Depths around reef breaks run around 8–14 metres, giving predictable protection for a watercraft of your size, and the calmer evenings make for relaxed dinners on deck after sunset.

Dar es Salaam offers an excellent finish at Slipway Marina and in Msasani Bay, where water depth at moorings ranges within 5–9 metres and shore facilities cover meals, provisioning, and fuel. The head onboard remains comfortably sized for adults, with ballast weights adjusted for smooth trimming as you pass through sheltered lanes or open water. Plan a final day on the water to savor coastal views, take onboard games for downtime, and reflect on a trip that’s been served with steady pacing and disciplined routing.

Southern Africa Itineraries: Cape Town to Maputo and Nearby Havens

Book a Cape Town to Maputo charter as a two-week to three-week arc, with a selection of anchorages booked ahead in four key havens. Choose a versatile suite to balance crew comfort with provisioning needs across longer hops, which keeps the pace steady and the scenery unforgettable.

Factors shaping the route include seasonal southeasterly winds in summer and prevailing westerlies along the coast, plus currents, tides, and the availability of sheltered spaces for overnight stops. theres a balance between larger ports for check-in and smaller coves for quiet evenings; across the route you’ll find true variety and many chances to reset while maintaining momentum.

Start in Cape Town and move toward Simon’s Town and Hout Bay for close-in bays, then head to Mossel Bay for the next leg. From there, ride the Garden Route to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, continue to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) or East London, and finally steer toward Maputo. Each leg offers a mix of anchorages, from protected lagoons to open bays, with ample places to discover local wildlife and shore excursions, plus sunset moments.

Along the Mozambique coast, Inhaca Island near Maputo provides a practical stepping stone, then the Bazaruto and Benguerra archipelagos reward you with turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and smaller coves ideal for snorkeling and swimming from the boat. Booking ahead at a handful of marinas and guest anchors ensures access to provisioning and repairs, while you enjoy longer spaces between islands and a higher level of privacy. For living aboard crews, the open deck and shaded spaces make meals and lounging comfortable.

Practical tips: check weather windows two weeks in advance, monitor forecasts for trades, and stay flexible to swap ports if a front moves in. Maintain a selection of alternate havens along the avenue of coastline, so you can shorten a leg if a port is crowded. Always confirm booking details, including berth length and mooring type, and keep a third option ready in case of crowding or repairs. This approach helps you keep momentum and enjoy the holidays, any time you choose to cruise, and the broader coast across the years.

Across the wider coast there are numerous anchorages and a flexible selection of itineraries to fit holidays, crew sizes, and weather. With a clear plan and a responsive captain, you’ll chase views across sea and shore that make each day memorable–and there’s room for a third option if you want to loop up to Maputo or swing toward the Bazaruto not once, but twice during a longer charter.

Practical Port Calls: Marinas, Refueling, Clearance, and Local Services

Reserve a marina slip and fueling berth 48 hours in advance and confirm the booking with the dock staff. For each port call, the master coordinates key functions–berth allocation, electrical power, fresh water, and waste disposal–and keeps the crew informed of timing and costs.

Choose marinas in bright town centers near your planned countries. These locations are likely to offer better services. Look for docks built to handle watercraft of your size, with safe decks, clear windows to the quay, and reliable shore power. Check that the marina can accommodate your vessel’s length and draft, and verify security and lighting after dark. Identify the best slips with the dock staff to speed your preps. The quay hums with activity, like a horse in motion, signaling a busy port that can support your crew during a tight schedule.

Refueling runs smoothly when you pre-arrange a fuel stop with the dock. Confirm diesel or petrol type, grade, and availability, and agree on price and payment method before you arrive. If youre unsure about any option, call the dock staff for guidance. Bring your crew roster to the fuel desk if needed, so the attendant can speed the transfer and avoid holding your watercraft longer than necessary.

Clearance is fastest when you prepare ahead: carry a current passenger and crew list, passport copies, vessel registration, and the ship’s papers. Follow the port authority steps and submit documents as they request; if you have multiple nationalities aboard, note any special forms for each country. If youre likely to hit a busy clearance window, plan accordingly and keep contact with the harbor office open.

Local services: provisioning runs. Visit the town market for fresh seafood, vegetables, and local materials. A nearby chef can design meals around your vacation schedule, using ingredients from the market. Many owners extend their accounts at the chandlery, so you can source ropes, fenders, hoses, and spare parts without leaving the dock. For guests, pre-order snacks such as pringle chips to keep the crew energized during long moves. If youre coordinating a single trip, bring extra containers for ice and beverages.

Moving between stops with children requires a simple plan: map short walks from the marina to kid-friendly spots, and keep a list of backup options. Identify a single provisioning point for the group if youre in a hurry. In average port calls, allocate time for a quick market visit, a weather check, and a stop at a trusted service center.

Safety and etiquette: maintain a moderate approach speed when approaching a marina, watch for other watercraft, and store valuables in locked compartments. Use trusted local services and ask owners about their top picks nearby. The bright morning sun on the decks makes for a productive start, and the ship’s chef can plan meals around the day’s market visit. Each port call ends with a clean vessel and a ready-to-move mood for the next leg.

Navigational and Safety Guidelines: Weather, Tides, and SAR Protocols

Must file a detailed float plan and check the latest weather outlook 24 hours before departure; share it with captains and crew as well as the nearest coast guard. Include route into the plan, leg durations, ETA, vessel details, onboard contacts, and emergency procedures. This must be a legitimate foundation for decision making, making the crew aware of extra safety margins when conditions turn dramatic and giving those aboard a clear meaning for what to do if you are underway.

Rely on legitimate forecast sources and keep planning horizons of 72 hours for long legs and 24 hours for coastal legs. If wind reaches 25-30 knots and seas rise to 2.5-3.5 meters, either postpone the leg or move to a serene, accessible harbor; reduce sail, secure all gear, and monitor updates every few hours. Upgrades to weather routing, radar, and AIS increase your margin of safety and help you anticipate changes. You’ll be amazed at how fast forecasts can shift, making an explorer mindset valuable to read water cues and wind shifts early to avoid dramatic adjustments later. For dramatic squalls, keep the forward pace steady and leave room to turn if the wind shifts.

Understand tides and currents on numerous sides of the coast and use tide tables available on your plotter or in your pilot book. Slack water typically occurs within about 60 minutes of high or low tide; plan port entries at or near slack water to minimize currents. For river mouths and estuaries–Lagos, Dakar, Maputo, Mombasa–add 60-90 minutes to your ETA. Have unique anchorages identified in advance and keep a few available options in case you need to reroute. polynesia-style lagoons illustrate how large tidal flows behave, reminding you that those conditions can appear anywhere and that preparation is worth it.

In distress or near-miss: Mayday on VHF channels 16 and 70; provide vessel name, call sign, last known position, course and speed, number of souls aboard, and nature of distress. Maintain a continuous watch, repeat calls if needed, and broadcast your intention to transfer to rescue coordination centers. Activate EPIRB and SART if available, and use AIS to signal your position. File a Pan-Pan when urgent assistance is required but danger is not immediate, and coordinate with local coast guard and SAR authorities to establish a search pattern. If a crew member is missing, share last known position and assumptions with responders and persist until help arrives. A properly executed protocol offers a guaranteed chance of rescue and reduces the meaning of uncertainty for those aboard, improving safety on every leg of the voyage underway.