Cruise Photos of the Week: South Africa with Silversea

Today, I wanted to share some more photographs of my South African adventure aboard Silversea’s elegant Silver Wind with you – a small portion of the 1,987 shots I took. If you missed your chance to go on one of these unique “safari cruises”, fear not: the ultra-luxury line will be bringing Silver Wind back in December for another round of itineraries departing from Cape Town that will run through February 2014, including a fantastic 14-night voyage that will sail over the holidays.

Silversea’s elegant Silver Wind docked in the port of Cape Town, South Africa on January 15, 2013. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

I have been home for five days now – and Africa is never far from my mind. I’ve been buying up books on South Africa and other neighbouring countries, eager to learn more about the rich and often turbulent history of this stunning region.

To my mind, my time aboard the wonderful Silver Wind was like having my eyes opened for the very first time, showing me just how diverse this world we live in really is. That the journey was undertaken in the warm embrace of luxury certainly didn’t hurt, either!

A giant statue made of 4,200 Coca-Cola crates gives a nod to Cape Town’s eco-friendly nature. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

That’s right – I’m nearly 17,000 kilometers away from home in Cape Town! Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

I must have rattled off three hundred photos of elephants at Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Elephant Photo #292. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Durban’s skyline at sunset as we sail for East London. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

On safari at the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve north of Richards Bay, South Africa. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

The stunning Cape Buffalo. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Back onboard the Silver Wind, I always enjoyed dining at La Terrazza on Deck 7 aft. One of my favorite places on any Silversea ship. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Of course, a good martini in The Bar never hurts, either. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

But there’s another way to see Africa, and I have my sights set squarely on it: river cruise operator AmaWaterways has offered three safari-style river cruises that combine an overland journey with a four-night cruise aboard the Zambezi Queen along the Chobe River.

There are three separate itineraries, ranging in length from 16 to 19 days. Two begin in Cape Town, South Africa and end in the gorgeous splendour of Victoria Falls, while the third and longest itinerary is arguably the most exotic, travelling from Nairobi and returning from Victoria Falls.

It’s an itinerary I’ve known about for a while, yet have never really given any serious thought to.

Until now.

The Silver Wind, in silver, docked in Richards Bay, South Africa. Photo © 2013 Aaron Saunders

Our friends a Cruise Experts Travel have all the details on the Zambezi Queen and the beautiful Silver Wind! From the Deck Chair will return on Monday!