Port information & tips for Port Nolloth
Port Nolloth is a fascinating destination on South Africa's pristine Diamond Coast, captivating visitors with its rugged, authentic charm and maritime history. The former mining town welcomes guests with a relaxed atmosphere, shaped by the cool Atlantic breeze and the vast coastal landscape. Cultural highlights include the Port Nolloth Museum, which documents the exciting era of the diamond rush, and the idyllic McDougall’s Bay with its sheltered lagoons. Smaller cruise ships dock at the central Port Nolloth Jetty, from where the town center and the lively Waterfront are just a few steps away, while also serving as a perfect starting point for explorations into the surrounding Namaqualand region.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Port Nolloth, a picturesque coastal town in South Africa's Northern Cape, serves as a unique harbor that is particularly attractive for smaller expedition cruises. Due to its remote location, travel from the DACH region requires careful planning but also offers the opportunity to get to know the untouched Namaqualand region. The port is primarily geared towards fishing and small ships, but has a modest infrastructure for travelers.
Airplane
Travel from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is usually via international flights to Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB). From there, a connecting flight to Upington Airport (UTN), the nearest airport with scheduled flights, is recommended. Upington is approximately 5.5 hours by car from Port Nolloth and serves as the most important regional transport hub. Although Port Nolloth has its own small airfield, there are no regular commercial passenger flights there.
Rental Car
A rental car is essential for onward travel from the larger airports to reach Port Nolloth comfortably. From Cape Town (CPT), the driving distance is around 700 to 718 kilometers with a driving time of about 7 to 9 hours, mostly via the well-developed N7 to Springbok and then via local roads. The drive from Johannesburg (JNB) is significantly longer at over 1200 kilometers and takes approximately 16.5 hours. This option also offers maximum flexibility to explore the charming surroundings of Namaqualand. Parking is usually available at local accommodations.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long travel times from Europe and the extensive transfers, an overnight stay in Cape Town or Johannesburg after the arrival of the intercontinental flight, as well as a further stopover or a pre-cruise overnight stay directly in Port Nolloth, is strongly recommended. Port Nolloth has a well-developed tourist infrastructure with numerous guesthouses and hotels that allow for a relaxed start before embarkation. Many travelers visiting the nearby Richtersveld National Park use Port Nolloth as an overnight location.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Also during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
