Top Romantic Destinations in Africa

By Anouk Zijlma, About.com Guide

Cruising down the Nile, watching life along its riverbanks and the sun set over ancient monuments is awfully romantic. Most Nile cruises include stops at Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. In general you'll want to pick a cruise that lasts at least 4 nights and go between October and April. While there are over 200 cruise vessels sailing the Nile, you should be picky if you want a romantic experience.

The Most Romantic Nile Cruises include:

• The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruiser: This is a nice ship with 54 cabins, each with their private balconies for great views of the Nile banks. You can opt for 4 nights or 6 night packages.

• The Royal Cleopatra: Enjoy a romantic, intimate cruise on this traditional sailboat called a dahabeeya, commonly used by Victorian travelers. The Royal Cleopatra can be rented privately and sleeps up to 8 people. Because the vessel is smaller than a cruise ship you can dock at more sights and enjoy being the only tourist. A large sundeck affords excellent views of the Nile.

• Sun Boat III: Abercrombie & Kent's Sun Boat III has 14 luxuriously appointed cabins and 4 suites, decorated in an art deco style. The boat is smaller than most other luxury cruisers on the Nile so you have a more intimate experience and better yet, smaller groups when you tour the ancient monuments.

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