Expedition Madagascar And South Africa: Two Wonderful Wildernesses

• Day 1 Port Louis

  Mauritius’ largest city, Port Louis is a vibrant and exciting place whose culture is a mix of African, Chinese and Indian influences. There are activities and sights to keep you busy and explore the different aspects of the city.

• Day 3 Nosy Boraha
  Your manoeuvrable expedition ship is perfect for discovering terra incognita in Madagascar. The spirit of adventure is in the air as your ship sails through the legendary waters. When you set foot on the island of Nosy Boraha, you will be entering the infamous pirate republic of Libertalia, said to have been founded in the 17th century. Legends like Olivier le Vasseur, Henry Every and William Kidd lived on the isolated island for a time, setting out from here on their privateering expeditions at sea. Today, the gravestones with skull symbols in the pirate cemetery on the former pirate island tell of times gone by. On a shore visit with your experts or on long walks along the coast, explore the unspoilt nature and small waterfalls of this island, which is largely untouched by tourism – an intense encounter with some of the last unspoilt landscapes on earth. Perhaps you will also find William Kidd’s legendary pirate treasure, which is said to lie hidden here still.
• Day 5 Nosy Bé
  The tropical north coast of Madagascar is famous for its beautiful beaches, hilly island interior covered in rainforest, and for growing cocoa, coffee, spices and rice. Off the coast lie expansive coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of sea life. The Nosy Be archipelago in particular is a popular spot for divers and snorkellers.In the blue ocean, the little island of Nosy Hara literally stands out with its high needles of rock known as Tsingys. Nature has been left to its own devices in this protected marine area. For generations, the island has been known by the local people as “fady”, the Madagascan word for sacred or taboo. It is a real privilege for you to set foot on the uninhabited island with a small group of like-minded people. The island is home to countless endemic species, including the tiny leaf chameleon, which fits on top of a match. This biodiversity is also on show underwater.The lush green island of Nosy Be, whose name means “big island” in the local language, is of volcanic origin. The magnificent colonial villas around the port in the island’s capital, Andoany, recall the bygone feudal lifestyle of the French sugar barons. Nosy Be is also known as the “perfume island” since it is home to many fragrant plants. The hot and humid climate and the island’s sheltered location offer the ideal growing conditions for vegetation. The overwhelming beauty of this paradise is best revealed on a hike – accompanied by your experts who will direct your gaze to its biodiversity. Marvel at giant trees up to 40 m (131 ft) tall, many different bird species and the way of life of the lemurs, which live in troops led by the oldest female.

  Nosy Bé, meaning Big Island in the Malagasy language, lies just a stone's throw off Madagascar's northwest coast. It is a remote and exotic destination. With its deserted beaches, rustic hotels and unhurried pace, it attracts travellers looking for a laid-back vacation. The fertile island is the centre for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang trees. The heady scent of their flowers gave Nosy Bé the name "Perfumed Isle." Other local products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla and pepper; they are grown for export in large plantations. Hellville, the island’s main town and port, is situated in a sheltered bay. It is named after a former French governor, Admiral de Hell. The town features a few old colonial buildings, a busy market, some small boutiques and tourist shops along the busy main street. At the quayside, vendors display embroidered linens, wood carvings and straw articles. Trips into the lush countryside may include a ride up to Mt. Passot. At 950 feet (285 metres), this is the highest point on the island. The view from the top offers an extensive panorama of crater lakes nestled between verdant hills. Most visitors make the boat trip to Nosy Komba. The tiny island is known for its lemur reserve. These arboreal primates, with their large eyes, soft fur and long curling tails, have lived unharmed for centuries in the forest behind Ampangorina village. The lemurs are a popular tourist attraction and a profitable source of income to the small local community.

• Day 7 Mayotte Island
  Enjoy a day in paradise. Mayotte lies between the African mainland and Madagascar and is the oldest volcanic island in the Comoros – and part of Europe. In the watercolour of the dark blue ocean, the group of islands stands out with green vegetation, colourful fruits and golden beaches. Surrounded by a coral reef, Mayotte is a dream destination for diving and snorkelling, with an underwater world teeming with hundreds of fish species. When relaxing on the beach, you will feel like you are in a French kind of paradise, as you will in the little town of Mamoudzou with its colonial architecture: here the inhabitants speak French, eat baguettes and pay in euros. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine with its African, Indonesian, French and Indian influences. Look forward to some exciting encounters and enjoy the great hospitality of the Mahorans.
• Day 9 Tuléar
  Superb experiences in the Indian Ocean lie ahead. Madagascar is a real gem for explorers; your experts on board will shed light on the endemic flora and fauna. The world’s fourth largest island has idyllic bays, majestic volcanoes and unique vegetation. Madagascans share their home with baobabs, lemurs and vanilla, a place of mysterious rites, sacred grottos and serenity.Driven by the spirit of discovery, the Zodiacs will take you to see Madagascar’s hidden gems off the beaten track. After landing on Nosy Andriangory, experience the almost untouched natural scenery and the magic of this remote island paradise. Beaches lined with palm trees are a wonderful place to relax and sunbathe, swim and snorkel. In the bright turquoise water, discover colourful coral reefs and exotic species of fish, reflecting the unique biodiversity of Madagascar. Birds and dwarf lemurs can also be found here. Enjoy the wild beauty of Madagascar in its purest form.Gain some insights into the lives of the locals in the lively city of Toliara on the west coast of Madagascar. At the Mahafaly-Sakalava ethnological museum, you will find works of art like masks and statues of the Vezo people. These “nomads of the sea” are some of the last of their kind in the country. They travel far out to sea to catch fish and have a number of rules and forbidden things, known as “fady”. At the daily central market in Toliara, enjoy the smells of freshly grilled fish and local spices as you let the rhythm of the city draw you under its spell. The shell and craft market has a story to tell about the treasures of the sea and the craftsmanship of the islanders.
• Day 13 Richards Bay
  Richards Bay is a place where you can experience unspoilt Africa in all its powerful beauty – untamed and full of secrets just waiting to be discovered by you. This is the gateway to the wild nature of the KwaZulu-Natal province, a real paradise for explorers. It’s impossible to predict which species of African animal will show itself and when, but that’s what makes every game drive so exciting and appealing. Follow the call of the wild to South Africa’s untamed soul. Pelicans, flamingoes and exotic species such as the hornbill live in the nearby game reserves, as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras and lions. Which species will you see before you return to the ship? Look forward to some overwhelming experiences and shows of nature.

  South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn - it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

• Day 14 Durban
  The big cities on the Cape are known for their cosmopolitan flair. Durban is no different, with its dazzling skyline and the hustle and bustle of a modern city, a melting pot of different cultures. The city presents a contrast with the Zulu people, who also live in the province of KwaZulu-Natal – get some insights into the rich Zulu culture and the turbulent history of the region at the KwaMuhle Museum. Indian and colonial influences are reflected in the city’s architecture and lively food scene. Durban’s magnificent beaches along the famous Golden Mile are a dream for sun worshippers: here you can surf, swim or just relax on the beach. You can also go on excursions from Durban, making Africa a cornucopia of unforgettable experiences. Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with all your senses as you travel through a diverse range of fauna and flora under the African sun.

  Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

• Day 16 Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)
  Not far off the Garden Route, the town formerly known as Port Elizabeth offers cultural and historical highlights. Its name was changed to Gqeberha in 2021 because the South African government believed that its former European name was a reminder of colonial oppression. Your experts on board will shed light on the country’s turbulent history. Expand on your knowledge on the Donkin Heritage Trail along the coast, with its historical landmarks including the Donkin Reserve, with its iconic lighthouse, and the stone pyramid, which Sir Rufane Donkin had built in memory of his wife, Elizabeth. The coastal town is the perfect starting point for excursions* into South Africa’s wilderness and animal kingdom: perhaps you will spot giraffes and zebras looking for refreshment at the water holes or lions on the hunt – unforgettable scenes. As well as the kings of the animal kingdom, this area is also home to rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffalo, the legendary big five.

  Originally the home of the San and Khoisan people and later the Xhosa tribe, the area now known as Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth) became a landing place for passing European ships after Portuguese navigator Bartolomew Diaz arrived in Algoa Bay in 1488. As part of the Cape Colony, the British occupied the area during the Napoleonic Wars and it was they who built Fort Frederick here in 1799. Twenty-one years later 4,000 settlers arrived, becoming the first permanent British residents of South Africa and Gqeberha. Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony, founded Port Elizabeth, naming the settlement after his late wife. The town underwent rapid growth after 1873 following the construction of the railway to Kimberley, and is now one of the country’s major seaports. Like most South African cities, miles of beautiful coastline surround Gqeberha. Algoa Bay combines warm water and fair breezes, making it a mecca for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Those interested in history can follow the Donkin Heritage Trail, past a succession of Victorian and Edwardian town houses, trim gardens and neo-Gothic churches. Just outside the town are a number of game reserves, including the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

• Day 17 Mossel Bay
  The pioneering spirit of seafarer Bartolomeu Dias surrounds you in Mossel Bay. In 1488 he was the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope – a replica of his caravel is on display in the museum here. In the 19th century, Mossel Bay developed into an important trading port, where grain, fruit, meat and wool from the interior changed hands. When natural gas reserves were discovered off the coast in the middle of the 20th century, the townscape changed to accommodate the associated industry. As you discover the seaside town, your independent shore visit will become an exciting voyage back in time – from prehistoric settlements to colonisation and apartheid and into the present day. On the other hand, the idyllic beaches rivalling those on the Sunshine Coast are timeless.
• Day 18 Hermanus
  On the southern tip of South Africa, the charming town of Hermanus welcomes you to an aquamarine bay with delightful cliffs. World famous for whale watching, Hermanus offers spectacular sightings of southern right whales between July and November, when they come here to breed. With luck, you will be able to spot the marine mammals from the deck or during your explorations on land. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open as well: during the whale season, the Whale Crier of Hermanus blows on his kelp horn to tell people where whales have been seen. When the sea is calm, the whales come within just a few metres of the cliffs. Find out about the interesting history of the former fishing town and the sea life in the Old Harbour Museum. Take a stroll around the centre of Hermanus and soak up the atmosphere, perhaps in one of the quaint cafes with a glass of wine from the local vineyards.
• Day 19 Cape Town

  Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.

Expedition Madagascar And South Africa: Two Wonderful Wildernesses Itinerary