FROM CAPE TOWN TO MAURITIUS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.