From Nosy Be to Durban · Africa & Indian Ocean · 11 nights
Sleek and stylish, Ponant’s wonderful Explorer yachts blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
Named after six of France’s most famous explorers, Le Champlain,
Le Lapérouse, Le Bougainville, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bellot and
Le Jacques Cartier offer exciting and adventurous itineraries in
the utmost comfort. Technologically advanced, with the latest in
environmentally friendly hardware, the new ships embody Ponant’s
trademark élan and flair, with just 92 spacious rooms and suites, a
stylish pool deck and an intimate, refined onboard ambience.
The island of Nosy Be, just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, remains a laid back locale in spite of its popularity as a tourist destination. The beaches are the main attraction for most visitors, along with the colourful chameleons and tiny frogs hiding in the Lokobe wildlife reserve.
The small, turtle-shaped island of Nosy Komba has some lovely beaches and calm waters, sheltered by the volcanic rocks that surround it. Take a stroll around the village of Ampangoriana, meet the friendly locals and visit the fantastic Black Lemur Sanctuary.
The protected marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is a fantastic spot for snorkelling, with amazingly clear waters and colourful marine life including parrot fish, angelfish, rays, dolphins and sea turtles. You can also hike up to the lighthouse at the island’s summit for wonderful sea views.
The port city of Majunga (also known as Mahajanga) is woven from diverse cultural influences, with historic links to both India and the African mainland. It’s a two-hour drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of deciduous forest in Madagascar, home to numerous species of lemur and chameleon.
There’s not much to see in the seaside town of Morondava, but nearby attractions include one of the most famous sights in Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs. These uniquely weird and bulbous trees grow up to 30 metres tall and 10 metres in diameter. Also close by is Kirindy Forest, home to endemic wildlife including common brown lemurs, sifakas and fossas.
Tuléar (also known as Toliara) is located on Madagascar’s southwest coast, with some great snorkelling and diving just offshore. The small Renala Private Reserve, just to the north of the town, preserves part of Madagascar’s spiny forest, a unique ecosystem that supports rare wildlife including grey mouse lemurs and spider tortoises.
Richards Bay itself is an industrial city with little in the way of tourist sights, but the port serves as a gateway for the many attractions of KwaZulu-Natal province. Head inland and you’ll find traditional Zulu villages, undulating hills and wildlife including crocodiles, hippos and the rare black rhino.
Durban is a real melting pot; not only does the city feel more authentically African than Cape Town, it’s also home to a large Indian community that lends the city a distinctly Asian flavour. The lovely waterfront promenade was revamped for the 2010 World Cup, and the beach is a popular destination for domestic tourists.
