Madagascar & South Africa

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.

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.

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.

Toliara, also known as Tuléar or Toliary, is a major seaport located on Madagascar's southwestern coast, serving as the gateway to the island's unique semi-arid, spiny bush country.

Attractions:

• Antsokay Arboretum: A renowned botanical garden located just outside the city, dedicated to preserving the unique flora of Southern Madagascar. It features over 900 plant species, 90% of which are endemic, and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife like lemurs, tortoises, and chameleons.

• Ifaty Beach: Located north of Toliara, this village offers beautiful beaches, clear waters, and access to a vibrant coral reef system, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving excursions.

• Anakao: This large Vezo fishing village is reachable by boat. It features a beautiful sandy beach, a clear lagoon popular for diving, and is located opposite the small island of Nosy Ve.

• Cultural Exploration:

  • Visit the Mahafaly Ethnology Museum to learn about the customs and unique funerary art (carved tombs and Aloalo poles) of the Mahafaly people.

  • Explore bustling local markets, such as Tsena Cociagy, for handicrafts like raffia bags, carved lemur figures, colorful textiles (lambas), and vanilla pods.

• Adventure Activities: Options include 4x4 desert expeditions or canoeing down the Mangoky River through spectacular sandstone gorges. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, marked by baobab trees and spiny Didiera plants.

Morondava is a charming, remote seaport situated on the west coast of Madagascar, along the Mozambique Channel. It is known as the gateway to some of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, and its economy is based on fishing and tourism. This destination is best suited for passengers on specialized expedition itineraries due to its limited infrastructure.

Attractions:

• Avenue of the Baobabs: This is the most iconic attraction, located about 17–20 km from Morondava. The best times to visit are at sunrise or sunset to see the unique grandidieri baobab trees—which are unique to Madagascar—silhouetted against the sky.

• Kirindy Forest Reserve: This dry deciduous forest offers exceptional biodiversity and is considered one of the best places to spot unique wildlife, including several species of lemurs, giant jumping rats, and the rare carnivore, the Fosa. Guided night walks are recommended to see nocturnal animals.

• Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is known for its dramatic landscape of eroded limestone pinnacles, though reaching it requires a longer trek.

• Coastal Villages and Activities: Guests can relax on the beautiful beaches, like those at Ifaty (north of Toliara) or take a traditional pirogue (outrigger canoe) ride to fishing villages like Betania or Belo sur Mer. The coastal reefs offer opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with the clearest water visibility from April through November.

• Local Culture: Explore Morondava’s lively local markets for handicrafts, spices, and local cuisine, or visit the boatyards in Belo sur Mer to see large traditional schooners and dhows being built.

Mahajanga, also known as Majunga, is Madagascar's premier western port and second largest port, located in the Boeny region on the northwest coast where the Betsiboka River meets the Mozambique Channel. It is a lively, cosmopolitan town that was once the capital of the Sakalava kingdom, offering a rich cultural patchwork due to its history as an interchange between Africa and the Middle East.

Attractions:

• Downtown Mahajanga: The port district features a lively market, colonial-era preserved buildings, several mosques, and a cathedral.

• Waterfront Promenade (Le Bord): A coconut-lined seaside promenade where visitors can stroll and experience nice casual interactions with locals.

• Sacred Lake (Lac Sacré): Easily accessible from the dock, this lake is famous for its massive goldfish.

• Mahajanga Baobab: A revered landmark that visitors can view along the seaside promenade.

• Cirque Rouge: Located nearby, this site features immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.

• Exploring Inland: The port is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring natural wonders like the Reserve Forestiere d'Ampijoroa and the Parc National d'Ankarafantsika.

• Katsepy: Located across Bombetoka Bay, this village features a lighthouse offering panoramic views.

Nosy Komba, meaning "Island of Lemurs," is a small, volcanic island located off the coast of Nosy Be in the Mitsio Archipelago of northwest Madagascar. It is a popular and intimate port-of-call known for its lush, tropical environment and remarkably tame wildlife.

Attractions:

• The Black Lemurs: Nosy Komba is famous for its dense population of habituated Black Lemurs (Eulemur macaco). These friendly, curious creatures are easily observed up close in their natural habitat, making for the island’s most popular excursion.

• Craft Market of Ampangorinana: The main village, Ampangorinana, is renowned for its bustling, circular craft market. Visitors can browse a variety of locally produced handicrafts, including intricate hand-carved wood products, unique embroidered tablecloths, and colorful textiles.

• Hiking: The interior of the island is mountainous and covered in dense forest, offering short, guided hikes to scenic viewpoints or through the lemur habitat.

• Beaches and Marine Activities: The waters surrounding Nosy Komba are warm and clear. The island is part of a marine protected area, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving to see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine turtles.

Nosy Hara is a small, uninhabited island located in the Nosy Hara Archipelago, off the northwest coast of Madagascar, near the town of Ambanja. This destination is typically visited by expedition and small-ship cruises seeking pristine, secluded nature experiences, as it is classified as a marine and terrestrial national park.

Attractions:

• Nosy Hara National Park: The island is the centerpiece of the Nosy Hara National Park, which protects a unique ecosystem of limestone karst formations (Tsingy) and exceptional marine life.

• Marine Exploration: The surrounding waters are part of a vibrant coral reef system, making it an outstanding location for:

  • Snorkeling and Diving: Clear waters and rich biodiversity allow guests to observe colorful fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles.

  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Guests can explore the sheltered bays, small coves, and towering limestone cliffs from the water.

• Unique Wildlife: The island's terrestrial environment is important for birdwatching and is known as the exclusive habitat for one of the world's smallest reptiles: the Brookesia Micra Chameleon.

• Beaches: Visitors can enjoy secluded, pristine sandy beaches for relaxation and swimming.

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.