Madagascar & Its Eastern Islands

ITINERARY

DAY 1
MOMBASA
A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa draws you in with its rich history and beguiling blend of cultures. For centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians and British settlers have lived side by side in the enchanting old town, whose buildings meld African, European and African styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger and cardamom.

DAY 2
DAY AT SEA
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

DAY 3
ASSUMPTION ISLAND
A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast of Assumption Island. Part of the Aldabra Group, the kidney-shaped island lies more than 1,000 km southwest of Mahé and is known for its colourful butterfly species, including the belenois aldabrensis. You may bump into sauntering giant tortoises or catch a flash of green as an Assumption day gecko scampers past. Keep an eye out for evidence of nesting sea turtles near the shoreline.

DAY 3-4
ALDABRA ISLAND
Comprising 13 islands around a lagoon, this massive raised coral atoll is home to the world’s largest tortoise colony. More than 100,000 lumbering giant tortoises inch their way around the isolated archipelago’s protected landscape, which features hundreds of flowering plant and fern species. You might be lucky enough to spot swooping Aldabra drongos - endemic to the islands - or wading pink flamingos. Look out too for scavenging white-throated rails, the only flightless bird remaining in the Indian Ocean.

Expedition Activities (See Optional Activities)

DAY 5
ASSUMPTION ISLAND
A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast of Assumption Island. Part of the Aldabra Group, the kidney-shaped island lies more than 1,000 km southwest of Mahé and is known for its colourful butterfly species, including the belenois aldabrensis. You may bump into sauntering giant tortoises or catch a flash of green as an Assumption day gecko scampers past. Keep an eye out for evidence of nesting sea turtles near the shoreline.

Expedition Activities (See Optional Activities)

DAY 6
NOSY BE
Sandy swimming beaches, biodiverse jungle and vividly blue crater lakes are among the highlights of this verdant island off Madagascar’s northern coast. After exploring the French colonial buildings in the port of Hell-Ville, head to nearby Lokobe Reserve, accessed via guided pirogue canoe. Black lemurs clamber up the park’s centuries-old trees, and you might also catch a glimpse of a vibrantly hued panther chameleon, which typically grow to around a foot and a half long.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 7
MAHAJANGA
The lively northern port of Mahajanga (Majunga) is known for its charming French colonial and Arabian architecture as well as a broad seafront promenade lined with coconut palms. Be sure to look for the gigantic landmark baobab tree towering near the water. Long sandy beaches stretch north towards Cirque Rouge, a remarkable natural amphitheatre whose crumbling rocks are a blend of red, ochre and pale pink. The colours are at their most dramatic at sunset.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 8
DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

DAY 9
MORONDAVA
The relaxed west coast town of Morondava is the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Lining a bumpy track, this striking grove of centuries-old giants - often nicknamed upside-down trees - is especially popular at sunset, when the trunks cast long shadows on the ground, creating spectacular photo effects. To the south, Kirindy Mitea National Park is a protected coastal reserve home to several species of lemur along with the rare fossa, a close relation of the mongoose.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)

DAY 10
TOLIARA
Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tuléar), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, you can explore the Arboretum d’Antsokay, created by a Swiss botanist in 1980 amid a swathe of spiny forest. Garden guides lead you past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, and you might spy flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, there’s also a fascinating small museum dedicated to local marine life.

Shore Excursion (See Optional Activities)
DAY 11
DAY AT SEA
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

DAY 12
MAPUTO
Mozambique’s capital city has an intriguing mix of Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings on broad boulevards lined with jacaranda and palm trees. Architectural standouts include the early-20th-century domed railway station, painted in green and white, and the Smiling Lion, a distinctive post-modernist apartment block designed by Pancho Guedes. Exploring Maputo is also simply about wandering the historic district of Baixa and taking in the vibrant street scene of bustling pavement cafes, live music and busy markets.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

DAY 3-4
ALDABRA ISLAND
Expedition Activities

Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
Drift snorkel with your expedition team, from one end of the channel to the other end
Slowly drift over Aldabra's pristine marine world

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
Go ashore at this remote research station and learn about the scientific work being conducted
Learn about the Giant Tortoise and the endemic Aldabra Drongo, and try to spot some.

Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
Zodiac cruise the magnificent coral limestone formations nearby sandy beaches
Explore the coastal world of this magic atoll

DAY 5
ASSUMPTION ISLAND
Expedition Activities

Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
Watch out for marine turtles that nest on the nearby beaches
Discover the underwater world of this incredible island

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team
Included
Beachcomb and walk on this low-lying island with your onboard expedition team
Learn about the endemic species and history
Watch out for geckoes, tortoises and butterflies

DAY 6
NOSY BE
Shore Excursion

Nosy Komba
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Visit the Black Lemur Sanctuary and rejoice in the antics of the lemurs as they frolic in their habitat
Relish free time to walk on the beach
Walking through the Sakalava fisherman’s village

Lokobe National Park
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Try to spot the Eulemur Macaco, the flagship species of the park
Enjoy the ride on a small boat to the heavily wooded Lokobe Natural Reserve
See colorful birds and endemic species such as black lemurs

Island Tour Half Day Expedition With Mont Passot ”
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Pay a visit to the Hell-Ville marketplace brimming with vegetables, fruits and spices
Enjoy the views from Mont Passot, overlooking crater lakes and plantations
Enjoy a panoramic dive looking at the island vegetation

DAY 7
MAHAJANGA
Shore Excursion

Mahajanga City Tour
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Feel the atmosphere of the city market place
Don't miss the symbol of the city the Huge Baobab, which is over 1000 years old
Enjoy stunning views of the town


DAY 9
MORONDAVA
Shore Excursion

Morondava And The Baobab Avenue
Duration: 04 h 00 m
Included
Discovery of the Baobab Avenue, and take the postcard picture
Enjoy tasting local snacks and drinks
Stroll around the local Market

DAY 10
TOLIARA
Shore Excursion

Visite of Arboretum Antsokay
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Included
Discover the Arboretum of Antsokay, created around 1980
Admire over 920 plant species, lemurs, radiated tortoises, snakes and chameleons
Enjoy a folkloric show before getting back to the port

4x4 Reniala Spiny Forest Discovery
Duration: 03 h 30 m
Optional
Discover one of the oddest and most unique habitats on the planet, the spiny forest
Walk in the bird sanctuary looking out for mammals including the grey mouse lemurs and several birds
Enjoy the folkloric show before getting back to the pier