Madagascar & Beyond - Discover the Wonders of the Seychelles & Madagascar

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Port Victoria. Later we sail the short distance to our overnight anchorage.

Spend the morning on Curieuse, a rugged island that was once home to a leper colony and now houses an eco-museum and visitor centre. The island is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles and boasts endemic vines and mangroves which we will explore during our island walk. Over lunch we sail the short distance to Aride, one of the finest and most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. Over one million seabirds breed on the island including tropical shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate birds and roseate tern and also five species unique to the Seychelles such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin. The island is largely covered in native woodland including the endemic Wright’s gardenia, a shrub with beautifully scented flowers found nowhere else in the world.

Over lunch we arrive at the 28 islands in the Amirante Group which were discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1501 and are considered to be some of the most pristine and untouched islands in the world. If conditions permit we will visit Poivre Atoll which is made up of three islands. In the past the islands were used for vanilla, nuts, maize, cattle and pig farming but in recent years, the atolls’ landscapes have become a popular nesting ground for bird species like Chinese and blue heron, whimbrels, fodies, noddies and greater frigate birds. The sandy shores are also important nesting grounds for hawksbill and green turtles.

There are three islands in the Alphonse group, and as we approach them you will understand why they are regarded by many to be the most beautiful of the 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Our day will be directed by sea and weather conditions but we hope to call at the tiny and idyllic island of Bijoutier which, rarely visited, is a haven for a variety of seabirds. There will be the opportunity to swim and maybe snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Bijoutier sits between two larger atolls so the ocean current flows passing Bijoutier replenish the coral reefs and make them especially rich in biodiversity.

Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey through the Seychelles. Maybe watch for wildlife on deck or join a lecture.

Arriving in the Outer Seychelles we have one and a half days to enjoy the remarkable Aldabra group of islands. Our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible, we hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned, and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles is once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on nature walks or snorkelling. We will also plan time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature’s treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is truly unique, and every time we call at what is believed to be the world’s largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have included the extremely rare white-throated rail, while the atoll is also home to the world’s second largest colony of frigate birds and the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look first. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant land tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the numerous tortoises and robber crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters.

Our first call in Madagascar will be off the northwest coast where we will find a number of strangely shaped limestone islets that dot the aquamarine-coloured sea. The expedition team will decide on the most suitable island for landing, such as Nosy Hara with its abundant birdlife and great places to swim off the beach. We will spend the day exploring the islands on foot or alternatively join a Zodiac cruise around the islands and have a chance to snorkel over the coral.

Spend the morning at the Nosy Tanikely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the chance to either swim in the clear waters or snorkel over the corals keeping an eye out for reef fish, turtles and morays. Alternatively, explore the island where we may see the resident lemurs, skinks, fruit bats and hermit crabs and enjoy fantastic views from the 1908 lighthouse on the island’s highest point. Sail this afternoon.

Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar. This cosmopolitan city, situated on the Betsiboka River, mixes Sakalava, Tsimihety, Arab, Chinese, Indian and European influences and is our base for a full day tour of the surrounding area. After landing by Zodiac we will commence with a drive to Lake Mangatsa, a sacred site of many legends where we will learn about local traditions as we search for lemurs, chameleons and birds in the trees. Lunch will be served at a hotel, which offers lovely sea views, before we return to the MS Island Sky via the local market.

Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey around the Madagascan coast.

From our anchorage off the town of Morondava, the capital of the Menabe region, we will use the Zodiacs to make a beach landing. From here there will be a choice of excursions to explore the local region. We will explore Marofandilia Forest, a protected area that is home to a number of species of lemurs, birds, reptiles and plants, and is managed by the proactive NGO Fanamby (the Malagasy ‘arm’ of Conservation International). During our visit we will take part in walks through the forest before a picnic lunch. We will then head to the Avenue des Baobabs. Of the eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar and here we will marvel at the majestic Grandidier’s baobabs, a couple of dozen of which form a natural avenue. We will learn about the trees and their spiritual significance and have the opportunity to contribute to local reforestation efforts by planting a young baobab ourselves. Alternatively, if you would prefer a more leisurely day, there will be a morning tour to the Avenue des Baobabs which will return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board.

After a morning at sea we arrive in Tulear and this afternoon will visit the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the southwest of Madagascar and, after more than 30 years of hard work, offers a densely kept selection of flora presenting a typical sub-arid thicket with baobab trees towering over the smaller plants. We will see the four hectare botanical garden which comprises over 900 species of plants of which 90% are endemic to the region. After mooring overnight we spend our second morning at the Reniala Private Reserve, a small area of just 60 hectares but containing a spiny forest which is unique to southeastern Madagascar. The park is home to 200 plant species including baobabs as well as being a haven for birders with sightings of paradise flycatchers, Madagascar hoopoe and Madagascar crested drongo. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.

Our final call in Madagascar is the southeastern port of Taolagnaro, also known as Fort Dauphin. This was the first French settlement in Madagascar, situated on a peninsula overlooked by the Anosy mountains. We will moor overnight and our afternoon and morning excursions will include the Nahampoana Private Park. The reserve is only 67 hectares but home to four species of lemur including ring-tailed and sifakas whilst the gardens showcase Madagascan plants with three-cornered palms and spiny Desiderata trees. A tour of Taolagnaro will include the historical buildings where we will learn about the arrival of the Malagasy people to Madagascar and the links with Reunion. Also enjoy walks at Manantantely, a 136 hectare park consisting of a nursery set in a paradisiacal valley with several walking trails where we may see chameleons and lizards. Day 18 At Sea. Spend the day at sea as we leave Madagascar and sail towards Reunion Island. 

Over breakfast we arrive in Reunion where we have a choice of excursions. On a full day tour we will visit the central highlands where spectacularly rugged peaks of dormant or extinct volcanoes cradle huge amphitheatres known as cirques, where mountains tower to over 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls plummet hundreds of feet. The rich soil and mellow climate produce a lush and verdant landscape which is dotted with villages and towns with a uniquely French atmosphere. Fields of sugar cane and plantations of tropical fruits, vanilla and all manner of spices perfume the air. We will enjoy views from the Nez des Boeuf and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. After enjoying a Creole lunch in a local restaurant we will visit the ‘Cite du Volcan’ museum. Alternatively, enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in St Andre where we learn about the history and culture of this integral part of Reunion’s heritage. Continue to Salazie, a verdant landscape and home to many waterfalls including the ‘Voile de la Mariee’ before spending some free time in St Denis. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board before we sail to Mauritius this evening.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Arrive this morning.

Itineraries are subject to change.