Madagascar Coastal Odyssey

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Arrive this morning and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky. Settle into your suite and spend a leisurely day on board. This evening enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we set sail this evening.

We arrive at breakfast 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 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 ‘La Cite du Volcan’ museum. Alternatively enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in Saint 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 Saint Denis on the way back to the ship. This afternoon is at leisure before we set sail this evening.

Spend the day at sea as we sail towards Madagascar. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax.

Our first call in Madagascar is Toamasina, the country’s main port and second largest city as well as the gateway to the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a 282 hectare property combining a small zoo where we will see up to a dozen species of lemur as well as indigenous tortoises and chameleons. In the surrounding forest we can see free roaming wild lemurs and other wildlife along the various lakeside walking trails. We return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.

We will spend two days exploring from our anchorage in Antongil Bay. We discover Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar which has also been an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and other lemurs were released into the forest. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the beach next to the forest and organise a series of nature walks looking at the varied trees, plants and ferns and we hope to spot chameleon, lizards and black and white ruffed lemur. For the birders, we will keep an eye out for Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher and paradise flycatchers. We will also explore Madagascar’s largest National Park, the Masoala Peninsula, which comprises of coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves. We may be lucky enough to encounter a group of locally endemic red- ruffed lemur. The park is also home to various species of brightly coloured Mantella frogs, all manner of extraordinary chameleons and is a refuge for the endangered Madagascar red owl, Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. A range of walks will be on offer, as well as a visit to the local village.

After a morning at sea we arrive over lunch at the port of Vohemar, our base for an afternoon at the Domaine de Bobangira. This reserve on the Indian Ocean has wild, unspoiled beaches and forests rich in biodiversity having about 40% of endemic flora to the region. Declared as a protected private nature reserve in 2017 by the national forestry department, it is home to fat-tailed dwarf lemurs, the diurnal whiteheaded lemur, Brookesia and various species of chameleons. There are also large centenarian canarium bujiga trees in the park, locally known as mandrirofo, a type of tree used in Madagascar to build fishing pirogues.

This morning we will enter the dramatic harbour of Diego Suarez. Also known as Antsiranana, the town has a cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Comorans and Arabs. This morning, choose from a city tour taking in the Commonwealth Cemetery, the faded colonial grandeur of Place Joffre, and a baobab viewpoint at French Mountain; or alternatively, drive up to Amber Mountain National Park at an elevation of 3,200ft, where we will divide into short and long walking parties to explore the pristine rainforest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot Sanford’s brown and crowned lemurs, as well as chameleons, stunningly well camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, and an array of endemic birds.

Having sailed around the northern tip of Madagascar we start our journey along the western coast of Madagascar where we will find a number of strangely shaped limestone islets that dot the aquamarine 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 island on foot or alternatively join a Zodiac cruise around the islands with a chance to snorkel over the coral.

We spend the morning at the Nosy Tanihely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the opportunity 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.

Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar situated on the Betsiboka River and is our base for a full day tour of the surrounding area. We will commence 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 the Antsanitia Resort, set in 22 hectare of grounds and located on a stunning section of coastline, and there will be an opportunity to swim or enjoy a walk along the beach, see the local fishing boats and visit the village before we return to the MS Island Sky.

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

From our anchorage off the town of Morondava, capital of the Menabe region, we will use the Zodiacs to land on the local beach. From here there will be a choice of excursions to explore the local region. This morning we will explore Zazamalala Forest, a protected area that is home to a number of species of lemurs, birds, reptiles and plants, and also the base for a breeding centre for critically endangered species of turtles and tortoises. It was initially set up in 2000 as a reforestation project and to promote sustainable use of the forest. 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, as well as having the opportunity to contribute to local reforestation efforts by planting a young baobab ourselves. Alternatively, join a full day excursion to Kirindy Forest (subject to road conditions at time of visit). Situated approximately a two hour drive from Morondava, we will pass the Avenue des Baobabs as we travel north. Kirindy is a 10,000 hectare, dry deciduous forest, one of the most endangered in the world where the flora and fauna includes many endemic species. Here we find three species of baobab, many birds and reptiles including snakes, tortoises and lizards. Eight species of lemur reside here including the pale form marked lemur.

The vessel will anchor this morning off the small fishing community of Andavadoaka, home to the Vezo fishing people. The area offers the most diverse marine ecosystem on the southwest coast. It is also the flagship project for Blue Ventures, a marine conservation society that has helped the local villagers invest in their community. We hope to learn more about the local projects before sailing over lunch to Nosy Hao to discover the sandy white beaches where we can enjoy a swim in the warm waters.

Our final call will be at Tulear from where we have a choice of tours this morning. Maybe 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. Alternatively, visit 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. This afternoon is free for independent exploration as we moor overnight.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Johannesburg. Connect here with our scheduled flight to London.

Arrive this morning.