If you are seeking adventure in luxury, then this is the perfect cruise for you. Starting first with an overnight in Gqeberha – Port Elizabeth, you will follow the coast east to Zululand, where you will be greeted with a unique fusion of raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy – all in the most breathtaking natural setting. Follow this with Mozambique, then Madagascar, Comoros, and the islands of Tanzania. A sea day delivers you to the Seychelles, and notably the remote and inaccessible Aldabra atoll. Sail on to the paradisiacal Astove Island before disembarking in Mahe.
Highlights
• Port Elizabeth (PE), known as "the friendly city," offers a blend of natural beauty with unspoiled beaches and a rich post-industrial heritage. It's home to Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honoring Nelson Mandela's 67 years of dedication to South Africa's freedom.
• Enjoy an urban regeneration in PE with vibrant creative projects, pedestrianized zones, local art galleries, fusion cuisine restaurants, and proximity to nature parks like Addo and Lalibela for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Cruise through stunning South African and Indian Ocean destinations, including Cape Town, Hermanus, Durban, and Madagascar, culminating in the breathtaking Seychelles, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Port Elizabeth, or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city has of faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him – starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honouring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom. Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region that want to put it (back) on the map. Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianised central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, restored Victorian terraces. Unsurprisingly, the boardwalk is buzzing. PE’s proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela make it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90 kilometres east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty. This is the real reason why people come to South Africa – for a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt to unearth the riches of Bird Island. The isle may be layered in stories of shipwrecks, survivors and lost gold - but Bird Island’s true reward is the brilliant, endangered bird life that thrives here. Set among the moon-shaped arc of Algoa Bay, beside Port Elizabeth (now officially known as Gqeberha), Bird Island is the largest of this island group. Its treasure-map history is traced back to the ill-fated Doddington ship, which spilt sparkling gold and silver wares during a devastating shipwreck. Only a handful of survivors made land at Bird Island, surviving for seven months there before successfully escaping. Further victims of the treacherous rocks and low-lying island led to the construction of the watchful cherry and white painted lighthouse which was first constructed on the island in 1852. It makes for a photogenic focal point among the moody rocks. Bird Island is one of just a handful of sites left in the world where the endangered cape gannet - with its distinguished white body and golden head - breeds in vast numbers of 200,000. Watch the majestic gannets of the largest colony in the world as they swoop and plunge into the waves at breakneck speeds. It’s not just birds of a feather who flock here, however. Algoa Bay is alive with a delightful rabble of aquatic life - from curious African penguins to bottlenose dolphins, southern right whales and cape fur seals.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Sprawling across endless, staggeringly blue coastline, and watched over by the iconic plane of Table Mountain, Cape Town is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A blend of spectacular mountain scenery, multiculturalism and relaxed ocean charm awaits in the Mother City, where you can venture out to rolling vineyards, dine in laid back sea suburbs, or spend days exploring cool urban culture. Cape Town’s natural splendour fully reveals itself as the cable car rears sharply to the top of Table Mountain. From the summit, 3,500 feet above sea level, you can let the scale of the panoramic vistas of the city rolling down towards the ocean wash over you. Another heavenly perspective waits at the top of Lion's Head’s tapering peak. A sharp hike and an early start is required, but the views of the morning sun painting Table Mountain honey-gold are some of Cape Town’s finest. Cape Town’s glorious sunshine and inviting blue rollers can be a little deceiving - these oceans are anything but warm at times, with nothing between the peninsula’s end and Antarctica’s icy chill. This cool water has upsides though, bringing a colony of adorably cute African penguins to Boulders Beach. Boarded walkways offer the perfect vantage point to see the cute creatures dipping into the sea and lounging in the sun. Nearby, journey to the end of Africa at the Cape of Good Hope, where you can stand at the bottom of this mighty continent, watching out over the merging waves of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town’s beauty is counterpointed by the ominous island form, which sits four miles offshore from the bustling restaurants and lazy seals of the lively V&A Waterfront. A living history lesson, you can sail in the ships that transported prisoners out to Robben Island, before a former prisoner tells of the traumas of life on this offshore prison. Your guide will show you the cramped cells, and render Mandela’s long walk to freedom in heartbreaking, visceral clarity.
Langebaan goes by many names, from the Ornithological Capital of South Africa, to the Jewel of the West Coast, so it’s no surprise that visitors and bird life alike flock here to revel in the intense natural beauty. The picturesque town luxuriates in a glutinous amount of sunshine, blooming with booms of colour during the brazen beauty of the region’s renowned flower season. Pristine white sand beaches roll out beside azure Langebaan Lagoon, where shallow waters simmer under plentiful sun, offering up a spa-like experience, in stark contrast to the icy currents of the open ocean. The lagoon’s vast mudflats and salt marshes, fed by the rise and fall of the tides, cultivate a unique and sheltered enclave of ecological diversity. Over 300 different species of bird drop in each year. The photogenic lagoon shelters colossal plumes of roosting seabirds, and elegant long-legged wetland species like Palearctic waders, sanderlings and little egrets among its many residents. The rise of the afternoon winds promises adrenaline-seekers a thrill, with kite surfers whipping into the air and kayakers digging their way across the surface. Langebaan’s shallow beaches and lagoons are never more spectacular than when gorgeous sunsets are spilling a deep-red haze over the landscape. West Coast National Park brushes up close to Langebaan, inviting you out on adventures during the park’s flower season, when it explodes with burnt-orange colours, as the daisies and wildflowers unfurl to enjoy long, sunny days.
Feel your heart skip a beat at your first sight of a majestic Southern Right Whale tossing itself high in the air before crashing back into the water with a colossal boom. Hermanus is the land-based whale-watching capital of the world, and locals welcome back the area’s massive marine mammals like long-lost friends on their return each year. Azure water sparkles before the lively town, which is framed by a spectacular backdrop of the Western Cape’s emerald-green hills. Watch for fizzes and fountains rising from the ocean - these are telltale signs that playful whales are surfacing close to the shore. Hermanus is particularly special because the curious whales venture so intimately near the town’s lookouts, beaches and paths. Observe wonderful displays from the cliffs, while lounging on pristine beaches, or as you sip renowned local wines in overhanging restaurants. The whales frolic here from July until December, migrating up from the Antarctic waters, but there is an abundance of other draws throughout the year too. Enjoy the fishing town’s artisan charm, or pick your spot on the vast 11-mile band of sand that is Grotto Beach to soak up the plentiful South African sun. Walk along the spectacular Cliff Path so you can bask in wildflower-sprinkled scenery and panoramic ocean views.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
A very British name tells us who established the city of East London. The British built this port on the Buffalo River in 1847 to service their military forts and troops in disputes over land with the Xhosa people. European settlement expanded and East London grew. Settlers usually walk in the footsteps of others who lived on the land before them. Here, many people muat have resided over the years as the oldest footprints in the world, at 200,000 years, were found nearby. Most of the eight million Xhosa people live in Eastern Cape Province. They are a proud tribe with a rich and ongoing culture which they celebrate with vibrant clothing, music and dance. Beaded jewellery is important for many reasons—decoration for dancers, special ceremonies and indicating the social status of women. Today they live in an Africa with modern opportunities and challenges, and ongoing links to their past. The city has several natural attractions for residents and visitors alike. Sandy beaches are popular with residents, who also enjoy water activities on the sheltered and picturesque Buffalo River. Like many areas of South Africa, game parks are popular for local wildlife lovers. Speaking of nature, near to East London is where the first living (well freshly dead in an angler’s catch) coelacanth known to science was found in 1938. This lobe-finned fish had been only known from 66-million-year-old fossils. It is more closely related to four-legged land animals than typical ray-finned fish. This place has history.
What is it about South Africa’s third most popular city that draws people so much? Is it the vibrant waterfront, complete with street performers and sand artists? Is it the melting pot of ethnicity, with all cultures from Zulu to Indian finding a home here? Is it the laid back life style that has locals calling it simply “Durbs”? Is it the sweeping landscape? The clement climate? One visit to Durban will quickly make you see the reason people love it so is a combination of all of the above. Durban has always been a beach city but it was the massive investment for the 2010 World Cup that really put it on the map. A huge revamp of the promenade has brought with it some fantastic eateries which serve up all kinds of “chow” from traditional bunny chow to bobotie, (a sweet spiced mince dish with egg topping). Expect Asian influences wherever you go, too. Durban has the largest Indian population outside of India. Although there is little evidence, it is known that the city of eThekwini – Durban in Zulu – was inhabited by hunter-gatherers as early as 100,00 BC. It was first sighted by Vasco de Gamma in 1497, but it was not until 1824 that the British settlers raised the Union Jack. This was after King Shaka gifted “25-mile strip of coast a hundred miles in depth” to Henry Francis Fynn after Fynn helped him recover form a stab wound. It remained part of the British Commonwealth until 1960, when it became part of the Republic of South Africa. The city’s Euro-African heritage remains to this day.
Considered as the official gateway to Zululand, Richard’s Bay has morphed from being a tiny fishing village into a bustling harbour town. Today, the 30 km2 lagoon is the major port of the region (and also the deepest in Africa), a growth spurred on by the significant mineral deposits, wonderful wetland scenery, unspoilt beaches and game reserves. Located on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Richards Bay was for founded in 1879. British Rear Admiral Sir Frederick William Richards eponymously named the port after landing there during the Anglo-Zulu colonial wars. Despite its superlative natural setting, Richards Bay was long considered a southern African backwater, with as little as 200 residents as recently as 1969. This number grew when it was proclaimed a town, but even today it is relatively underpopulated, with fewer than 60,000 calling the province home. The town’s Zulu heritage is omnipresent so be sure to look out the local arts and crafts. Nearby Zulu village Dumazulu is the only Zulu village to be opened up to tourism by King Goodwill Zwelithini, and the only authentic example of Zulu traditions that foreigners are allowed to into. If African culture is not your cup of tea, the hinterland offers fascinating flora and fauna, including a chance to see the incredibly rare white rhino along with the bucket list Big Five. Richards Bay’s attractions can be found closer to port too – the 350 kilometres of coastland, also known as “Dolphin coast”, are a joy for divers and beach lovers alike.
Maputo is not known for being the capital of Mozambique, but also for the buzzing vitality that is unfound elsewhere in Africa. The end of 15 years of civil war in 1992 saw an economic uprising and visitors to Maputo today are just as likely to come for the busy bars and restaurants as they are to enjoy colonial architecture worthy of the Mediterranean. Maputo is different from other cities in the region. It’s magical. There is a story book quality to the city, an almost palpable belief that someday Maputo will be recognised as the leading city it is. And nothing – not the floods nor the drought that plagues so many other parts of Africa will be able to stop it. Glimpses of this self-confidence are everywhere, from the lively music that spills out onto the street to the eccentric belief that building a cast iron house in Africa was a good idea. Head for the town square to see the latter for yourself. Formerly known as Lourenco Marques, the city was named after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544. Most of the city’s infrastructure (and architecture) was destroyed during the war years, but thankfully a few must see places remain. The train station – often incorrectly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, a large-domed, green and white steel structure that would look more at home in Lisbon. The gleaming white Roman Catholic cathedral, the neo-classical City Hall and the French-Mozambican cultural centre are all also top of sightseers lists.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Morondava is a coastal town in the west of Madagascar. The city is most known for its picturesque Avenue of the Baobabs, one of the most accessible places to see the Baobab trees in Africa that is also said to be the most beautiful road in Madagascar. The experience of passing along this road is impressive as a row of imposing Baobab trees stretches along the roadside for close to one-third of a kilometer. The avenue has been a centre of local conservation efforts and was granted protected status, which is the first step toward making it Madagascar's first natural monument. Visitors may see nearby Kirindy Reserve, one of the most outstanding and threatened wildlife habitats in Madagascar known as the ‘dry deciduous forest.’ In addition to the magnificent baobab trees, the reserve is home to the world’s smallest known primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species.
Belo Sur Mer is a rarely-visited, lovely Vezo fishing village located about 80 km south of Morondava, Madagascar. The town is referred to as a commune, with a population of 8,000 that consists primarily of the Vezo people. The Vezo have an ocean-oriented, semi-nomadic culture but call southern Madagascar their home. Visitors to Belo Sur Mer will be welcomed by a pristine long stretches of bright white sandy beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Take in the relaxed atmosphere, the bold red sunsets and learn from the locals who preserve their traditional ways of living.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
The densely populated Mozambique Island is small at only 3 km (1.9 miles) long and less than 500 meters (650 yards) wide. The Portuguese had already settled here by 1507, and the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere is found on Mozambique Island: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte. Fort São Sebastião also dates back to the 16th century. Historical buildings on the northern side of the island include the Palace and Chapel of São Paulo, built in 1610 as a Jesuit College — later converted to be the Governor’s Residence, and now a museum. As a result of its rich history and architectural remains, the Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majority of the residents today live in reed houses in Makuti Town at the southern end of the island. In addition to the old Christian churches there are several mosques and even a Hindu temple on the island. For the last 55 years a 3 km (1.9 mile) bridge has connected the island to the mainland.
Tropical rainforests, stunning beaches and rich mangrove formations await on this isolated island realm. Formed by the underwater volcanoes that fuel feisty Mount Karthala, Moheli is recognised as the most biodiverse of the Union of Comoros’s handful of islands. The small archipelago country bathes in the Indian Ocean, scattered between Mozambique’s coastline and the northern tip of Madagascar. The 40,000 residents here speak a melange of languages, including French, Arabic and Comorian, reflecting the blend of influences. Mohéli National Park helps conserve the lush rainforests, incredible animal life and sea terrain. Proudly nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is a sustainability success story that offers a much-needed haven to green sea turtles and critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles. See the magical turtles laying bundles of eggs below the moonlight, and watch as precious hatchlings scratch and scramble across the sand to the sanctuary of the Indian Ocean’s waves. Offshore and dolphins cruise the channel’s currents, dugongs chew their way through seagrass fields, and gorgeous coral reefs teem with effervescent life.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Kilwa Kisiwani dates back to the 9th century as one of the most famous trading posts in East Africa and on the Indian Ocean. From the 11th century to early 15th century this island community off the southern coast of present-day Tanzania was a powerful city, political force, and major trading center with close links to the interior of Africa as well as distant Asian ports. Goods exchanged here included gold, iron, ivory, slaves, textiles, jewelry, porcelain and spices. Today, Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage site whose ancient ruins can be explored on foot. From the Malindi Mosque and cemetery, to Fort Gereza, the tombs of the sultans, several mosques, and the Great House, the site allows the imagination to experience the Kilwa Sultanate that once ruled here. Highlights include a fourteenth century palace — no structure of its size was built anywhere else along the coast – and a fortified enclosure, very similar to structures found in Syria, Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
Kick off your shoes - you won’t be needing them during your time on this indulgent Indian Ocean island of powdery white sands and shallow tempting seas. A tiny droplet of sand, palm trees and chalky-blue waters rising from the Indian Ocean, Fanjove Island is one of Tanzania’s most divine revelations. One of the six Songosongo Islands, this nature-dominated bead of sand is an island sanctuary where natural wonders comes to the fore - as coconut crabs scuttle and the melodies of bird life intertwine with the gentle whispers of the waves. There are no crowds, but you won’t be lonely with sleek dolphins, humpback whales and reef sharks all among the natural visitors gracing this heavenly island’s sandy shores. Explore the brilliant blue surface from a traditional dhow or dive into the thriving coral reef. Glass-clear waters beg you to swim and snorkel, exploring a colourful collage of angelfish and clownfish, ducking and darting between their coral shelters. Sustainable, thatched buildings add to the island’s peace and tranquillity, while a pretty white lighthouse provides an attractive focal point on the blissful beach. An Indian Ocean dream of seductive tranquillity and soothing rejuvenation. Prepare yourself for barefoot walks below leaning palm trees, and evenings viewing skies erupting with violent colours during sunset before the smoky bands of the Milky Way unfurl. A simple and seductive isle of sustainable, eco-friendly facilities, where the remarkable natural setting is the star of the show.
A tropical paradise, with swathes of long white sand and flanked by tall, skinny, palm trees, Zanzibar sits in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, the island – also confusingly called Zanzibar – is found just 22 miles from mainland Tanzania. Considered today as a honeymooners’ paradise, visitors will find vestiges of both Arabic and Portuguese colonialism (the island was Portuguese until 1698 when it was seized by the Sultanate of Oman), amid the picture perfect landscape. But there is much more to Zanzibar than meets the eye. With just one step off the ship, and you are already breathing the heady scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves. Rightfully known as the Spice Isle, Zanzibar was once a trading hotspot on the trading route from Arabia to Africa. At the time, the island enjoyed an influx of wealth and European bourgeoisie, with spices being traded at astronomical prices. The influences of the various colonies are glamorously reflected in the main city’s architecture. But sensual smells and beautiful beaches aside, Zanzibar has the vestiges of sinister history. The island was a capital for the slave trade in the 19th century, with an estimated 50,000 slaves passing through the Zanzibar slave market each year, with many more dying en route. The epicentre for trade was in the Market Square, in the heart of Stone Town, a melting pot of Arabic, African and European history that today is one of the world’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Assumption (Assomption) Island is a small, crescent shaped island about 4.3 square miles (11.07 sq km) in size. Considered one of the Outer Seychelles Islands, Assumption is part of the Aldabra Group, lying approximately 600 miles (960 km) southwest of Mahé, in the Indian Ocean. These outer islands are not made from granite, like their larger sisters Mahé, Praslin or La Digue, but rather are coralline formations. Once a part of the French colony Réunion, then a member of the British Indian Ocean Territories, today Assumption is governed by the Seychelles. Assumption is a rough and arid island, shaded only by shrubs and palm trees but is redeemed by a spectacular reef with huge coral heads and a white ocean floor. Jacques Cousteau said he'd never seen any other place on earth with same clarity of water or diversity of reef life. He filmed large parts of documentary “The Silent World” here, and held audiences across the globe, spellbound by the magic that lay beneath the sea. A notable feature of this island is the Assumption Island day gecko, a subspecies of gecko found only on this island. Assumption is also a known nesting site for turtles and rare birds. Because Assumption Island was found to be rich in guano, coveted for its phosphorous fertilizing abilities, it was essentially plundered in the early 1900s. The island today is has an interesting geography that includes a gorgeous 3-mile (5-km) white beach, a rocky coastline, caves, and two very large sand dunes prominent on the south eastern coast of the island, one of them reaching 104 feet (32 metres) high. There is a very small settlement with less than 10 registered inhabitants, mostly in place to service the small landing strip used by scientists with permission to study the neighbouring Aldabra Atoll. The settlement is surrounded by Casuarina trees and there is an abandoned coconut palm plantation to its south. Pier Information The ship will be anchored off the coast of Assumption and tenders will land on the shoreline. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes, sun hats or scarves and bring your camera. Independently explore the island and relax on this peaceful dot in the ocean.
Part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, Aldabra is reputedly the world’s second-largest atoll and has been described as “one of nature’s treasures” and a “sanctuary”. The inner lagoon teems with marine life like eagle rays and sea turtles. It is possible to snorkel and drift along with the tide passing in or out of the lagoon as massive numbers of fish come and go through the same channels. Narrow channels between fossilized coral islands are fringed in mangrove forests supporting large colonies of nesting boobies and Great Frigatebirds. Its distinctive island fauna includes the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population of giant tortoises lives on Aldabra – some 100,000 out of a reported 150,000. Because of its extreme isolation in the blue of the Indian Ocean, and due to a lack of freshwater, the island has not been developed for tourism. No airport has been built, and only a handful of smaller ships with special permits are allowed to call at this unique atoll.
Awake the adventurer in you on Astove. Large atoll, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, Astove is one of the remotest island of the archipelago. Other than its perfect beaches fringed with palm trees, this raised coral island has many stories to tell. Probably explored by Arab seamen and merchants between 1000 and 1500 AD, the first record of human presence on the atoll dates back to 1760. A community of slaves formed after they were abandoned on the island by a Portuguese frigate boat. After the last of them were picked up and taken away to Mozambique at the end of the 18th century, the island remained unoccupied. Until the arrival of the British businessman Mark Veevers-Carter and his family in 1968. Adventurers at heart, they successfully founded a copra plantation and chose to settle on Astove. The couple built a big house, small residencies for the Seychellois employees, a chapel, a processing centre, and a shop. His wife Wendy, who was the author Clarence Day’s daughter, even chronicled their atypical islander life with their children for an American newspaper in 1969. After the family left the island in 1970, their house was transformed into a fishing resort. That’s only in 2014 that Astove was declared a nature reserve. A reserve that is home to plenty of seabirds and extraordinary flora. The atoll is surrounded by a shallow lagoon surrounded itself by a steep drop off also called ‘The Wall’. This spot is notably known to be a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise. The waters bordering Astove are home to fan corals and a plethora of fishes. In this dramatic scenery, expect yourself to also bump into sea turtles and Aldabra tortoises, the queens of the Seychelles.
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Few places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahe. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometres east of Mombasa, Mahe is largest of the 115 islands and is home to so many stunning attractions you won’t know where to begin. For many the Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime. Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle and surreal, natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Not only does Mahe boast 68 pristine beaches, it is dominated by the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois National Park. This splendid National Park takes up over 20% of the island and is home to a vast amount of endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. Unsurprisingly, the crystal clear waters are a diver’s heaven, promising a colourful cornucopia of underwater life, regardless of how experienced you are. Despite the island being visited in 1609 by the British, Mahe did not feature on any maps until 1742, when Frenchman Lazare Picault explored the as yet unnamed islands. However, it took a further 14 years for the French to lay claim to the islands, with the arrival of naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey who christened the archipelago after Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. He did this by setting down a Stone of Possession, which is on display in the National Museum. The first settlers arrived in 1770 and 15 years later the population had swelled to 130 – 7 Europeans and 123 slaves. Today, there are 80,000 Seychellois.
Itineraries are subject to change.
03 April, 2024 to 05 May, 2024
Silver Cloud
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Some Vista Suites accommodate 3 guests. 240 SQ FT / 22 M2
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3
guests. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2) Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Deluxe Veranda Suite. From
Some Veranda Suites accommodate 3 guests. The Midship Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite. 295 SQ FT / 27 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 49 SQ FT / 4.5 M2). Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Sitting area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination), Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite
reception, Direct-dial telephone, One hour complimentary WiFi access
per guest/per day.
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Silver Suites accommodate 3 guests. 541 SQ FT / 50 M2 incl. veranda (Veranda: 92 SQ FT / 8 M2)
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Living room (with convertible sofa to
accommodate an additional guest), Sitting area, Separate dining area, Twin beds or queen-sized bed, Marbled bathroom with shower, Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe, Vanity table with hair dryer, Writing desk, Flat screen television with satellite reception, Bang & Olufsen® audio system, Illy® Espresso machine, Direct-dial telephone, Unlimited complimentary WiFi access
ALL SUITES FEATURE - Butler service, Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences, European bath amenities, Pratesi® fine bed linens and down
duvet covers, Premium mattresses, A choice of pillow, Plush robes and slippers, Personalised stationery, Binoculars, Umbrella, Complimentary Interactive mobile content
Owner's Suite
This stylish apartment offers the superlative in levels of space, comfort and service on board. A perfect mix of expedition experience with luxury lifestyle. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 55 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 77 sq.m. including veranda
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for relaxing after a days’ exploring and looking through your photos. With lectures being streamed live to your room, this is the pinnacle of good living at sea. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 69 sq.m. including veranda
Two bedroom: 96 sq.m. including veranda
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Butler service in every suite
• All meals on board*
• Beverages on board (Select wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages)
• Crew Gratuities (Excluding Spa & salon staff)
• Expedition excursions
• Lectures and entertainment on board
• Free wif-fi (Subject to coverage)
• Laundry service included for certain fare categories
• Self service laundry facilities available
• In country flights where required by the itinerary
*Some onboard restaurants incur an additional cost
• PRIVATE EXECUTIVE TRANSFERS
• INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS - ECONOMY CLASS
• AIRPORT TRANSFERS
• HOTEL
Exclusions
• International flights unless otherwise stated
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Travel insurance
• Optional shore excursions
• Spa and Salon Treatments
• Complete valet services, including laundry, pressing and dry cleaning, are available at an additional charge