Africa, Indian Ocean
South Africa & the Indian Ocean
South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth. A land of contrasts with extraordinary wildlife, fascinating cultures and vast open spaces, this magnificent country casts a lifelong spell on all who visit. For this coastal exploration we will travel in comfort and style aboard the 118-passenger MS Island Sky from the vibrant city of Cape Town to the beautiful Indian Ocean island of Mauritius by way of the French Island of Reunion and Madagascar where we explore the southern tip of this fascinating island.
Setting sail from Cape Town, our journey takes us along the picturesque Garden Route where few fail to be seduced by the glorious natural beauty and incredible coastal vistas. From our base at historic Mossel Bay we will visit sleepy coastal towns, the bustling town of Knysna and enjoy scenic drives through indigenous forests. Those wishing to head inland and explore the mountain scenery can visit the Klein Karroo with its dramatic, arid landscapes and ostrich farms. We then head to the Xhosa heartland of the Eastern Cape where we will travel inland to experience close encounters with lions, elephants, cheetahs and rhinos at some superb wildlife parks; Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and Pumba Private Game Reserve, both malarial free and home to the big five. Heading north along the Wild Coast, home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world, we arrive in Kwazulu-Natal where we will visit to the cosmopolitan city of Durban and explore the St Lucia Wetlands with its prolific birdlife and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve.
Following a relaxing two days at sea we arrive in Madagascar where we have two and a half days to explore this incredible, verdant and beautiful island with its unique flora and fauna. Continuing to Reunion, we discover this little bit of France in the Indian Ocean before we land on its neighbour, Mauritius, where our remarkable voyage comes to an end. This itinerary is a veritable feast of beauty and the natural world and your experience will be made all the more memorable by our expert crew and officers who, along with our expedition team have many years of experience in the region.
Setting sail from Cape Town, our journey takes us along the picturesque Garden Route where few fail to be seduced by the glorious natural beauty and incredible coastal vistas. From our base at historic Mossel Bay we will visit sleepy coastal towns, the bustling town of Knysna and enjoy scenic drives through indigenous forests. Those wishing to head inland and explore the mountain scenery can visit the Klein Karroo with its dramatic, arid landscapes and ostrich farms. We then head to the Xhosa heartland of the Eastern Cape where we will travel inland to experience close encounters with lions, elephants, cheetahs and rhinos at some superb wildlife parks; Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and Pumba Private Game Reserve, both malarial free and home to the big five. Heading north along the Wild Coast, home to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world, we arrive in Kwazulu-Natal where we will visit to the cosmopolitan city of Durban and explore the St Lucia Wetlands with its prolific birdlife and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Africa’s oldest game reserve.
Following a relaxing two days at sea we arrive in Madagascar where we have two and a half days to explore this incredible, verdant and beautiful island with its unique flora and fauna. Continuing to Reunion, we discover this little bit of France in the Indian Ocean before we land on its neighbour, Mauritius, where our remarkable voyage comes to an end. This itinerary is a veritable feast of beauty and the natural world and your experience will be made all the more memorable by our expert crew and officers who, along with our expedition team have many years of experience in the region.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Island Sky where the crew will welcome us on board. Enjoy the remainder of the day to relax on board or explore the nearby Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area.
Enjoy a choice of excursions today. Maybe join a full day tour exploring Cape Town’s stunning Cape Peninsula. We will travel through the vibrant coastal suburb of Sea Point with its famous promenade and on to the upmarket, pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay before heading along Chapman’s Peak to the famous Cape Point Nature Reserve at the very tip of the peninsula. The road then twists its way to Simon’s Town, home to the Boulders Beach penguin colony, and through the eclectic fishing village of Kalk Bay and surfer heaven Muizenberg. Alternatively enjoy a morning excursion to Kirstenbosch Gardens, one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, explore the gardens as well as the tree canopy walk. See the Protea Garden and Cycad Amphitheatre as well as the natural areas of forest and fynbos. We will also offer the option to discover Robben Island on a morning tour. The island has been used for centuries as a military base and leper colony but is most famous as a prison for political prisoners during the apartheid regime. Our guided tour includes seeing the island’s quarry, the army and navy bunkers as well as the prison cells, including Nelson Mandela’s. Sail this evening.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we start our journey along the coast of South Africa.
Arrive this morning in Mossel Bay, situated on the Garden Route and an excellent base to explore the region. Enjoy a day driving along the coast road and the Wilderness Lakes to Knysna Lagoon where we take a local ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve and enjoy a guided nature walk through the coastal forest where we may see the duiker, one of the smallest and most endangered of the antelope species, which is now part of a breeding programme on the island. Enjoy lunch on the island before returning for some time in Knysna, a hub of craft shops, boutiques, flea markets and cafes. For those who prefer to see some of the interior there will be an option to head inland via the Outeniqua Mountains to the beautiful, desert like Karoo before continuing to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. The Klein Karoo is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges, and originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars River which meanders southwards from the Swartberg, providing fertile soil and water for irrigation. Enjoy a visit to an ostrich farm where we learn about this important industry before returning to the ship.
Spend the day in the “friendly city” of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. On a city tour you will see the 52 metre high Campanile, built in 1923 in memory of the first British settlers who arrived in 1820, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Library, the Post Office, City Hall and the Donkin Memorial, a stone pyramid erected in memory of Sir Rufane Donkin’s wife Elizabeth after whom Port Elizabeth was named. Alternatively enjoy a full day at the Pumba Private Game Reserve which covers 6,000 hectares and is the first of the Eastern Cape game reserves to introduce a white lion breeding programme. We also find over 300 different species of birds, giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, warthog, hyena and wild dogs.
East London sits on the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape, located between the Sunshine Coast to the south and the Wild Coast to the north. This morning choose to enjoy a game drive at the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Our drive from the ship will take us past beaches, farmland and traditional Xhosa villages before we enjoy a game drive on the reserve. Here we will search for a variety of wildlife including white lion, elephant, white rhino, wildebeest, giraffe, warthog, zebra, buffalo, springbok, impala, gemsbok, blesbuck and the rare Eastern Cape kudu. The birdlife includes the gracious crested crane, secretary bird, ground hornbill and ostrich. Alternatively visit Khaya La Bantu Xhosa cultural village. This authentic reproduction sits amidst two living villages in the Eastern Cape bush. At the community centre enjoy an introduction to the different Xhosa customs, traditions and crafts. Here you also have the opportunity to taste local food such as samp and beans as well as pot breads. A walk through the village shows the traditional kraal.
Spend the morning at sea as we cruise to Durban, the capital of Kwazulu- Natal and a blend of diverse cultures from Asia, Africa and Europe making it one of the most cosmopolitan towns in South Africa. Choose to either join a city tour including the vibrant Victoria Street Market, a heady mix of fragrant spices and rich colours, before seeing the city centre buildings, the Golden Mile beachfront and the botanical gardens. Alternatively head inland to the Midlands and the area famed as the capture site of Nelson Mandela on the 5th August 1962. Our guide will provide us with the history of his arrest before we have time to explore the museum and monument erected to commemorate this event. Afterwards we will continue to the Howick Falls, a picturesque 100 metre waterfall known to the Zulu people as KwaNogqaza, Place of the Tall One.
We spend our last two days in South Africa at Richards Bay. Set up as a makeshift harbour, during the Anglo Zulu War in 1879, Richards Bay has flourished into one of the main ports of South Africa and during our time here we will offer a range of excursions. We will drive north to the Narrows of the St Lucia Estuary which forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in St Lucia Town we enjoy a boat ride on the lake which is dotted with marshy, sandbank-islands that are home to thousands of birds. Over 526 different bird species can be found in the St Lucia Wetlands Reserve. The echo of the fish eagle’s haunting cry can be heard while you view the basking and nesting sites of the Nile crocodile and the hundreds of hippos that make their homes in the estuary; the greatest occurrence of both crocodile and hippo in Southern Africa. Also visit Hluhluwe- Imfolozi, the oldest game reserve in all of Africa. Set in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the park extends itself over 96,000 hectares, has an immense variety of flora and fauna and is hugely popular not only for its “Big Five” but for the vast birdlife with more than 300 species existing within the reserve. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 1960s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. In addition to rhino, the reserve has a spectacular variety of bird and animal life, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, mountain reedbuck, kudu and warthog. Richards Bay is also the gateway to Zululand and we will learn more about the Zulu Kingdom which grew in the late 18th century under the leadership of Shaka to become one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southern Africa. We will hear about the Zulu traditions and see demonstrations of weaving, pottery and dance.
Spend two days at sea as we cross the Mozambique Channel to Madagascar. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or join our naturalists on deck as they search for wildlife.
Our first call in Madagascar will be the port of Tulear. This morning you may like to join the tour to the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the south west 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 south eastern 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 as we sail this afternoon.
Having sailed around the south coast of Madagascar we arrive in the south eastern 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 during our afternoon and morning here we will offer a choice of excursions including 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 market, public gardens and the Fort Flacourt Museum where we will learn about the arrival of the Magalasay people to Madagascar and the historical links with Reunion. Also enjoy walks in the forest at the Madena Conservation Zone, a 200 hectare park protected from the region’s mining industry and where we hope to see bamboo lemur and different varieties of orchids.
Enjoy a final, leisurely day at sea.
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 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 Bouefs 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 on the way back to the ship. This afternoon is at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Disembark and enjoy a morning tour of Mauritius including the Trou-aux-Cerfs Volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake and Black River Gorges. After a light lunch we transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Arrive this morning.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Magellan Deck Standard Suite
£10,295 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and have large portholes. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Columbus Deck Superior Suite
£10,495 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some windows. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
£10,795 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some have private balconies, whilst those on the Marco Polo Deck feature tinted, sliding glass doors allowing greatly enhanced viewing opportunities from your suite and quick access to the deck when a pod of whales or dolphins is spotted. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
£11,295 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some have private balconies, whilst those on the Marco Polo Deck feature tinted, sliding glass doors allowing greatly enhanced viewing opportunities from your suite and quick access to the deck when a pod of whales or dolphins is spotted. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
£12,295 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Magellan Deck Standard Single
£12,495 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and have large portholes. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
£12,795 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Columbus Deck Superior Single
£12,795 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and have windows. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
Explorer Deck Island Suite
£13,495 GBP pp
All suites feature a seating area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/ CD player and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either double or twin.
The impressive Island Suite located on the Explorer Deck features an extra large balcony stretching the length of the suite. Additional features of this marvellous suite include complimentary minibar stocked with your preference of beverages and complimentary laundry.
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship
Length: 90 metres
Passenger Capacity: 116
Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017
Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck.
Services:
World-Class Cuisine
Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner
Live Entertainment
Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
Voyage Photographer
On-board MD and Facilities
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
Pre-voyage hotel night
Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Facilities:
Elevator serving all passenger decks
Upgraded WIFI Internet
Library with computers
Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform
Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment
Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities
DVD Movie Library
Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck
World-Class Cuisine:
Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage.
Accommodations:
All Suites Feature:
Exterior views
Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds
Sitting area with sofa and side chair
Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player
Telephone
Independent temperature controls
Mini-Bar
Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
Hair dryer
220 square feet or more
Sofa can be converted to bed for third person
PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited)
Exclusions
• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Luxury Expedition
19 Days from
£10,295 GBP pp
Highlights
• Cape Town• Mossel Bay
• Gqeberha
• East London
• Durban
• Richards Bay
• Taolagnaro
• Reunion Island
Our Associates Include
