Name: Madagascar & its Islands
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D3124102611

Itinerary

A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa's rich history comes from a beguiling blend of cultures. Over centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers coexisted in the old town, blending African, European, and Asian architectural 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.

Kayaking with the Expedition team (throughout the cruise)

Optional

Breathtaking Scenery: Paddle through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, offering perfect opportunities for stunning nature photography.
Exclusive Marine Exploration: Experience an up-close view of marine life, from playful dolphins to colorful coral reefs and graceful sea turtles, making each kayaking trip unforgettable.
Personalized Adventure: With limited spots available, enjoy a unique and intimate kayaking experience, tailored to the best sea and weather conditions, and discover hidden natural gems along the way.

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.

The kidney-shaped Assumption Island, a part of the Aldabra Group located over 1,000 km southwest of Mahé, is renowned for its diverse butterfly species, such as the belenois aldabrensis. The island is also home to giant tortoises, Assumption day geckos, and hosts nesting sea turtles near the shoreline. A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast.

Aldabra, a massive raised coral atoll consisting of 13 islands encircling a lagoon, is home to the world's largest colony of 100,000 giant tortoises. The isolated archipelago features a protected landscape with hundreds of flowering plant and fern species. Endemic Aldabra drongos and pink flamingos are often seen. The white-throated rail, the last remaining flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, scours this unique habitat.

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
Keep a watchful eye out for wading pink flamingos, adding to the magical experience of this unique destination

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
Watch for the possibility of encountering elusive sharks as you snorkel in this captivating paradise

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Go ashore at this remote research station and learn about intriguing scientific projects in this untouched wilderness
Learn about the Giant Tortoise, the living legends of Aldabra Atoll
Try to spot the Aldabra drongo, a rare and elusive bird found only on the Aldabra Atoll

Sandy swimming beaches, biodiverse jungle, and vivid blue crater lakes are among the highlights of verdant Nosy Be island off Madagascar's northern coast. In Hell-Ville port, remnants of French colonial architecture charm visitors. Nearby, Lokobe Reserve beckons with guided pirogue canoe tours, where black lemurs climb ancient trees and vibrant panther chameleons, growing about a foot and a half long, play hide-and-seek in the lush foliage.

Nosy Komba

Optional

03 h 45 m

Visit this incredibly picturesque island to see the energetic lemurs in one of their most famous habitats
Take a walk through a small park to see if you can spot the “macaco macaco” lemur, some endemic chameleons, tortoises and snakes
After admiring the traditional homes and local souvenirs in the Sakalava fisherman’s village, get to know the fascinating lives of the island’s black lemurs at the sanctuary

Lokobe National Park

Optional

04 h 00 m

Wander the lush forest on this guided tour to discover its varieties of endemic medicinal plants and ancient trees, lemurs, reptiles, chameleons and tropical birds
Get to know more about the flagship animal of the park, the Eulemur Macaco (black lemur)
Bring your appetite for a delicious treat of local snacks and beverages while taking in a traditional dance performance

Nosy Be Fishing

Optional

04 h 00 m

Rich Marine Life: Fish for a variety of prized catches, including tuna, marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi, in Madagascar's vibrant waters.
Expert Guidance: Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, our experienced crew provides full support and all the necessary gear for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
Stunning Coastal Views: While fishing, take in the breathtaking scenery of Madagascar's pristine coastline and the expansive Indian Ocean, adding a touch of serenity to your adventure.

Nosy Be to Tsingy Ankarana Flight

Optional

03 h 00 m

Soar over the lush landscapes and sparkling waters of Nosy Be and as the island recedes into the distance, enjoy panoramic views of the archipelago's stunning coastline.
Tsingy Ankarana, unfolds beneath you with its dramatic limestone formations. These razor-sharp pinnacles, or "tsingy," create a labyrinthine landscape that is both awe-inspiring and otherworldly
Witness the blend of natural beauty and human settlements, with the rugged coastline and bustling urban areas providing a contrasting yet harmonious landscape

Nose Be Cultural and Heritage Discovery

Optional

05 h 00 m

Enjoy a trip to Lemuria Land which is a private reserve home to endemic lemurs, chameleons and various reptiles
Visit Marodoka village where you will enjoy a traditional dance and sample local food
Learn about this ancient Swahili village with its history of Indian and Arabic traders

BBQ at Ambatoloaka Beach

Included

03 h 30 m

Enjoy a private BBQ evening at Ambatoloaka Beach, a vibrant tropical haven known for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere
Savour delicious local seafood
Local dancers will provide entertainment

Nosy Be Scenic Flight

Optional

03 h 00 m

Embark on this incredible journey and discover the hidden gems of Nosy Be from the skies
Admire lush greenery, idyllic beaches and vibrant coastal towns dotting the landscape
Witness the untouched beauty of Lokobe National Park, one of the last remaining stands of Sambirano forest

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

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. 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.

Morondava And The Baobab Avenue

Included

04 h 30 m

Embark on an incredible journey to gaze upon dozens of colossal Baobab trees, one of natures more astounding creations
Take in the atmosphere of this multicultural island with a visit to the vibrant market in Morondava with a wide variety of foods to explore
Enjoy time to admire the dozens of Baobab trees, many of which are more than 800 years old

Tsingy Bemaraha and Baobab Avenue Flight

Optional

02 h 45 m

Stunning views of the coastal city and its surrounding landscapes and as you ascend, the expansive vistas of western Madagascar unfold beneath you.
Fly over the towering trees that make up the Baobab Avenue, a striking sight with unique shapes and a magnificent landscape
From the air, you can fully appreciate the scale and complexity of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Scenic Short Flight Morondava - Baobab Avenue

Optional

01 h 30 m

Enjoy panoramic views of Morondava’s charming coastal setting, with its sandy beaches, vibrant mangroves, and the shimmering Mozambique Channel
Capture the bird’s-eye view of bustling markets, traditional Malagasy houses, and lush surroundings.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a sight to behold from above with its unique shapes and shadows of these majestic trees creating a striking and surreal landscape.

Belo sur Mer is a traditional Madagascan village on the island's west coast, overlooking the Mozambique canal and bordering a lagoon with beautiful beaches. Wooden pirogues and dhows fill the waters as this is a major boat-building hub, specialising in boutre dhows hand-built using centuries-old designs over four to six years. Nearby in Kirindy-Mitea National Park, three ecosystems meet - southern desert, dry forest and mangroves.

Coastal Village of Belo-Sur-Mer

Included

04 h 00 m

Embark on an exhilarating zodiac ride through the lush mangrove forests of Belo-sur-Mer
A unique opportunity to witness the construction of boutres, the iconic Malagasy sailing vessels, and learn about the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind them
The village offers a unique glimpse into Malagasy maritime culture, set against a backdrop of lush mangroves and clear, azure waters

Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tuléar), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, the Arboretum d’Antsokay was 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, flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, a fascinating small museum is dedicated to local marine life.

Visit of Arboretum Antsokay

Included

03 h 30 m

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

Reniala Spiny Forest Discovery

Optional

03 h 30 m

Venture to the coastal village of Ifaty for an exploration of the unique and captivating Reniala Reserve in the Spiny Forest
Visit the incredible bird sanctuary to see some of the most sought-after birds in Madagascar
Keep your camera ready for sightings of the endemic mammals that are also found throughout the sanctuary including the Grey Mouse Lemur, the Spider Tortoise and the Radiated Tortoise

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.

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

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.