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Madagascar & South Africa Luxury Cruise

Madagascar & South Africa Luxury Cruise

From AUD $14,320

Description

Under an endless sky where the azure blue flirts with the horizon, sail away on a magical journey between South Africa and Madagascar. Navigate between wild lands and ancient traditions, where every moment whispers the secrets of spectacular nature and ancestral stories, where every landscape is an invitation to contemplation and wonder. In these lands full of wonders and surprises, you will be captivated by the unique biodiversity, including lush tropical forests where mischievous lemurs roam, majestic baobabs that stand like silent giants, and pristine beaches lapped by turquoise waters.
The vivid reds of the rock formations, the region’s unique wildlife and the spectacular relief of the marine tsingy will captivate you. Here, time seems to stand still, leaving room to contemplate and marvel at the unspoilt nature and an infinitely rich heritage.

Trip Name
Madagascar & South Africa Luxury Cruise
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Le Bougainville is the third ship in the PONANT Explorers series, designed to merge elegant French style with advanced expedition technology. Carrying up to 184 guests across 92 luxurious staterooms and suites, it offers an intimate atmosphere with a focus on comfort and open connection to the sea. The ship’s sleek design invites light and space, featuring expansive lounges, panoramic decks, a swimming pool, theatre, and wellness facilities that create a relaxed yet sophisticated onboard experience. True to the French spirit of exploration, Le Bougainville celebrates both discovery and refinement. Guests can savour world-class cuisine in elegant dining venues, enjoy a quiet moment in the ship’s stylish lounges, or embark on Zodiac excursions directly from the marina platform. Equipped with the latest environmental technologies, the vessel embodies responsible luxury travel—offering guests the chance to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style and harmony with nature.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Nosy Be
Nosy Be (from the Malagasy: Nosy meaning island and Be meaning large), in the Mozambique Channel, is located near the north-eastern coastlines of Madagascar. A former French protectorate, known under the promising name of “the scented island”, of volcanic origin, it is located on a maritime route with access to India and Asia. Cosmopolitan, a boulevard of encounters, its mixed-race and multicultural population still remembers its past as a significant trading post. Today, its 321 km² enchant lovers of nature and idyllic beaches. Its sumptuous primary forest is home to animals that are endemic to the island as well as surprising flora.
Day 2 - Day 2 Nosy Hara
Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognisable. Located to the north-west of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species. The rocky columns edged with gorgeous white-sand and pebble beaches fading into shades of deep blue make an idyllic place cut off from the world. Succumb to the charms of this untouched jewel that will welcome you into its stunning decor for a special experience. This is an ideal location for snorkelling.
Day 3 - Day 3 Nosy Komba
During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.
Day 4 - Day 3 Nosy Tanikely
In the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago, discover Nosy Tanikely, nicknamed the “island of little earth.” In addition to a magnificent white sand beach bordering a lagoon of crystal-clear waters, the island, which is uninhabited, has exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Thanks to this, the area has been classified as a “marine and coastal protected area” since 2010. It is a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. Hiking fans won’t be left out either: a stunning walk that climbs to the summit of the island will enable them to discover the old lighthouse built at the beginning of the 20th century and enjoy superb views over the ocean and surrounding islands.
Day 5 - Day 4 Majunga
A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call will provide you with the opportunity to discover the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
Day 6 - Day 5 At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 6 Morondava
To the south-west of Antananarivo lies a peaceful city on the Mozambique Channel: Morondava, capital of the kingdom of Menabe, and departure point for many discoveries in the surrounding area. Bordered by the Mozambique Channel, the city is crossed by two rivers: the Mangoky and the Manambolo. Its many forests are full of abundant fauna and flora, especially the Kirindy Mitea National Park and its famous baobab alley.
Day 8 - Day 7 Toliara
Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries, becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara is a cheerful town with unspoilt nature and exceptional flora that will certainly appeal to fans of botany. The Antsokay Arboretum botanical garden with nearly 1,000 Madagascar plant species, 90% of which are endemic, is worth a fragrant and charming detour. Cultural heritage will not be outdone, with the interesting museums of Mahafaly ethnology and the Museum of the Sea.
Day 9 - Days 8 - 9 At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10 - Days 10 - 11 Richards Bay
A simple fishing village in the past, Richards Bay is now South Africa’s second port. Despite the significant development of industrial activity, particularly in terms of mineral extraction, Richards Bay is one of the country’s cleanest and most environmentally responsible towns. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the town is a haunt for water sport enthusiasts. In the heart of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, nature lovers will be able to observe the wild fauna, made up of crocodiles, hippos and different bird species, as well as rich subtropical flora. Richards Bay is the departure point for many excursions heading off to discover Zulu country.
Day 11 - Day 12 Durban
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and one of Africa's major ports. Between long beaches rocked by the rollers of the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers dominating the avenues lined with jacarandas, in this multicultural city with African, Indian and colonial influences, the term "rainbow nation" takes on its full dimension. With a rich cultural and historical heritage, with its museums, colonial buildings and picturesque neighbourhoods, it is also known for the fauna and flora that surrounds it.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $16,000Deluxe Stateroom
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $17,640Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $37,630Prestige Suite Deck 6
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $39,430Privilege Suite
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $39,430Privilege Suite Deck 6
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $43,230Grand Deluxe Suite
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $47,670Owner's Suite
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $18,480Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $19,460Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $26,720Deluxe Suite Deck 6
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $26,720Deluxe Suite Deck 4
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $26,720Deluxe Suite Deck 5
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $26,720Deluxe Suite
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $32,790Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $35,800Prestige Suite Deck 5
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $14,320Deluxe Stateroom
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $15,740Prestige Deck 4
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $16,430Prestige Deck 5
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $17,290Prestige Deck 6
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $23,470Deluxe Suite Deck 3
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $23,470Deluxe Suite Deck 4
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $23,470Deluxe Suite Deck 5
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $23,470Deluxe Suite Deck 6
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $31,200Prestige Deck 5 Suite
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $32,760Prestige Deck 6 Suite
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $33,860Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $34,310Privilege Suite Deck 6
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $34,310Privilege Suite Deck 5
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $37,550Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
17-12-202628-12-2026AUD $41,320Owner's Suite
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $14,950Deluxe Stateroom
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $16,440Prestige Deck 4
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $17,170Prestige Deck 5
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $18,070Prestige Deck 6
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $24,580Deluxe Suite Deck 3
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $24,580Deluxe Suite Deck 5
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $24,580Deluxe Suite Deck 4
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $24,580Deluxe Suite Deck 6
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $32,720Prestige Deck 5 Suite
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $34,360Prestige Deck 6 Suite
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $35,990Privilege Suite Deck 6
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $35,990Privilege Suite Deck 5
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $39,400Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $39,400Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
10-02-202721-02-2027AUD $41,320Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the Madagascan and South African coastlines with an overnight stay in Richards Bay, for a combination of spectacular wildlife and unforgettable encounters with local traditions.
    • Protected wildlife (Nosy Komba lemurs, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park), unique ecosystems (Nosy Hara marine tsingy, etc.), Zulu traditions (Phezulu Reserve).
    • Activities planned: among these are included excursions led by expert local guides and activities conducted with your naturalist guides.

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