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Peregrine Travel Centre

Zanzibar and the Treasures of the Indian Ocean 2020

Zanzibar and the Treasures of the Indian Ocean 2020

From AUD $10,500

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Description

Embark aboard Le Bougainville for a brand-new 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.

From Victoria on the island of Mahé, you will first sail to La Digue, where a veritable picture-postcard of the Seychelles awaits you: palm trees, granite rocks, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Further on, the small islands of Poivre and Alphonse will be an opportunity to snorkel and dive among brightly-coloured sea life, before reaching Aldabra Atoll, a largely untouched natural sanctuary listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

After calling at the Glorioso Islands in the Scattered Islands, your ship will set a course for Mayotte for a new stop. This small French archipelago protected by a double barrier reef is the refuge of an incredibly rich fauna: dolphins, rays, giant turtles, and the region’s last dugongs can be observed here.

Your next ports of call will be an opportunity to discover several of the wonders of Tanzania: the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani, Latham Island, which provides a refuge for many birds such as the masked booby or the crested tern, as well as Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.

This fabulous trip will draw to an end in Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.

Trip Name
Zanzibar and the Treasures of the Indian Ocean 2020
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Bougainville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Bougainville has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 VICTORIA, MAHÉ
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Day 2 - Day 2 LA DIGUE ISLAND
A sprinkling of islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles exude calm and beauty against a backdrop of leafy coconut trees, white sand and crystal-clear water. In addition to the tranquility of its green lagoons and its idyllic beaches, this remote paradise also boasts an exceptional fauna and flora. In the many parks and nature reserves, come and observe colourful birds, giant turtles and the numerous marine species living in the turquoise waters. Before reaching the archipelago’s capital, Mahe, your ship will introduce you to La Digue. Time stands still here on this small stretch of land protected from all motorised traffic, where the only mode of transport is the bicycle or the oxcart.
Day 3 - Day 3 POIVRE ISLAND
At some 200 km south-west of Mahé, discover Poivre Atoll, a small paradise that is part of the Amirantes archipelago, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Consisting of two coral islands, Poivre Island and Ile du Sud, separated by a small lagoon, it owes its name to Pierre Poivre, the Mauritius intendant who introduced spices to the Seychelles in the late 18th century. Once used for coconut plantations, Poivre Island is now focused on tourism. Visitors come here for scuba diving or big-game fishing in waters that are particularly rich and clean, where the marine life includes sea turtles.
Day 4 - Day 4 ALPHONSE ISLAND
Alphonse Island is located off the Seychelles archipelago. Discovered in 1730 by the Knight Alphonse de Pontevez, this island, specialised in coconut processing in the past, is now a veritable natural reserve, home to different species of marine mammals, sea turtles and many birds. Alphonse Island is also renowned for its rich underwater life and coral, among the best preserved in the Indian Ocean. A marvellous spectacle that can be admired with just a mask!
Day 5 - Day 5 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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 observer marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 6 - Day 6 ALDABRA ATOLL
Located in the very heart of this faraway archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is considered to be one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth, where a large population of sea turtles has found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast tract of land is formed by 4 small coral reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches. As your ship slowly nears the clear, reflective waters along its shoreline, do not miss your chance to discover this natural wonder, which is considered to be the largest atoll in the world and once fired the imagination of many an explorer.
Day 7 - Day 7 GLORIEUSES, SCATTERED ISLANDS
The Scattered Islands are like minuscule confetti sprinkled around Madagascar and form an archipelago of unrivalled beauty. Their geographical isolation, and their very limited human settlement make them a true geological sanctuary, classed as a nature reserve since 1975. Regularly used as the “zero point” in scientific studies, they offer their rare visitors almost pristine vegetation composed mainly of mangrove, as well as long beaches of shimmering sand stretching out behind turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs that are home to the world’s highest concentration of sea turtles.
Day 8 - Day 8 MAMOUDZOU
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Day 9 - Day 9 AT SEA
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Day 10 - Day 10 KILWA KISIWANI
Explore the ruins of KilwaThe main area that will be visited has a number of sites: The Malindi Mosque and cemetery Gereza: a fort which can be seen from far out at sea Makutani: a walled site with the main palace, residences and private mosques The tombs of the sultans Several mosques and the Great House
Day 11 - Day 11 LATHAM ISLAND
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Day 12 - Day 12 PEMBA ISLAND
From the pier, board your air-conditioned coach for the one-and-a-half-hour drive (40 miles/65 km) to visit Pemba’s largest tropical forest, the Ngezi Forest Reserve. The route is very scenic, passing a lush countryside interspersed with several local villages.Protected by a 3600-acre reserve, the forest has a veritable double canopy, with an upper layer of majestic trees towering up to 30 and 40 metres, complete with vines providing swings for raucous vervet monkeys. Below this is a second level of vegetation, mainly consisting of smaller immature trees and large shrubs.
Day 13 - Day 13 ZANZIBAR
Once a mythical post along the legendary Indian Ocean trade route, today a certain whiff of adventure still pervades in Zanzibar. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this place often referred to as “spice island” is brimming with natural treasures, such as Jozani Forest, the last remains of the huge primeval forest that once covered the island, home to a unique ecosystem. This port of call will also be the moment to discover ”Stone Town”, the historical centre of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A veritable labyrinth of narrow streets lined with houses made from coral stone, it is home to sumptuous buildings in a multitude of architectural styles, the result of the blending of African, European and Indian cultures.
Day 14 - Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change.
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Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $10,500Deluxe Stateroom
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $11,870Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $12,510Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $13,190Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $18,840Deluxe Suite
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $25,970Prestige Suite Deck 5
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $27,300Prestige Suite Deck 6
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $28,720Privilege Suite
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $31,680Grand Deluxe Suite
04-02-202016-02-2020AUD $33,320Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Discovering the Seychelles, the Scattered Islands, Mayotte and several islands of Tanzania during one same cruise.
    • Outings in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides and landings on idyllic beaches.
    • UNESCO sites: Aldabra, the largest coral atoll in the world, the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, and Zanzibar’s Stone Town.
    • Discovering the Scattered Islands, a geological sanctuary with nature reserve status since 1975.
    • In the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
    • The possibility of observing tortoises and many species of birds on Aldabra and Latham Island.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.

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