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The Scattered Islands & Madagascar aboard Le Lyrial

The Scattered Islands & Madagascar aboard Le Lyrial

From AUD $13,100

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Description

Embark with PONANT on an all-new expedition cruise from Durban to the Scattered Islands and Madagascar. This 17-day itinerary aboard Le Lyrial will be an opportunity to discover little-known places of breathtaking natural beauty, an original fauna and flora, as well as meet the locals.

Surrender to the unique charm of the Scattered Islands (Europa, Juan de Nova and the Glorioso Islands), tiny specks that are part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). This beautiful islands with very few inhabitants are home to exceptional fauna and flora including in particular marine turtles.

Your ship will then sail to Madagascar, the island continent. On the northern west coast, you will have the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters of the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve, a paradisiac islet which offers wonderful beaches and coral reefs.

In Majunga, you’ll be able to explore Ankarafantsika National Park, home to numerous bird and lemur species, and try to observe the tiny Microcebus ravelobensis, one of the smallest primates in the world, before reaching further south the red-coloured earth-grounds and the baobabs of Morondava.

Le Lyrial will then reach the South African coasts. From Richards Bay and Durban, a cosmopolitan seaside city, you will discover the extraordinary rich cultural and natural heritage of this territory, home to three of the largest terrestrial mammals—the elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Trip Name
The Scattered Islands & Madagascar aboard Le Lyrial
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the  luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in  Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 DURBAN
As your vessel cruises along the coast of Durban, from the exterior decks you will be able to admire the long beaches washed by waves from the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers that overlook the jacaranda-lined avenues. Not far from there, you will be captivated by the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the ancestral land of the Zulu people. The undulating, soft green hills are home to a multitude of small villages with traditional round huts. In the heart of the Phezulu Safari Park, the beliefs and rituals of the fascinating Zulu culture will be revealed to you and you will be treated to a show that pulsates to the beat of Zulu drums.
Day 2 - Days 2 - 3 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 observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 4 EUROPA, SCATTERED ISLANDS
Located in the South of the Mozambique channel, between the African continent and Mozambique, the island of Europa is the largest and best preserved of the Scattered Islands. This ancient atoll of volcanic origin is covered by natural and practically virgin vegetation, a blend of dense forest and mangrove. Small piece of France at the end of the World, the island is surrounded by coral reef, home to an impressive array of marine wildlife. In addition to the many bird colonies that have made the island their home, such as the red-footed booby, the tern or the tropicbird, the white sandy beaches have become the most important laying ground for green turtles in the entire Indian Ocean.
Day 4 - Day 5 AT SEA
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Day 5 - Day 6 JUAN DE NOVA, SCATTERED ISLANDS
We invite you to board your ship and sail to discover the Scattered islands, virgin and pristine lands often described as “ocean sanctuaries”, and more particularly the island of Juan de Nova. Located deep inside the Mozambique Channel, once known as Saint Christopher, this unusual islet owes its existence to its coral reef, which has slowly developed over time to form an almost submerged land made of coral and sand. Home to the biggest colony of Sooty Tern in the Indian Ocean, this tiny strip of land is classed as a nature reserve and will not fail to enchant you with its rocky hillsides, sand dunes and translucent lagoons.
Day 6 - Day 7 AT SEA
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Day 7 - Day 8 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 9 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 9 - Day 10 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 Anakarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
Day 10 - Day 11 AT SEA
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Day 11 - Day 12 MORONDAVA
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Day 12 - Day 13 TULEAR
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Day 13 - Days 14 - 15 AT SEA
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Day 14 - Day 16 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 15 - Day 17 DURBAN
Disembarkation.
Day 16 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $13,100Superior Stateroom
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $14,150DeLuxe Stateroom
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $47,100Owner’s Suite
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $14,270Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $15,000Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $15,910Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $21,510Deluxe Suite
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $30,980Prestige Suite - Deck 5
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $31,900Privilege Suite
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $33,510Grand Deluxe Suite
05-04-202121-04-2021AUD $46,630Grand Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover the preserved wildlife’s treasures of the Scattered Islands, Madagascar, and South Africa.
    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. Use of local transports in Madagascar and South Africa, in the company of local guides and our naturalist guides.
    • A variety of idyllic landscapes: atolls, coral reefs, lagoons, white-sand beaches, a rich and preserved fauna and flora, savannah.
    • Discover the Glorioso Islands, a geological sanctuary with nature reserve status since 1975.
    • Paradisiac beaches and extraordinary coral reefs of Nosy Tanikely.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: iSimangaliso Wetland Park and its many hippopotamuses and Nile crocodiles, from Richards Bay.
    • Fauna: marine turtles, dolphins and several species of lemurs, the chance to see the emblematic species of the African continent during a safari in a reserve.
    • Possibility of swimming and snorkelling with your expedition team.
    • Before your cruise, you have the opportunity of going on safari in the Kruger National Park, inside the largest game reserve in South Africa, or visiting the stunning Victoria Falls.

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