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Peregrine Travel Centre

At The Edge Of Africa aboard Coral Geographer

At The Edge Of Africa aboard Coral Geographer

From AUD $16,500

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Description

The eastern edge of Africa stands at the crossroads of African, Asian, European and Middle Eastern cultures. Take a journey along the coastline of Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania over 20 exotic nights, where enchanting Malagasy and Creole culture emanate from colourful street-side markets, wild landscapes rise above sparkling seas, lush rainforests hide native lemurs and ancient ruins hold rich history. From the comfort of Coral Geographer, explore remote lands that only hardy traders in search of ancient spices ventured to long ago.

Explore the ruins of the medieval sultanate of Kilwa Kisiwani, a 14th century city of grand proportions. Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest building, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, and walk the historic streets of the Island of Mozambique. Explore Madagascar’s extraordinary landscapes at a number of National Parks, and spot birds, lemurs and other endemic wildlife. Spot wildlife on forest walks at Kirindy Reserve, the best place to see the elusive fossa. Walk down the striking Avenue of the Baobabs, and marvel as you gaze up at the towering bottle-shaped trees. Meet the semi-nomadic Vezo people at Andavadoaka and Bel Sur Mer, who make their living from the sea. Be enthralled by Zulu cultural demonstrations of dancing and drumming at Shakaland before arriving into Durban.

Trip Name
At The Edge Of Africa aboard Coral Geographer
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA)
Board Coral Geographer at Zanzibar Port at 3:00pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 5:00pm departure. Join your fellow travellers and Expedition Team for a safety briefing as well as an overview of the voyage ahead.
Day 2 - KILWA KISIWANI (TANZANIA)
The UNESCO World Heritage Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, once a medieval sultanate and occupied from the ninth to the nineteenth century, was described as one of the most beautiful cities of the world in its fourteenth-century heyday.There is an opportunity to wander around the magnificent ruins of Malindi Mosque and its adjacent cemetery, Fort Gereza, a former prison built atop the ruins of a Portuguese fort and tombs of Sultans. Husuni Kubwa, a fourteenth century sultans palace of grand proportions right down to its octagonal swimming pool, was similar in structure to those found in Syria, Turkey and the Persian Gulf.
Day 3 - ISLAND OF MOZAMBIQUE (MOZAMBIQUE)
Explore tiny Mozambique Island, a World Heritage site with a fascinating blend of African, Arab and European cultures. Go back in time as we stroll among colonial buildings and small traditional houses. The fortified city of Mozambique and former Portuguese trading post is significant for its 16th century architectural features. Connected to mainland Africa by a 3.4km long bridge, the island has two distinct types of dwellings: the stone and lime town of Swahili, Arab and European influence and Macuti town (city of roofed palm leaves) with African architecture.Enjoy guided walking tours to discover the island’s diverse culture, it’s charmingpeople and fascinating history, Visit Stone Town and the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte.
Day 4 - MAHAJANGA & ANKARAFANTSIKA NATIONAL PARK (MADAGASCAR)
Enjoy a full day exploring the park on guided walks to spot birds, chameleons and lemurs like the adorably photogenic Coquerel’s Sifaka. The park is home to the Microcebus, or mouse lemur, the world’s smallest primate, as well 120 nesting bird species like the Madagascan fish eagle and banded kestrel. We may visit Durrell Wildlife Park’s breeding program for the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise, the most threatened tortoise on the planet.
Day 5 - MORONDAVA (MADAGASCAR)
A forest walk at Kirindy Reserve is an opportunity to spot lemurs and perhaps the elusive fossa. Later, we visit the otherworldly Avenue of the Baobabs, ‘the most beautiful road in Madagascar’.The avenue is at the centre of a local conservation campaign aiming to protect it as Madagascar’s first natural monument.
Day 6 - BELO SUR MER (MADAGASCAR)
At the village Belo Sur Mer we again enjoy the company of the semi-nomadic Vezo people who travel the ocean in timber boats and oversized canoes powered by paddle or rudimentary rectangular sails. The ethnic Sakalava people, to which the Vezo belong, traditionally inhabit the coastal strip on the west coast of Madagascar and use outrigger canoes for fishing. The village sits on the shores of a turquoise lagoon with inviting white-sand beaches shaded by palm trees.This coastal region of Madagascar is well-known for the traditional timber fishing boats, known as pirogues, built on the beach. When a vessel is launched, there is a festival-like atmosphere and we may be lucky enough to time our visit during such an occasion.
Day 7 - ANDAVADOAKA & HOSY HAO (MADAGASCAR)
The small fishing village of Andavadoaka sits on the edge of a tranquil lagoon protected by coral reefs and is home to semi-nomadic Vezo people who rely upon the ocean for their livelihood. The coral reefs of southwest Madagascar are some of the most diverse in the Indian Ocean biodiversity studies identifying many hundreds of marine species.We will learn about community projects promoting sustainable marine management before enjoying a leisurely afternoon of beach activities, swimming and snorkelling at Nosy Hao.
Day 8 - ISALO N.P. & ZOMBITSE-VOHIBASIA N.P. (MADAGASCAR)
Journey inland to the Zombitse-Vohibasia and Isalo National Parks, to see a variety of beautiful habitats and look for the White Sifaka Lemur. Stay overnight at a local hotel, and in the morning, hike to the Piscine Naturelle pool for a swim, or spot lemurs in the lush forest.
Day 9 - BAZARUTO ISLAND (MOZAMBIQUE)
Off the coast of southern Mozambique, Bazaruto National Park encompasses the Bazaruto Archipelago. These islands are known for their white beaches and clear waters, filled with colourful fish and reef sharks. Traditional dhow vessels run small ferry services between the islands. Here, we will have a full day to enjoy the pristine reef, and potentially spot moray eels and large pelagic fish such as marlin. Later, there may be an option to visit the village.
Day 10 - MAPUTO (MOZAMBIQUE)
Arrive at Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to explore this cosmopolitan city of East Africa. Photography opportunities abound, and you will have the chance to interact with the locals as you discover the heart of Maputo’s historical neighbourhoods and preserved Portuguese architecture with a guided walking tour.
Day 11 - RICHARD’S BAY (SOUTH AFRICA)
Enter South Africa today at the beautiful beach side Richard’s Bay. From here, we travel to learn about the Zulu culture and lifestyle at nearby Shakaland. Be enthralled by demonstrations of traditional dancing and drumming, and have the opportunity to speak with the villagers who keep the Zulu spirit alive.
Day 12 - DAY 21: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
Arrive in Durban at 7:00am to disembark at 9:00am.
Day 13 - Please Note:
This itinerary includes 5 sea days. The above itinerary is indicative. No two cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. This trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. For shore excursions, our hydraulic lowering Xplorer tenders permit easy boarding without climbing any stairs. Where possible we split groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt-out of any excursion and relax onboard. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-04-2024AUD $0-
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $16,500Coral Deck
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $19,400Promenade Deck Stateroom
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $23,300Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $24,750Coral Deck
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $29,100Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $29,500Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
24-06-202214-07-2022AUD $34,950Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
19-04-2024AUD $0-

Inclusions

    • Walk the streets of fabled Zanzibar, and discover the palm-fringed beaches, bazaars, dhow-crowded harbour and elaborately carved doors of Stone Town
    • Discover Madagascar’s extraordinary landscapes at a number of National Parks, and spot prolific birdlife, lemurs and other endemic wildlife
    • Meet the semi-nomadic Vezo people at Andavadoaka and Bel Sur Mer, who make their living from the sea
    • Journey inland to the Zombitse-Vohibasia and Isalo National Parks, to see a variety of beautiful habitats and look for the White Sifaka Lemur.
    • Encounter wildlife on forest walks at Kirindy Reserve, the best place to spot the elusive fossa and numerous lemurs
    • Walk down the striking Avenue of the Baobabs, and feel small as you gaze up at the towering bottle-shaped trees
    • Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest building, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, and wander the historic streets of the Island of Mozambique
    • Explore the ruins of the medieval sultanate of Kilwa Kisiwani, a 14th century city of grand proportions
    • Be enthralled by Zulu cultural demonstrations of dancing and drumming at Shakaland

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