fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Islands of the Indian Ocean – An Expedition from Mauritius to Zanzibar

Islands of the Indian Ocean – An Expedition from Mauritius to Zanzibar

From GBP £12,995

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Here is an extraordinary cruise for those who enjoy the natural world and all its wonders and are looking for the opportunity to experience an unforgettable Christmas and New Year in the Indian Ocean. Our journey aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky incorporates some fascinating and exotic calls combining the magnificent Aldabra group of islands with the natural wonders of Madagascar.
Sailing from Mauritius we will land on its nearest neighbour, Reunion, a little bit of France in the Indian Ocean and a stunning place to spend a day. We will discover the island’s truly awesome and dramatic scenery before we continue to Madagascar for four days of exploration of this incredibly verdant and beautiful island. Madagascar is unique; the animals, plants, landscapes and people that make up this thousand mile long island are unlike anywhere else. It is a country that has long remained obscure as a destination and is relatively little known even amongst the most serious of travellers. The long separation from the African mainland has given rise to its amazing number of unique species of flora and fauna.
Continuing to the Seychelles we spend time in the Aldabra group of islands. Being one of the most difficult places in the world to access and having a lack of freshwater has saved Aldabra from any tourism development and it is the last breeding ground of the giant tortoises. In addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures we should also encounter dolphins, turtles and whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. Our expedition concludes in Tanzania where we visit Kilwa Kisiwani, a site of exceptional historical interest, followed by an expedition day to explore the treasure trove of islands off the coast which are rich in biodiversity. Our final full day will be spent in atmospheric Zanzibar.
The MS Island Sky is the perfect vessel for our expedition. Carrying just over 100 guests, she is a far cry from the latest breed of cruise ships and can visit small islands and backwaters that are denied to larger vessels. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by our expert crew and officers, who along with our expedition team of marine biologists, ornithologists and botanists have many years of experience in the Indian Ocean and will provide commentary on all we see. With the vessel’s purpose built Zodiacs and accompanied by our expert team, we will land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter some of the most beautiful tropical scenery and extraordinary wildlife to be found anywhere in the world.

Trip Name
Islands of the Indian Ocean - An Expedition from Mauritius to Zanzibar
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 The MS Island Sky is an elegant small ship, offering the atmosphere of a private yacht combined with the comfort of a country house hotel. Accommodating just over 100 passengers in 59 spacious suites, all with outside views and many with private balconies, she provides a refined and intimate cruising experience. Suites are beautifully finished with wood panelling and brass details, and feature marble bathrooms, ample storage, and thoughtful amenities such as dressing gowns, refillable water bottles, and Noble Isle toiletries. Public spaces are equally well designed, with inviting lounges, a well-stocked library, observation decks, and a promenade for enjoying sweeping views. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a clinic with doctor, and a lift serving all decks ensure that modern comforts are seamlessly paired with classic style. Life on board is relaxed, sociable, and far removed from the bustle of large resort-style ships. With open seating in the dining room, guests can enjoy fine à la carte cuisine, enhanced by locally sourced produce and accompanied by included wines. Al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés further enrich the dining experience. Days are shaped by enriching talks from Guest Speakers and the Expedition Team, with evenings offering convivial conversation, music in the lounge, or simply time to unwind. With excellent service, a warm atmosphere, and itineraries designed for discovery rather than distraction, the MS Island Sky offers a truly memorable way to explore the world in comfort and style.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London or Manchester to Mauritius.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Mauritius.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Port Louis. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 Port Est, Reunion Island.
Over breakfast we arrive in Reunion where we have a choice of excursions. On a full day tour we will visit the central highlands where spectacularly rugged peaks of dormant or extinct volcanoes cradle huge amphitheatres known as cirques, where mountains tower to over 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls plummet hundreds of feet. The rich soil and mellow climate produce a lush and verdant landscape which is dotted with villages and towns with a uniquely French atmosphere. Fields of sugar cane and plantations of tropical fruits, vanilla and all manner of spices perfume the air. We will enjoy views from the Nez des Boeuf and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. After enjoying a Creole lunch in a local restaurant we will visit the ‘Cite du Volcan’ museum. Alternatively, enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in St Andre where we learn about the history and culture of this integral part of Reunion’s heritage. Continue to Salazie, a verdant landscape and home to many waterfalls including the ‘Voile de la Mariee’ before spending some free time in St Denis on the way back to the ship. This afternoon is at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 4 - Day 4 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we sail to Madagascar. Maybe watch for wildlife on deck or join a lecture.
Day 5 - Day 5 Toamasina, Madagascar.
Our first call in Madagascar is Toamasina, the country’s main port and second largest city as well as the gateway to the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a 282 hectare property combining a small zoo where we will see up to a dozen species of lemur as well as indigenous tortoises and chameleons. In the surrounding forest we can see free roaming wild lemurs and other wildlife along the various lakeside walking trails. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Day 6 - Days 6 & 7 Nosy Mangabe & Masoala National Park.
Spend two days exploring from our anchorage in Antongil Bay. Discover Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare island reserve and one of Madagascar’s most diverse areas of virgin rainforest. The island has served as an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and other lemurs were released into the forest. Using our Zodiacs we will land on a beach next to the forest and enjoy guided nature walks looking at the varied trees, plants and ferns and we hope to spot chameleon, lizards and black and white ruffed lemur. For the birders, we will keep an eye out for Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher, and paradise flycatchers. We will also explore Madagascar’s largest protected National Park, the Masoala Peninsula, which comprises of coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves. With luck, we may encounter the endemic red-ruffed lemur. The park is also home to various species of brightly coloured Mantella frogs, all manner of extraordinary chameleons and is a refuge for the endangered Madagascar red owl, Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. A range of walks for all levels will be on offer, as well as a visit to the local village.
Day 7 - Day 8 At Sea.
Celebrate Christmas Day on board as we continue our journey sailing around the coast of Madagascar.
Day 8 - Day 9 Diego Suarez.
This morning we will enter the dramatic harbour of Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana. The town has a cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants, including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Comorans and Arabs. The city tour will include the Commonwealth Cemetery, the faded colonial grandeur of Place Joffre, and a baobab viewpoint at French Mountain. Alternatively, drive up to the Amber Mountain National Park at an elevation of 3,200 feet, where we will divide into short and long walking parties to explore the pristine rainforest. Amid the towering vegetation, we may encounter Sanford’s brown and crowned lemurs, as well as chameleons, stunningly well camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, and an array of endemic birds. We will depart late this afternoon, continuing our voyage towards the Seychelles.
Day 9 - Days 10 to 12 Aldabra Islands.
Arriving in the Outer Seychelles we have two and a half days to enjoy the remarkable Aldabra group of islands. Our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain, who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible, we hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned, and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles are once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on nature walks or snorkelling. We will also plan time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature’s treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is truly unique, and every time we call at what is believed to be the world’s largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have included the extremely rare white-throated rail, while the atoll is also home to the world’s second largest colony of frigate birds and the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look first. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the numerous tortoises and robber crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters. Meanwhile at Cosmoledo a huge ring of twelve islands circles a lagoon. Many of the atolls are still to be surveyed and we will explore some of them by Zodiac. This is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area with all three species of booby found in the Seychelles including the last breeding site for the brown booby. We also hope to spot sooty terns and great frigate birds on land and have the opportunity to see turtles as we swim and snorkel in the lagoon.
Day 10 - Day 13 At Sea.
Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey towards the African mainland.
Day 11 - Day 14 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania.
Arriving in Tanzania we anchor off Kilwa Kisiwani, a site of exceptional historical interest, where the atmospheric ruins represent a wide sweep of East African coastal history, from the heights of the Swahili and Shirazi trading civilisation to the darker days of slavery and the uprisings against German rule. Once one of Africa’s wealthiest towns, Kilwa Kisiwani is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the world’s most extensive and best-preserved Swahili ruins. We will spend the morning on a walking tour and see the prominent fort and the Great Mosque which stood at the heart of this ancient city which was once the largest in East Africa. This afternoon we hope to find a local beach to offer the chance to swim, snorkel or take a stroll. Tonight we will welcome in the New Year on board.
Day 12 - Day 15 Expedition Day, Tanzanian Islands.
Today we start the new year in the hands of our Captain and Expedition Leader as we explore the islands off the coast of Tanzania. We hope to use the Zodiacs to land on one of the beaches and offer nature walks or swimming opportunities in the clear waters.
Day 13 - Day 16 Zanzibar.
Zanzibar’s harbour, crowded with dhows, very much sets the scene for our visit to this Arab-style city with its long narrow streets, bazaars, houses with overhanging balconies and intricately carved doorways. On a morning walking tour, soak up the timeless atmosphere of Stone Town including Livingstone House, Sultan’s Palace, the slave market and the Old Fort. This afternoon there will be a tour to Jozani Forest which sustains a variety of wildlife and birds, including the rare red colobus monkey, indigenous to the island.
Day 14 - Day 17 Zanzibar to London or Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.
Day 15 - Day 18 London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £12,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £13,495Columbus Deck Superior Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £13,995Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £13,995Magellan Deck Standard Single
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £14,395Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £14,495Columbus Deck Superior Single
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £14,995Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £15,495Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
18-12-202704-01-2028GBP £15,995Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover Madagascar’s unique wildlife – Explore rainforest reserves and national parks in search of lemurs, chameleons, endemic birds and rare species, with visits to Nosy Mangabe and Masoala National Park.
    • Explore the remote Aldabra Islands – Spend two and a half days exploring one of the world’s most pristine atolls by Zodiac, encountering giant tortoises, seabirds, turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
    • Experience the Indian Ocean’s natural and cultural treasures – Discover volcanic landscapes and Creole culture on Réunion, explore UNESCO-listed Kilwa Kisiwani and finish in Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town and Jozani Forest.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Trips
More of activity:
Africa Cruises