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

Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Port Louis. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.

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.

Spend the day at sea as we sail to Madagascar. Maybe watch for wildlife on deck or join a lecture.

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.

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.

Celebrate Christmas Day on board as we continue our journey sailing around the coast of Madagascar.

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.

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.

Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey towards the African mainland.

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.

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.

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.

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.

Arrive this morning.

Itineraries are subject to change.