South Africa and the Indian Ocean Small Ship Cruise

On the southern tip of South Africa, the charming town of Hermanus welcomes you to an aquamarine bay with delightful cliffs. World famous for whale watching, Hermanus offers spectacular sightings of southern right whales between July and November, when they come here to breed. With luck, you will be able to spot the marine mammals from the deck or during your explorations on land. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open as well: during the whale season, the Whale Crier of Hermanus blows on his kelp horn to tell people where whales have been seen. When the sea is calm, the whales come within just a few metres of the cliffs. Find out about the interesting history of the former fishing town and the sea life in the Old Harbour Museum. Take a stroll around the centre of Hermanus and soak up the atmosphere perhaps in one of the quaint cafes with a glass of wine from the local vineyards.

The pioneering spirit of seafarer Bartolomeu Dias surrounds you in Mossel Bay. In 1488 he was the first European to sail around the Cape of Good Hope – a replica of his caravel is on display in the museum here. In the 19th century, Mossel Bay developed into an important trading port, where grain, fruit, meat and wool from the interior changed hands. When natural gas reserves were discovered off the coast in the middle of the 20th century, the townscape changed to accommodate the associated industry. As you discover the seaside town, your independent shore visit will become an exciting voyage back in time – from prehistoric settlements to colonisation and apartheid and into the present day. On the other hand, the idyllic beaches rivalling those on the Sunshine Coast are timeless.

Not far off the Garden Route, the town formerly known as Port Elizabeth offers cultural and historical highlights. Its name was changed to Gqeberha in 2021 because the South African government believed that its former European name was a reminder of colonial oppression. Your experts on board will shed light on the country’s turbulent history. Expand on your knowledge on the Donkin Heritage Trail along the coast, with its historical landmarks including the Donkin Reserve, with its iconic lighthouse, and the stone pyramid, which Sir Rufane Donkin had built in memory of his wife, Elizabeth. The coastal town is the perfect starting point for excursions* into South Africa’s wilderness and animal kingdom: perhaps you will spot giraffes and zebras looking for refreshment at the water holes or lions on the hunt – unforgettable scenes. As well as the kings of the animal kingdom, this area is also home to rhinos, leopards, elephants and buffalo, the legendary big five.

The big cities on the Cape are known for their cosmopolitan flair. Durban is no different, with its dazzling skyline and the hustle and bustle of a modern city, a melting pot of different cultures. The city presents a contrast with the Zulu people, who also live in the province of KwaZulu-Natal – get some insights into the rich Zulu culture and the turbulent history of the region at the KwaMuhle Museum. Indian and colonial influences are reflected in the city’s architecture and lively food scene. Durban’s magnificent beaches along the famous Golden Mile are a dream for sun worshippers: here you can surf, swim or just relax on the beach. You can also go on excursions from Durban, making Africa a cornucopia of unforgettable experiences. Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with all your senses as you travel through a diverse range of fauna and flora under the African sun.

Richards Bay is a place where you can experience unspoilt Africa in all its powerful beauty – untamed and full of secrets just waiting to be discovered by you. This is the gateway to the wild nature of the KwaZulu-Natal province, a real paradise for explorers. It’s impossible to predict which species of African animal will show itself and when, but that’s what makes every game drive so exciting and appealing. Follow the call of the wild to South Africa’s untamed soul. Pelicans, flamingoes and exotic species such as the hornbill live in the nearby game reserves, as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras and lions. Which species will you see before you return to the ship? Look forward to some overwhelming experiences and shows of nature.

Discover why Mozambique is considered a forgotten paradise on the Indian Ocean. Your ship will head for Nacala, located in a bay in the north of the country. Its deep-sea port is an important trading and logistics centre, especially for coal. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the subtropical vegetation of the surrounding sandy beaches, which stretch for miles along the coast. Under the sea, coral reefs and numerous shipwrecks beckon as mysterious diving spots. Tourists are still a rarity in this region. With your experts on board, gain deep insights into the country’s eventful history, influenced by Portuguese colonial rule, but also into the present-day life of the Makua, the largest ethnic group in Mozambique.

Enjoy a day in paradise. Mayotte lies between the African mainland and Madagascar and is the oldest volcanic island in the Comoros – and part of Europe. In the watercolour of the dark blue ocean, the group of islands stands out with green vegetation, colourful fruits and golden beaches. Surrounded by a coral reef, Mayotte is a dream destination for diving and snorkelling, with an underwater world teeming with hundreds of fish species. When relaxing on the beach, you will feel like you are in a French kind of paradise, as you will in the little town of Mamoudzou with its colonial architecture: here the inhabitants speak French, eat baguettes and pay in euros. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine with its African, Indonesian, French and Indian influences. Look forward to some exciting encounters and enjoy the great hospitality of the Mahorans.

White sandy beaches lined with palm forests, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, are idyllic picture-perfect spots on Praslin, the second-largest island in the Inner Seychelles. Anse Lazio in particular, surrounded by impressive granite cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The island’s interior is home to Praslin’s national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallee de Mai. This is where the ancient Seychelles coco de mer palm trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, grow. Together with around 43 other species of plant and rare animals like the black parrot, they form a unique natural paradise.

It is a privilege to set foot on the powder-soft beach of Cousin: visits to the nature reserve island are strictly regulated, and only a handful of biologists live here. The island was purchased in 1968 to protect the Seychelles warbler, which was almost extinct at the time. To this end, all the palm trees on the former plantation were replaced with native trees. Cousin thus remains unique among the Seychelles islands to this day. In addition to a large population of reed warblers, numerous other bird species and giant tortoises now call the island home. A destination for explorers with a passion for nature conservation.

Itineraries are subject to change.