Spectacular scenery awaits throughout this Madagascar expedition with Zanzibar, Comoros, and Réunion. Combine the rugged Comoros Islands, the colorful chameleons and pristine coral reefs of Madagascar, and the volcanic peaks of Mauritius and Réunion for a fantastic and unforgettable journey.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer to the Sea Cliff Resort with the rest of the day at leisure. Those arriving in the morning may choose to join a tour of Jozani Natural Forest Reserve for nature walks to search for the photogenic red colobus monkey, Skye’s monkey, duikers, and more than 40 species of birds. Gather at the hotel in teh evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2: Zanzibar / Embark
Tour one of Zanzibar's many spice plantations, famous for their production of nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. Continue to Stone Town to wander the labyrinthine alleyways lined with fascinating Moorish, Arab, Indian, and European architecture. Board the Island Sky in the afternoon and settle in to your cabin as it sets sail.
Day 3: At Sea
Relax on board as you sail.
Day 4: Moroni, Grande Comore
Disembark in Iconi, one of the oldest settlements on the island, and take a short drive to view the ruins of an 18th-century palace. Continue through scenic countryside to a plantation to learn about the cultivation of ylang ylang and exotic spices. The tour ends in Moroni with a visit to the small museum, the medina, and the colorful market with a wide array of fruit, spices, and handicrafts. Or hike the trails of Karthala Volcano to search for island endemics like the Comoros blue-pigeon and bulbul.
Day 5: Mayotte, Union of the Comoros
Mayotte is an overseas territory of France, yet geographically it remains part of the Comoros group. A drive along the scenic southern coast brings you to a museum that unlocks the secrets of ylang ylang and vanilla, and a garden stroll reveals luxuriant tropical vegetation. Or, board a local ferry to Petite Terre to explore the bustling market and charming colonial architecture of Dzaoudzi. A third option offers wonderful snorkeling in a large lagoon protected by a unique double barrier reef.
Day 6: Nosy Komba, Madagascar / Nosy Tanikely
Go ashore at Nosy Komba, a peaceful fishing village that is close to a small reserve for dimorphic black lemurs. Here you can observe the engaging, semi-tame lemurs up-close for excellent photographic opportunities. With luck, you may spot a Parson's chameleon, one of the world's largest. Spend the afternoon snorkeling at nearby Nosy Tanikely, a marine island reserve whose healthy reefs are frequented by turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of colorful fish.
Day 7: Nosy Hara
The archipelago of Nosy Hara consists of 12 limestone islands with white-sand beaches, karst rock cliffs, and pristine coral reefs. Board Zodiacs to explore the fascinating geology of this region and step ashore on secluded beaches for nature walks. Spend the afternoon snorkeling to discover the amazing diversity below the waves.
Day 8: Diego Suarez / Montagne d'Ambre
Disembark in Diego Suarez and board 4x4 vehicles for a scenic drive to Montagne d'Ambre National Park. Search for rare, localized crowned lemurs, as well as Sanford's brown lemurs, striped mongoose, and a wealth of birds, including endemic Madagascar crested ibis and Amber Mountain rock-thrushes. After lunch on board, tour Diego Suarez, the capital of the French colony in the late 1800s, graced with wide streets and colonial architecture.
Day 9: Diego Suarez / Ankarana National Park
Depart overland for Ankarana National Park this morning, renowned for its dramatic landscapes: karst pinnacles, or tsingy, deep forest-filled canyons, a labyrinthine cave system, and a vast network of underground rivers. Wildlife is profuse in this park and you have excellent opportunities to encounter several lemur species, as well as birds typical of dry forest such as the white-breasted mesite and the Torotoroka scops-owl.
Day 10: At Sea
Spend the day at sea attending lectures and joining naturalists on deck to search for sea birds and marine mammals.
Day 11: Nosy Mangabe / Maroantsetra
Nosy Mangabe is a haven for a variety of wildlife. Species commonly sighted include black and white ruffed and brown mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, tree frogs, and with luck, the world’s smallest vertebrate, the thumbnail-sized dwarf chameleon. Return to the ship for lunch then disembark in Maroantsetra to explore the bustling market, filled with vanilla pods, cloves, and other exotic spices as well as finely woven raffia hats and bags.
Day 12: Masoala National Park
Masoala is the largest national park on the island. On hikes through pristine forest you are likely to encounter red-ruffed and white-headed lemurs, greater hedgehog tenrecs, and ring-tailed mongoose. The park is also home to various species of brightly colored mantella frogs, a variety of extraordinary chameleons of all sizes, and many endemic bird species including the endangered Madagascar red-owl and Madagascar serpent eagle.
Day 13: Nosy St. Marie
Two tour options are available today. Those with an interest in natural history begin with a drive through lush vegetation, then board traditional dugout canoes for a leisurely cruise through a maze of mangroves, and enjoy a refreshing swim from a lovely white-sand beach. Or, choose a cultural tour that visits the Pirate Cemetery, the residence of the French colonial governor, the oldest Catholic church in Madagascar, built in 1837, and the main town Ambodifotatra.
Day 14: At Sea
Relax on deck and attend lectures that highlight our intriguing final ports of call.
Day 15: St. Denis, Reunion
Lush, volcanic Réunion is an overseas territory of France. Explore St. Denis, a small colonial town whose pervasive French and Creole ambiance is reflected in picturesque town squares. A breathtaking drive into the island’s dramatic mountains brings you to a volcanic crater for magnificent views. Enjoy a traditional Creole lunch, then continue on to a vanilla plantation to discover the history and the culture of this precious orchid. Birders hope to find the endemic Réunion paradise flycatcher, Réunion stonechat, and Réunion harrier.
Day 16: Mauritius / Disembark
Disembark the Island Sky after breakfast and set out on a tour of the island’s scenic highlights. A drive inland takes you up to, and around, the rim of an extinct volcanic crater and the Grand Bassin sacred lake. After lunch visit a magnificent waterfall which cascades over the geologically unique “seven-colored earths of Chamarel.” Birders search the indigenous forest for the endemic pink pigeon, echo parakeet, and Mauritius cuckoo-shrike. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to board your independent homeward flight.
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Standard Suite
Magellan Deck, Suites #255-262. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and portholes with exterior views.
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Superior Suite
Columbus Deck, Suites #329-348. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
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Premium Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #416-428. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
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Corner Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #414-415. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and large windows with exterior views.
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Deluxe Balcony
Erikson Deck, Suites #505-512. Averaging 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a private balcony.
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Owner's Balcony
Explorer Deck, Suites #601-604. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large private balcony.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Cabins may be available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 137 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 137 reviews on
2 hours ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !
Gayle S.
5 hours ago
The team at Adventure Life is amazing. From the planning process to the support once on the road, it's flawless. Highly recommend that you use them to plan and support your trip of a lifetime!
LS
1 day ago
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
2 days ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
3 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!