Name: Madagascar and its Islands
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2623110410

A dynamic coastal metropolis, Mombasa's rich history comes from a beguiling blend of cultures. Over centuries, Arabs, Portuguese, Asians, and British settlers coexisted in the old town, blending African, European, and Asian architectural styles. Perched above the sea, Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in the 1590s to protect the city, while the bustling spice market is packed with fragrant stalls selling pepper, ginger and cardamom.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Aldabra, a massive raised coral atoll consisting of 13 islands encircling a lagoon, is home to the world's largest colony of 100,000 giant tortoises. The isolated archipelago features a protected landscape with hundreds of flowering plant and fern species. Endemic Aldabra drongos and pink flamingos are often seen. The white-throated rail, the last remaining flightless bird in the Indian Ocean, scours this unique habitat.

Zodiac Cruise with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Zodiac cruise the magnificent coral limestone formations nearby sandy beaches
Explore the coastal world of this magic atoll
Keep a watchful eye out for wading pink flamingos, adding to the magical experience of this unique destination

Snorkeling with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Drift snorkel with your expedition team, from one end of the channel to the other end
Slowly drift over Aldabra's pristine marine world
Watch for the possibility of encountering elusive sharks as you snorkel in this captivating paradise

Nature Walk with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

Go ashore at this remote research station and learn about intriguing scientific projects in this untouched wilderness
Learn about the Giant Tortoise, the living legends of Aldabra Atoll
Try to spot the Aldabra drongo, a rare and elusive bird found only on the Aldabra Atoll

The kidney-shaped Assumption Island, a part of the Aldabra Group located over 1,000 km southwest of Mahé, is renowned for its diverse butterfly species, such as the belenois aldabrensis. The island is also home to giant tortoises, Assumption day geckos, and hosts nesting sea turtles near the shoreline. A tranquil white-sand beach stretches for miles alongside brilliantly turquoise water on the west coast.

Sandy swimming beaches, biodiverse jungle, and vivid blue crater lakes are among the highlights of verdant Nosy Be island off Madagascar's northern coast. In Hell-Ville port, remnants of French colonial architecture charm visitors. Nearby, Lokobe Reserve beckons with guided pirogue canoe tours, where black lemurs climb ancient trees and vibrant panther chameleons, growing about a foot and a half long, play hide-and-seek in the lush foliage.

Nosy Komba

Optional

03 h 30 m

Visit the Black Lemur Sanctuary and rejoice in the antics of the lemurs as they frolic in their habitat
Relish free time to walk on the beach
Walking through the Sakalava fisherman’s village

Lokobe National Park

Optional

03 h 30 m

Try to spot the Eulemur Macaco, the flagship species of the park
Enjoy the ride on a small boat to the heavily wooded Lokobe Natural Reserve
See colorful birds and endemic species such as black lemurs

Island Tour Half Day Expedition With Mont Passot ”

Included

04 h 00 m

Pay a visit to the Hell-Ville marketplace brimming with vegetables, fruits and spices
Enjoy the views from Mont Passot, overlooking crater lakes and plantations
Enjoy a panoramic dive looking at the island vegetation

The lively northern port of Mahajanga (Majunga) is known for its charming French colonial and Arabian architecture as well as a broad seafront promenade lined with coconut palms. A gigantic landmark baobab tree towers near the water. Long sandy beaches stretch north towards Cirque Rouge, a remarkable natural amphitheatre whose crumbling rocks are a blend of red, ochre and pale pink, and are at their most dramatic at sunset.

Mahajanga City Tour

Included

04 h 00 m

Feel the atmosphere of the city market place
Don't miss the symbol of the city the Huge Baobab, which is over 1000 years old
Enjoy stunning views of the town

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

The relaxed west coast town of Morondava is the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Lining a bumpy track, this striking grove of centuries-old giants - often nicknamed upside-down trees - is especially popular at sunset, when the trunks cast long shadows on the ground. To the south, Kirindy Mitea National Park is a protected coastal reserve home to several species of lemur along with the rare fossa, a close relation of the mongoose.

Morondava And The Baobab Avenue

Included

04 h 00 m

Discovery of the Baobab Avenue, and take the postcard picture
Enjoy tasting local snacks and drinks
Stroll around the local Market

Mangroves, beaches and an offshore coral reef surround Toliara (Tuléar), near the mouth of the Onilahy River. Just southeast of the city, the Arboretum d’Antsokay was created by a Swiss botanist in 1980 amid a swathe of spiny forest. Garden guides lead you past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, flitting butterflies or lemurs tucked into branches. Within the port, a fascinating small museum is dedicated to local marine life.

Visite of Arboretum Antsokay

Included

03 h 30 m

Discover the Arboretum of Antsokay, created around 1980
Admire over 920 plant species, lemurs, radiated tortoises, snakes and chameleons
Enjoy a folkloric show before getting back to the port

4x4 Reniala Spiny Forest Discovery

Optional

03 h 30 m

Discover one of the oddest and most unique habitats on the planet, the spiny forest
Walk in the bird sanctuary looking out for mammals including the grey mouse lemurs and several birds
Enjoy the folkloric show before getting back to the pier

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Mozambique’s capital city Maputo has an intriguing mix of Portuguese colonial and Soviet-style buildings on broad boulevards lined with jacaranda and palm trees. Architectural standouts include the 20th-century domed railway station, painted in green and white. Designed by Pancho Guedes, the Smiling Lion is a distinctive post-modernist apartment block. The historic district of Baixa has a vibrant street scene of cafes, live music and markets.

Madagascar and its Islands

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