Madagascar coastal odyssey A gem in the Indian Ocean

This unique voyage focuses on the wonders of the island of Madagascar with opportunities to explore forests full of wildlife including lemurs, chameleons and indigenous birdlife as well as witnessing the underwater world and village life. Our days will be spent exploring ashore, often traversing over rugged terrain and walking through spectacular forests and each evening we will have the benefit of returning to our comfortable ship to relax and look forward to the next adventure. With the ship’s fleet of Zodiacs we can go ashore and get access to some of the wonderful places denied to larger ships, you can enjoy encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely rich and timeless corner of the Indian Ocean.

Day 1: London to Johannesburg

Fly by our scheduled indirect flight from London to Johannesburg. Please note that this is the only flight to Johannesburg, we strongly recommend that you spend 1 night in hotel prior to this day to make sure that you do not miss this flight. 

Day 2: Johannesburg

Arrive to Johannesburg and transfer to our comfortable hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Johannesburg to Tulear, Madagascar

Return to the Johannesburg airport in the morning for our specially chartered flight to Tulear, Madagascar. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the M/S Island Sky. Enjoy welcome dinner and drinks as we moor overnight.

Day 4: Tulear

There will be a choice of tours this morning as you may like to join the tour to the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the southwest of Madagascar. After more than 30 years of hard work, it offers a densely kept selection of flora presenting a typical sub-arid thicket with baobab trees towering over the smaller plants. We will see the four hectare botanical garden which comprises over 900 species of plants of which 90% are endemic to the region. Alternatively, visit the Reniala Private Reserve, a small area of just 60 hectares but containing a spiny forest which is unique to southeastern Madagascar. The park is home to 200 plant species including baobabs as well as being a haven for birders with sightings of Madagascar paradise flycatchers, Madagascar hoopoe and Madagascar crested drongo. This afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Day 5: Andavadoaka & Nosy Hao

The vessel will anchor this morning off the small fishing community of Andavadoaka, home to the Vezo fishing people. The area offers the most diverse marine ecosystem on the southwest coast. It is also the flagship project for Blue Ventures, a marine conservation society that has helped the local villagers invest in their community and preserve their resources by setting up the largest Locally Managed Marine Protected Area in the western Indian Ocean. We hope to learn more about the local projects before sailing over lunch to Nosy Hao to discover the sandy white beaches, where we can enjoy a swim in the warm waters.

Day 6: Morondava

From our anchorage off the town of Morondava, capital of the Menabe region, we will use the Zodiacs to land on the local beach. From here there will be a choice of excursions to explore the local region. This morning we will explore Zazamalala Forest, a protected area that is home to a number of species of lemurs, birds, reptiles and plants, and also the base for a breeding centre for critically endangered species of turtles and tortoises. It was initially set up in 2000 as a reforestation project and to promote sustainable use of the forest. We will then head to the Avenue des Baobabs. Of the eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar and here we will marvel at the majestic Grandidier’s baobabs, a couple of dozen of which form a natural avenue. We will learn about the trees and their spiritual significance, as well as having the opportunity to contribute to local reforestation efforts by planting a young baobab ourselves. Alternatively, join a full day excursion to Kirindy Forest (subject to road conditions at time of visit). Situated approximately a two hour drive from Morondava, we will pass the Avenue des Baobabs as we travel north. Kirindy is a 10,000 hectare, dry deciduous forest, one of the most endangered in the world where the flora and fauna includes many endemic species. Here we find three species of baobab, many birds and reptiles including snakes, tortoises and lizards. Eight species of lemur reside here including the pale form marked lemur.

Day 7: At Sea

Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey around the Madagascan Coast.

Day 8: Mahajanga

Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar situated on the Betsiboka River and is our base for a full day tour of the surrounding area. We will commence with a drive to Lake Mangatsa, a sacred site of many legends where we will learn about local traditions as we search for lemurs, chameleons and birds in the trees. Lunch will be served at the Antsanitia Resort, located on a stunning section of coastline, and there will be an opportunity to swim or enjoy a walk along the beach, see the local fishing boats and visit the village before we return to the M/S Island Sky.

Day 9: Nosy Tanihely

After a morning at sea we arrive at the Nosy Tanikely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the chance to either swim in the clear waters or snorkel over the corals keeping an eye out for reef fish, turtles and morays. Alternatively, explore the island where we may see the resident lemurs, skinks, fruit bats and hermit crabs and enjoy fantastic views from the 1908 lighthouse on the island’s highest point.

Day 10: Nosy Hara

As we continue our journey along the western coast of Madagascar we will find a number of strangely shaped limestone islets that dot the aquamarine-coloured sea. The expedition team will decide on the most suitable island for landing, such as Nosy Hara with its abundant birdlife and great places to swim off the beach. We will spend the day exploring the island on foot or alternatively join a Zodiac cruise around the islands and have a chance to snorkel over the coral. This evening we will enjoy a Christmas dinner on board.

Day 11: 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. This morning, choose from a city tour taking in the Commonwealth Cemetery, the faded colonial grandeur of Place Joffre, and a baobab viewpoint at French Mountain; or alternatively, drive up to Amber Mountain National Park at an elevation of 3,200ft, where we will divide into short and long walking parties to explore the pristine rainforest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot Sanford’s brown and crowned lemurs, as well as chameleons, stunningly well camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, and an array of endemic birds.

Day 12: Domaine de Bobangira

Over breakfast we arrive at the port of Vohemar our base for a morning at the Domaine de Bobangira. This reserve on the Indian Ocean has wild, unspoiled beaches and forests rich in biodiversity having about 40% of endemic flora to the region. Declared as protected private nature reserve in 2017 by the national forestry department, it is home to fat-tailed dwarf lemurs, the diurnal white-headed lemur, Brookesia and various others small as well as large species of chameleons. There are also large centenarian canarium bujiga trees in the park, locally known as mandrirofo, a type of tree used in Madagascar to build fishing pirogues. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.

Day 13 - 14: Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe

We will spend two days exploring from our anchorage in Antongil Bay. We discover Nosy Mangabe, an island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar which has also been an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and other lemurs were released into the forest. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the beach next to the forest and organise a series of 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 National Park, the Masoala Peninsula, which comprises of coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves. We may be lucky enough to encounter a group of locally 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 15: Taomasina

After a morning cruising we make our final call in Madagascar at Taomasina, the country’s main port and second largest city as well as the gateway to the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a place 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 lemurs and other wildlife along the various lakeside walking trails.

Day 16: At Sea

Spend the day at sea as we sail towards Reunion. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax. This evening we will celebrate New Year’s Eve on board.

Day 17: Réunion Island

We arrive at breakfast in Réunion where we have a choice of excursions. On a full day tour we will visit the central highlands where spectacularly rugged peaks of 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 ‘La Cite du Volcan’ museum. Alternatively enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in Saint 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 Saint Denis on the way back to the ship. This afternoon is at leisure before we set sail this evening.

Day 18: Mauritius to London

Spend a leisurely final morning on board. After lunch, transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Day 19: London

Arrive to London in the morning. 

Please note: Our exact route will depend weather conditions and might be subject to change.

This trip is in collaboration with Noble Caledonia. PolarQuest guide Adrian Nordenborg will join as a tour leader if PolarQuest book minimum 10 guests on this trip.