Boutique Cruise South Africa and Madagascar

Route

Your journey starts in Durban and continues towards the wildlife parks of Richards Bay in South Africa. After crossing the Indian Ocean, you reach Madagascar and sail north along the west coast, from the striking landscapes of Toliara and the baobabs of Morondava to the tropical islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Be.

Pace

A perfect balance between active days on land and relaxing days at sea. Each day brings new discoveries by Zodiac or safari, while life on board gives you plenty of time to unwind.

Highlights

Safaris through South Africa’s wetlands, walking among ancient baobab trees and spotting lemurs in the jungle. The journey ends on a high note with snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Nosy Hara, surrounded by spectacular limestone formations.

Accommodation

You stay on board Le Dumont-d'Urville (Ponant), a small-scale boutique ship that feels like a luxury private yacht. With only 92 suites, the atmosphere remains intimate, complemented by refined French cuisine and a unique underwater lounge.

Profile

Perfect for nature lovers looking for a true adventure without giving up comfort. You visit remote locations inaccessible to larger ships and travel alongside experts who share their knowledge of Africa’s remarkable wildlife and flora.

This cruise is available from 17/12/2026 to 28/12/2026, from 10/02/2027 to 21/02/2027 and from 20/02/2028 to 02/03/2028. Feel free to contact us for other options.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid until at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
No visa is required.
Normally no special vaccinations are required. We do recommend that you seek advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Departure from Durban

Your journey starts in the port of Durban. Spend the afternoon exploring the city or settling into your suite on board. Around 10 PM, the ship leaves the harbour and sails into the night.

Day 2: Spotting hippos in Richards Bay

After lunch, we arrive in Richards Bay. We head straight out onto the water for a boat safari in iSimangaliso. Keep your camera close, because hippos and crocodiles often appear just a few metres away.

Day 3: Zulu culture or the “Big Five”

Today, the choice is yours. Discover Zulu traditions at the Dumazulu Cultural Village or head into Hluhluwe Park for a safari in search of rhinos and lions. At the end of the day, the ship sails towards Madagascar.

Day 4 & 5: Two relaxing days at sea

Two days with no plans at all. Sleep in, read a book on your balcony or visit the Blue Eye lounge, an underwater space where you can watch fish swimming past the windows.

Day 6: The unusual plant world of Toliara

Today, you discover Madagascar’s “Spiny Forest”, a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. You visit the Antsokay Arboretum, a remarkable botanical garden with more than 900 local plant species. Trees with swollen trunks store water and many plants are covered in thorns instead of leaves. Keep an eye on the bushes as well, because rare chameleons and lizards often hide perfectly among the branches.

Day 7: Walking among the baobabs

Today, you see Madagascar’s most iconic sight: the Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava. Walking between these enormous ancient trees is an unforgettable experience.

Day 8: A day at sea

While sailing north along the west coast, the guides on board share more about the lemurs and rare wildlife we will encounter tomorrow.

Day 9: The red landscapes of Majunga

In Majunga, we head into nature towards the Cirque Rouge, a striking natural formation of bright red sandstone cliffs. We also explore the area by 4x4 and visit one of the sacred lakes nearby.

Day 10: Lemur spotting on Nosy Komba

This island looks like a giant turtle floating on the sea. We head into the rainforest in search of black lemurs. They are very curious animals and often come closer to see who is walking through their forest.

Day 11: Snorkelling at Nosy Hara

Possibly the highlight of the journey. The “marine tsingy” are sharp limestone formations rising straight out of the sea. The water here is incredibly clear, so grab your snorkel and swim among turtles and colourful coral reefs.

Day 12: Ending the journey on Nosy Be

You wake up on the “perfumed island”, a nickname Nosy Be owes to the scent of ylang-ylang and vanilla that often drifts across the sea before arrival. The island is known for its volcanic lakes, tropical beaches and laid-back atmosphere. After one final breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to the crew of Le Dumont-d’Urville.

From here, several options are possible: we can arrange your transfer to the airport for your return flight, or you may choose to extend your stay. Nosy Be is the perfect place to spend a few extra days in a small boutique hotel by the beach.

What budget should you expect?

For this unique experience, prices start from €11,000 per person. Exact costs depend on your preferences and the travel period you choose.

Frequently asked questions

Is this trip suitable as a first cruise?

Absolutely. This is a small-scale boutique cruise on a ship that feels more like a private yacht. The focus is entirely on nature and expeditions rather than mass tourism or the large-scale entertainment found on traditional cruise ships.

What about stability at sea?

We mainly sail through the Mozambique Channel, between mainland Africa and Madagascar. This route is generally protected from the heavier swell of the open ocean. The ship is also equipped with modern stabilisers that minimise movement. In December, the sea is usually very calm. In February and March, the captain selects the most comfortable route based on weather conditions.

How do the Zodiac excursions work?

In shallow bays, we use sturdy Zodiac boats to reach the beach directly. The crew always assists you when getting in and out. It is the ideal way to access Madagascar’s most remote locations where larger ships cannot dock.

What clothing should I bring?

Pack light clothing along with sturdy walking shoes or sandals that can get wet during beach landings. On board, the atmosphere is “casual chic”. A light windbreaker or thin rain jacket is also useful for the sea breeze on deck or a tropical rain shower.