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Peregrine Travel Centre

Madagascar Coastal Odyssey – Discover the Wildlife & Wonders

Madagascar Coastal Odyssey – Discover the Wildlife & Wonders

From GBP £11,795

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Description

The term ‘unique’ is an often overused description in the travel world but certainly applies to the island of Madagascar. The animals, plants, landscapes and people that make up this thousand mile long island are unlike anywhere else in the world. This extraordinary country long remained obscure as a destination and is still relatively unknown amongst even the most serious of travellers. There is minimal infrastructure in many parts of the island and for those wishing to explore in some depth, doing so by small ship, especially one as well-suited as the MS Island Sky is far preferable to exploring by any other means.
Our 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 vessel’s fleet of Zodiacs for forays ashore, allowing access to some 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. Our onboard experts will greatly enrich your experience and ensure that we make the most of our time on the world’s “eighth continent”.

Trip Name
Madagascar Coastal Odyssey - Discover the Wildlife & Wonders
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London - Mauritus
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Mauritus
Arrive this morning and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky. Settle into your suite and spend a leisurely day on board. This evening enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we set sail this evening.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Reunion Island
We arrive at breakfast in Reunion 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 4 - Day 5 - At Sea
Spend the day at sea as we sail towards Madagascar. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Toamasina, Madagascar
Our first call in Madagascar is Toamasina, the country’s main port and second largest city as well as the gateway to the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a 282 hectare property 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 wild lemurs and other wildlife along the various lakeside walking trails. We return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising.
Day 6 - Day 6 and 7 - Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe.
We will spend two days exploring from our anchorage in Antongil Bay. We discover Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare 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 will be on offer, as well as a visit to the local village.
Day 7 - Day 8 - Domaine de Bobangira
After a morning at sea we arrive over lunch at the port of Vohemar, our base for an afternoon 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 a protected private nature reserve in 2017 by the national forestry department, it is home to fat-tailed dwarf lemurs, the diurnal whiteheaded lemur, Brookesia and various 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.
Day 8 - Day 9 - 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 9 - Day 10 - Nosy Hara
Having sailed around the northern tip of Madagascar we start our journey along the western coast of Madagascar where we will find a number of strangely shaped limestone islets that dot the aquamarine 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 with a chance to snorkel over the coral.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Nosy Tanihely
We spend the morning at the Nosy Tanihely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the opportunity 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 11 - Day 12 - 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 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, set in 22 hectare of grounds and 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 MS Island Sky.
Day 12 - Day 13 - At Sea
Spend a leisurely day on board as we continue our journey around the Madagascan Coast.
Day 13 - Day 14 - 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 14 - Day 15 - 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. 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 15 - Day 16 - Tulear
Our final call will be at Tulear from where we have a choice of tours this morning. Maybe visit the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the southwest of Madagascar and, after more than 30 years of hard work, 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 paradise flycatchers, Madagascar hoopoe and Madagascar crested drongo. This afternoon is free for independent exploration as we moor overnight.
Day 16 - Day 17 - Tulear - London
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Johannesburg. Connect here with our scheduled flight to London.
Day 17 - Day 18 - London
Arrive this morning.
Day 18 - Please note:
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below is an extract from the ship’s log of a previous expedition which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £11,795Magellan Deck Standard Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £11,995Columbus Deck Superior Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £12,295Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £12,795Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £13,795Magellan Deck Standard Single
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £13,995Columbus Deck Superior Single
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £14,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £14,795Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
02-12-202519-12-2025GBP £15,495Explorer Deck Island Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £11,995Columbus Deck Superior Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £12,295Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £12,795Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £13,795Magellan Deck Standard Single
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £13,995Columbus Deck Superior Single
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £14,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £14,795Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £15,495Explorer Deck Island Suite
16-12-202502-01-2026GBP £11,795Magellan Deck Standard Suite

Inclusions

    • Reunion Island: Experience the volcanic peaks, lush landscapes, and local culture, including the Piton de la Fournaise crater and a vanilla plantation tour.
    • Nosy Mangabe & Masoala National Park: Explore Madagascar’s diverse rainforests, spotting lemurs, chameleons, and endemic bird species on nature walks and village visits.
    • Avenue des Baobabs: Marvel at the majestic, endemic Grandidier’s baobabs in Morondava and learn about their spiritual significance while participating in local reforestation efforts.

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