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Madagascar & South Africa (Le Jacques-Cartier)

Madagascar & South Africa (Le Jacques-Cartier)

From AUD $10,740

Description

Embark with PONANT on a brand-new cruise from Zanzibar to South Africa visiting the Comoros, Mayotte and Madagascar. This 15-day itinerary aboard Le Jacques-Cartier will be an opportunity to discover the contrasting sides of these incredible countries, between breathtaking natural beauty and bustling metropolises.

From Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium, you will sail to the Comoros, and then Mayotte. This small French archipelago protected by a double barrier reef is the refuge of an incredibly rich fauna: dolphins, rays, giant turtles, and the region’s last dugongs can be observed here.

Your ship will then set sail for Madagascar, the island continent. From Majunga you will be able to explore Ankarafantsika National Park, home to numerous species of birds and lemurs, and will also try to approach the tiny Microcebus ravelobensis, one of the smallest primate in the world.

Le Jacques-Cartier will head south to the red ochre lands and the baobabs of Morondava, before reaching the coasts of South Africa, “a world in one country”, melting pot of cultures, religions, and histories.

You will discover in particular Port Elizabeth, nicknamed “the friendly city” for its welcoming inhabitants, and Cape Town, mother-city of the country, dominated by Table Mountain, your disembarkation port.

Trip Name
Madagascar & South Africa (Le Jacques-Cartier)
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2018/2019 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the sixth ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Jacques Cartier will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS  Le Jacques Cartier has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides:   Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 ZANZIBAR
Once a mythical post along the legendary Indian Ocean trade route, today a certain whiff of adventure still pervades in Zanzibar. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this place often referred to as “spice island” is brimming with natural treasures, such as Jozani Forest, the last remains of the huge primeval forest that once covered the island, home to a unique ecosystem. This port of call will also be the moment to discover ”Stone Town”, the historical centre of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A veritable labyrinth of narrow streets lined with houses made from coral stone, it is home to sumptuous buildings in a multitude of architectural styles, the result of the blending of African, European and Indian cultures.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 MUTSAMUDU, ANJOUAN
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Day 4 - Day 4 MAMOUDZOU
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Day 5 - Day 5 MAJUNGA
A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call will provide you with the opportunity to discover Anakarafantsika National Park, home to many endemic animal and plant species, or the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
Day 6 - Day 6 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7 - Day 7 MORONDAVA
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Day 8 - Days 8 - 9 AT SEA
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Day 9 - Day 10 RICHARDS BAY
A simple fishing village in the past, Richards Bay is now South Africa’s second port. Despite the significant development of industrial activity, particularly in terms of mineral extraction, Richards Bay is one of the country’s cleanest and most environmentally responsible towns. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the town is a haunt for water sport enthusiasts. In the heart of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, nature lovers will be able to observe the wild fauna, made up of crocodiles, hippos and different bird species, as well as rich subtropical flora. Richards Bay is the departure point for many excursions heading off to discover Zulu country.
Day 10 - Day 11 DURBAN
As your vessel cruises along the coast of Durban, from the exterior decks you will be able to admire the long beaches washed by waves from the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers that overlook the jacaranda-lined avenues. Not far from there, you will be captivated by the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the ancestral land of the Zulu people. The undulating, soft green hills are home to a multitude of small villages with traditional round huts. In the heart of the Phezulu Safari Park, the beliefs and rituals of the fascinating Zulu culture will be revealed to you and you will be treated to a show that pulsates to the beat of Zulu drums.
Day 11 - Day 12 AT SEA
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Day 12 - Day 13 PORT ELIZABETH
Discover Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s major cities. Located in the province of Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed “The Friendly City”, in reference to the hospitality of its inhabitants. Renowned for the beauty of its beaches, Port Elizabeth is also home to rich wild life, particularly in the Addo National Park, famous for its elephants. Another key site in the city, the Donkin reserve is a public space home to numerous historic monuments. Port Elizabeth also reflects an important aspect of South African history, through both its colonial heritage and its contemporary history marked by the end of apartheid.
Day 13 - Day 14 AT SEA
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Day 14 - Day 15 CAPE TOWN
Dynamic and peaceful, cosmopolitan and hip, Cape Town offers its visitors a most unique mix. Here, the locals like to say that their city is “the quintessential melting pot of South Africa”. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful bays in the world and dominated by the famous Table Mountain, it is graced with extraordinary landscapes including sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean and vast whitesand beaches. We invite you to discover this incredible city, the South African capital of fashion, the art of living, and gastronomy. Further on, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve awaits you and is home to a wide variety of endemic fauna and flora.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $10,740DELUXE STATEROOM
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $11,450PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 4
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $11,820PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 5
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $12,210PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $16,880DELUXE SUITE
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $18,290PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $18,870PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $19,470PRIVILEGE SUITE
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $20,100GRAND DELUXE SUITE
12-04-202126-04-2021AUD $20,720OWNER'S SUITE

Inclusions

    • Discover the natural and historical treasures of Zanzibar, the Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar and South Africa.
    • UNESCO World Heritage sites: Zanzibar’s Stone Town, iSimangaliso Wetland Park from Richards Bay, home to hippos and Nile crocodiles, the Cape of Good Hope and its cliffs plunging sharply into the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, where the Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela was held prisoner.
    • Wildlife: a great variety of lemurs in Madagascar, the Comoros and Mayotte, the chance to see the emblematic species of the African continent during a safari in a reserve.
    • Phezulu Safari Park and the history of the traditional Zulu tribes.
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

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