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Adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago

Adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago

From AUD $8,460

Description

Unspoiled nature, encounters with populations respecting their ancestral traditions, observation of exceptional biodiversity: this is the programme that we are proposing during an all-new 8-day circuit in the Bissagos Islands. You can experience this exceptional cruise, tinged with adventure, aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville.

The Bissagos archipelago, located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is one of the most preserved and protected on the planet. Classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is made up of 88 islands, most of which are uninhabited. Nestling in the heart of an environment which often remains untouched by humans, they offer the rare visitors who explore them the opportunity for a unique and authentic experience.

During your Zodiac® excursions, you will get as close as possible to nature, between pale-sand beaches, mangrove stretching as far as the eye can see, savannah, palm trees and baobabs. Birds of prey, pelicans, monkeys, sea turtles, crocodiles, saltwater hippos and all kinds of snakes are at home here.

During your trip, you will also meet the Bidyogo people, particularly on the islands of Caravela, Carache and Orango. This will be an opportunity to discover their way of life, which has not changed for thousands of years. Theirs is a matriarchal society centred on the sacred.

Trip Name
Adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 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 first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Dumont d'Urville 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. Through its two restaurants, Le Dumont d'Urville will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. 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. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Dumont d'Urville 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 DAKAR
On the tip of the African continent, the buzzing capital of Senegal stretches along the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. You may be overwhelmed by its sheer size, but Dakar will win you over with its richly diverse districts, appealing cultural scene and rich natural surroundings. In the historic centre, you'll enjoy the pell-mell of colours and tasty delights in Kermel market. A visit to the island of Gorée is deeply moving; for several hundred years this island was the largest slave trading centre on the African coast. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for pristine, unspoilt nature, the wildlife in the heart of Madeleine Islands' national park will not disappoint.
Day 2 - Day 2 MAIO ISLAND, BIJAGOS
Some 20 kilometres off the coast of west Africa, the Bissau-Guinean archipelago of Bissagos is famous for its abundant biodiversity. The richness of its marine animal and plant life afforded it the status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Of the 88 islets and islands in the archipelago, only 23 are inhabited. At Maio, still called Chediã, you can meet the Bissagos people and get to know their ancestral ways and customs. In this region, cut off from the rest of the world and secluded from Western influences, youメll discover how locals really live.
Day 3 - Day 3 CARAVELA ISLAND, BIJAGOS
Off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau, the Bissagos archipelago rolls out its 88 islands and islets of black rock and white sand in the heart of the Atlantic. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996, this string of islets has exceptionally rich land and sea fauna. In the heart of luxuriant nature, you'll enjoy Caravela Island's wild charm and its Bijago inhabitants, fascinating men and women who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.
Day 4 - Day 4 CARACHE ISLAND, BIJAGOS
Off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau, the Bissagos archipelago rolls out its 88 islands and islets of black rock and white sand in the heart of the Atlantic. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996, this string of islets has exceptionally rich land and sea fauna. In the heart of luxuriant nature, you'll meet the Bijago inhabitants, fascinating men and women who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.
Day 5 - Days 5 & 6 ORANGO ISLAND, BIJAGOS
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Day 6 - Day 7 CARACHE ISLAND, BIJAGOS
Off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau, the Bissagos archipelago rolls out its 88 islands and islets of black rock and white sand in the heart of the Atlantic. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996, this string of islets has exceptionally rich land and sea fauna. In the heart of luxuriant nature, you'll meet the Bijago inhabitants, fascinating men and women who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.
Day 7 - Day 8 CARAVELA ISLAND, BIJAGOS
Off the west African coast of Guinea-Bissau, the Bissagos archipelago rolls out its 88 islands and islets of black rock and white sand in the heart of the Atlantic. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1996, this string of islets has exceptionally rich land and sea fauna. In the heart of luxuriant nature, you'll enjoy Caravela Island's wild charm and its Bijago inhabitants, fascinating men and women who have adapted to and melted in with their natural environment.
Day 8 - Day 9 DAKAR
Disembarkation.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $8,460Deluxe Stateroom
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $25,320Grand Deluxe Suite
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $26,610Owner's Suite
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $9,560Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $10,060Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $10,600Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $15,100Deluxe Suite
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $20,770Prestige Suite Deck 5
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $21,840Prestige Suite Deck 6
10-04-202018-04-2020AUD $22,950Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • The discovery of preserved islands with exceptional biodiversity, in an area classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
    • The diversity of the fauna: saltwater hippos, crocodiles, sea turtle, rays, sawfish, otters, manatees, dolphins, birds of prey, pelicans, large wading birds, snakes, gazelles, monkeys.
    • Visit of traditional villages and encounters with the Bidyogo people who have ancestral traditions.
    • The mangrove swamp, covering more than a third of the emerged part of the archipelago.
    • The possibility of visiting Dakar, in Senegal, and Gorée Island, a major site in the history of slavery.

Map