Indian Ocean Island Odyssey
Discover the beauty of Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Tanzania aboard the MS Serenissima
- 28 January 2020
Join us aboard the MS Serenissima for this unique island hopping expedition through the Indian Ocean which will appeal to those who enjoy the natural world and all its wonders, travelling on small ships and staying clear of the well-beaten tourist tracks. The delightful MS Serenissima with her fleet of Zodiac landing craft is the perfect vessel for such an enterprise. With just 95 guests she is a far cry from the latest breed of cruise ships and can visit small islands and backwaters that are denied to larger vessels. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by the expert crew and officers, who along with our expedition team of marine biologists, ornithologists and botanists have many years of experience in the Indian Ocean and will provide commentary on all we see.
Setting sail from Mauritius we will land on its nearest neighbour, Reunion, a little bit of France in the Indian Ocean and a truly stunning place. We will spend the day exploring its truly awesome and dramatic landscape before continuing to Madagascar where we will have four days to explore the incredible verdant and beautiful island and its unique flora and fauna.
Continuing to the Seychelles, for many the highlight of the voyage will be our time spent exploring the Aldabra Islands, the breeding ground of the giant tortoise and in addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures we should also encounter dolphins and turtles as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. To explore the abundant crystal clear waters of the vast lagoon and to set foot on atolls which have never been exploited by the hand of man is a rare experience.
This itinerary is a veritable feast of beauty and the natural world. You will witness the bounty of the islands, the wildlife from the lemurs of Madagascar to the giant tortoises of Aldabra, an amazingly prolific birdlife and a mesmerising underwater life.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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What To Expect…
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 are some extracts from the ship’s log from last season which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Cosmoledo: At first light the scout boat set out to the west to search for potential snorkel sites. Within minutes we had spinner dolphins bow riding. The ‘Special Booby Squad’ set off first with Guy to the far western end of Ile du Sud. Here, in a sheltered bay they could step ashore at the best Masked booby colony in the Seychelles: birds everywhere, and these immaculate black and white birds swooping low overhead or sitting tight on the ground on two pure white eggs. Brown boobies were also present, which means we have seen all three species of the Indian Ocean boobies, and, even more remarkably, at their breeding colonies. The rest of us set off into the main passage, landing on a mile-long coral sand beach on the inner shore of Wizard Island. Perfect turquoise waters in which to swim, the sun rising in a perfectly clear sky, and to add that little touch of genius, a Zodiac came shore with kitchen crew, their striped parasol and a cold box containing three different flavours of ice cream! Some walked the length of the beach, others fell asleep in the shade of beach crest bushes, the energetic castaways explored inland and found two new birds: the Madagascar cisticola and Abbott’s sunbird, the latter gorging on nectar in the high heads of flowering sisal bushes. A view from the high dunes showed turtles mating at sea and numerous turtle nest mounds on the outer shore. The colours of the lagoon, as seen from the beach were an unforgettable series of intense pastel hues. Then a clean horizontal band of the creamy coral strand, and below this, pure turquoise water over the sand bar before us.
Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula which is covered in primary rainforest and is the Masoala National Park. Our destination Nosy Mangabe is a small island in the national park. We disembarked the long and ‘birder’ walks first followed by the medium and short walks on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest. Once ashore, and changed into walking shoes, we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. We were on the lookout for creatures big and small, and we found them. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops. The inquisitive white-fronted brown lemurs came and had a good look at us. Frogs were everywhere. There were the green-backed mantellas, quite brash in their black and green colours, tiny nondescript frogs laying their single egg in the stumps of bamboo. There were several leaf-tailed geckos. So well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. We needn’t have walked far from the landing stage at all. As we were starting to leave the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland, there were huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite to be seen. The afternoon offered us an opportunity land at the camp for a second time for an exploratory walk or a long Zodiac cruise down the peninsula. Both options were rewarded with excellent sightings of lemurs, chameleons and a variety of bird species. We were all back on board for a quick recap followed by dinner. Those who chose to dine outside were rewarded with a lovely sunset and the noises of the rainforest as we relocated to the Masoala Peninsula that evening.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Mauritius.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 - Mauritius.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Tamassa Resort, or similar, for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities before we meet for dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 3 - Mauritius.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and a morning at leisure. After checking out we will take an island tour including the Trou-aux- Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake and Black River Gorges before transferring to the MS Serenissima in the late afternoon. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail tonight.
Day 4 - Reunion.
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 dormant or extinct volcanoes cradle huge amphitheatres known as cirques, where mountains tower to over 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls plummet hundreds of feet. 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 Bouefs and see the Piton de la Fournaise crater. After enjoying a creole lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the “Cite du Volcan” museum. Alternatively enjoy a morning tour to a vanilla plantation in St Andre where we learn about the history and culture of this integral part of Reunion’s heritage. We will also enjoy some free time in St Denis before returning to the MS Serenissima for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 5 - At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cross to Madagascar.
Day 6 - Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar.
Our first call in Madagascar is at Ile Sainte Marie, also known as Nosy Bohara, a lush tropical island offering sandy beaches, coral reefs and natural beauty. This morning we will explore the capital of Ambodifotatra including the oldest church in Madagascar built in 1837 and the vibrant market. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to search for beach landings from where our naturalists will lead some walks into the gardens and small forest. Alternatively enjoy the chance for a swim or snorkel off the beach.
Days 7 & 8 - Nosy Mangabe & Masoala National Park.
Spend a day and a half in Antongil Bay where we find Madagascar’s largest protected area, the Masoala National Park, which comprises of coastal rainforest, flooded forests, marsh and mangroves. Mammal species encountered include the red-ruffed lemur, the red-fronted brown lemur and the ring -tailed mongoose. The park is also home to various species of brightly coloured Mantella frogs and all manner of extraordinary chameleons. Masoala is also a refuge of the endangered Madagascar red-owl and Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. We will run a series of walks for all levels during the day whilst you also have the option to swim off the beach or perhaps visit the local village. Also visit Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rain forest in Madagascar which has also been an important research centre since the mid-1960s when several aye-ayes and 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 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.
Day 9 - Diego Suarez.
Over lunch we will enter dramatic Diego Suarez, a stunning natural harbour with a cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, Comorans and Arabs. This afternoon choose from a city tour visiting the Commonwealth Cemetery and Place Joffre, or the Malagasy Rain Forest at the Mount Amber National Park. Dividing into short and long walk parties we will go in search of lemurs and chameleons as we explore the rain forest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot several species of lemurs and chameleons as well as endemic birds, including parrots.
Days 10 to 13 - Aldabra Islands, Seychelles.
After a morning at sea we arrive into the Aldabra group of islands and have three days to explore. Our itinerary will be in the hands of our Expedition Leader and Captain who will monitor the local conditions to ensure we maximise our time here. Whilst our itinerary is flexible we will hope to call at the island of Assumption which was ruthlessly plundered for its vast deposits of guano in the early 20th century. Happily, peace has returned, and the wildlife of rare birds and green turtles are once again in abundance. Our time here will be spent beachcombing, on a nature walk or snorkelling. We also hope to reach Cosmoledo where a huge ring of twelve islands circle a lagoon. Many of the atolls are still to be surveyed and we will explore some of them by Zodiac. This is an important bird area with all three species of booby found in the Seychelles including the last breeding site for the brown booby. Also spot sooty terns and great frigate birds. We will also spend time on Aldabra, the island referred to by Sir Julian Huxley as “One of nature’s treasures and should belong to the whole world”. Aldabra is unique and every time we call at what is believed to be the world’s largest atoll we find something new of interest. Sightings have been made of the extremely rare white throated rail and the atoll is also home to the world’s second largest colony of frigate birds and to the largest crab, the coconut crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it is difficult to know in which direction to look. The clear blue seas abound with life, the skies are alive with varied birdlife and ashore giant land tortoises forage as they have done for millions of years. We hope to explore Picard Island with a short walk to see some of the tortoises and numerous robber crabsand see the lagoon, a vast 17 mile stretch of shallow clear water. From our Zodiacs we can watch the ever-changing undersea world and snorkel in colourful coral waters.
Day 14 - At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea.
Day 15 - Zanzibar.
Here the colourful harbour will be crowded with dhows, very much setting the scene for our visit to the Arab style city with its long narrow streets, bazaars, houses with overhanging balconies and intricately carved doorways. On a morning tour, soak up the timeless atmosphere of Stone Town including Livingstone House, Sultan’s Palace, the slave market and the Old Fort. The afternoon is free to relax and explore independently or join a tour to a spice farm to experience the various fruits and spices cultivated on the island. Alternatively, join a tour to the Jozani Forest which sustains a variety of wildlife and birds, including the rare Red Colobus Monkey, indigenous to the island.
Day 16 - Dar es Salaam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 17 - London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy28 January to 13 February 2020 | ||
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Category | Price | |
2 Standard Stateroom | £7895 | |
3 Classic Stateroom | £8095 | |
4 Superior Stateroom | £8295 | |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £8595 | |
6 Junior Suite | £8695 | |
7 Owner’s Suite | £9495 | |
8 Serenissima Suite | £9995 | |
10 Standard Single | £7895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE280120
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Mauritius on a half board basis • 13 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Video Library
What To Expect…
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 are some extracts from the ship’s log from last season which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Cosmoledo: At first light the scout boat set out to the west to search for potential snorkel sites. Within minutes we had spinner dolphins bow riding. The ‘Special Booby Squad’ set off first with Guy to the far western end of Ile du Sud. Here, in a sheltered bay they could step ashore at the best Masked booby colony in the Seychelles: birds everywhere, and these immaculate black and white birds swooping low overhead or sitting tight on the ground on two pure white eggs. Brown boobies were also present, which means we have seen all three species of the Indian Ocean boobies, and, even more remarkably, at their breeding colonies. The rest of us set off into the main passage, landing on a mile-long coral sand beach on the inner shore of Wizard Island. Perfect turquoise waters in which to swim, the sun rising in a perfectly clear sky, and to add that little touch of genius, a Zodiac came shore with kitchen crew, their striped parasol and a cold box containing three different flavours of ice cream! Some walked the length of the beach, others fell asleep in the shade of beach crest bushes, the energetic castaways explored inland and found two new birds: the Madagascar cisticola and Abbott’s sunbird, the latter gorging on nectar in the high heads of flowering sisal bushes. A view from the high dunes showed turtles mating at sea and numerous turtle nest mounds on the outer shore. The colours of the lagoon, as seen from the beach were an unforgettable series of intense pastel hues. Then a clean horizontal band of the creamy coral strand, and below this, pure turquoise water over the sand bar before us.
Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula which is covered in primary rainforest and is the Masoala National Park. Our destination Nosy Mangabe is a small island in the national park. We disembarked the long and ‘birder’ walks first followed by the medium and short walks on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest. Once ashore, and changed into walking shoes, we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. We were on the lookout for creatures big and small, and we found them. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops. The inquisitive white-fronted brown lemurs came and had a good look at us. Frogs were everywhere. There were the green-backed mantellas, quite brash in their black and green colours, tiny nondescript frogs laying their single egg in the stumps of bamboo. There were several leaf-tailed geckos. So well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. We needn’t have walked far from the landing stage at all. As we were starting to leave the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland, there were huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite to be seen. The afternoon offered us an opportunity land at the camp for a second time for an exploratory walk or a long Zodiac cruise down the peninsula. Both options were rewarded with excellent sightings of lemurs, chameleons and a variety of bird species. We were all back on board for a quick recap followed by dinner. Those who chose to dine outside were rewarded with a lovely sunset and the noises of the rainforest as we relocated to the Masoala Peninsula that evening.

Tour Extensions
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Before returning home, we are offering an extension to the Selous Game Reserve which is home to over 1,000,000 large animals and over half of Tanzania’s elephant population. However, one of the major attractions must be the mighty Rufiji river, home to one of the largest crocodile and hippo populations in Africa, swarming with fish which in turn bring about some of the world’s best water birding. The river has also formed several large lakes on its northern bank, navigable by boat, Siwandu Camp is situated on one of these lakes. All safari tents at the camp are widely spaced along the lake shore ensuring maximum privacy and wonderful views. Each tent sits atop its own raised timber platform with two large verandas. The spacious tents are luxuriously appointed, with en-suite bathrooms and open air hot-water showers. The camp has its own swimming pool, enabling guests to cool off in the heat of the day. The dining area and bar areas are raised on viewing platforms, with large comfortable sofas and a wildlife reference library.
Elephants
The Itinerary
Day 1 Dar es Salaam to Selous. After breakfast we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our 45-minute scheduled flight to Mtemere Airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve. On arrival transfer to the Siwandu Camp and this afternoon enjoy your first game experience with a boat safari looking for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.
Days 2 & 3 Siwandu Camp, Selous Game Reserve. Enjoy two full days in the Reserve with included game drives each day. Maybe enjoy a full day game viewing with a picnic lunch or a half day walking safari through the bush with a ranger. Alternatively join another boat safari or simply relax in your tent.
Day 4 Selous Game Reserve to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and a final safari option before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam where we connect with our onward scheduled flight to London.
Day 5 London. Arrive this morning.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
12 to 16 February 2020 Category Price Twin £3295 Single £4195 Price Includes: Three nights accommodation at the Siwandu Camp on a full board basis, game drives, internal flights between Dar es Salaam and Selous Game Reserve, transfers, taxes, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Tanzania visa.
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Itinerary at a glance
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- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000