Marvels of Madagascar
Discover the eighth continent aboard the MS Caledonian Sky
- 30 September 2020
The term ‘unique’ is often an 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 the island in some depth, doing so by small ship, especially one as well-suited as the MS Caledonian Sky is far preferable to exploring by any other means. With the vessel’s fleet of Zodiacs for forays ashore, allowing access to the wonderful places denied to larger ships and, accompanied by our onboard experts you can learn and enjoy encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely rich and timeless corner of the Indian Ocean.
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the region abounds with strange and wonderful plants and trees, countless varieties of birds and abundant wildlife including the iconic lemur. The long separation from the African mainland has given rise to its amazing number of endemic species of flora and fauna and its people are also unique having descended from Malay- Polynesian mariners who sailed from South East Asia between 1500 to 2000 years ago. Later arrivals included slaves from Africa, traders from Arabia, India and Portugal and more latterly French colonials. Our experienced expedition team will provide commentary on all that we see and will reveal the wonders of the world’s ‘eighth continent’.
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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Our View
"We are delighted to have been able to plan this in-depth exploration of Madagascar into our schedule for the MS Caledonian Sky. Madagascar is special in the diversity of flora and fauna and the amount of endemic species that call it home. During our expedition we are able to visit a number of national parks where we hope to spot rare lemurs, unique baobabs, endemic birdlife and explore the underwater world on snorkelling trips. The great advantage we offer is after a day exploring on untarred roads with basic transportation we return to the comfort of the MS Caledonian Sky to recharge before the next adventure. Our expert onboard team will add immeasurably to our experience as we explore this wonderful island.”
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What to Expect
During an expedition, each day holds something new and below are some extracts from the logs of some of our most recent expeditions in Madagascar which will provide you with an idea of what to expect if you choose to join this Madagascan adventure.
Sunday 24th January, 2016. Mahajanga & Ankarantsafika National Park, Madagascar:
No such thing as a Sunday lie-in this morning as we were up bright and bushytailed in readiness for an exciting day. The sea was a millpond. Large fleets of prawn trawlers lined the quay side, while traditional ‘dhows’ passed us on their way out to sea. Women in traditional dress greeted us on the slipway and our transport waited at the end of a strip of market stall selling local crafts. The convoy of minibuses departed Mahajanga driving through the busy streets before heading out in the countryside. Savannah like landscape could be seen for miles on either side of the tarmac road. The savannah gave way to large swathes of rice paddies. Local rice farmers were seen harvesting the rice, children waved from the road side, as we passed through beautiful villages. We arrived at the Ankarantsafika National Park, a mere two hours after leaving the dock. Immediately after arriving, we saw a troop of brown lemur and the gorgeous Coquerel’s sifaka expertly negotiating their way through the canopy. Already we could see this was a special place and we hadn’t even left the car park! We were on the lookout for creatures great and small, and we found them. Our guides took us on prepared trails through the dry forest, spotting a variety of bird species, reptiles, and of course, lemur. Highlights included an eye-height view of a paradise fly-catcher incubating on a nest; a female Milne-Edwards sportive lemur with her juvenile resting on a tree trunk, iguanas basking in a variety of different body positions in spots of sunlight and, the fantastic spot of the Madagascan fish eagle. Combined we saw 51 different species of bird and reptile, and five species of lemur. What an incredible day! Lunch was a tasty BBQ and local snacks, accompanied by much required cool drinks. Even lunch didn’t distract from the wildlife viewing as there was a group of sifaka, could be seen clearly from the table, sleeping through the heat of the day. Post-lunch was flexible and some of us couldn’t resist another opportunity to walk around the forest, while others were lucky to be shown the Durrell conservation project.
Tuesday 26th January, 2016. Morondava, Madagascar:
Driving through the busy town of Morondava took some time as we negotiated our way among the many zebu-carts, bicycles, rickshaws, and street vendors. The market seemed to sell everything and anything one could want. Fruit, vegetables, meats, clothes, and all manner of colourful household utensils were on display. The tarmac gave way to dirt roads and we bumped our way through rice paddies for a short while before the silhouettes of the grand baobab trees started to appear in the distance. Our first stop was at ‘the Twins’ baobab, two baobabs growing up from the same base root system. It provided a good photo opportunity with the large tree but also of the surrounding open landscape. A mere 10 minutes later we arrived on the Avenue de Baobabs in all its majesty. The dusty dirt road lined with towering Adansonia grandidieri. The world famous vista is far more impressive in person. We wondered among the giants freely. It was a serene scene. The sun was beating down so we retreated under the shade of a raintree where our guide explained the uses of the baobab fruit with its velvet like husk and white ‘meringue’ flesh. It was also an opportunity to find out about the baobab replanting project on the site run by Fanamby. We were each given the privilege to plant a baobab seeding to help strengthen the population of these famous trees. Great to get one’s hands dirty and covered in Madagascan soil.
Caledonian Sky
The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Mauritius.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Mauritius.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel 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, our island tour will include the Trouaux- Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin Lake and Black River Gorges before we transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky 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. 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 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 Caledonian Sky for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Day 5 - At Sea.
Spend the day at sea. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge, enjoy a book in the library or spend time on deck 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. Over lunch we sail the short distance to La Crique and Natiora. Here we will use the Zodiacs to land on the beach 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.
Over breakfast we arrive at Nosy Mangabe, a 520 hectare island reserve in Antongil Bay. Here we find 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 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 also hope to spot chameleon, lizards and black and white ruffed lemur. For the birders, we will keep an eye out for the Madagascar buzzard, kingfisher and paradise flycatchers. We remain in Antongil Bay overnight to visit Madagascar’s largest protected area, the Masoala National Park which comprises coastal rainforest, flooded forests and 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, Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. We will run a series of walks for all levels during our time here whilst you will also have the option to swim off the beach or perhaps visit the local village.
Day 9 - Diego Suarez.
After a morning at sea 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.
Day 10 - Nosy Hara.
Sail overnight over the northern tip of Madagascar where strangely shaped limestone islets dot the aquamarine-coloured sea. The expedition team will decide on the most suitable island for landing, such as Nosy Hara, with its abundant birdlife and a great place to swim off the beach. We will explore the island on foot, walking through dense woodland and observing the unusual vegetation. Alternatively join a Zodiac cruise around the islands and a chance to snorkel over the coral.
Day 11 - Nosy Tanikely.
We arrive this morning at the Nosy Tanikely Island Marine Reserve, an uninhabited island which offers snorkelling opportunities and wonderful beaches. We will take the chance to either swim in the clear waters or snorkel over the corals keeping an eye out for reef fish, turtles and morays. Alternatively our naturalists will lead guided walks on the island where we may see the resident lemurs, fruit bats and hermit crabs and enjoy fantastic views from the lighthouse on the island’s highest point. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 12 - Mahajanga.
Mahajanga is a major port in northwest Madagascar situated on the Betsiboka River and is our base for a full day excursion to Ankarafantsika National Park. This deciduous forest is a haven for birds, lemurs and reptiles and on a choice of walks, we will explore with our guides. Eight species of lemur have been observed here including the famous Microcebus, the smallest primate in the world. Meanwhile over 120 species of birds nest here and we will keep an eye out for the Madagascan fish eagle and banded kestrel whilst the 44 species of reptile include chameleon, turtles and crocodiles that live in Lake Ravelobe. We will enjoy lunch in the park and in the afternoon there will be options to join further walks, watch for birdlife at the nearby lake or we have requested permission to visit the Durrell breeding programme which was established at Ampijora and is dedicated to protecting the ploughshare tortoise, one of the most threatened breeds in the world.
Day 13 - At Sea.
Our lecture programme continues as we continue our journey around the Madagascan coast.
Day 14 - Morondava.
From our anchorage off the town of Morondava, 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. A half day morning tour will visit the Avenue de Baobabs. Of the eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar and here we will see the Adansonia grandidieri species with a row of 20 to 25 trees which border the gravel road. We will learn about the trees and their spiritual significance before returning to Morondava and exploring the local market. Alternatively, join a full day excursion to Kirindy Forest. Situated approximately a two hour drive from Morondava, we will pass the Avenue de 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 15 - Tulear.
Our last call in Madagascar will be Tulear on the southwest coast. Arriving at lunchtime we have a choice of activities this afternoon. Maybe drive to the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the south west 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 south eastern 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.
Day 16 - Tulear to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Johannesburg. Connect here with our scheduled onward flight to London. Alternatively for further wildlife experiences join our extension to the Kruger National Park.
Day 17 - London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy30 September to 16 October 2020 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Castle Deck Standard Suite | £9495 | |
Caledonian Deck Superior Suite | £9795 | |
Promenade Deck Premium Suite | £9995 | |
Bridge Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £10995 | |
Promenade Deck Premium Balcony Suite | £11295 | |
Promenade Deck Owner's Corner Suite | £12495 | |
Castle Deck Standard for sole use | £11495 | |
Caledonian Deck Superior for sole use | £11795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCCS300920
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Mauritius on a half board basis • 13 nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, visa.
Caledonian Sky
The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.
Video Library
Our View
"We are delighted to have been able to plan this in-depth exploration of Madagascar into our schedule for the MS Caledonian Sky. Madagascar is special in the diversity of flora and fauna and the amount of endemic species that call it home. During our expedition we are able to visit a number of national parks where we hope to spot rare lemurs, unique baobabs, endemic birdlife and explore the underwater world on snorkelling trips. The great advantage we offer is after a day exploring on untarred roads with basic transportation we return to the comfort of the MS Caledonian Sky to recharge before the next adventure. Our expert onboard team will add immeasurably to our experience as we explore this wonderful island.”
What to Expect
During an expedition, each day holds something new and below are some extracts from the logs of some of our most recent expeditions in Madagascar which will provide you with an idea of what to expect if you choose to join this Madagascan adventure.
Sunday 24th January, 2016. Mahajanga & Ankarantsafika National Park, Madagascar:
No such thing as a Sunday lie-in this morning as we were up bright and bushytailed in readiness for an exciting day. The sea was a millpond. Large fleets of prawn trawlers lined the quay side, while traditional ‘dhows’ passed us on their way out to sea. Women in traditional dress greeted us on the slipway and our transport waited at the end of a strip of market stall selling local crafts. The convoy of minibuses departed Mahajanga driving through the busy streets before heading out in the countryside. Savannah like landscape could be seen for miles on either side of the tarmac road. The savannah gave way to large swathes of rice paddies. Local rice farmers were seen harvesting the rice, children waved from the road side, as we passed through beautiful villages. We arrived at the Ankarantsafika National Park, a mere two hours after leaving the dock. Immediately after arriving, we saw a troop of brown lemur and the gorgeous Coquerel’s sifaka expertly negotiating their way through the canopy. Already we could see this was a special place and we hadn’t even left the car park! We were on the lookout for creatures great and small, and we found them. Our guides took us on prepared trails through the dry forest, spotting a variety of bird species, reptiles, and of course, lemur. Highlights included an eye-height view of a paradise fly-catcher incubating on a nest; a female Milne-Edwards sportive lemur with her juvenile resting on a tree trunk, iguanas basking in a variety of different body positions in spots of sunlight and, the fantastic spot of the Madagascan fish eagle. Combined we saw 51 different species of bird and reptile, and five species of lemur. What an incredible day! Lunch was a tasty BBQ and local snacks, accompanied by much required cool drinks. Even lunch didn’t distract from the wildlife viewing as there was a group of sifaka, could be seen clearly from the table, sleeping through the heat of the day. Post-lunch was flexible and some of us couldn’t resist another opportunity to walk around the forest, while others were lucky to be shown the Durrell conservation project.
Tuesday 26th January, 2016. Morondava, Madagascar:
Driving through the busy town of Morondava took some time as we negotiated our way among the many zebu-carts, bicycles, rickshaws, and street vendors. The market seemed to sell everything and anything one could want. Fruit, vegetables, meats, clothes, and all manner of colourful household utensils were on display. The tarmac gave way to dirt roads and we bumped our way through rice paddies for a short while before the silhouettes of the grand baobab trees started to appear in the distance. Our first stop was at ‘the Twins’ baobab, two baobabs growing up from the same base root system. It provided a good photo opportunity with the large tree but also of the surrounding open landscape. A mere 10 minutes later we arrived on the Avenue de Baobabs in all its majesty. The dusty dirt road lined with towering Adansonia grandidieri. The world famous vista is far more impressive in person. We wondered among the giants freely. It was a serene scene. The sun was beating down so we retreated under the shade of a raintree where our guide explained the uses of the baobab fruit with its velvet like husk and white ‘meringue’ flesh. It was also an opportunity to find out about the baobab replanting project on the site run by Fanamby. We were each given the privilege to plant a baobab seeding to help strengthen the population of these famous trees. Great to get one’s hands dirty and covered in Madagascan soil.
Tour Extensions
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Before embarking the MS Caledonian Sky we are offering the opportunity to spend two nights in Mauritius at a luxury resort (Westin or similar) located on the protected northwest coast of Mauritius.
Mauritius
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Mauritius. Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Mauritius. Arrive today and transfer to our resort for a two night stay.
Day 3 Mauritius. A full day to relax at the hotel.
Day 4 Mauritius. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and continue with the same programme as per Day 3 of the main itinerary.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
29 September to 2 October 2020 Category Price Twin £695 Single £845 PRICE INCLUDES: Two nights hotel accommodation on half board basis • Transfers • Gratuities • Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please note that the hotel used will be different to the one included on Day 2 of the main cruise itinerary.
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After your expedition around Madagascar, we are offering the opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Kruger National Park.
Lion, Kruger National Park
The Itinerary
Day 1 Tulear to Johannesburg, South Africa. Arrive from our chartered flight from Madagascar as per Day 16 on the main cruise itinerary. We will overnight at a Johannesburg hotel. Meet tonight for dinner.
Day 2 Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. After breakfast in the hotel we return to the airport for our scheduled flight to Kruger Airport. Upon arrival transfer to the Lukimbi Safari Lodge (or similar) where we enjoy lunch before embarking on our first game drive. Return to the lodge for a traditional Boma dinner this evening.
Day 3 Kruger National Park. Enjoy an early morning game drive and after breakfast at the lodge, embark on an optional morning bush walk, followed by free time and a leisurely lunch. Later this afternoon there is the option of another game drive before dinner.
Day 4 Kruger to London. After another dawn game drive we will enjoy breakfast and check out of the lodge before driving to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for our short flight to Johannesburg. Connect here with our onward scheduled flight to London.
Day 5 London. Arrive this morning.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
15 to 19 October 2020 Category Price Twin £2395 Single £2795 PRICE INCLUDES: Overnight hotel accommodation in Johannesburg on a bed and breakfast basis • Dinner on day 1 • Scheduled air travel between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park • Two nights accommodation at the Lukimbi Safari Lodge (or similar) on a full board basis • Game drives • Transfers • Gratuities • Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Christmas & New Year in the Indian Ocean
Celebrate the festive season surrounded by the warmth & beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Zanzibar
- Kilwa Kisiwani
- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
- Farquhar Islands
- Diego Suarez, Madagascar
- Masoala National Park / Nosy Mangabe
- Reunion
- Mauritius
Wonders of Madagascar
An exploration of the natural wonders of Madagascar aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Mauritius
- Reunion
- Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar
- Nosy Mangabe / Masoala National Park
- Diego Suarez
- Nosy Hara
- Nosy Tanikely
- Mahajanga
- Morondava
- Tulear
Indian Ocean Island Odyssey
Discover the beauty of Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Tanzania aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Mauritius
- Reunion
- Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar
- Nosy Mangabe / Masoala National Park
- Diego Suarez
- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
- Zanzibar
- Dar es Salaam
Seychelles Odyssey
An Island Hopping Expedition in the Indian Ocean aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Zanzibar
- Kilwa Kisiwani
- Aldabra Islands, Seychelles
- Farquhar Islands
- Alphonse Islands
- Amirante Islands
- Aride / Curieuse
- Praslin / La Digue
- Mahe
Madagascar & Beyond
Discover the wonders of Aldabra & Madagascar aboard the MS Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Caledonian Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Mahe /Praslin /Grande Soeur /Alphone Islands / Aldabra / Diego Suarez /Nosy Hara / Nosy Tanikely / Mahajanga / Morondava / Tulear / Portuguese Island / Maputo
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000