Marvels of Madagascar
Discover the wildlife & wonders of Madagascar aboard the MS Island Sky
- 24 November 2021
Escape the winter for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and join the MS Island Sky for this unique ten night voyage that focuses exclusively on the wonders of the world’s ‘eighth continent’ - Madagascar. The animals, plants, landscapes and people that make up this thousand mile long island are unlike anywhere else in the world and during our comprehensive itinerary there will be ample opportunity to discover the rainforests which are full of wildlife including the iconic lemur, chameleons and indigenous birdlife as well as seeing the underwater world and village life.
Madagascar has long remained obscure as a destination and is still relatively unexplored, 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. In the company of just 118 fellow guests our days will be spent exploring ashore, often traversing over rugged terrain and walking through spectacular rainforests, 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 the wonderful places denied to larger ships, we will explore and enjoy encounters with fabulous endemic wildlife in this immensely rich and timeless corner of the Indian Ocean. Your experience will be made all the more memorable by our expert crew and officers who, along with our expedition team including marine biologists, ornithologists and botanists have many years of experience in the region.
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.
-
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 previous expeditions which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula and our destination, Nosy Mangabe, is a small island in the national park. We disembarked on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest and once ashore we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops and there were frogs 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 a number of leaf-tailed geckos which were so well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. Near the landing site, the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland we saw some huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite that formed akin to how tors formed in the UK. This afternoon we had the opportunity to land here again for an afternoon exploratory walk or to enjoy a long Zodiac cruise along the peninsula.
Nosy Tanikley: Instead of using the Zodiacs this morning, local boats ferried us to the shore of Nosy Tanikley, a small island rising steeply from the beautiful palm fringed beach on which we arrived. One highlight was being able to snorkel among the coral reef that was close to shore. The fish diversity of the relatively small reef was impressive; there were colourful butterfly fish, clown fish in the anemones, pipe fish near the surface, even a friendly Hawksbill turtle swam by. The island was equally impressive. Walking up the concrete summit path was well worth it, and we were treated to an acrobatic display by a group of brown lemurs. The panoramic view from the lighthouse was stunning and only bettered by the white-tailed tropic birds flying close-by. Those that walked around the island were treated to seeing rufus and Madagascar flying fox flying but also sleeping in the shade. Hiking certainly worked up an appetite, which was just as well, as lunch was a plethora of local food; crab, zebu kebab, fresh fish, and, fruit. There was just a little time for one more dip, before we hastily departed on the Zodiacs as we were heading out to sea once again.
Mahajanga & Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar: This morning we were up bright eyed and bushytailed in readiness for an exciting day. Women in traditional dress greeted us on the slipway and our transport waited at the end of a strip of market stalls 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. 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!
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Mauritius.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 Mauritius.
Arrive today and transfer to the MS Island Sky moored in Port Louis. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 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 4 Toamasina, Madagascar.
We arrive in Madagascar at Toamasina, the country’s main port and second largest city but also the gateway to the Pangalanes Canals, a series of rivers, waterways and lakes that extend for over 400 miles down the island’s east coast. Used mainly for transportation and fishing, the canals are also home to unspoiled beaches, lagoons and lakes whilst providing access to national parks and private reserves. This morning we will take a local boat cruise through the canal to enjoy the scenery followed by a nature walk in one of the private reserves. Enjoy lunch in the reserve before returning to Toamasina this afternoon. Alternatively visit the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a 282 hectare property combining a small zoo where we will see up to 12 species of lemur as well as indigenous tortoises and chameleons. Meanwhile in the surrounding forests we can see wild lemurs or malachite kingfishers on one of the many walking trails.
Days 5 & 6 Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe.
Spend a day and a half in the Antongil Bay area. We discover Nosy Mangabe, a 520-hectare island reserve and one of the most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar. It 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 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 also explore 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, all manner of extraordinary chameleons and is a refuge of the endangered Madagascar red-owl, Madagascar serpent eagle and many endemic bird species. A series of walks for all levels will be offered and there will also be the option to swim off the beach or perhaps visit the local village.
Day 7 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 Rainforest 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 rainforest. In the towering vegetation, we may spot several species of lemurs and chameleons as well as endemic birds, including parrots.
Day 8 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. Sail in the early afternoon.
Day 9 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 or watch for birdlife at the nearby lake before returning to the MS Island Sky.
Day 10 At Sea.
Spend the day at sea as we continue our journey around Madagascar.
Day 11 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 des 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 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 12 Tulear to London.
Disembark this morning in Tulear and if time permits we will visit the Antsokay Arboretum which is entirely devoted to the conservation of the plants from the south west of Madagascar and 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. We then transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Johannesburg where we connect with our scheduled flight to London.
Day 13 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
24 November to 6 December 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £7495 | £6995 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £7695 | £7195 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £7895 | £7395 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £8095 | £7595 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £9295 | £8795 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £9495 | £8995 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £8995 | £8495 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £9295 | £8795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK241121
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Madagascan visa.
-
Deckplan
-
Balcony Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
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 previous expeditions which will provide you with an idea of what to expect.
Masoala National Park & Nosy Mangabe: This morning we were anchored off the Masoala Peninsula and our destination, Nosy Mangabe, is a small island in the national park. We disembarked on a beautiful golden beach backed by primary rainforest and once ashore we split into our various groups and headed off into the forest in search of wildlife. The lemurs appeared, racing through the treetops and there were frogs 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 a number of leaf-tailed geckos which were so well camouflaged that they were almost impossible to see even at close range. Near the landing site, the lemurs came down to check us out and allowed for some great close up photographs. On walks inland we saw some huge boulders of 3.2 billion year old granodiorite that formed akin to how tors formed in the UK. This afternoon we had the opportunity to land here again for an afternoon exploratory walk or to enjoy a long Zodiac cruise along the peninsula.
Nosy Tanikley: Instead of using the Zodiacs this morning, local boats ferried us to the shore of Nosy Tanikley, a small island rising steeply from the beautiful palm fringed beach on which we arrived. One highlight was being able to snorkel among the coral reef that was close to shore. The fish diversity of the relatively small reef was impressive; there were colourful butterfly fish, clown fish in the anemones, pipe fish near the surface, even a friendly Hawksbill turtle swam by. The island was equally impressive. Walking up the concrete summit path was well worth it, and we were treated to an acrobatic display by a group of brown lemurs. The panoramic view from the lighthouse was stunning and only bettered by the white-tailed tropic birds flying close-by. Those that walked around the island were treated to seeing rufus and Madagascar flying fox flying but also sleeping in the shade. Hiking certainly worked up an appetite, which was just as well, as lunch was a plethora of local food; crab, zebu kebab, fresh fish, and, fruit. There was just a little time for one more dip, before we hastily departed on the Zodiacs as we were heading out to sea once again.
Mahajanga & Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar: This morning we were up bright eyed and bushytailed in readiness for an exciting day. Women in traditional dress greeted us on the slipway and our transport waited at the end of a strip of market stalls 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. 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!

Also of Interest
Islands of the Indian Ocean
A voyage from Mauritius exploring Madagascar, the Seychelles & Tanzania aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Mauritius / Reunion / Toamasina / Nosy Mangabe / Masoala National Park / Diego Suarez / Farqhuar Group / Aldabra / Kilwa Kisiwani / Zanzibar- Dar es Salaam
Passage through the Seychelles
Island Hopping in the beautiful Seychelles aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar - Kilwa Kisiwani / Aldabra / Farquhar / Alphonse / Amirante / Aride / Curieuse / Praslin / Grande Soeur / Mahe
Circumnavigation of Madagascar
Discover the marvels of the ‘eighth continent’ aboard the MS Serenissima with Guest Speaker Daniel Austin
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Mauritius / Taolagnaro / Tulear / Andavadoaka / Nosy Hao / Morondava / Mahajanga / Nosy Tanikely / Nosy Hara / Diego Suarez / Masoala National Park / Nosy Mangabe / Taomasina / Mauritius
Indian Ocean Island Odyssey
An expedition from Mauritius to Mahe including Madagascar aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Mauritius / Reunion Island / Taomasina / Nosy Mangabe / Masoala National Park / Diego Suarez / Aldabra Islands / Amirante Islands / Mahe
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000