REUNION, MADAGASCAR AND SOUTH AFRICA CRUISE ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Embark at Port Louis, Mauritius
Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.
DAY 2 – Pointe Des Galets, Reunion
With its lush rainforests and beaches bordering coral reefs, Pointe des Galets, Réunion will dazzle you with its natural splendor. This island in the Indian Ocean is a French department and is known for Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano that rises to 8,635 ft. When you’re not hiking through the Bélouve Forest or laying back on l’Hermitage beach, you can visit the Aquarium of Réunion or stop by the Jardin de l’Etat, a botanical garden opened in 1773.
DAY 3 – DAY AT SEA
DAY 4 – Antsiranana, Madagascar
A gateway to Northern Madagascar, Antisiranana, once Diego Suarez, is at once a buzzing city and a sleepy one. Most residents nap from noon to 3pm and so normally bustling shops and restaurants are closed for a few hours around this time. But even when shops are shut, there’s plenty of architecture and natural beauty to wander through. Ravaged by several cyclones over the centuries, you’ll find several ruins of once-gorgeous French-style architecture. Outside the city, there are beaches to relax on and forests to explore. Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. See what animals you can spot!
DAY 5 – DAY AT SEA
DAY 6 – DAY AT SEA
DAY 7- DAY AT SEA
DAY 8 – Richards Bay, South Africa
DAY 9 – DAY AT SEA
DAY 10 – Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is one of South Africa’s major municipalities and bears the nickname “The Friendly City.” Relax on beautiful King’s Beach. Spot some big game at the Kragga Kamma Game Park nature reserve. Explore the rich history of South Africa’s Eastern Cape at the Donkin Reserve. Try local dishes like potjiekos, an indigenous stew cooked outdoors in a cast-iron pot.
DAY 11 – Mossel Bay, South Africa
Located along the Southern Cape, Mossel Bay is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Sink your toes into the sands of Santos Beach. Hike up the trail to the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse where the 19th century structure provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the earliest humans at the Point of Human Origins archaeological site. Then explore the more recent cultural heritage at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum.
DAY 12 – Disembark at Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is both the legislative capital of South Africa and one of its most vibrant cities. Make your way to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding city and harbour. Visit Robben Island to see the former site of the notorious former prison that held Nelson Mandela. Explore the manicured lawns and beautiful forest in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Then stop by the V&A Waterfront for some shopping and entertainment.
