PonantEU171226
Madagascar & South Africa
Date
2026-12-17
Duration
11 nights
Departure Port
Durban
South Africa
Arrival Port
Nosy Be
Madagascar
Rating
Luxury
Theme
—
Ponant
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Ponant Explorers
Launched
2019
Refitted
—
Tonnage
9,976 GT
Passengers
184
Cabins
92
Crew
118
Length
430 m
Width
18 m
Speed
13 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Durban
Depart 22:00
Durban is South Africa's subtropical gateway on the Indian Ocean, where Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage converge to create one of the continent's most culturally rich port cities. Visitors should not miss savouring an authentic bunny chow in the Grey Street quarter and exploring the nearby uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains or iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The South African summer — November through March — delivers warm seas ideal for swimming, though the mild winters (June to August) offer comfortable touring temperatures and prime whale-watching along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Day 2
Day 2
Richards Bay
Arrive 12:00Depart 23:59
Richards Bay is a KwaZulu-Natal port city serving as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi's Big Five safari country. Must-dos include diving Sodwana Bay's coral reefs, spotting hippos on Lake St Lucia, and tasting Durban-style bunny chow curry. May through September offers the best game viewing, comfortable temperatures, and clear coastal waters.
Day 4
Day 4
At Sea
Day 5
Day 5
At Sea
Day 6
Day 6
Tuléar
Arrive 06:00Depart 17:00
Tuléar, Madagascar is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Ponant. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is May through October, when cooler dry months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration.
Day 7
Day 7
Morondava
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Morondava on Madagascar's western coast is the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs and Kirindy Forest Reserve, home to lemurs, fossas, and species found nowhere else on Earth. Must-dos include sunset at the baobab avenue and nocturnal wildlife walks. Best visited April through November during the dry season.
Day 8
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Day 9
Mahajanga
Arrive 07:30Depart 19:00
Mahajanga is Madagascar's multicultural northwestern port, where Arab, Indian, and Malagasy traditions blend along a baobab-lined waterfront promenade overlooking the Mozambique Channel. Visitors should explore nearby Ankarafantsika National Park for lemur encounters, taste the city's extraordinary fusion cuisine of sambosas and fresh seafood, and consider an expedition to the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha limestone pinnacles. The dry season from April to October is essential for comfortable exploration.
Day 10
Day 10
Nosy Komba
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Nosy Komba is a volcanic island off northwestern Madagascar famous for its habituated black lemurs that climb onto visitors' shoulders, set amid primary forest and surrounded by coral reefs and traditional fishing villages. Must-do experiences include interacting with the friendly lemurs, purchasing the island's exquisite hand-embroidered textiles, and snorkeling the surrounding reefs with sea turtles. The dry season from April through November offers the best weather, with September through November providing warm seas and the chance to encounter whale sharks in the surrounding channel.
Day 11
Day 11
Nosy Hara
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:00
Nosy Hara is a pristine limestone archipelago off northern Madagascar, protected as a national park and featuring surreal tsingy rock formations, vibrant coral reefs, and deserted white sand beaches. Must-dos include hiking among the razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, snorkeling over healthy coral gardens with sea turtles, and watching for humpback whales from August through November. Visit during the dry season from April through November for calm seas, clear underwater visibility, and comfortable conditions.
Day 12
Day 12
Nosy Be
Arrive 07:00
Nosy Be is Madagascar's "perfumed island" off the northwest coast, where ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations meet pristine marine reserves and humpback whales migrate through the Mozambique Channel. Must-dos include snorkelling the Nosy Tanikely reserve with sea turtles, swimming alongside whale sharks, and buying vanilla pods at the Hell-Ville market. Visit September through November for whale season and dry weather.
Day 1
Durban
Depart 22:00
Durban is South Africa's subtropical gateway on the Indian Ocean, where Zulu, Indian, and colonial heritage converge to create one of the continent's most culturally rich port cities. Visitors should not miss savouring an authentic bunny chow in the Grey Street quarter and exploring the nearby uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains or iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The South African summer — November through March — delivers warm seas ideal for swimming, though the mild winters (June to August) offer comfortable touring temperatures and prime whale-watching along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Day 2
Richards Bay
Arrive 12:00Depart 23:59
Richards Bay is a KwaZulu-Natal port city serving as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi's Big Five safari country. Must-dos include diving Sodwana Bay's coral reefs, spotting hippos on Lake St Lucia, and tasting Durban-style bunny chow curry. May through September offers the best game viewing, comfortable temperatures, and clear coastal waters.
Day 4
At Sea
Day 5
At Sea
Day 6
Tuléar
Arrive 06:00Depart 17:00
Tuléar, Madagascar is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Ponant. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is May through October, when cooler dry months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration.
Day 7
Morondava
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Morondava on Madagascar's western coast is the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs and Kirindy Forest Reserve, home to lemurs, fossas, and species found nowhere else on Earth. Must-dos include sunset at the baobab avenue and nocturnal wildlife walks. Best visited April through November during the dry season.
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Mahajanga
Arrive 07:30Depart 19:00
Mahajanga is Madagascar's multicultural northwestern port, where Arab, Indian, and Malagasy traditions blend along a baobab-lined waterfront promenade overlooking the Mozambique Channel. Visitors should explore nearby Ankarafantsika National Park for lemur encounters, taste the city's extraordinary fusion cuisine of sambosas and fresh seafood, and consider an expedition to the UNESCO-listed Tsingy de Bemaraha limestone pinnacles. The dry season from April to October is essential for comfortable exploration.
Day 10
Nosy Komba
Arrive 12:00Depart 18:00
Nosy Komba is a volcanic island off northwestern Madagascar famous for its habituated black lemurs that climb onto visitors' shoulders, set amid primary forest and surrounded by coral reefs and traditional fishing villages. Must-do experiences include interacting with the friendly lemurs, purchasing the island's exquisite hand-embroidered textiles, and snorkeling the surrounding reefs with sea turtles. The dry season from April through November offers the best weather, with September through November providing warm seas and the chance to encounter whale sharks in the surrounding channel.
Day 11
Nosy Hara
Arrive 07:00Depart 16:00
Nosy Hara is a pristine limestone archipelago off northern Madagascar, protected as a national park and featuring surreal tsingy rock formations, vibrant coral reefs, and deserted white sand beaches. Must-dos include hiking among the razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, snorkeling over healthy coral gardens with sea turtles, and watching for humpback whales from August through November. Visit during the dry season from April through November for calm seas, clear underwater visibility, and comfortable conditions.
Day 12
Nosy Be
Arrive 07:00
Nosy Be is Madagascar's "perfumed island" off the northwest coast, where ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations meet pristine marine reserves and humpback whales migrate through the Mozambique Channel. Must-dos include snorkelling the Nosy Tanikely reserve with sea turtles, swimming alongside whale sharks, and buying vanilla pods at the Hell-Ville market. Visit September through November for whale season and dry weather.
Cabin Categories
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Suite
290 m²Max 3
1
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Suite
290 m²Max 3
2
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic slidging bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Suite
290 m²Max 3
3
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
290 m²Max 3
4
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
An armchair and sofa (90 x 190 cm)
A bathroom with shower
A private 6 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and panoramic window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTV+13
View Details
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Suite
484 m²Max 4
GDS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with one king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with sofa convetible to a double bed (160 x 190 cm), armchair, and second TV
A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
A private 32 m² terrace with two deckchairs and four-seater dining table
2 panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedFree Wi-FiSafeHair Dryer+12
View Details
Owner's Suite
Suite
484 m²Max 4
OS
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A lounge with armchair, double sofa bed (160 x 190 cm), and second TV
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A bathroom with shower, Balneo bathtub and smart mirror
A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar
A private 40 m² terrace: 2 deckchairs, jacuzzi, and outdoor lounge area with sofa and armchair
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler Service+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
Suite
8
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
Suite
9
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge with convertible sofa to a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), armchair, second TV, and sliding courtesy door
Two bathrooms with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs
Two panoramic sliding bay windows
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Suite
344 m²Max 3
10
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Butler service
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Suite
344 m²Max 3
11
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket on arrival
Butler service
An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window
King or Twin ConfigurationSofa BedShowerToiletries ProvidedButler ServiceTV+12
View Details
Deluxe Stateroom
Balcony
204 m²Max 2
D
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
King or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+11
View Details
Prestige Deck 4
Suite
409 m²Max 4
5
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 5
Suite
409 m²Max 4
6
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
King or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableButler ServiceSafeHair Dryer+14
View Details
Prestige Deck 6
Balcony
7
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
One chaise longue
A bathroom with shower
A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window or glazed panoramic swing door
View Details
Interested in This Voyage?
Our cruise specialists can help you find the perfect cabin and the best available pricing.
(+886) 02-2721-7300Contact Advisor