MS Columbus - Durban - Mahé

MS Columbus Durban to Mahé- courtesy of Hapag Lloyd </p> <p>CruisesAn 16 day /15 night cruise itinerary

Highlights

• Acquaint yourself with the exciting side of nature in South Africa: lions, giraffes, rhinos
• Some monkey business on a big beautiful group of islands: the Lemurs of Madagascar
• Réunion, a peaceful tropical island with a French feel to it
• Lovely flowers and intoxicating scents, and sweet idleness – enjoy life in Mauritius
• Original villages, magical rainforest, the Comores invite you to spend two relaxing days there
• A paradise in the Indian ocean, where coconuts quite often weigh more than 30 kg: Enter Praslin, say hello to the Seychelles, marvel at the creation


Daily Itinerary

MS Europa itinerary map courtesy of Hapag Lloyd Cruises

  • Wed., 02/06 - Individual arrival - Embarkation onto the COLUMBUS, departure 10:00 pm
  • Thurs., 02/07 Richards Bay/South Africa, from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
    An exciting introduction to a wonderful journey: the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Reserve* is one of the country’s oldest animal reserves and home to rhinos, antelopes, leopards, lions, buffalos, giraffes and zebras. Be excited about the animals that you will encounter during your open jeep trip. Visit the extraordinary Zulu village of Kwabhekithunga*. This proud people will give you an insight into its ancient, traditional way of life.
  • Fri., 02/08 - Sat., 02/09 Relax at sea
  • Sun., 02/10 Taolanaro (Fort Dauphin)/Madagascar, in the roads from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
    Early in the morning, this island, which some call the “8th continent” shimmers in the Indian Ocean. The remoteness of Madagascar meant that a very different and fascinating fauna and flora developed here, which will excite for an entire day. Past rice fields and sisal plantations, you reach the private Berenty Park with lemurs*, whose woods are home to the famous primates as well as many endemic plants. A walk through a different world.
  • Mon., 02/11 Relax at sea
  • Tue., 02/12 Le Port/Réunion, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
    This small tropical island paradise sends you on a wonderful panoramic tour to the still active Piton de la Fournaise volcano*. The Salazie landscape tour* shows you the importance of sugar cane and vanilla as export goods for the island. Through the sugar cane fields, you will reach the island’s green Cirque de Salazie basin, where you can marvel at the high rock faces and rushing waterfalls.
  • Wed., 02/13 Port Louis/Mauritius, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
    According to Mark Twain, Mauritius was God’s model for paradise. And there is in fact a paradise not far away from the capital: visit the Pamplemousse Gardens and the Ile aux Cerfs*. 600 plant species from all over the world grow in the botanical garden, including water lilies from the Amazon. In the afternoon, another divine pleasure awaits you: take the boat to the white beaches of Ile aux Cerfs to relax and to sunbathe.
  • Thurs., 02/14 Relax at sea
  • Fri., 02/15 Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)/Madagascar, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
    The island’s most beautiful mountain rainforest is in Montagne d´Ambre National Park*, in the very north of Madagascar. In between waterfalls and palm trees, orchids and giant fern, there are seven types of lemur whizzing through the tops of the trees, active night and day.
  • Sat., 02/16 Nosy-Bé/Madagascar, in the roads from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
    To Madagascans the crater lakes of the “large island ” are sacred. You too will discover a few places on your island trip* that will make your heart beat faster. Perhaps the magical palm beach, perhaps the Ylang-Ylang plants or the charming landscape around Mont Passot. You decide. The boat trip to Nosy Komba* once again takes you very close to the quick lemurs: The “Maki” are particularly tame on this volcanic island.
  • Sun., 02/17 Moroni/Grande Comore/Comoros, in the roads from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm
    Stroll through the port quarter of Moroni and across the lively market, visit the fishing village of Iconi: discover Moroni and its environs*. As you hike through La Grille rainforest* orchids and Chinese Guava trees line your path.
  • Mon., 02/18 Dzaoudzi/Mayotte/Comoros, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
    The coral reef around Mayotte allows access to the island in only two places. This natural protection is reflected in the relaxed atmosphere on land. Your programme includes a visit to the rock island of Dzaoudzi and a hike to the Dziani crater lake*.
  • Tue., 02/19 - Wed., 02/20 Relax at sea
  • Thurs., 02/21 Praslin/Seychelles, in the roads from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Who stole the coconut? Definitely not the inhabitants of this idyllic island: in the middle of Vallée de Mai* National Park, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, there are more than 4,000 sea coconut trees “Coco-de-Mer” with their rather impressive fruit. Victoria/Mahé/Seychelles, arrival 6:00 pm Overnight stay on board
  • Fri., 02/22 Individual departure

Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Africa, South Africa, Seychells, Deluxe Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, MS Columbus, World Cruises