Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
19 m²
2
PONANT brings you a brand-new cruise between South Africa and Madagascar. Over 12 days aboard Le Bougainville, discover the contrasting faces of these magnificent countries offering breathtaking nature, friendly communities, captivating cities and heavenly spots.
From Durban, a melting pot of Indian, African and colonial influences and the cradle of Zulu culture, you will sail to Richards Bay, a former fishing village that is now the second largest port in South Africa. Renowned for its commitment to eco-friendliness, the town is the ideal base from which to explore the Hluhluwe Reserve, where hippos, lions, elephants and wild birds roam in pristine natural surroundings.
Le Bougainville will then cross the Mozambique Channel to reach Madagascar. There are countless adjectives to describe this island continent, as anyone who travels there is inevitably awestruck. Discover unique landscapes and ecosystems, such as the impressive marine tsingy of Nosy Hara. On the island of Nosy Komba, nature lovers will love the black lemurs, which look very much like fluffy toys, and the famous Avenue of the Baobabs in Morondava. Renowned for its exceptional natural sites, including a breathtaking red sandstone cirque, Mahajanga, the former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, boasts a fascinating cultural heritage, as does Toliara, a port town in the south-west of the island, known for its botanical gardens. Your journey will end on Nosy Be, also known as “the perfume island”.
Ref : DN055 - EG271225
A brand-new cruise along the coasts of Madagascar and South Africa, featuring unforgettable encounters, exceptional geology, and spectacular wildlife. During this cruise, enjoy carefully designed activities:...
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
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This cruise can include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Naturalist team may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
Accessories:
Please note:
During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Embarkation 27/12/2025 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 27/12/2025 at 10:00 pm
Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal region, the cradle of Zulu culture, Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and one of Africa's major ports. Between long beaches rocked by the rollers of the Indian Ocean and the skyscrapers dominating the avenues lined with jacarandas, in this multicultural city with African, Indian and colonial influences, the term "rainbow nation" takes on its full dimension. With a rich cultural and historical heritage, with its museums, colonial buildings and picturesque neighbourhoods, it is also known for the fauna and flora that surrounds it.
Arrival 28/12/2025
Departure 29/12/2025
A simple fishing village in the past, Richards Bay is now South Africa’s second port. Despite the significant development of industrial activity, particularly in terms of mineral extraction, Richards Bay is one of the country’s cleanest and most environmentally responsible towns. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the town is a haunt for water sport enthusiasts. In the heart of the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, nature lovers will be able to observe the wild fauna, made up of crocodiles, hippos and different bird species, as well as rich subtropical flora. Richards Bay is the departure point for many excursions heading off to discover Zulu country.
Arrival 30/12/2025
Departure 31/12/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 1/1/2026
Departure 1/1/2026
Located to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, near the mouth of the River Onilahy, Toliara is a port town that opens onto the Mozambique Channel. Inhabited for several centuries, becoming prosperous during the colonial period in the 19th century, Toliara is a cheerful town with unspoilt nature and exceptional flora that will certainly appeal to fans of botany. The Antsokay Arboretum botanical garden with nearly 1,000 Madagascar plant species, 90% of which are endemic, is worth a fragrant and charming detour. Cultural heritage will not be outdone, with the interesting museums of Mahafaly ethnology and the Museum of the Sea.
Arrival 2/1/2026
Departure 2/1/2026
To the south-west of Antananarivo lies a peaceful city on the Mozambique Channel: Morondava, capital of the kingdom of Menabe, and departure point for many discoveries in the surrounding area. Bordered by the Mozambique Channel, the city is crossed by two rivers: the Mangoky and the Manambolo. Its many forests are full of abundant fauna and flora, especially the Kirindy Mitea National Park and its famous baobab alley.
Arrival 3/1/2026
Departure 3/1/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Arrival 4/1/2026
Departure 4/1/2026
A lively and cosmopolitan town on the west coast of Madagascar, Majunga, also called Mahajanga, will be a port of call rich in discoveries. The former capital of the Sakalava kingdom, then a significant interchange due to its prime position between Africa and the Middle East, the city displays an interesting cultural patchwork. Also renowned for its outstanding natural sites, this port of call will provide you with the opportunity to discover the Cirque Rouge, immense red sandstone formations classified as national heritage.
Arrival 5/1/2026
Departure 5/1/2026
During your cruise, your ship will stop in Nosy Komba, otherwise known as “lemur island”. Not far from the Madagascar mainland, this volcanic island shaped like a gigantic turtle shell is covered in dense tropical rainforest. This vegetation is home to amusing black lemurs – furry orange-brown and black creatures that are surprisingly agile and call to each other from amongst the trees. The many small beaches and the emerald-coloured water make Nosy Komba a natural gem that only a select few visit.
Arrival 6/1/2026
Departure 6/1/2026
Its limestone rock formations rising from the waters, or marine “tsingies” typical of Madagascar, make Nosy Hara both exceptional and immediately recognisable. Located to the north-west of Madagascar, the island is a protected area due to its incredible biodiversity. It is a veritable open-air aquarium inhabited by around 280 marine species. The rocky columns edged with gorgeous white-sand and pebble beaches fading into shades of deep blue make an idyllic place cut off from the world. Succumb to the charms of this untouched jewel that will welcome you into its stunning decor for a special experience. This is an ideal location for snorkelling.
Arrival 7/1/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 7/1/2026 at 8:00 am
Nosy Be (from the Malagasy: Nosy meaning island and Be meaning large), in the Mozambique Channel, is located near the north-eastern coastlines of Madagascar. A former French protectorate, known under the promising name of “the scented island”, of volcanic origin, it is located on a maritime route with access to India and Asia. Cosmopolitan, a boulevard of encounters, its mixed-race and multicultural population still remembers its past as a significant trading post. Today, its 321 km² enchant lovers of nature and idyllic beaches. Its sumptuous primary forest is home to animals that are endemic to the island as well as surprising flora.
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day – Nosy Be/Mauritius
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Nosy Be/Port Louis selected by PONANT.
Flight Nosy Be/Mauritius selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 2 h 30.
We highly recommend you stay one night in Mauritius after this flight.
This programme includes:
This programme does not include:
Any other service not mentioned in the programme
Please note:
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
25/12/2025 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + DISCOVER DURBAN 1N (PRE) + RELAXING STAY IN MAURITIUS 1N (POST)
25/12/2025 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN BUSINESS CLASS + DISCOVER DURBAN 1N (PRE) + RELAXING STAY IN MAURITIUS 1N (POST)
25/12/2025 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + DISCOVER DURBAN 1N (PRE) + ECOCHIC GETAWAY IN MAURITIUS 3N (POST)
€4,488
Find out more25/12/2025 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS IN BUSINESS CLASS + DISCOVER DURBAN 1N (PRE) + ECOCHIC GETAWAY IN MAURITIUS 3N (POST)
€9,778
Find out moreEnhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Durban
Meet at Durban Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to your hotel located on Umlanga area at the north of Durban (transfer time approximately 40 minutes).
Check-in in your room at official check-in or early check-in included for guests with an early flight arrival..
The day is at leisure.
Dinner served at the hotel.
Day 2 - Durban
Breakfast and time at leisure until check-out procedures.
Before check out formalities, you have time of having a relaxing morning either sleeping in or exploring the hotel facilities or the 5kms of beachwalk in front of the hotel.
Meet your local guide at noon for a short road transfer to the Durban Botanic Gardens.
Walk in the beautiful garden settings of the Botanic Gardens. The Durban Botanic Gardens is currently Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden and remains a national and local asset contributing to plant conservation and education. This 15-hectare botanic garden curates major collections such as cycads, palms, orchids both indigenous and exotic in nature.
Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.
Thereafter, a short drive to the Phanzi Museum.
Their exhibitions deal with prejudice, myth, collective memory, histories, customs, traditions, power and loss. And of course, skill and craft and the materials that come to hand.
Then, you will be transferred to the pier, to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Beverly Hills hotel in uMhlanga has set the standard for luxury, hospitality, and intuitive service since 1964. The hotel takes centre stage on the uMhlanga Rocks beachfront and offers guests uninterrupted ocean views from every room, boutique spa treatments, culinary excellence, and access to our iconic outdoor pool. Positioned between uMhlanga’s famous pier and lighthouse, the accommodation at the Beverly Hills makes the most of the Indian Ocean vistas with private balconies in every room. Classically elegant interiors are complemented by modern luxury amenities like unlimited WiFi, Nespresso machines, pillow choices, and flatscreen DStv.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
The Beverly Hills hotel
1 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Phone number: +27 31 561 2211
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €1,259
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Mauritius
Meet at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT from Nosy Be.
You will be transferred to your hotel.
Check-in in your room at official hour. In case of arrival before official check-in, you can enjoy hotel facilities.
A snack or lunch will be served according to your flight arrival time, reconfirmed as close as possible to the departure in your travel books.
Day at leisure.
Dinner included.
Day 2 – Mauritius
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Located on the Blue Bay Peninsula, at the southern tip of the island and 10 minutes from the airport, the Beachcomber Shandrani 4* hotel offers comfortable rooms in a tropical setting between ocean and garden. The complex has a wide range of activities that will allow you to relax: 3 private sandy beaches, 1 swimming pool, a sports center, water activities.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Beachcomber Shandrani
Blue Bay, Le Chaland 51510 (Mahebourg)
Maurice
Telephone : (+230) 603 4100
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Mauritius airport / Chamarel
Meet at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT from Nosy Be.
You will be transferred to your hotel. The lunch is included in case of arrival before 2: 00 pm.
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day is at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Chamarel and Central area
After breakfast, depart for Kot Marie-Michelle, a table d’hôte located in the heart of the island in the village of Midlands (about 1-hour drive).
Surrounded by mountains, sugarcane fields, tea plantations, and hunting grounds, it offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Kot Marie-Michelle specializes in traditional cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Vegetables are sourced from their garden or the village, and spices are roasted over wooden flames and ground manually on a roche-carri, just like the grandmothers of Mauritius used to use. In fact, this table d'hôte is run by two young grandmothers. It provides a unique experience of local life, offering authentic Mauritian cuisine and warm hospitality. The activity includes a culinary discovery before experiencing an authentic lunch (including several local dishes).
Then reach the Black River Gorges National Park which is an ancient primaeval forest, famous for being the home of endangered species such as the Mauritius Falcon. In earlier times, the extremely hard ebony found in the park was used in making warships in different parts of the world.
The Gorges Viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of endless green stretches. You will be amazed to discover how high the viewing area is from the gorge. On the right side of the viewpoint, you can see a breathtaking waterfall.
Continue until the Chamarel Geopark. With distinct colours of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow, this geological curious happening has 15 metres of highly coloured dunes - an almost surreal, lunar-like spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes before your eyes. You will have the chance to view the gorgeous Chamarel waterfall. Three distinct streams plunge down almost 100 metres from the St. Denis River, down into the gorge. The sight of this impressive waterfall against the scenic forests and mountains is truly breathtaking.
Your day of visit ends at Ebony forest where you discover how rapidly Mauritian forests disappeared and why today Mauritius harbours one of the World’s most threatened flora and fauna populations during this 25-minute guided tour. Visit the native plant propagation nursery and see some of the rarest plants in the world being grown.
Back to your hotel, and end of the day at leisure.
Dîner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Chamarel / South East of Mauritius
Accompanied by your guide, you will depart to discover the scenic south of Mauritius.
After 30-minute drive, start your visit at Bois Cheri, the first tea plantation in Mauritius and dates back to 1892.
Visiting the Bois Chéri Estate is one of the main sites of the Mauritian Tea Route. This is the spot where tea-lovers will get to learn how tea is cultivated, picked and packaged. You will travel back in history throughout this visit and get a surprising feeling of tranquility. You will visit the tea production museum learning more about the history of tea in Mauritius. Nowadays Bois Cheri produces a new range of flavored teas, green teas and herbal teas. You may taste them during your visit. Get ready to be amazed by the richness and freshness of the flavours you are about to taste. The Bois Chéri offers a great panoramic view of the south of the island.
Your morning vissit continues until La Rhumerie de Saint Aubin. Located in the south of the island, this estate is a pioneer in the manufacture of agricultural rum. At l’atelier du Rhum, you can discover traditional techniques and all the process of rum making.
Prepare a “rhum arrangé” of your choice with seasonal fruits and seal the bottle for a souvenir to bring home. After the rum workshop, enjoy delicious dishes prepared with the rum at Le Saint Aubin restaurant, an old colonial house dating from 1819.
After your lunch, you can visit the Mini Ferme du Domaine de Saint Aubin, La Maison de La Vanille, where aromatic Vanilla pods are produced, La Serre d ’Anthurium du Domaine de Saint Aubin, Le Jardin Botanique du Domaine de Saint Aubin, Le Moulin du Domaine de Saint Aubin and La Boutique du Domaine de Saint Aubin where you can find other souvenirs.
Back to your hotel, enjoy an en rout stop at Gris Gris, a beach located at the southernmost tip of the island. Unlike other beaches in the South known for their calm waters, Gris Gris stands out as a unique destination. This little piece of coastline lacks a coral reef, allowing powerful waves to crash upon the shore, providing a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors. Gris Gris offers a stark contrast to the tranquillity of other nearby beaches. At Gris Gris viewpoint, you can witness the relentless force of the waves as they collide with a prominent rock formation, creating a dramatic display accompanied by a resounding roar.
Back to your hotel, and end of the day at leisure.
Dîner at the hotel.
Day 4 – Chamarel / Mauritius airport
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
The charming boutique hotel Chalets Chamarel is committed to offering you a unique and unforgettable stay, with personalized, top-of-the-range services. Its 11 chalets are perched on the ridges of the Piton La Porte de Chamarel, offering exceptional panoramic views of the west coast on one side and the forests on the other.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Chalets Chamarel 4*
Route Terre des Sept Couleurs
Mauritius
Téléphone : (230) 660 9796
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €1,759
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : €4,488
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : €9,778
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.