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
Select your stateroom category
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 guides Leader 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 extremely 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:
Christmas offer
Offer valid from November 25, 2024, to January 3, 2025, providing an additional 10% discount on a selection of cruises. This non-retroactive offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with Flight Credit, Free Single Supplement, Onboard Sale, Webinar, or Ponant event offers. The price displayed online on the product page does not include the additional discount. The discount is applied only to bookings made online by entering the "XMAS24" privilege code or by phone with a Travel Consultant or through your usual travel agency.
New Year's Cruise
Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with PONANT!
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
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.
Total : €559
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 – Port Louis / / Domaine des Aubineaux / Grand Bassin / Chamarel
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Accompanied by your guide, you will depart to "Le Domaine des Aubineaux" where you will experience the “Ki Pou Kwi” Cooking Class. You’ll discover traditional Mauritian cuisine through their “grandmothers’ recipes”.
After 1-hour driven, a presentation will be made by the chef of the domain, who will explain the steps for preparing the meal. Then, proceed to the local bazar where you will purchase the ingredients (accompanied by the chef). Head back to Le Domaine des Aubineaux, where you will prepare the dishes. Concoct your dish and set your table for a moment of pure bliss in Les Ecuries du Domaine des Aubineaux surrounded by Le Parc Floral du Domaine des Aubineaux.
After lunch, a visit of the colonial house and rum tasting is included. To end this memorable day, treat yourself or a loved one with a souvenir from La Boutique du Domaine des Aubineaux.
During the afternoon, you will reach Ganga Talao (commonly known as the Grand Bassin), a crater lake situated about 550 metres above sea level, located in the mountainous Southwest district of Savanne. On the shoreline sits a temple along with a collection of small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.
You will then be transferred to your hotel nestled at Chamarel in the southwest of Mauritius (about 30-minute drive).
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day is at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 – Chamarel
After breakfast, depart for Ebony forest.
You will 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.
Then you will reach Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, a treasure trove of preserved natural, historical, and cultural riches.
Climb aboard a 4x4 safari vehicle, which will transport to the picnic area. Return to nature and enjoy the wild beauty of the Southwest while savouring the best of life: time to reconnect while enjoying a picnic with typical Mauritian food. Relax by the Frederica waterfall in the middle of nature.
Back to your hotel, and end of the day at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Chamarel / South East of Mauritius
Accompanied by your guide, you will depart to discover Chamarel Village.
The village of Chamarel is popular for its scenic landscapes and the 7 Coloured Earth Geopark. The village is known for its hushed bucolic vibe and cool breezes, parks, attractions and nature reserves.
Discover the authentic South-West of Mauritius. Experience super electric bikes in the authentic and typical village of Chamarel and walk along the coffee fields. In addition, you will be able to see the giant tortoises, and learn about their ecosystem and why they are there! Then, you will ride through the village of Chamarel and learn about the way of living for the inhabitants.
Then you will be transferred by car to the Saint Aubin House. Enjoy a tranquil visit where you will discover the story of the Mauritian tea routes and learn part of the history of this beautiful island.
This visit and tour of Saint Aubin House is an amazing opportunity for you to discover the history of Mauritius and its tea industry over the years. You will enjoy a guided visit of the Saint Aubin House and the estate’s Sugar Factory. You will also get to visit a rum house and have a rum tasting session. Discover the fascinating transformation process of the vanilla orchid, from the flower to the aromatic pod. A guide will assist you in the visit and provide interesting stories about the Saint Aubin House. As part of the visit, you will learn about the estate that produces sugar cane, which is then processed to make sugar as well as delicious rum.
Local lunch included at the Saint Aubin House.
Back to your hotel, and end of the day at leisure.
Dinner 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.