Tropical Expedition 
Diving 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Zanzibar, Aldabra & the treasures of the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar - Victoria, Mahé
Dates:
12/3/2023
to
24/3/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Embark with PONANT aboard Le Jacques-Cartier for a brand-new 13-day expedition cruise in the Indian Ocean. A chance to discover stunning natural environments, exceptional wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage sites loaded with history.
From Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium, you will first reach Pemba Island and its clove plantations and fantastic scuba diving.
After visiting of the coral island of Misali, your next port of call will be an opportunity to discover the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading past of Kilwa Kisiwani
You will then sail towards the Seychelles and the stunning Assumption Island before exploring Cosmoledo Atoll, also known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. It will offer you exceptional dives in its aquarium-like lagoon.
The small islands Alphonse and Saint-François will be an opportunity to snorkel and dive among brightly-coloured sea life. Your land and sea explorations will continue on the stunning St. François Atoll and the uninhabited and untouched Bijoutier Island.
Before you return to Mahé, Le Bellot will chart a course for the coral island of Rémire and the sublime beaches of La Digue, some of the most renowned of the Seychelles.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : EX120323
Your itinerary
Discover the Seychelles and several islands of Tanzania during one same cruise. Outings in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides and landings on idyllic beaches. UNESCO sites: the...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE BELLOT
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE BOUGAINVILLE
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
22/6/2023 to the 10/7/2023
LE BOUGAINVILLE
*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
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of 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 Expedition 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:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
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:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
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:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during Zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
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
Diving - Expedition Cruise
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 star CMAS or the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 25 metres.
- If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins,
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean
The fauna of the Indian Ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, oriental sweetlips, blackspotted sweetlips, batfish and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish,rainbow runner as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING |
|
TANZANIA – Zanzibar |
NO |
NO |
|
TANZANIA – Pemba Island |
YES |
NO |
|
TANZANIA – Misali Island |
YES |
NO |
|
TANZANIA – Kilwa Kisiwani |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Assumption Island |
NO |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Cosmoledo Atoll |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Astove Island |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Bijoutier Island |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Saint Francois Island |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Rémire Island |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – La Digue Island |
YES |
NO |
|
SEYCHELLES – Victoria, Mahé |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Rates
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
- Dives:
- Exploration (1 dive): €80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): €225
- Passion Package (6 dives): €420
Highlights
- Discover the Seychelles and several islands of Tanzania during one same cruise.
- Outings in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides and landings on idyllic beaches.
- UNESCO sites: the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, and Zanzibar’s Stone Town (disembarkation port).
- The atolls of Astove and Cosmoledo, preserved natural sanctuaries housing endemic species of birds and exceptional seabeds.
- For the first time, call at the magnificent St. François Atoll and the coral island of Remire, also known as Eagle Island, an intimate destination with lush vegetation.
- In the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent, the most famous beach of La Digue, surrounded by large blocks of granite and edged with coconut palms.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.
Ports of Call & Excursions
12 March 2023 - Zanzibar
Embarkation 12/3/2023 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 12/3/2023 at 8:00 pm
Once a mythical post along the legendary Indian Ocean trade route, today a certain whiff of adventure still pervades in Zanzibar. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this place often referred to as “spice island” is brimming with natural treasures, such as Jozani Forest, the last remains of the huge primeval forest that once covered the island, home to a unique ecosystem. This port of call will also be the moment to discover ”Stone Town”, the historical centre of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A veritable labyrinth of narrow streets lined with houses made from coral stone, it is home to sumptuous buildings in a multitude of architectural styles, the result of the blending of African, European and Indian cultures.
13 March 2023 - Pemba Island
Arrival 13/3/2023
Departure 13/3/2023
The second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, edged with fine sand and bathed in a sea in infinite shades of turquoise, Pemba Island astounds with the whiteness of its shores and its abundant tropical forest. It is mountainous with hills full of fertile land and has the nickname “the Green Island”. You’ll fall in love with its quiet shores, full of authenticity. Banana trees, coconut trees, clove trees, nutmeg trees… its lush vegetation ensures the local production of spices that has made its reputation (essentially cloves but also nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, etc.).
14 March 2023 - Misali Island
Arrival 14/3/2023
Departure 14/3/2023
Renowned for its underwater world, Misali became a protected conservation area in 1998. So, it’s possible to admire its sea beds and swim there, but not to fish. If conditions allow, you’ll perhaps have the chance to see varied underwater fauna. To the north-east of the island, a white sandy beach, bathed in stunningly transparent turquoise water, is an ideal place to relax.
15 March 2023 - Kilwa Kisiwani
Arrival 15/3/2023
Departure 15/3/2023
Near the Tanzanian coast, around 300 km south of Dar es Salaam, the island of Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Occupied from the 9th century to the 11th century, it reached its heights in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was described by the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battouta as “one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” A former Swahili trading city, the island prospered from the trade of gold and ivory from the inland regions. The remains of its former port city cover a large part of the island. Those of its superb Great Mosque, the oldest mosque remaining on the coast of East Africa, are well worth a visit.
16 March 2023 - At sea
Arrival 16/3/2023
Departure 16/3/2023
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
17 March 2023 - Assumption Island
Arrival 17/3/2023
Departure 17/3/2023
Assumption Island is part of the Aldabra group (Outer Islands), situated in the south-west of the Seychelles. Discovered in the mid-18th century by the French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island covered in dunes and shrubs is relatively flat. A handful of people live there, in a small village in the island’s west. The island’s beaches are a major egg-laying and breeding site for sea turtles. The surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving. This is where Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed some of the scenes for his famous documentary film “The Silent World”, released in 1956.
18 March 2023 - Cosmoledo Atoll
Arrival 18/3/2023
Departure 18/3/2023
The Cosmoledo Atoll owes its nickname, the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, to the beauty of its underwater world, which attracts the most experienced divers: parrotfish, giant rays and clams inhabit the reefs of its crystal waters. The fascinating marine life comes alive as the multi-coloured fish, making the most of the protection of the extraordinary coral reef, come together to feed in the currents formed by the sweeping movements of the tides. Exploited in the past for coconut and agave, the atoll is now uninhabited, apart from an eco-resort in the heart of the nature reserve, which shelters green turtles and significant colonies of sooty terns and red-footed boobies.
19 March 2023 - Astove Island
Arrival 19/3/2023
Departure 19/3/2023
Closer to Madagascar than to Victoria, Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles. It is part of the Aldabra group, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Now uninhabited, this coral island covered in coconut trees was once home to the employees that worked on the coconut plantations. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is now a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. It also attracts experienced divers, who visit the atoll to explore the “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres. The wall is covered in coral and many fish and green sea turtles can be found there.
20 March 2023 - At sea
Arrival 20/3/2023
Departure 20/3/2023
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
21 March 2023 - Saint François Island
Arrival 21/3/2023
Departure 21/3/2023
In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. This coral atoll covered in coconut trees is exactly what people imagine when they think of the Seychelles. With its distinctive crescent-shaped silhouette, it welcomes you to its immaculate, deserted beaches for a rare experience. Here, the population is composed of myriad birds on land and of sea turtles and a multitude of fish in the water, making this the ideal place for hiking or snorkelling.
21 March 2023 - Bijoutier Island
Arrival 21/3/2023
Departure 21/3/2023
Bijoutier Island is one of the three idyllic islands of the Alphonse Atoll, considered the most intact and unspoiled group of islands in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Formed around volcanos having vanished into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, they are protected by splendid and fragile coral reefs. The jewel of the Alphonse Atoll, the Bijoutier lagoon is set with beaches of coconut trees bordering this 2-hectare setting, a haven of peace for herons, colonies of frigate birds, tortoises and giant crabs. Since 2007, the natural treasures of this desert island have been preserved by the atoll’s conservation centre, which is dedicated to restoring the biodiversity of the island ecosystems.
22 March 2023 - Rémire island
Arrival 22/3/2023
Departure 22/3/2023
Remire Island is like a piece of confetti in the Indian Ocean and is a captivating place to visit. Located in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, it is prized for its unique biodiversity, including its exceptionally rich underwater life. The rare inhabitants of this tropical islet watch over its preservation, and a walk amidst its lush vegetation, home to delightful birds, will delight fans of unspoilt areas. For those who love snorkelling, myriad colourful fish live among the coral reefs that border the island.
23 March 2023 - La Digue Island
Arrival 23/3/2023
Departure 23/3/2023
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
24 March 2023 - Victoria, Mahé
Arrival 24/3/2023
Disembarkation 24/3/2023 at 7:00 am
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
Le Jacques-cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques-Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye, the first ever multisensorial lounge, offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Tropical Expedition
Explore the planet’s most remote tropical regions during a PONANT expedition cruise. In the heart of Oceania’s archipelagos or the Indian Ocean atolls, along the wild coastlines of Central America or Australia, our luxury amenities and services will make your expedition cruise an unforgettable experience. Our expedition leaders and their teams of naturalist guides devise exceptional itineraries and organise daily outings, shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies, or snorkelling when the cruises are conducive to it, to take you as close as possible to nature. Aboard the ship, they share their knowledge during lectures on a variety of topics such as the fauna and flora, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology. On land, using the local transport options or during hikes, discover the must-see natural sites and, for a few hours, partake in the life and ancestral customs of the local populations.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
FLAVOURS OF ZANZIBAR
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between Zanzibar airport and your port of embarkation.
Zanzibar
Meet at Zanzibar airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
This morning, you will depart the airport by coach for a panoramic tour of Stone Town, declared UNESCO world heritage site. You will discover the highlights of the Zanzibar’s capital, and you will feel its unique atmosphere.
You will start with a drive along the Forodhani waterfront, you will have a look on the House of Wonders and you will reach the Darajani Market where you will experience the hustle and bustle of the activities. You will continue until the Anglican cathedral and the Slave Memorial where you learn more about the history of Zanzibar.
You will go back to the Forodhani area, and from the old Fort, your guide leads you on a short walking tour through the narrow streets of Stone Town. You will observe the Tippu Tips house which is as a testament of the power of Tippu Tip, who was one of East Africa’s richest and most powerful slave trader.
The lunch will be served in a local restaurant nearby.
During the afternoon, you will continue your exploration with a spice tour to understand why Zanzibar and spices are synonymous. In the 19th century, the Sultan of Oman introduced cloves to the island, which today is Zanzibar's main export product.
After a 30-minute drive to reach the Countryside, you will visit a spice plantation. Samples of spice plants will be available for you to smell, taste and see. The great variety of spices and plants grown here are used in food flavouring & preparation, cosmetics, dyes, and traditional medicines.
En route, you will also enjoy a photo stop front of the house of Dr. David Livingstone, the ruins of Maruhubi Palace and the Persian bath.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunch with beverage package (1 mineral water + 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine or 1 soft drink + 1 coffee or tea).
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Visa fees if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Please consult your embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations.
- Antimalarial precautions are strongly recommended for travel within Africa. The yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, bring along the original certificate. It is recommended that you contact your health professional for any specific medical advice relating to travel through these regions.
- Tanzania’s unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling. The country has a cash-based economy. U. S dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly only in the largest shops, hotels, and lodges. ATMs are available in larger city centres like Dar Es Salam, but less in remote areas.
- The climate can be extremely hot and humid in Zanzibar but also can be quite windy. It is therefore advisable to wear comfortable shoes, light layer clothing – preferable cotton, apply sunscreen/sun lotion and a shoulder cover or wrap is advisable.
- For visits, it is preferable to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee.
- This tour involves to be able to walk on uneven surfaces.
- Prescriptions and medications (we recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or packaging.)
- Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags in their suitcases or hand luggage, except for the required “Ziploc type” bags specifically used to carry toiletries and other liquids of 100 millilitres or less through airport security screenings. These “Ziploc” bags must remain in the permanent possession of the traveller and not disposed of in Tanzania.
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.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €160
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
SAFARI TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of 4 days to discover the untamed and powerful wilderness in the heart of the Serengeti. Considered to be one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world, it is the second largest animal park in Africa and a UNESCO World heritage site. From a beautiful lodge with a perfect location, you will discover the “Endless Plains” and feel the pulse of nature.
Day 1 – Kilimanjaro Airport/Serengeti National Park
Meet at Kilimanjaro Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
We recommend that you take a separate bag for the duration of the Pre-cruise programme at Serengeti.
Your piece of luggage dedicated to the cruise will be taken by our local representative and stored at Arusha office and then transported by Air Freight from Arusha to Zanzibar to be delivered on the embarkation day.
You will embark for your connecting flight to Seronera airstrip/Serengeti. About 1-hour and 15 minutes flight.
At your arrival, you will be transferred to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5*.
En route to your lodge, you will enjoy a game drive to start your immersion in the savannah.
The Serengeti is not only famous for the great wildebeest Migration that moves around the park from October – July every year but also for the vast number of species that reside in the park year-round. The concentration of predators in the Serengeti is high with large prides of lion, numerous hyena clans, and regular sightings of both cheetah and Leopard. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and antelope can be found feeding on the rich plains as well as some of the lesser known species such as aardwolf, mongoose, caracal, servals and hyrax.
In the afternoon, check-in at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5*. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Days 2 & 3 – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will enjoy each day a game drive to explore the fascinating landscapes and exceptional wildlife of the reserve.
You will spend your day exploring the extensive plains of the Serengeti in search of the ‘Big 5’. To maximize your time game viewing the lunch could be served out of the lodge as a picnic into the park or it could be served at your lodge later in the day.
After returning from safari, you can still feel the magic of seeing wildlife up-close when simply relaxing by the pool.
From here you can take in the dramatic views over the open savannah and bush, keeping an eye on the waterhole below as animals come down to drink throughout the day.
The lodge sits on raised terrain overlooking a waterhole in the centre of the Serengeti. It offers an innovative way to experience the resident wildlife; the lodge's waterhole tempts a diverse range of animals close which can be watched from different places from the lodge or via a live feed transmitted to the television in your room.
You can also relax in the beautiful Four Seasons Serengeti’s luxury spa, with six individual spa treatment rooms overlooking the Serengeti Plains.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4 – Serengeti National Park/Zanzibar
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport Seronera airstrip/Serengeti and onto your connecting flight to Zanzibar, with stops. About 1-hour transfer and 2-hours and 1-half flight.
Lunch box will be provided by the lodge.
Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred directly to the port of Zanzibar, in time to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The very large, luxury Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti 5* is in the centre of the Serengeti National Park, surrounded by a pristine nature.
Four seasons Serengeti comes equipped with a range of first-class facilities, including a spa with six free-standing treatments pavilions and an infinity edge swimming pool.
As the resort is built above a central watering hole, you could lounge along the swimming pool and watching the local wildlife stop for drink. You stay will be an amazing experience!
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 3-night accommodation in Horizon room at Four Seasons Serengeti lodge 5*, local standards (or similar) including full board (except lunch on day 1).
- Meals as mentioned in the programme (including some lunches served as lunch box).
- Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Domestic flights Kilimanjaro/Seronera - Serengeti airstrip & Seronera - Serengeti airstrip/Zanzibar – Luggage allowance is 15 kg per person.
- Separate transportation for main luggage and storage in Arusha.
- Transfers and safaris by 4WD vehicles as mentioned in the programme.
- The service of English-speaking drivers.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Visa fees if necessary.
- Lunch on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Personal health insurance cover.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Please consult your embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations.
- Antimalarial precautions are strongly recommended for travel within Africa.
- The yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, bring along the original certificate.
It is recommended that you contact your health professional for any specific medical advice relating to travel through these regions. - We recommend taking along light clothing (neutral, dull colours are essential) and comfortable shoes as well as sun protection mosquito repellent and binoculars.During early morning game drives in vehicles it can be a little cool, we recommend that you take along a windbreaker.
- The programme is not recommended for guests with back problems or reduced mobility. Guest should be phisacally fit in order to participate in this tour as the most of time, this tour is spent sitting in the vehicle and during game drives roads are rough and bumby.
- Tanzania’s unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling. The country has a cash-based economy. U. S dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly only in the largest shops, hotels, and lodges. ATMs are available in larger city centres like Dar Es Salam, but less in remote areas.
- Your main luggage will be separately transported from Arusha to Zanzibar. It will be stored at Arusha and you will fly to Serengeti with a smaller one. You will carry on only what you need for the safari. You will retrieve your main luggage in Zanzibar, to the airport when back from Serengeti.
On flights within East Africa, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 33 pounds (15 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and on aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimetres) long x 13 inches (33 centimetres) high x 10 inches (25 centimetres).
Prescriptions and medications (we recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or packaging.) - Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags in their suitcases or hand luggage, with the exception of the required “Ziploc type” bags specifically used to carry toiletries and other liquids of 100 millilitres or less through airport security screenings. These “Ziploc” bags must remain in the permanent possession of the traveller and not disposed of in Tanzania.
Contact of your hotel:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Arusha
Tanzania
Phone number: (255) 768 982 100/3
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 : €4,790
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
GLIMPSE OF MAHE AND SERENITY
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Victoria, Mahe
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Your luggage will be transported separately by truck to the airport.
Depart for a tour of Mahe’s wild side, the untamed south of the island, with its rolling countryside, quaint hamlets, and spectacular beaches. Your day starts with a visit to the Botanical Garden, home of many endemic plants, including the world-famous coco de mer (double coconut) palms.
Next, take a guided walking tour through charming Victoria, capital city of Mahe and discover its famous landmarks. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or strolling. Continue along the winding Sans Soucis Road en route to the enchanting Mission Lodge Viewpoint. Once an ancient school for slave children, it is now filled with the songs of endemic birds.
On your descent to the beautifully wild south west coast, discover luxurious mountains, tea plantations and picturesque villages on its way to the spectacular Cap Lazare, an exclusive hideaway deep in the south of Mahe covering 65 acres of a past coconut plantation.
Arriving at Cap Lazare is like entering a different world far away from the intrusions of the modern world. From its traditional thatched restaurant set in barefoot elegance to its authentic Creole ambiance, Cap Lazare evokes the feeling of a Robinson Crusoe hideaway untouched by the passage of time.
For lunch, indulge yourself in a mouth-watering Creole Buffet.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy beach and nature in the beautiful grounds of this exceptional domain, famous for its large population of Giant Land Tortoises, its endemic plants, the panoramic views along with its enchanting trail.
You will then pass by the Coastal Road to reach Mahe International Airport. At your arrival at the airport, you will enjoy a lounge access airport before for check-in in time for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
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Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
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Lunch with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
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Luggage truck as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
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The airport lounge access including light snacks and open bar (selection of soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, house wine, sparkling wine or beer), luggage storage, shower facilities (from 5pm to 9pm according to a schedule).
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.
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The Seychellois speak both English and French.
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Shops & market closed on public holiday and Sundays.
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We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as well a rain protection in case of bad weather (tropical climate).
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Botanic garden visit involves to be able to walk without assistance at least 30 minutes on uneven surface with some steps. This visit is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
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Mission Lodge viewpoint can be reach via a walking path with steps, and uneven terrain with a slight drop. It is also possible to reach the place by a paved road with a slight drop.
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During the photo stops, it is imperative to follow the safety instructions given by your guide and not to stray from the main recommended paths.
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Your main luggage will be transferred directly from the pier to the airport, we recommend providing a separate small bag including medicine, sun protection, towel and change clothes (in case of bathing at Cap Lazare) and anything that would be useful during this full day.
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.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : €330
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.