Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
The softness of the trade winds, the turquoise of the ocean, the shimmer of the verdant vegetation… the incredible beauty of the islands in the Indian Ocean is striking. During an 11-day expedition cruise aboard Le Champlain, time stands still and, between the island country of Madagascar, Seychelles and Tanzania, nature will plunge you into a dream.
The shores of Mauritius grow distant as you arrive in flamboyant Madagascar. To the north-east of the largest island in the Indian Ocean, the island of Île Sainte-Marie appears on the horizon. The days of pirates, who occupied the territory for almost two centuries, seem long gone now, as peace prevails in this tropical paradise. To the far south, the island of Île aux Nattes is a treasure just asking to be discovered. Its coral reef lies in the translucent waters of its lagoon, dotted with natural pools. You will spend your time here swimming, meeting the local population and discovering the abundant fauna and flora. Before leaving the 'Great Red Island', you will visit Nosy Hara, renowned for its incredible marine wildlife, with over 280 different species.
Sheltered from the world, take the time to wonder at the splendour of the Seychelles. On Astove Island, in the mythical Aldabra Atoll, the underwater world fascinates experienced divers, who come here to explore the “Wall of Astove“, a 40-metre (130-foot) deep underwater fault covered in coral and teeming with fish and green turtles.
Your next ports of call will be an opportunity to discover several of the wonders of Tanzania. You will explore the ruins of the 13th-century Swahili trading post of Kilwa Kisiwani, the small coral island of Misali as well as Pemba Island and its clove plantations.
This fabulous trip will draw to an end in Zanzibar, a city with superb UNESCO-listed buildings, blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences over more than a millennium.
Ref : EC280124
A cruise discovering the natural treasures of Madagascar, the Seychelles and Tanzania. Outings in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides and landings on idyllic beaches. UNESCO sites:...
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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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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:
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
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:
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
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 |
Mauritius – Port Louis |
NO |
NO |
Madagascar – Île aux Nattes |
YES |
NO |
Madagascar – Île Sainte-Marie |
YES |
NO |
Madagascar – Île Sainte-Marie |
YES |
NO |
Seychelles – Astove Island |
YES |
NO |
Tanzania – Kilwa Kisiwani |
NO |
NO |
Tanzania – Misali Island |
YES |
NO |
Tanzania – Pemba Island |
YES |
NO |
Tanzania – Zanzibar |
NO |
NO |
Rates
Excellence and Passion packages must be pre-booked with your travel consultant before departure. Beyond that, all reservations will be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
The Exploration dive must be organised on board directly with your diving instructor.
Price per person
Embarkation 28/01/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 28/01/2024 at 18:00
On the north-west coast of Mauritius, discover Port Louis, the country’s multicultural capital. Constantly in movement, the city, which was once a port of call on the route to India, is home to many cultural and historic treasures. In addition to the city’s market where you will be able to discover all the local flavours and many handicrafts, make sure that you visit Fort Adelaide. Nestling on the heights of Port Louis, this citadel built in the 16th century, classified as a national heritage monument, offers sumptuous views over the surroundings. Not far from there, the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden will reveal to you its countless plant species, coming from all four corners of the world.
Arrival 29/01/2024
Departure 29/01/2024
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 30/01/2024
Departure 30/01/2024
The Île aux Nattes lies surrounded by a coral reef, to the far south of Nosy Boraha (previously known as Île Sainte-Marie) in the Madagascar region of Tamatave. Its lush vegetation contrasts with the white sand and crystal-clear and turquoises waters of its lagoon whose sea beds you can explore snorkelling or diving. Its fringed shores are home to natural pools that will invite you to relax or swim. Or you may prefer to walk along its coastal paths dotted with welcoming little villages.
Arrival 30/01/2024
Departure 30/01/2024
Off the east coast of Madagascar, discover the island of St. Mary. A real Garden of Eden, this peaceful land will offer you landscapes of stunning beauty, with lush vegetation, enormous waterfalls and sumptuous natural pools. In addition, the island is home to a very large variety of orchids. An idyllic natural setting that contrasts with the eventful past of the island, which once played host to pirates and prisoners. This port of call will also provide you with privileged access to the Île aux Nattes, renowned for its wild beauty.
Arrival 31/01/2024
Departure 31/01/2024
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 01/02/2024
Departure 01/02/2024
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 02/02/2024
Departure 02/02/2024
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.
Arrival 03/02/2024
Departure 03/02/2024
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 04/02/2024
Departure 04/02/2024
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.
Arrival 05/02/2024
Departure 05/02/2024
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.).
Arrival 06/02/2024
Departure 06/02/2024
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.
Arrival 07/02/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 07/02/2024 at 08:00
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.
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.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.
Port Louis
Meet at SSR International airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign (Counter n°25 on the left hand side in the arrival hall after Customs). You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport and drive from the airport to hotel selected by PONANT (approximately 1 hour).
Enjoy time at leisure and hotel facilities to relax.
Check-in day-use Standard room at your disposal from 11: 00 to 15: 00.
Lunch will be served at the hotel.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your hotel:
Located on the island’s north-west coast, the Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa 5* offers an idyllic setting at around 50 minutes from Port Louis and 1 h 15 from the airport.
On the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by lush vegetation, you will enjoy a refined tropical experience.
This outstanding establishment in Mauritius meets the exacting standards of the Mauritian Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels chain of luxury hotels, offering attentive service, cachet, and discreet luxury.
Distributed across a tropical garden, the 300+ suites and villas are spacious (63 m² or 678 sq. ft for the Junior Suite) and boast all modern conveniences, enhanced with exotic touches.
On the leisure and well-being side, the hotel offers several pools spread across the grounds, a multitude of sporting activities, and a spa (booking required). There is a choice of dining and refreshment options, with 2 bars, one beachside and the other poolside, but also several restaurants (booking required).
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:
Contact of your hotel:
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Royal Road - Trou aux Biches - Triolet 22302, Trou-aux-Biches, Île Maurice
Téléphone : (+230) 204 6800
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 : 520 €
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of some 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 - Zanzibar/Serengeti National Park
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
We recommend that you take a separate bag for the duration of the Post-cruise programme at Serengeti.
Your piece of luggage dedicated to the cruise will be taken by our local representative and stored at Arusha and then transported to your hotel at Arusha when you come back from Serengeti.
From the port of Zanzibar, you will be transferred to the airport and onto your connecting flight to Seronera airstrip/Serengeti. About 3-hour flight, with stops (via Arusha & Manyara).
Picnic lunches will be provided in Zanzibar.
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/Arusha
Breakfast at the lodge and check-out.
You will then be transferred to the airport Seronera airstrip/Serengeti. About 1-hour transfer and 2-hours flight.
Upon arrival you will be transferred directly to your hotel for check-in and lunch.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport (about 1 hour at drive) 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).
or
Optional activity :
In case of you book an afternoon or evening departure flight, you have the possibility to choose with extra fees an optionnal activity including a city tour of Arusha with a lunch before beeing transfered 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 hotels:
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!
The Gran Melia Arusha is a five-star hotel nestled in the exotic natural of Arusha between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks. This oasis of comfort is an elegant place for a break before of after a safari trip rooms. You will enjoy its rooms fully-equipped, its international cuisine and its modern facilities as pool & spa.
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 hotels:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Rd, 2002,Tanzania
Phone number: (255) 768 982 100/3
Gran Melia Arusha
TZ, Simeon Road, 1184, Tanzania
Phone number: (255) 746 982 400
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 : 7.100 €