As the days at home grow shorter, join the HANSEATIC spirit for a South African spring adventure in the realm of the legendary big five. Just outside Gqeberha, wild hearts beat in Kariega Game Reserve*. One of South Africa's richest biotopes, it is home to giraffes, antelopes, zebras, gnus and around 200 species of bird. Addo Elephant National Park* is all about the world's largest land mammal.

Take a city tour* of Durban, a melting pot of African, Indian and European culture. Starting from the city, an overland excursion to Phinda Private Game Reserve* promises a true safari adventure with game drives at sunrise and sunset.

When you rejoin the cruise in Richards Bay, the excitement continues as you enter Zululand. Will you spot the big five on a game drive through Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve*? The reserve is home to lions, buffalo and giraffes as well as endangered black rhinos and white rhinos. Go birdwatching in iSimangaliso Wetland Park*, South Africa's largest protected wetland area, home to over 400 feathered species. Can anything top this experience? Why yes: Madagascar.

Madagascans share their home with baobabs, lemurs and vanilla, a place of mysterious rites, sacred grottos and serenity. On the west coast, gain profound insights into life on Toliara. On a trip across the ocean, the coastal village of Ifaty and the spiny forest with a beach trip* invite you to engage with the island's people and nature. Alternatively, explore the region's typical flora on an excursion to Antsokay Arboretum*, which boasts over 900 largely endemic species. The Zodiacs will take you to unspoilt islands, driven by pioneering spirit. On uninhabited Nosy Andriangory, the fine sandy beach invites you to swim and snorkel. The same goes for Belo-sur-Mer, where you can also visit a village, accompanied by your experts, and learn fascinating facts about the construction of the traditional wooden boats. Mahajanga is located in north-west Madagascar. Seldom visited by tourists, this city in Bombetoka Bay is a vibrant regional trading post and the starting point for your hike on the Cirque Rouge*. The laterite formations shimmer in the sunlight in shades from pink to purple. The diversity of species is just as colourful in Ankarafantsika National Park*, home to the Madagascar fish eagle, the Nile crocodile, the rare Madagascar angulated tortoise and several species of lemur. Nosy Be shows off its tremendous dimensions on a hike in Lokobe Reserve*. Gaze in wonder at trees over 40 m (131 ft) tall as lemurs watch curiously from the branches. On Nosy Komba*, the lemurs' island, the agile primates will draw all your attention - provided you aren't distracted by geckos and chameleons.

The colonial architecture of Antsiranana harks back to the 19th century, when the region was declared a French protectorate. The bays and beaches of Diego Suarez* are timeless beauties, with a miniature "sugar loaf" in the middle of one of the bays. Take a walk in Domaine de Fontenay nature park* and discover the beauty of its unique flora, waterfalls and streams.

A hike with rangers takes you along undiscovered routes through the dense rainforest of Nosy Mangabe - an ideal opportunity to watch white-headed lemurs and chameleons. With a little luck, you might see the rare aye-ayes, which are said to have magical powers. But the real magic can be found throughout this cruise, on a route filled with wonders.