Experience an unforgettable cruise with the HANSEATIC spirit: from the pristine nature of Madagascar to South Africa's wild animal kingdom. A close encounter with some of our planet's last unspoilt landscapes. The cruise begins on diverse Reunion. Jagged mountains accompany your excursion to the Piton de la Fournaise* volcano. Alternatively, take a helicopter flight* and marvel at the lush green rainforests and deep craters. This landscape will whet your appetite for a little-known island: Madagascar. Vast prairies, dense jungle, rugged coastlines and immense rice fields: the world's fourth-largest island is a fascinating place to explore.

The former pirate island of Nosy Boraha welcomes you on the east coast, while Nosy Nato invites you for a swim with its fine sandy beach and turquoise water. The wooden rickshaws and palm-lined alleys of Toamasina are just as colourful as Parc Ivoloina*, where you will most likely see some lemurs and, with a little luck, some reptiles. A boat trip on the Canal des Pangalanes* takes you along a waterway of lagoons, lakes and rivers with insights into life on the shore.

You will reach Tolagnaro, which was founded in the 17th century by the French East India Company, from Port d'Ehoala - your gateway to the secrets of the south coast. A walk through Nahampoana Reserve* will introduce you to baobabs, Ravenala palms and countless species of lemur. A hike on Mount Lavasoa* will reward you with fantastic views of the national park and coastline.

On the west coast, Toliara once again underlines Madagascar's beauty. The excursion to the coastal village of Ifaty and the spiny forest with a beach trip* combines relaxation by the ocean with baobab labyrinths. At this time of year, the lush nature reveals its true splendour. Back on board, you'll still be thinking about the 900 plant and tree species in Antsokay Arboretum* when the ship heads for the cape region.

The wilderness is calling! Follow its call and discover South Africa's untamed soul. The HANSEATIC spirit will spend two days in Richards Bay, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore Zululand. Go birdwatching in iSimangaliso Wetland Park* and look out for pelicans, flamingos, exotic species such as the hornbill, and the many hippos that also call this place their home. The overland excursions* to the nearby wildlife reserves are a particular highlight. An overnight stay in the middle of the wilderness, a night-time soundtrack of animal noises, stunning sunrises and sunsets: an intensive African encounter. Go for a game drive early in the morning when the animals are at their most active. Elephants, giraffes, zebras and lions: which species will you manage to see before you return to the ship?

After a city tour* of multicultural Durban, explore the animal kingdom again from East London.

Explore the animal kingdom once more from East London. Cross the vast bushland of Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve* in open-top safari jeeps. Alternatively, take another overland excursion*, for example to Sibuya Game Reserve. The boat ride to the lodge is almost like a game drive itself. You will spend the night right by the river that birds and wild animals use as a watering hole. Adventurous hearts beat faster at the mere mention of the big five.

From Gqeberha, you might be able to spot them in Kariega Game Reserve*, home to more than 25 species of wild animal and over 200 types of bird. Founded in 1931, Addo Elephant National Park* makes a particularly weighty impression.

In Mossel Bay, go ashore independently and follow in the footsteps of Bartolomeu Diaz, the first European to sail around Africa's southern tip. Alternatively, take a scenic tour to Knysna* in the heart of the Garden Route or visit an ostrich farm*. As you slowly bid farewell to the cape of wild animals, your memories of Africa will stay with you forever.