Cape Town - Mahe (Seychelles) From South Africa to idyllic islands

At the foot of the imposing Table Mountain lies Cape Town, a lively metropolis and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The charming blend of Victorian villas on Long Street and modern skyscrapers in the financial district are what give the city its unique character. The popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its boutiques, cafes and excellent restaurants will make visitors’ hearts soar. A cable-car ride to the plateau of Table Mountain promises to be an exciting experience and offers a magnificent view over the city and peninsula. This stretches as far as the Cape of Good Hope, where idyllic beach resorts meet unspoilt nature, making Cape Town an even more unforgettable destination.

White sand and settled weather – Mossel Bay is the perfect place for a long walk along the surf. This South African harbour town, also known as Mosselbaai, was discovered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 when he landed here to take on fresh water. The Dias Museum Complex stands as a reminder to this historic discovery and lets visitors immerse themselves in the past. The name Mossel Bay comes from Dutch traders who noticed the large number of mussels in the bay. Its fascinating history and natural beauty make Mossel Bay a charming destination on the Garden Route.

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, offers visitors an inviting atmosphere with its many days of sunshine and long beaches. The coastal resort in the south-east of South Africa was given its new name in 2021, after the isiXhosa name for the Baakens River that flows through the town. Humewood and Summerstrand are particularly popular areas for long walks or watching the sailors and windsurfers. The town is characterised by the brick-red bell tower of the Settlers’ Memorial Campanile, commemorating the first settlers in 1820.

The lively city of Durban stretches out along the east coast of South Africa. Now the second-largest city in the country and long before the British arrived in 1823, Durban was shaped by its native culture, as shown by the rock carvings in the Drakensberg mountains. It has since grown into an economic hub with the biggest port in the country, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a wide range of leisure activities. Long sandy beaches attract the surfers and the beach front is a great place for sunbathing. Some of the cultural highlights on offer include the Botanic Gardens, the Old Fort and the Juma Masjid Mosque. Durban brings history together with modern life and South African spirit. Two full days in Durban offer the opportunity to explore the coastal city extensively or go on a safari.

Nosy Be, off the north-west coast of Madagascar, beckons you to a Garden of Eden that will enchant you with its diversity. Known as “the fragrant island” due to its ylang-ylang plantations, the island enchants visitors with its palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear water and vibrant underwater world. In Lokobe Reserve, you’ll encounter lemurs, chameleons and rare plant species – an unforgettable experience. The volcanic crater lakes are also worth seeing – for example, at Mont Passot – which offers breathtaking views of the island and the sea.

The EUROPA 2 will reach Nosy Iranja the evening before. Wake up off one of Madagascar’s most spectacular islands: the island is about 40 km (24 mi.) from Nosy Be and consists of two parts connected by a bright white sandbank. At low tide, this natural wonder can be crossed on foot, an experience you will never forget. Also known as the “Island of Turtles”, Nosy Iranja is an important nesting site for sea turtles. Turquoise water, powder-white sand and tropical vegetation create an idyllic setting, This dream come true includes a small fishing village, a lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel and hidden coves that invite you to relax and stay a while.

Antsiranana, in the far north of Madagascar, was known as Diego Suarez during colonial times. Even today, isolated buildings bear witness to the city’s French past. Its lively centre, characterised by East African, Arabic and Asian influences, captivates visitors with its bustling activity and colourfully painted houses. Wide, boulevard-like streets lined with colonial architecture give Antsiranana its special atmosphere. One of the most striking landmarks is the former Hotel des Marines in the far north of the city, which is a popular destination for walks and excursions.

La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the Seychelles, is legendary for its relaxed atmosphere and imposing granite cliffs: the colossal rounded rocks are particularly impressive at the idyllic Anse Source d’Argent, which is perfect for bathing thanks to its shallow turquoise waters. There are hardly any cars on La Digue and most people use bicycles to get around. It’s a great way to explore the island and its hidden wild beaches in the north. In the south of the island is the L’Union Estate, a former plantation estate, which provides insights into the traditional trades of the island and is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin.

White sandy beaches lined with palm forests, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, are the idyllic picture-perfect spots on Praslin, the second-largest island in the Inner Seychelles. Anse Lazio in particular, surrounded by impressive granite cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The island’s interior is home to Praslin’s national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallee de Mai. This is where the ancient Seychelles coco de mer palm trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, grow. Together with around 43 other species of plant and rare animals like the black parrot, they form a unique natural paradise.