FROM MAURITIUS TO MAURITIUS

With around 380,000 inhabitants, Toamasina is the second-largest city in Madagascar – and by far the most important port city in the country with its unique natural harbour on the east coast. A city walk will take you past historical churches from the colonial era and the busy Bazary Be market. Not far from Toamasina is the Parc Ivoloina: this nature reserve offers visitors the opportunity to see unique animal species such as lemurs and chameleons in their natural environment.

The small, completely forested island of Nosy Mangabe is part of the Masoala National Park and is an important sanctuary for endangered species. Among other things, it is home to the endemic, nocturnal aye-aye lemur species. A hike with your experts or on your own along undiscovered paths takes you through the deep-green tropical rainforest – making you feel like a naturalist. With a little luck, you might spot rare aye-ayes, white-headed lemurs or nano-chameleons – the world’s smallest reptile – between the enormous trees.

The tropical north coast of Madagascar is famous for its beautiful beaches, hilly island interior covered in rainforest, and for growing cocoa, coffee, spices and rice. Off the coast lie expansive coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of sea life. The Nosy Be archipelago, in particular, is a popular spot for divers and snorkellers.

The colonial architecture of the port city Antsiranana , also known as Diego Suarez, harks back to the 19th century, when the region was declared a French protectorate. Feel like you’re in heaven in this idyllic landscape – discover its most colourful sides: from white beaches with a miniature “sugar loaf” to an emerald-green lagoon sea and a red rocky landscape resembling Mars.

The lush green island of Nosy Be, whose name means “big island” in the local language, is of volcanic origin. The magnificent colonial villas around the port in the island’s capital, Andoany, recall the bygone feudal lifestyle of the French sugar barons. Nosy Be is also known as the “perfume island” since it is home to many fragrant plants. The hot and humid climate and the island’s sheltered location offer the ideal growing conditions for vegetation. The overwhelming beauty of this paradise is best revealed on a hike – accompanied by your experts who will direct your gaze to its biodiversity. Marvel at giant trees up to 40 m (131 ft) tall, many different bird species and the way of life of the lemurs, which live in troops led by the oldest female.

Enjoy a day in paradise. Mayotte lies between the African mainland and Madagascar and is the oldest volcanic island in the Comoros – and part of Europe. In the watercolour of the dark blue ocean, the group of islands stands out with green vegetation, colourful fruits and golden beaches. Surrounded by a coral reef, Mayotte is a dream destination for diving and snorkelling, with an underwater world teeming with hundreds of fish species. When relaxing on the beach, you will feel like you are in a French kind of paradise, as you will in the little town of Mamoudzou with its colonial architecture: here the inhabitants speak French, eat baguettes and pay in euros. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine with its African, Indonesian, French and Indian influences. Look forward to some exciting encounters and enjoy the great hospitality of the Mahorans.

In the blue ocean, the little island of Nosy Hara literally stands out with its high needles of rock known as tsingies. Nature has been left to its own devices in this protected marine area. For generations, the island has been known by the local people as “fady”, the Madagascan word for sacred or taboo. It is a real privilege for you to set foot on the uninhabited island with a small group of like-minded people. The island is home to countless endemic species, including the tiny leaf chameleon, which fits on top of a match. This biodiversity is also on show underwater.

Your manoeuvrable expedition ship is perfect for discovering terra incognita in Madagascar. The spirit of adventure is in the air as your ship sails through the legendary waters. When you set foot on the island of Nosy Boraha, you will be entering the infamous pirate republic of Libertalia, said to have been founded in the 17th century. Legends like Olivier le Vasseur, Henry Every and William Kidd lived on the isolated island for a time, setting out from here on their privateering expeditions at sea. Today, the gravestones with skull symbols in the pirate cemetery on the former pirate island tell of times gone by. On a shore visit with your experts or on long walks along the coast, explore the unspoilt nature and small waterfalls of this island, which is largely untouched by tourism – an intense encounter with some of the last unspoilt landscapes on earth. Perhaps you will also find William Kidd’s legendary pirate treasure, which is said to lie hidden here still.

The island of Reunion is shaped by an impressive chain of volcanoes, the highest of which, Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise, stretch high up into the blue sky. The diverse landscape is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Thanks to its fascinating biodiversity on land and underwater and the natural beauty of its scenery, the island has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A visit to Reunion will be rounded off with a tasting of Creole cuisine, with its impressive variety and intense flavours.