Mahe (Seychelles) - Mauritius Expedition Madagascar: one of evolution’s most beautiful gifts

White sandy beaches lined with palm forests, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, are 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.

Curieuse, the fifth-largest island in the Inner Seychelles, is located very close to its sister island Praslin and is a true natural paradise. The island, which is only about 3 km² (1.1 mi.²) in size, delights visitors with a diverse mangrove landscape where eight different species grow. Curieuse has been a protected nature reserve and part of the Curieuse Marine National Park for decades. A research station and a rescue and breeding station are dedicated to the conservation of Aldabra giant tortoises. Visitors have the rare opportunity to get up close to these impressive animals in the wild. In the south-west of the island, the historic Doctor’s House – once a leper colony, now a museum – tells the eventful history of the island. Look forward to an exclusive destination whose backdrop promises a variety of experiences.

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.

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 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.

In the north of Madagascar, around 40 km (25 mi.) north-east of Nosy Be, lies Nosy Mitsio, a small archipelago known for its unspoilt nature, beautiful beaches and rich underwater world. The population of the islands lives mainly from fishing and the cultivation of a few local products. There is still relatively little tourism on Nosy Mitsio, which has allowed it to retain its authentic atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty far away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds.

The small island of Nosy Anjombavola off the north-west coast of Madagascar delights visitors with its unspoilt nature and authentic charm. The island belongs to the Diana region – but, unlike Nosy Be, it is not very developed in terms of tourism Nosy Anjombavola is renowned for its diverse marine wildlife and excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving. The coral reefs surrounding the island offer a fascinating insight into Madagascar’s underwater world.

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.

The colonial architecture of the coastal 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.

Madagascar’s exotic east coast presents itself as an untamed natural kingdom. Lush rainforests stretch to the Indian Ocean and are home to rare lemurs, brightly coloured chameleons and a fascinating bird life. Those who land here discover a side of the island nation that is unspoilt and authentic, telling tales of adventure.

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.

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.