Madagascar & South Africa

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Mauritius airport / Chamarel

Meet at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign (Counter No 24 in the airport arrival hall). You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to your hotel.

Early arrival before the official check-in time is not included. You can enjoy the hotel facilities until you get installed in your room.

The day and lunch are free.

Dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 2 – Chamarel / Domaine des Aubineaux / Grand Bassin

After breakfast, accompanied by your guide, you will depart to "Le Domaine des Aubineaux" where you will experience the “Ki Pou Kwi” Cooking Class. You’ll discover traditional Mauritian cuisine through their “grandmothers’ recipes”.

After 1-hour driven, a presentation will be made by the chef of the domain, who will explain the steps for preparing the meal. Then, proceed to the local bazar where you will purchase the ingredients (accompanied by the chef). Head back to Le Domaine des Aubineaux, where you will prepare the dishes. Concoct your dish and set your table for a moment of pure bliss in Les Ecuries du Domaine des Aubineaux surrounded by Le Parc Floral du Domaine des Aubineaux.

After lunch, a visit of the colonial house and rum tasting is included. To end this memorable day, treat yourself or a loved one with a souvenir from La Boutique du Domaine des Aubineaux. 

During the afternoon, you will reach Ganga Talao (commonly known as the Grand Bassin), a crater lake situated about 550 metres above sea level, located in the mountainous Southwest district of Savanne. On the shoreline sits a temple along with a collection of small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods. 

You will then be transferred to your hotel nestled at Chamarel in the southwest of Mauritius (about 30-minute drive).

The end of the day is at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – Chamarel

After breakfast, depart for Ebony forest.

You will discover how rapidly Mauritian forests disappeared and why today Mauritius harbours one of the World’s most threatened flora and fauna populations during this 25-minute guided tour. Visit the native plant propagation nursery and see some of the rarest plants in the world being grown.

Then you will reach Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, a treasure trove of preserved natural, historical, and cultural riches.   
Climb aboard a 4x4 safari vehicle, which will transport to the picnic area. Return to nature and enjoy the wild beauty of the Southwest while savouring the best of life: time to reconnect while enjoying a picnic with typical Mauritian food. Relax by the Frederica waterfall in the middle of nature. 

Back to your hotel, and end of the day at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 – Chamarel / Mauritius airport

Breakfast.

Day at leisure.

Check-out at 11:30 maximum.

Lunch at leisure.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight to Nosy Be where you could embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The charming boutique hotel Chalets Chamarel is committed to offering you a unique and unforgettable stay, with personalized, top-of-the-range services. Its 11 chalets are perched on the ridges of the Piton La Porte de Chamarel, offering exceptional panoramic views of the west coast on one side and the forests on the other.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        3-night accommodation in Deluxe Ocean View Chalet at Chalets Chamarel (local standard) or similar, including half board (breakfast and dinner).

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverages package during meals mentioned in the programme (at Domaine des Aubineaux on day 2: mineral water, 2 glasses of fruit juice or soft drinks or beer; during "picnic" "lunch on day 3: mineral water, 2 glasses of soft drinks or 1 local beer, Chamarel coffee).

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.  

·        Beverages during dinner at the hotel.

·        Early check-in or late check-out.

·        Optional services  and activities proposed at the hotel.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your arrival flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        The official check-in time is 2:00 p.m.

·        The official check-out time is 11:30 a.m.

·        Hotel accept only guests over 15 years. Booking with children under 15 years is not possible.

·        During visits and outdoor activities, provide comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection.

·        The practice of electric bike and outdoor walking on uneven terrain sometimes slippery requires to be in good physical condition.

·        During visits and outdoor activities, provide comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection.

·        The program is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Contact of your hotel:

Chalets Chamarel 4*
Route Terre des Sept Couleurs
Mauritius
Téléphone : (230) 660 9796

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Mauritius

Meet at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign (Counter No 24 in the airport arrival hall). You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to your hotel.

Check-in in your room at your arrival (check-in before official time is included).

Day, & lunch at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Mauritius

Breakfast.

Day at leisure.

Check-out at noon maixmum.

Lunch at leisure.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight to Nosy Be where you could embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

Located on the Blue Bay Peninsula, at the southern tip of the island and 10 minutes from the airport, the Beachcomber Shandrani 4* hotel offers comfortable rooms in a tropical setting between ocean and garden. The complex has a wide range of activities that will allow you to relax: 3 private sandy beaches, 1 swimming pool, a sports center, water activities.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at Beachcomber Shandrani 4* (local standards) or similar, half board included (diner and breakfast).

·        Early check-in in room before official check-in. 

·        Beverages package during lunch (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local glass of beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking assistance during transfers.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel the day of your arrival.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Late check-out.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        The official check-in time is 2 p.m.

·        The official room release time is 12:00.

·        The included transfer from the hotel to the airport on day 2 will be adapted by our local representative depending on the departure time of your flight to Nosy Be. No activity is planned that day, only free time to be able to adapt this day  with any flight schedule for Nosy Be that will be confirmed a few weeks before your departure.

Contact of your hotel:

Beachcomber Shandrani
Blue Bay, Le Chaland 51510 (Mahebourg)
Maurice
Telephone : (+230) 603 4100

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Durban

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Your first stop will be the Phanzi museum in Berea.

Their exhibitions deal with prejudice, myth, collective memory, histories, customs, traditions, power and loss. And of course, skill and craft and the materials that come to hand.

Continue to the Durban Botanic Gardens for a relaxing walk in the beautiful garden settings. The Durban Botanic Gardens is currently Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden and remains a national and local asset contributing to plant conservation and education. This 15-hectare botanic garden curates major collections such as cycads, palms, orchids both indigenous and exotic in nature. Refreshments will be served.

Thereafter, continue to a local Restaurant for lunch and some free time on the Promenade of Ushaka followed by a short drive to King Shaka International Airport for your in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

·        Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

·        Lunch with beverage package (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Visa Fees if necessary.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        Rand is the official currency in South Africa. Euros and US dollars can easily be changed in the banks or exchange offices. International credit cards are widely accepted in the hotels, shops and restaurants.

·        We strongly recommend that all guests contact their medical practitioners prior to travel for advice on the appropriate anti malaria precautions and/or any other inoculations, vaccinations etc.

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.