Little-known Madagascar
Innumerable adjectives are used to describe Madagascar, as anyone who travels to this island-continent is inevitably enchanted and filled with wonder. They are most likely drawn to it for its unusual geology that forms majestic landscapes where extraordinary plant life thrives. Baobabs, kalanchoes and the aloes of Madagascar create a veritable botanical paradise for the many species of animals that live here.
Over 15 days, aboard Le Bougainville, explore the red island during an expedition cruise combining encounters with the local communities, geological discoveries, and the opportunity to observe the native fauna and flora.
From Port-Louis, on the island of Mauritius, you will first sail to Réunion Island, before reaching the shores of Madagascar. You discover Fort-Dauphin. More commonly called Tolagnaro, it is fascinating for its past marked by colonisation and for its natural environment where exceptional plant life has created a breathtaking décor.
Further on await turquoise waters, the magnificent coral reefs and the natural pools of Nosy Ve, an islet of white sand that shelters a large colony of red-tailed tropicbirds.
Along the vast beaches lined with dunes in Sarodrano, you will have the unique privilege of meeting and interacting with a small community of Vezos, one of the last “sea nomad” people. Learn more about how they make their wooden dugout canoes, shaped for trade. You will visit their charming village and sit with them in their authentic dugout canoes with square sails, to learn about their age-old seafaring skills.
Toliara, formerly Tuléar, comes into view at the mouth of the Onilahy River. Nearby, the wild expanses of southwestern Madagascar form UNESCO biosphere reserves thanks to their exceptional flora that will delight botany enthusiasts.
After exploring the picturesque and sumptuous city of Belo sur Mer, you will join Majunga where you will visit Ankarafantsika National Park, home to numerous bird and lemur species.
Your ship will then set sail towards the northern tip of Madagascar. Let yourself be dazzled by the beauty of the deserted beaches and preserved coral reefs of the idyllic islets in the Nosy Komba marine park, renowned for its fabulous underwater life.
Finally, you will reach Nosy Be, where your fabulous adventure in the Indian Ocean will come to an end.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's zodiac inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
