Mauritius to Zanzibar Expedition Cruise

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

Day 1 Depart Port Louis (Mauritius)

Board Coral Geographer in Port Louis, Mauritius where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 5:00pm departure. Join your fellow travellers and Expedition Team for a safety briefing as well as an overview of the voyage ahead.

St Denis (Reunion)

A choice of excursions at Reunion are available – either a full day tour or a half day morning tour. The full day tour takes in the central highlands where rugged peaks of dormant or extinct volcanoes and mountains rising over 3,000m dominate the landscape. Where the air is scented with vanilla as plunging waterfalls tumble into vast amphitheatres (known as cirques) and tropical fruit plantations meld with sugarcane fields. Enjoy spectacular views from Nez des Boeuf of the Piton de la Fournaise crater before lunch at a creole restaurant and a visit to Cite du Volcan museum.

Learn about the important part that vanilla plays in Reunion’s cultural heritage at St Andre vanilla plantation then explore St Denis before returning to Coral Geographer for lunch and an afternoon at leisure onboard.

At Sea

Enjoy three relaxing sea days at leisure as we cruise towards Madagascar. Join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of ongoing activities, demonstrations and informative presentations or settle in with a good book on the Vista Deck.

Toliara (Madagascar)

An overland adventure awaits as we journey from coastal Toliara to Isalo National Park approx. 1,000m above sea level, stopping on the way at Zombitse National Park, where we will see baobab trees and perhaps even the White Shifaka Lemur.

Isalo National Park is known for its rugged landscape carved by nature with imposing gorges and plunging canyons. Walking trails and natural swimming holes offer vantage points to view the several species of lemur inhabiting the park as well as the 100 or so bird species.

After lunch we further explore Isalo National Park before enjoying a very special sunset. We enjoy dinner, then breakfast at our overnight accommodation at the Hotel Relais de la Reine and Hotel Jardin du Roy.

There is further opportunity to spot Lemurs or enjoy the hiking trails including a swim at a freshwater billabong in the forest called Piscine Naturelle. After lunch at our hotel we will return to Toliara and Coral Geographer, stopping at the town of Sakaraha.

Andavadoaka (Madagascar)

The small fishing village of Andavadoaka sits on the edge of a tranquil lagoon protected by coral reefs and is home to semi-nomadic Vezo people who rely upon the ocean for their livelihood. The coral reefs of southwest Madagascar are some of the most diverse in the Indian Ocean biodiversity studies identifying many hundreds of marine species.

We will learn about community projects promoting sustainable marine management before enjoying a leisurely afternoon of beach activities, swimming and snorkelling at Nosy Hao.

Belo Sur Mer (Madagascar)

At the village Belo Sur Mer we again enjoy the company of the semi-nomadic Vezo people who travel the ocean in timber boats and oversized canoes powered by paddle or rudimentary rectangular sails. The ethnic Sakalava people, to which the Vezo belong, traditionally inhabit the coastal strip on the west coast of Madagascar and use outrigger canoes for fishing. The village sits on the shores of a turquoise lagoon with inviting white-sand beaches shaded by palm trees.

This coastal region of Madagascar is well-known for the traditional timber fishing boats, known as pirogues, built on the beach. When a vessel is launched, there is a festival-like atmosphere and we may be lucky enough to time our visit during such an occasion.

Morondava (Madagascar)

In a country scarred by deforestation, Kirindy Reserve is a wildlife habitat for threatened species and is protected and managed through selective and sustainable logging. Covering around 125sq km, Kirindy’s dry deciduous forests provide a haven for the endemic fossa, a sort of cat-like mammal the size of a small greyhound, as well as lemurs, birds and reptiles including chameleons.

After lunch we visit the famed Avenue of the Baobabs, known as the ‘most beautiful road in Madagascar’. The magnificent trees with their towering bottle-shaped trunks topped by gangly tentacle-like branches are a relative of the boab trees found in Australia’s Kimberley region. The Avenue of Baobabs is at the centre of a local conservation campaign aiming to protect the avenue as Madagascar’s first natural monument in an often-treeless landscape.

At Sea

Enjoy a day at sea and join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of ongoing activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.

Mahajanga (Madagascar)

Arriving after lunch into Mahajanga we will experience the famed Cirque Rouge, a multi-coloured rock formation that recalls somehow red American canyons. A hill locks where large gullies have been carved. Erosion has made this sandstone surface display a wide range of colours, from white, pink orange to ochre shades. Local people come here to carry out some of the colourful sand for filling bottles and selling them as souvenirs, or drawing pictures with these sands.

At Sea

Enjoy a day at sea and join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of ongoing activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.

Island of Mozambique (Mozambique)

The fortified city of Mozambique and former Portuguese trading post on the Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage site, significant for its remarkable 16th century architectural features. Connected to mainland Africa by a 3.4km long bridge straddling the Indian Ocean, the island has two distinct types of dwellings: the stone and lime town of Swahili, Arab and European influence in the north and macuti town (translating to city of roofed palm leaves) with traditional African architecture in the south.

The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest European building, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, considered one of the finest examples of Manueline vaulted architecture and Fort Sao Sebastiao occupy the north coast of the island. We will takeguided walking tours to discover the island’s diverse culture, it’s charming people and fascinating history including churches, mosques, colonial buildings and Portuguese houses.

At Sea

Enjoy a  day at sea and join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of ongoing activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.

Kilwa Kisiwani (Tanzania)

The UNESCO World Heritage Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani site, once a medieval sultanate and occupied from the ninth to the nineteenth century was described as one of the most beautiful cities of the world in its fourteenth century heyday.

There is an opportunity to wander around the magnificent ruins of Malindi Mosque and its adjacent cemetery, Fort Gereza, a former prison built atop the ruins of a Portuguese fort and tombs of Sultans. Husuni Kubwa, a fourteenth century sultans palace of grand proportions right down to its octagonal swimming pool, was similar in structure to those found in Syria, Turkey and the Persian Gulf.

On our final evening onboard Coral Geographer, we reminisce about our voyage to the edge of Africa with new friends over Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

Day 18 Arrive Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Coral Geographer arrives into Zanzibar at 9:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests at disembarkation at 10:00am.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out.

Departing Mauritius on 19 February 2023 and arriving in Zanzibar on 08 March 2023.

• Coral Deck Stateroom - from $16,390 pp twin share / from $24,585* sole use
• Promenade Deck Stateroom - from $18,590 pp twin share / from $27,885* sole use
• Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $31,890 pp twin share / from $32,835* sole use
• Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - from $30,690 pp twin share / Solo not available

*Limited sole use occupancy available.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your bookings as cabins are selling fast on this amazing journey. We can also assist with booking international flights, accommodation and arrange your travel insurance.

As a sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched April 2019), the Coral Geographer remains true to our nature of authentic expeditions. When designing our next generation of ships, we stubbornly resisted the trend to go large and glitzy so we can remain small enough to go to untouched places, focusing on bringing small numbers of like-minded guests closer to nature and cultures with personal attention and professional Australian service. The 120-passenger ship will feature the same state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features, however due to popular demand, she will have an increased number of 6 bridge deck suites with horizon bathtubs.

CORAL DECK STATEROOM:

Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM:

Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM:

Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas.These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE:

There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer.They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine.Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views.A complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres

Coral Expeditions require mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all guests and crew. To prepare for your voyage, ensure you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and provided details to the Coral Expeditions team. Medical exemptions are accepted in line with Australian standards. Vaccination for children will follow Federal Health and AHPRA guidelines.

Before you sail, you will also receive detailed pre-departure documents providing a range of information on your packing, your destination, and your ship.

What level of fitness is required?

A cruise on the Coral Geographer is suitable for guests of all fitness levels, however a reasonable level of mobility is required to travel and enjoy all your cruise itinerary has to offer. All guests should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. Hikes and walks do vary in intensity and where possible groups will be split to suit easy and moderate walkers. For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required.

You will need to climb into and out of zodiacs and other excursion tenders for excursions ashore: there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Although the Coral Geographer features a lift, it is still essential that all guests have reasonable agility to use the steep stairways between decks. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

Getting on and off the ship for shore excursions?

Your small ship is equipped with a fleet of excursion tenders to make travelling ashore as simple and comfortable as possible. The unique excursion tender ‘Xplorer’ ensure that even the least intrepid adventurer can explore ashore with ease. Our excursion boats board directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, avoiding the need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.

The unique Xplorer tenders, comfortably appointed with shading and on board toilet facilities, enable penetration inland, with explorations up shallow rivers and streams, to waterfalls and other amazing landscapes. Our inflatable Zodiacs and kayaks enable guests an up-close-and-personal view of reefs, islands and atolls and allow peaceful explorations to out of the way places.

Tipping not required:

Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On this vessel, your crew has no other agenda than your delight.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?

While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

If I want to Scuba Diver onboard, do I need to prepare anything?

For persons who wish to participate in either Certified diving or Introductory diving (also referred as Resort diving) you must be in good health for diving. A medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or narcolepsy shall prevent you from diving unless a medical certificate that addresses the condition is produced. To avoid disappointment on your cruise Coral Expeditions highly recommends you complete a dive medical prior to your journey and encourages certified divers who may not have dived in recent years to complete refresher courses.

Do I need a passport?

Please ensure your passport has 6 months’ validity from the time the expedition commences plus two free pages. It is the responsibility of all guests to ensure they meet visa requirements prior to travel. At least 4-6 weeks prior to departure, guests should contact the relevant country’s local Embassy / High Commission / Consulate with entry/exit details to confirm visa requirements based on their nationality. Entry and exit dates/points will be noted on your cruise itinerary.