From Port Louis to Cape Town
Expedition Madagascar And South Africa: Two Wonderful Wildernesses
From Port Louis to Cape Town
Expedition Madagascar And South Africa: Two Wonderful Wildernesses
Voyage Itinerary
3 December
Setting sail from Port Louis
The lovely island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is striking in the contrasts between its mountainous backdrop and beautiful white sand beaches. The capital Port Louis, on the northwest coast, dates back to 1735 and is a busy administrative centre, packed with office workers during the day. Interesting as it is, visitors arriving in Port Louis may well choose to travel immediately to other areas of the island, as it boasts many excellent hotels. Although English is the official language, French is more widely spoken and most Mauritians will also speak Creole in relaxed settings.
4 December - At sea
5 December
Madagascar: Ile Sainte Marie
6 December - At sea
7 December
Madagascar: Nosy Be
The island of Nosy Be, just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, remains a laid back locale in spite of its popularity as a tourist destination. The beaches are the main attraction for most visitors, along with the colourful chameleons and tiny frogs hiding in the Lokobe wildlife reserve.
8 December - At sea
9 December
Mayotte: Mayotte
Mayotte is part of the Comoros archipelago, off the east coast of Africa, governed by France as an overseas territory. It’s something of a post-colonial oddity; the white sand beaches and laid back pace are typical of the Indian Ocean, but the cost of living is more reminiscent of mainland France.
10 December - At sea
11 December
Madagascar: Tuléar
Tuléar (also known as Toliara) is located on Madagascar’s southwest coast, with some great snorkelling and diving just offshore. The small Renala Private Reserve, just to the north of the town, preserves part of Madagascar’s spiny forest, a unique ecosystem that supports rare wildlife including grey mouse lemurs and spider tortoises.
12 December to 14 December - At sea
15 December
South Africa: Richards Bay
Richards Bay itself is an industrial city with little in the way of tourist sights, but the port serves as a gateway for the many attractions of KwaZulu-Natal province. Head inland and you’ll find traditional Zulu villages, undulating hills and wildlife including crocodiles, hippos and the rare black rhino.
16 December
South Africa: Durban
Durban is a real melting pot; not only does the city feel more authentically African than Cape Town, it’s also home to a large Indian community that lends the city a distinctly Asian flavour. The lovely waterfront promenade was revamped for the 2010 World Cup, and the beach is a popular destination for domestic tourists.
17 December - At sea
18 December
South Africa: Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is home to some nice beaches and a handful of interesting buildings, but it is perhaps not the most exciting city on the Sunshine Coast. There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, however, and we highly recommend a day trip to the fantastic Addo Elephant Park.
19 December
South Africa: Mossel Bay
The sunny city of Mossel Bay is on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, situated roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The city has a pleasant seafront promenade and there are some lovely beaches nearby, along with whale and dolphin watching hotspots and game reserves.
20 December
South Africa: Hermanus
21 December
Arriving in Cape Town
Cape Town is a magical, multicultural city where Africa meets a European-style cosmopolitan atmosphere, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures and religions. With flat-topped Table Mountain soaring above the city, beautiful natural landscapes, and gardens within the city, you never feel far from nature here.
Don't miss
Robben Island is a must, possibly the most well known island-prison in the world. Make sure you book ahead - the ferries leave at specific times and numbers are limited.
The ship
HANSEATIC spirit
- Capacity:
- 230 Guests
- Style:
- Luxury expedition means a fresh and airy décor, great food, service and facilities, alongside technical expertise and 30 years of experience in operating the very best expedition cruises.
The expedition ships from Hapag-Lloyd, Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration & Hanseatic Spirit, represent the perfect marriage of experience and innovation in adventure cruising.
What we love
The perfect combination of technical expertise and thoughtful design makes these ships stand out as very special additions to the expedition fleet. We are particularly excited that Hanseatic Inspiration is a totally bilingual ship, showing Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to the English-speaking markets, and from January 2026 Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Spirit will also operate bilingually.
inclusions
- All meals
- Water sports and adventure equipment for use on board
- Comprehensive lecture programme
- Well equipped fitness area
- Zodiac tours and landings (subject to regulations in each destination)
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Mauritius
We wouldn’t stay in Port Louis itself - go a little way up the coast to the Angsana Balaclava on Turtle Bay.
Mauritius excursions
Explore Port Louis’s markets with a private guide, visit Fort Adelaide, the National Botanical garden and the Sugar Estate and museum.
Where to stay in Cape Town
There are some great hotels to choose from, but at Mundy we especially like the Cape Grace on the waterfront.
Extend your stay in South Africa
Take a wine tour to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for tastings, beautiful countryside and great food.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
