South Africa and Madagascar: Durban and Nosy Be
With French elegance and a spirit of discovery
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Durban → Nosy Be
Aboard Le Dumont-d'Urville, a 184-guest Ponant Explorer-class vessel, this eleven-night expedition sails from Durban along South Africa's east coast and across to Madagascar, finishing in Nosy Be. Expect coral reefs, lemur forests, baobab avenues and remote islands in the Mozambique Channel. Sixteen Zodiacs make landings in small bays and nature reserves possible, while the Blue Eye underwater lounge opens a window onto reef life. Premium all-inclusive service, the marina and a personal atmosphere define life on board. The voyage combines cultural port calls with nature encounters along seldom-visited shores.
Route highlights
- Durban: The Indian Ocean meets a major African city famed for its Creole and Indian cuisine.
- Richards Bay: Harbour on the edge of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO natural heritage site.
- Toliara: South-west Madagascar with spiny forest and nearby coral reefs.
- Morondava: Gateway to the celebrated Avenue of the Baobabs and the Tsingy karst landscapes.
- Mahajanga: North-west port city marked by Creole and Arab influences.
- Nosy Hara: Marine protected area of limestone islets and crystal-clear water.
- Nosy Be: The ylang-ylang island in the north, journey's end amid tropical vegetation and quiet bays.
The Route
Durban
11 nights
Nosy Be
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Durban · Embarkation
Durban lies on South Africa's east coast on the Indian Ocean in the KwaZulu-Natal province and operates the largest and busiest port on the subcontinent. The city blends a Zulu cultural hinterland, the largest community of Indian descent outside India and the long surfing beachfront of the Golden Mile.
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Richards Bay
On the east coast of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal on a large natural lagoon, this port is the southern hemisphere's largest coal-export harbour. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi rhino reserve lie close at hand.
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At sea
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Toliara (Madagascar)
Toliara lies on the south-west coast of Madagascar on the Mozambique Channel and is the gateway to the Ifaty coral reef. The port city is marked by a colourful blend of Vezo fishing culture and Creole influences.
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Morondava
On Madagascar's west coast in the Menabe region lies the coastal town of Morondava on the Mozambique Channel facing the open sea. Just outside town stretches the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs with monkey-bread trees up to 800 years old, which form red silhouettes against the Malagasy sky at sunset.
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At sea
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Majunga
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Nosy Komba
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Nosy Hara
In northern Madagascar lies Nosy Hara as an uninhabited island within a marine national park in the Mozambique Channel. Distinctive limestone formations like tsingy spires, clear water and sea turtles make the islet a natural highlight; the island is also home to the world's smallest known chameleon, Brookesia micra, just under three centimetres long.
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Nosy Be · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Durban
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 17 | 20 | 41 | 69 | 93 | 82 | 77 | 40 | 30 | 18 | 15 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Southern Africa (Cape Town)
Disembarkation: Nosy Be
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| Sea °C | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 380 | 250 | 170 | 180 | 130 | 80 | 70 | 90 | 120 | 180 | 220 | 320 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Seychelles (Mahé)
Le Dumont d'Urville
Le Dumont d'Urville has sailed since 2019 as the fourth Explorer ship. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, Zodiac fleet. Named after the explorer who claimed Adélie Land for France in 1840.
In the Indian Ocean, Le Dumont d'Urville opens up the islands off Madagascar and the Seychelles - tropical paradises with French savoir-vivre onboard.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Dumont d'Urville
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom - 3 | € 9.790 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 - 4 | € 10.720 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 - 5 | € 11.180 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 - 6 | € 11.740 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 - 3 | € 15.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 - 4 | € 15.810 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 15.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 15.810 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite - | € 20.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite - | € 21.920 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 - 5 | € 22.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 22.940 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - 6 | € 25.070 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - 6 | € 26.270 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 11 nights from EUR 9.380 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Dumont d'Urville?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Durban the best time to sail is November to March (southern summer); for disembarkation in Nosy Be it is April to October (drier, calmer seas).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
