Voyage to Madagascar aboard the SH Diana
Set sail from Kenyan capital Mombasa, and journey along the Western Madagascar and Mozambique coasts. Visit Aldabra, home to over 100,000 giant tortoises. Head to Nosy Be, with its fascinating French colonial buildings and nature reserve. Discover Toliara’s mangroves, coral reefs, and Arboretum d’Antsokay, which has over 900 plant species. Your journey ends in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, known for its historic district and vibrant street scene.
Countries Visited:
Kenya, Seychelles,
Madagascar, Mozambique
Starts/Ends:
Nairobi (NBO) | Maputo (MPM)
Duration:
12 Days / 11 Nights
Activity Level:
Moderate (Expedition Cruising)
Accommodation:
Luxury ★★★★★
International Air Route:
USA–Nairobi (NBO) | Maputo (MPM)–USA
Group Size:
Max 192
Experiences:
Culture, Wildlife
Take in the aromas of Mombasa’s market stalls heaped with locally grown spices like pepper, ginger and cinnamon
Look out for pods of dolphins or surfacing beaked whales on your days at sea
Head to the rarely visited Kirindy Mitea National Park to see several species of lemur
Learn about exotic local plants from the guides at the Arboretum d’Antsokay
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.
Built in Finland, and launched in May 2023, Swan Hellenic's Diana is a new- generation expedition cruise ship. Although at 12,100 tons the ship is large enough to accommodate more than 350 passengers, Diana will accommodate a maximum of 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and balcony suites. The low guest density results in one of the most generous indoor and outdoor space-to- guest ratios among cruise ships.
Featuring the latest advances in technology and engineering, Diana is among the world's first environmentally-responsible ships. Equipped with hybrid engines, a system of powerful batteries, and a unique water filtration system, Diana leaves a minimal footprint. For cruising in Polar regions, the ship meets the stringent requirements of the new Polar Code with its high PC5 Category A ice-strengthened hull and other advanced features. A computer-controlled Dynamic Positioning System allows the ship to maintain position without anchoring. Operated by a complement of 135 experienced European officers and international crew members, Diana will carry a fleet of Zodiacs, versatile landing boats, and kayaks. Powerful stabilizers provide a smooth ride.
Diana's interior spaces exude sophisticated elegance, with most rooms opening to panoramic views of the sea. All staterooms and suites face outside and are equipped with private facilities, climate control, TV, Wi-Fi and USB connections and other amenities. Of the ship's 96 staterooms, 76 have balconies. Public areas include a spacious observation lounge equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for lectures and presentations; a club lounge; a restaurant that accommodates all guests at one seating; an outdoor café/bar that surrounds the heated swimming pool; a wellness area with gym, spa, and sauna with an adjoining outdoor jacuzzi; library; beauty salon; and an infirmary that is attended by a full- time doctor and nurse. The ship also features expansive open-deck areas. Two elevators connect all decks. Attentive service is provided on a 24-hour basis. The outstanding cuisine is complemented by fine wines at lunch and dinner.
Cat. E - Oceanview staterooms with two large oval windows. Deck 4. Staterooms 401 – 404.
Cat. D - Oceanview staterooms with two large oval windows. Deck 4. Staterooms 405 – 420.
Cat. B - Suites with balcony & living room area. Deck 5. Suites 505 – 518, 521 – 537.
Cat. A - Suites with balcony & living room area. Deck 6. Suites 601 – 618, 621 – 635.
Cat.AA - Suites with large balcony, separate bedroom & living room. Decks 5 & 6. Suites 519 & 520, 619 & 620
$9990 (Sold Out)
$10390 (Sold Out)
$12890 (Sold Out)
$13990 (Sold Out)
$16990 (Sold Out)
$Inquire
$Inquire
$Inquire
$Inquire
$Inquire
206 sq. ft.
206 sq. ft.
300 sq. ft.
474 sq. ft.
500 sq. ft.
A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to reserve your space on the tour. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by personal check or charged to a credit card.
• Single Occupancy rates can be avoided if you wish to be matched
with another single traveler who also wishes to share. If no share
is available, the single rate will apply.
• Rates are based on current rates and currency exchange rates at
the time of publishing the tour online.
• Rates are subject to change until final payment has been made.
Rates are based on a minimum participation and if the minimum
participation is not met rates may need to be revised.
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Nairobi.
Arrive in Mombasa (e-visa required) and transfer to the Serena Beach Hotel (or similar). Enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers this evening. (D)
After breakfast at the hotel, join an excursion to the 16th-century Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the bustling spice market where Indian, Arab, and African vendors compete for your attention, before transferring to the port to board Diana. Set sail for the Seychelles in late afternoon. (B,D)
During a day at sea heading toward Aldabra, treat yourself to the amenities aboard ship and attend informative lectures and briefings from expedition staff. You may also want simply to enjoy being in the middle of the ocean, looking over vast horizons under open skies, with the sun, wind and a few adventurous seabirds to keep you company. (B,L,D)
Located in the very heart of the Seychelles archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth, where a large population of sea turtles have found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast tract of sea and land is formed by 4 small reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches. (B,L,D)
After clearance formalities at Assumption Island, leave the Seychelles behind and sail to Madagascar. (B,L,D)
The Nosy Be Archipelago is a collection of small islands with magnificent white sand beaches and an exceptional diversity of marine and terrestrial life. From the port of Andoany, commonly referred to as “Hell-ville,” we take pirogue canoes through the mangrove to Lokobe Nature Reserve, a primal forest that serves as habitat for more than 370 species of wildlife. On a guided walk through the forest, we will be looking for the birds, reptiles, and primates that abound—especially the endangered black lemur. (B,L,D)
Separated from Mahajanga by the Betsiboka River, the village of Katsepy is in a region of remarkable biodiversity. Board local boats to explore the mangrove forest of the Betsiboka Delta before enjoying lunch at Andafiroï Lodge on the coast just north of Katsepy. After lunch, enjoy a nature walk in the Katsepy Forest Reserve, home to five species of lemurs, 153 endemic plant species, and 42 varieties of endemic birds. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea enjoying the many amenities aboard ship and attending presentations from expedition staff. (B,L,D)
Established in 2000, Zazamalala is a private reserve comprising 350-acres of restored dry forest and fresh water ponds that provide habitat for some of Madagascar’s rarest species, including the Madame Berthe Mouse Lemur (the world’s smallest primate), and the Red-fronted and more than 100 rare and endemic trees, birds, and reptiles. Visit the Avenue of the Baobabs, a grove of 25 Grandidier’s Baobab lining the red-dirt road just outside of Morondava. In 2007, the government granted protected status to the park and named it Madagascar’s first Natural Monument. (B,L,D)
Toliara, surrounded by mangroves and an offshore coral reef, provides easy access to the Arboretum d’Anstokay, established by a Swiss botanist in 1980 in the middle of a spiny forest. Guided tours lead past more than 900 mostly endemic plant species, some identified only in the past 40 years, and you might spy birds, butterflies or lemurs living among the branches. (B,L,D)
As Diana crosses the Mozambique Channel on the way to Maputo, you may treat yourself to the amenities aboard and attend informative lectures and briefings from expedition staff and guest lecturers. (B,L,D)
After breakfast aboard, transfer to the airport for flights homeward. (B)
The rates are all-inclusive. There are no hidden costs and no additional charges such as shore excursions or embarkation and port charges. Other than the international airfare and expenses of a personal nature, all else is included. Specifically, the rates include:
One night at the Serena Beach Hotel (or similar) in Mombasa, Kenya.
Welcome dinner in Victoria, and lunch on the day of embarkation.
Cruise aboard the Swan Hellenic Diana as described in the itinerary.
Airport/hotel/pier transfers and handling of luggage on arrival and departure dates.
Educational program of lectures and discussions with expert expedition staff.
Complete program of tours and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides.
All meals aboard the ship, with a selection of wines, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner.
Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard the ship hosted by the captain.
Open bar with select alcoholic beverages.
Coffee, including espresso and cappuccino, tea and soft drinks throughout the day and night.
24-hour room service.
Gratuities to the ship’s crew, guides, porters and drivers.
Basic Wi-Fi aboard the ship.
The services of an experienced Thalassa Journeys Trip Director.
All local taxes and service charges, including port and embarkation taxes.
Complete pre-departure material.
Airfare.
Travel insurance.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Any meals and other items not mentioned in the itinerary and the Program Inclusions.
Please request a quote if you would like Coda Tours to assist with international airfare bookings. We often can offer favorable rates for Business or Economy class at a standard fee of $35 per ticket.
The internal flight from Nairobi to Mombasa is included in the cruise fare and will be issued by Swan Hellenic.
A valid passport is required for international travel and must be valid for 6 months after the return date of travel and have two blank pages available per country visited.
Visa requirements will be advised after registration.
Packing/weather details.
The cruise is guaranteed. A Coda representative will accompany Coda clients if 12 or more book through Coda Tours.
A portfolio of pre-departure information will be mailed approximately three weeks prior to departure.
Please request a quote if you would like Coda Tours to assist with international airfare bookings. We often can offer favorable rates for Business or Economy class at a standard fee of $35 per ticket.
