National Geographic Explorer
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.
This cruise has already sailed

16 Night Exploring East Africa and Madagascar Wildlife and Wonders Cruise from Cape Town

Ship: National Geographic Explorer
Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions
Sailed: Friday, Mar 25, 2022 from Cape Town, South Africa
Ended: Sunday, Apr 10, 2022
The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Friday, Mar 25, 2022 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.
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Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Friday - Mar 25, 2022
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa    
Start the day soaring up the side of Table Mountain in a cable car (weather permitting). From the top, take in sweeping views of the city and the surrounding Cape Peninsula. Then stroll among enchanting endemic and exotic plants at beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, named one of the world's top 10 gardens in the National Geographic book, Four Seasons of Travel. After a lunch of local specialties, embark the National Geographic Explorer. Find a spot on deck as we sail along the Atlantic coast and round the legendary Cape of Good Hope. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - Saturday - Mar 26, 2022
Hermanus, South Africa    
Go ashore today in Hermanus, a fishing town on Walker Bay that provides an excellent introduction to the rugged landscapes of the Western Cape, and the endemic fynbos (fine bush) species of the Cape Floristic Region-the smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms. Visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, renowned for its diverse plant life, and get a close-up look at protea and other fascinating fynbos varieties. We'll also encounter wildlife here, such as birds, baboons, and mongooses. Alternatively, choose to explore the town and its Saturday market. Then head to the countryside to visit some of the local vineyards. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Sunday - Mar 27, 2022
Mossel Bay, South Africa
Mossel Bay, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Knysna, South Africa    
Ferry Travel    
Featherbed Nature Reserve, South Africa    
Ferry Travel    
Knysna, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Mossel Bay, South Africa    
Anchor in Mossel Bay and follow the coast along South Africa's Garden Route, a spectacular drive with varied landscapes and diverse vegetation. Cross Knysna Lagoon by ferry to explore the private Featherbed Nature Reserve. On a leisurely walk through coastal forest, see the steep sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads and the ancient Khoi-Khoi sea caves they harbor. Watch for a variety of bird species as you walk, and take in great views across the lagoon. After lunch under a canopy of milkwood trees, return to Mossel Bay and sail east this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Monday - Mar 28, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
Enjoy National Geographic Explorer's many amenities as we cruise along the South African coast. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and marine life; meet with our certified photography instructor to learn new techniques; and enjoy talks by our onboard experts about the wildlife, cultures, and geology we'll encounter on our journey. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Tuesday - Mar 29, 2022
Durban, South Africa
Durban, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Shakaland Zulu Village, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Eshowe, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Durban, South Africa    
The largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban is a bustling port with a unique culture derived from its Zulu and Indian populations. Choose from several excursions today. Learn about the traditions of South Africa's largest ethnic group on a visit to a Zulu village, where you'll meet members of the community and watch a dancing and drumming performance. Head to Eshowe, once the headquarters of the British military, and trace the fascinating history of the region at the Zululand Historical Museum, housed within the Fort Nongqayi National Monument. Alternatively, stay in Durban and tour the city center, including its Golden Mile, the harbor, city hall, and an Indian spice market. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Wednesday - Mar 30, 2022
Richards Bay, South Africa
Richards Bay, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
St Lucia, South Africa    
Stretching along South Africa's eastern coast, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a vast mosaic of habitats, including papyrus wetlands, savannas, woodlands, dunes, and coral reefs. Travel here from the port at Richards Bay and spend the day exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Lake St. Lucia at the heart of the park, we'll go out by local boat in search of hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, and much more. We'll also look for sea turtles and black rhinos in the Eastern Shores region of the park. Stay in a lodge in St. Lucia tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Thursday - Mar 31, 2022
Richards Bay, South Africa
Richards Bay, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, South Africa    
Bus Travel    
Richards Bay, South Africa    
Early this morning, drive to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier wildlife parks. Set out on safari in an open vehicle, watching for an astonishing range of wildlife that includes the "big five" (rhinoceros, elephant, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo), as well as giraffes, unusual ungulates, cheetahs, and outstanding birdlife. White rhinos and, with luck, black rhinos, can also be found here. After an exhilarating day surrounded by wildlife, return to National Geographic Explorer in Richards Bay in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Friday - Apr 1, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
We continue cruising northward along the rugged east coast of South Africa. Stretching from the Imfolozi River in the south to the border of Mozambique in the north, Maputaland, also known as the Elephant Coast, is a rich and diverse natural wonder supporting 21 different ecosystems. The warmer and nutrient rich waters of the Indian Ocean are a favorite feeding ground for a wide variety of species. Be on deck with our experts as they scan the horizon for passing sea birds, whales, and dolphin. Conditions permitting, we may go ashore to explore more of this fascinating region. This evening, we turn to the Mozambique Channel and make our way to Madagascar. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Saturday - Apr 2, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
Day 10 - Sunday - Apr 3, 2022
Tulear, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Tulear, Madagascar    
Arrive in Toliara, on Madagascar's southwest coast, and head inland to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. Isolated from the African mainland for millennia, Madagascar is known for its many unique species of flora and fauna. We'll get an introduction to these intriguing creatures exploring the park's trails, which weave through the forest, providing rare opportunities to see a variety of lemurs, some 85 species of birds, brightly colored chameleons and geckos, and countless colorful butterflies that flutter among the orchid trees. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Monday - Apr 4, 2022
Morondava, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Menabe, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Morondava, Madagascar    
Day 12 - Tuesday - Apr 5, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
Dock in Morondava and drive to the Avenue of the Baobabs, where towering baobab trees line a simple dirt road-one of Madagascar's iconic sights. These beautiful, endemic trees can grow to be nearly a hundred feet tall, and individual specimens may be over a thousand years old. We'll have plenty of chances to view and photograph them. We will also have the opportunity to meet the people who make this region their home. This afternoon, cruise toward northwestern Madagascar. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Wednesday - Apr 6, 2022
Mahajanga, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar    
Bus Travel    
Mahajanga, Madagascar    
Leave the ship at Mahajanga this morning and drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, a superb dry deciduous forest that harbors rich birdlife and flora with medicinal properties. We'll walk in the forest to look for lemurs including Coquerel's sifakas, along with horned and rhinoceros chameleons, frogs, and the turtles that breed here. Bird species we may spot include the banded kestrel, rufous vanga, and Madagascar fish eagle; Ravelobe Lake harbors Nile crocodile and waterbirds. Return to the ship this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Thursday - Apr 7, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
Leaving the natural kaleidoscope of Madagascar, we continue our northerly course-once again crossing the Mozambique Channel. Pass through the Comoros Archipelago where we can see the peak of Mont Choungui rising above the fragrant ylang-ylang forests of Mayotte. As we sail, savor the time reflecting on the action-packed days of our journey so far-spend time catching up with your journal, review all your amazing photos, enjoy some pampering in the spa, and learn more of the complex and exotic history of Zanzibar with lectures that will set the stage for our visit. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Friday - Apr 8, 2022
At Sea
At Sea    
Day 16 - Saturday - Apr 9, 2022
Zanzibar
Zanzibar    
A former trading hub between Arabia to Africa, Zanzibar is an exotic mixture of cultures, history, and natural beauty. Known for its lucrative spice trade, the island drew Europeans, Arabs, and Indians, who prospered here and influenced Zanzibar's architecture and culture. Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn its complex history of sultans, merchants, and slaves. After lunch, walk the trails of Jozani Forest on the lookout for Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, found only on this island. We may also spot bush babies, duikers, and some of the 40 species of bird known to pass through here. Back onboard, raise a toast to our incredible journey during our farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 17 - Sunday - Apr 10, 2022
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania    
Located on a massive natural harbor, this once-small fishing village has grown into a thriving commercial center and the largest city in Tanzania. Disembark after breakfast and spend the morning exploring diverse Dar es Salaam. Trace the history of Tanzania at the National Museum and House of Culture. At Tinga Tinga Market, wander through an art gallery showcasing Tanzania's fantastical Tinga Tinga painting style. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home, arriving the next day. (Day 19: B,L)
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