With a German-speaking tour guide, exploring Madagascar and the dream islands of Réunion and Mauritius (2027)

starting at €11,250

Flight from Germany to the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo.

After landing, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel. In the evening, you will get to know your fellow travelers at the welcome dinner. (D)

Just outside the capital, nestled amid green hills and purple jacarandas, stands the venerable royal residence of Ambohimanga. The birthplace of the Merina kings was long off-limits to Europeans and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Antananarivo, you’ll pass the flower market, Lake Anosy, and the colonial-era train station. Finally, at the imposing Rova Royal Palace, you’ll take a journey through Madagascar’s eventful history and enjoy the panoramic view of the metropolis. (FMA)

Today you’ll fly from Antananarivo across the highlands to Toliara on Madagascar’s sunny and dry southwest coast. If the flight schedule permits, take a stroll through the Antsokay Botanical Garden to admire the bizarre mother-in-law’s tongue, Madagascar palms, and false baobabs—all endemic plants perfectly adapted to the dry climate! On the drive through Toliara, the many colorful rickshaws, known as pousse-pousse, are real eye-catchers. In the afternoon, the MS Island Sky awaits you at the port—your comfortable home for the next ten nights. Make yourself at home on board! (FA)

Today, local men pull your Zodiacs onto the wide sandy beach in the sleepy port town of Morondava and help you disembark. From here, you’ll travel inland by jeep along bumpy dirt roads. Higher and higher, baobabs rise to the bright blue sky on both sides. Your destination is the Marofandilia Forest, the gateway to the dry and thorny woodlands of Kirindy National Park. Not only do numerous lemur species such as larvenifaks and red-fronted lemurs feel right at home here, but also snakes, iguanas, chameleons, the Coquerel’s silk cuckoo, and many butterfly species. A curious and endangered species is the giant jumping rat, which can hop like a miniature kangaroo. Unfortunately, the secret ruler of the national park—the nocturnal fossa, Madagascar’s largest endemic predator—is very rarely seen. In the afternoon, a photo opportunity for the ages awaits: you’ll stroll in awe through the Avenue of the Baobabs, a landscape that feels like another planet. Still inspired by these impressions, we return on board. (FLA)

Today, the west coast of this giant island will pass by as you sail along. From time to time, colorful fishing boats will cross your path. Relax in the comfort of the ship or listen to fascinating lectures that offer insights into Madagascar’s flora and fauna. If whales, dolphins, or orcas cross your path, the captain will call you up on deck. (FMA)

Zodiacs will take you to the quay of the bustling port city of Mahajanga at the mouth of the Betsiboka River. You can’t miss the city’s symbol, Madagascar’s largest and oldest baobab tree, which served as a gathering place and site of executions in the 19th century. From here, you’ll travel by jeep to the sacred Lake Mangatsa, which is deeply rooted in the culture of the Sakalava people. Its fish are said to carry the souls of the ancestors. The waters are lined with sacred trees adorned with red cloth and zebu skulls. On a nature trail, with a bit of luck, you’ll get up close to the white lemurs, also known as Coquerel’s sifakas, as the animals here are accustomed to humans. On the return trip, you’ll learn firsthand how works of art and everyday objects are made from the fibers of the raphia palm. You’ll be back on board for lunch and continue on—heading northeast. (FMA)

Northwestern Madagascar is a tropical paradise with turquoise waters and golden palm-fringed beaches. You can reach the uninhabited islet of Nosy Tanikely, the centerpiece of a marine national park, by Zodiac. Keep an eye out for shield lizards, panther chameleons, and hermit crabs as you climb to the lighthouse. Ruffed lemurs and flying foxes are also occasionally spotted in the treetops. Snorkeling here is a special experience, as the pristine coral gardens extend right up to the beach. Underwater, a dazzling world of starfish, sea urchins, moray eels, surgeonfish, groupers, and pufferfish awaits you. The national park is famous for its sea turtles, which swim majestically in circles right beneath you. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Nosy Komba. This peaceful island is known for its ruffed lemurs, sacred black lemurs that are revered by the locals and fed bananas. The island’s handicrafts, tablecloths, and wood carvings are also famous. You’ll be back on board in the late afternoon. (FMA)

After circumnavigating Madagascar’s northernmost tip, you’ll enter a vast natural harbor consisting of three turquoise bays. Here lies Madagascar’s most important port city, Antsiranana—formerly known as Diego Suarez, named after the Portuguese navigator Diego Dias, who was the first European to land here in 1543. Today, for once, you’ll reach dry land without getting your feet wet, as the MV Island Sky anchors directly at the pier. The drive through the picturesque hinterland takes you past idyllic villages, mango, lychee, and flamboyant trees. Your destination is the particularly spectacular Montagne d’Ambre National Park, a volcanic massif covered in dense mountain rainforests. Depending on your mood, you can take an easy or a challenging hike to hidden jade-green crater lakes and thundering waterfalls. High above you, brown lemurs swing through the treetops. With a little luck, you’ll spot birds of paradise, the world’s smallest chameleon, and the world’s smallest frog. In the early afternoon, you set sail again from the port of Antsiranana—heading southeast. (FMA)

Around noon, the MV Island Sky anchors off the east coast near Masoala National Park, which, at 2,100 km², is Madagascar’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first walk takes you from the golden sandy beach to a village of the Betsimisaraka, Madagascar’s second-largest ethnic group after the Merina. Here you will be welcomed with traditional dance and music, enveloped by the scent of vanilla and exotic spices offered for sale by the villagers. Those who wish can take a hike through the rainforest at dusk, keeping an eye out for nocturnal bamboo lemurs and the mythical Aye-Aye, before returning to the ship via Zodiac. (FMA)

The morning is dedicated to Masoala National Park, a world of coastal rainforest, wetlands, and mangroves. You can choose between a challenging hike and an easier one, and experience a picture-perfect primary forest. The park is home to at least ten species of lemurs, including the red ruffed lemur, which is now found only here. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot helmet vangas with their bright blue beaks, large chameleons, or bright red tomato frogs. During lunch on board, you’ll cross Antongil Bay and land one last time by Zodiac on the beach of the small island of Nosy Mangabe, once a notorious pirate’s den. Keep an eye out for flat-tailed geckos, white-headed lemurs, and black-and-white lemurs during the challenging hike to Dutch Beach or the moderately difficult climb to the Betsimisara tombs. The island is famous for the mythical Aye-Aye, a nocturnal fingered animal with large bat-like ears. Bird lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. (FMA)

Gradually, Madagascar’s coastline fades into the distance behind you. Ahead lies the sparkling blue of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing day on board. Engaging onboard presentations will whet your appetite for new adventures. In the evening, under the southern stars, enjoy a lavish Captain’s Dinner. (FMA)

When you wake up, you’ll see the bizarre volcanic cones of Réunion. The contrast with Madagascar couldn’t be greater, as the island is a French overseas department. From the port, a bus takes you through densely populated valleys up into forested plateaus reminiscent of the Alps. The road winds higher and higher, the vegetation grows increasingly sparse, until you finally reach the ash desert of Plaine des Sables. Your destination is Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The view from the crater’s rim at an altitude of 2,300 meters is simply breathtaking! On the return trip, immerse yourself in the world of these fire-breathing giants at the interactive volcano museum. Depending on traffic conditions, there may still be time for a stroll through the colonial old town of the island’s capital, St. Denis. Then your ship will weigh anchor and set off on the final leg of the journey. (FLA)

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew at the Port Louis harbor and disembark. A tour of the island takes you to the 18th-century Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, where presidents and kings from all over the world have planted exotic plants and trees. At the World Sugar Museum, you’ll sample not only different types of sugar but also fine rum. Finally, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the island’s capital, Port Louis, from the citadel before heading to the airport to catch your flight back to Germany. (B)