Compare Indian Ocean Islands by Bestway Tours & Safaris vs Cruising in the Seychelles (Garden of Eden) by Intrepid Travel

Day 01: Arrive Antananarivo (Madagascar)

Antananarivo, the capital of the large island of Madagascar, is ideally connected with many cities including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Paris, Seychelles, Mauritius, etc. Upon arrival at Antananarivo, we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Palissandre Hotel, Antananarivo (1 night)

Day 02: Antananarivo/Andasibe/Mantadia National Park

We tour Antananarivo, the capital, driving to the upper town to see the Queen's palace. In the Malagasy "Rova" is the symbol of the Merina Kingdom. Sitting on the top of the tallest hill of Antananarivo, it offers a spectacular view of the administrative quarter and its surroundings. We then drive down to the Independence Avenue and the Anosy Lake. Here we get a good picture of the diverse ethnic communities, before we take a scenic drive to Marozevo. We visit the famous exotic farming centre of Mr.Pereyras where we see almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar including butterflies, lizards, snakes, bats and other interesting animals. Then we proceed to Mantadia National Park, part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana* - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Hotel Vakôna forest Lodge (1nights) (B, D)

Day 03: Andasibe/Matadia National Park

Today we visit the two areas of the National Park. These relict forests are critically important for maintaining ongoing ecological processes necessary for the survival of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, which reflects the island’s geological history. Having completed its separation from all other land masses more than 60 million years ago, Madagascar’s plant and animal life evolved in isolation. We look out for the Indri, the biggest lemur species in the world, which communicates though calls that can be heard as far away as 4 kms. Later we drive back to Antananarivo.
Overnight: Palissandre Hotel, Antananarivo (1 night) (B, D)

Day 04: Antananarivo-Nosy Be (Madagascar) (Flight)

Another short flight from Antananarivo and we arrive in a completely different world, Nosy Be in the northern tip of Madagascar. Upon arrival at this small airport we are met and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free to loiter around the town or enjoy beach – Madagascar’s most popular beach.
Overnight: Nosy Be Hotel, Nosy Be (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Nosy Be

The Nosy Be area is famous for its natural beauty and today is spent exploring the sites. An interesting day ahead as we start with a day excursion of Lokobe, a typical fishing village situated in the middle of an Ylang-Ylang Plantation in the south east part of the town. From here, we take a short boat trip by a Pirogue crossing to the Beach of Lokobe (only reachable by boat). Here we take an easy-guided walking tour in the tropical forest to discover the fascinating fauna and flora, while searching for lemurians, chameleons, boas and much more. A nearby fishing village gives us an opportunity to meet the local folks. (B, D)

Day 06: Nosy Be/Plaisance (Mauritius)

Our next island destination is the well-known island of Mauritius. The flight from Nosy Be will take us first to Antananarivo to connect with the international flight to Plaisance International Airport in the island of Mauritius. Upon arrival, we are cordially welcomed and transferred to our beach hotel. Balance of the time is free.
Overnight: Preskil Beach, Mahe (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Mauritius

With several stops to see local life as well as scenic views, we will cover the island of Mauritius in our exploration today. We learn about the history of Mauritius, the variety of people and their origins, their mixed culture and languages, visiting the buildings of Aapravasi Ghat* in the district of Port Louis, among the earliest explicit manifestations of what was to become a global economic system and one of the greatest migrations in history starting in 1834. We also explore the Le Morne Cultural Landscape*, a rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean in the southwest of Mauritius. Protected by the isolated, wooded and almost inaccessible cliffs, escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. (B, D)

Day 08: Mauritius/Rodrigues Island (Flight)

A short flight gets us to Rodrigues Island where we are met and transferred to our hotel. After time for independent exploring, we are in for a treat, as we join the locals for a sumptuous dinner.
Overnight: Cotton Bayhotel, Rodrigues (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Rodrigues Island

We tour the island and discover the unique lifestyle of the island, a charming combination of simplicity, friendliness and hospitality. Rodrigues is home to several species of endemic tropical flora and fauna.
(B, D)

Day 10: Rodrigues/Victoria, Mahe’ Island, Seychelles

An easy day as we take a flight from Rodrigues via Mauritus to Mahe Island, in the Seychelles. Upon arrival at Mahe Island we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free. Overnight: Savoy Hotel (1 night) (B)

Day 11: Mahe Island/Praslin (Flight)

An early morning flights gets us to Praslin. We are warmly received and taken on tour of Praslin, a very popular island. We visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve*, which has the vestiges of a natural palm forest preserved in almost its original state. The famous coco de mer, from a palm-tree once believed to grow in the depths of the sea, is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. After the tour we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Indian Ocean Lodge, Praslin Island (2nights) (B)

Day 12: La Digue/Praslin

We board a traditional schooner for a brief journey to La Digue Island. The fourth largest island features spectacular formations of granite boulders. An ox-cart ride on La Digue takes us to L’Union Estate to visit copra sheds, a giant land tortoise pen and an old colonial house. Marvel at the sight of the most beautiful beach of Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent, over a typical Creole lunch and enjoy some time to spend sunbathing or swimming before our return to Praslin. (B, L)

Day 13: Praslin/Mahe Island/Reunion Island

Depending on the flight time we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Reunion Island via Mahe Island. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.
Overnight: Boucan Cabot Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 14: Reunion Island

We explore the Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island*, the core of La Réunion National Park. Dominated by two towering volcanic peaks, massive walls and three cliff-rimmed cirques, the property includes a great variety of rugged terrain and impressive escarpments, forested gorges and basins creating a visually striking landscape. It is the natural habitat for a wide diversity of plants, presenting a high level of endemism. We start off with a day excursion to Cilaos, a well-known mountain resort featuring a hot spring spa. We drive via a picturesque road awed by impressive landscapes. A short walk to La Roche Merveilleuse takes us to a lookout point where we see the whole valley. We also visit with the native people make famous embroideries, typical wine, and grow lentils. In the afternoon we return to Saint Gilles les bains, Reunion Island's little "Saint Tropez" then head back to our hotel. (B)

Day 15: Reunion Island/Mayotte

Bidding farewell to Reunion, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Dzaoudzi Mayotte. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel, situated in the south of the island, right on beautiful N'Gouja Beach. Here we can enjoy Mayotte’s beautiful flora of 18 hectares of tropical garden, as well see huge baobab trees by the beach. We can also swim amongst the turtles, play with the green monkeys and take time to enjoy the serene sea.
Overnight: Jardin Maore Hotel, (2 nights) (B)

Day 16: Mayotte

Our explorartion of Mayotte starts with a visit to the Plage Musical to see the largest Baobab tree on the Island. We will also discover the dense tropical forest in the heart of the Island, visit an Ylang-Ylang Plantation and the "Jardin Maore", where we can watch a friendly colony of lemurs living in the garden of the hotel and get another opportunity to swim with turtles. (B)

Day 17: Mayotte/Moroni (Comoros)

A short flight gets us to Moroni on Grand Comoro Island where we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for us to enjoy the town, featuring the history of many settlers who came to inhabit the island, including Malagasy tribes, Malay-Polynesians, Arabs, Persians and Europeans.
Overnight: Retaj Moroni Hotel (2 nights) (B)

Day 18: Moroni

A whole different world as we tour the Grand Comoro Island. The local culture reflects the ethnic diversity, history, politics, music, dance, food, drink, arts, sports and international influences in the region. The Grand Comore island is the largest island in the Comoros nation having a population of 316,000 with an area as large as or as small as 1,148 Sq Kms. The island reflects an laid back Arab town. (B)

Day 19: Depart Moroni

After an exciting visit of the Indian Ocean Islands we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Bestway Tours & Safaris can also arrange visits to island on the East African coast, visiting Zanzibar Island in Tanzania and Pemba and Lamu islands in Kenya. (B)

Optional Extension: Desroches Island, Amirante Islands

We can also organize an extension to Desroches Island from Mahe, with a private air transfer. Along with the remaining Amirante Islands, Desroches had been a part of the Seychelles since it became a separate colony in 1909. On November 8, 1965, the United Kingdom split Desroches from the Seychelles to become part of the newly created British Indian Ocean Territory together with Farquhar, Aldabra and the Chagos Archipelago, but returned it to the Seychelles with the first two. The purpose was to allow the construction of military facilities for the mutual benefit of the United Kingdom and the United States. On June 23, 1976, Desroches was returned to Seychelles. Please call us for details, as prices vary according to season.

Day 01: Mahe/Desroches Island, Amirantes

We take a private flight to Desroches Island. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to the resort our hotel. Desroches Island is an idyllic, independently owned, coral island surrounded by white sandy beaches and a protective reef. It is the ultimate island destination, with luxurious accommodation in a heavenly setting of un-spoilt beaches and lush, green forests. Conservation is paramount on Desroches, every care has been taken in the design to protect the area’s natural history and ecology. Guests at Desroches enjoy first-class accommodation, fine cuisine, world class diving and snorkeling, luxurious spa facilities and striking scenery in total privacy and opulent style. It is the ultimate, indulgent holiday experience.
Overnight: Desroches Island Resort (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 02: Desroches Island

We have a luxurious day to ourselves to enjoy quiet picnics on secluded beaches, sunset cruises with loved ones, mesmerizing encounters with captivating marine life and blissful pampering treatments in all the natural wonders and five-star luxury the island has to offer. Our experience can be as exhilarating or relaxing as we wish. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Desroches Island/Mahe

We return by private charter flight to Mahe. (B)

Day 1 Mahe – Embarkation Day

Welcome to the Seychelles! Embarkation will take place between 3 and 4 pm. After the welcome cocktail and safety drill, leave Port Victoria and sail to nearby St Anne for a refreshing swim stop off the ship. Spend the night at anchor near St Anne and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 2 St Anne Island – Curieuse

Leave St Anne Island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning, visit this uninhabited island for an included walking excursion with a park guide. Lying about one mile to the north-east of Praslin, this island of about two miles long was first given the name Ile Rouge because of its red earth. As part of the Marine Park, the island is strictly protected and only a few families live here. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-de-Mer palm. There is a wild population of about 250 giant tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, known as the Doctor’s House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove. Later, return to the beach for a barbecue under the trees and in the afternoon, enjoy the beach and sea activities. Overnight at anchor in Curieuse.

Day 3 Curieuse - Cousin Island - Anse Lazio

In the morning, sail for Cousin Island for an included excursion. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares and lies approximately 2 kilometres from Praslin island. It became the world’s first internationally owned reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP), now Birdlife International. The objective was to save the last remaining population of the Seychelles warblers. It is not only significant for sea birds and endemic land birds but is also the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. The reserve is managed solely by local staff and benefits local communities on the neighboring Praslin island through eco-tourism. Today, Cousin is managed by Nature Seychelles. Conservation activities include monitoring of the island's biodiversity, research, re-introduction of endangered species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin. Later in the afternoon, reach Anse Lazio, Praslin – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports and snorkelling! Enjoy an evening at anchor.

Day 4 Aride Island - St Pierre - Baie St Anne - Praslin

In the morning, leave for Aride. A visit to Aride Island is an essential part of the itinerary for any visitor to Seychelles to discover what the islands were like 250 years ago before human settlement. It also hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. Eighteen species of native birds (including five only found in Seychelles) breed on Aride, including the Audubon's shearwater and the Seychelles warbler. It is also home to the Wright's gardenia which is found nowhere else on earth. The island is managed as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles and the only human inhabitants are the reserve's staff, including the Island Manager, Conservation Officer and rangers. Aride is also an island where native plants find fertile soil for growth. Because of this, it plays a very important role in the conservation of Seychelles wildlife both terrestrial and marine (with a 200 meter protected area from the coastline). At around midday, sail for St Pierre Island, arriving just after lunch in time for snorkeling and swimming stop. At sunset, leave St Pierre to sail into Baie St Anne, Praslin. Spend the night at dock and a enjoy a Creole-themed evening.

Day 5 Praslin – La Digue

This morning, perhaps opt for an optional excursion to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, via the main mountain pass. A scenic coastal drive through picturesque fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green takes you to where you start a guided tour. Discover the mystical World Heritage-listed site renowned for its Coco de Mer – the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Watch for the Black Parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world and listen to its high pitched whistle. Depart Vallee de Mai for Cote d’Or Beach – voted on several occasions as one of the world's most beautiful beaches – for a swim and a refreshing afternoon drink. Rejoin the boat for an afternoon sailing to the uninhabited island of felicite or Grand Souer for snorkeling, swimming and optional dive excursion. Take an evening sail to La Digue where you will anchor in the port overnight.

Day 6 La Digue – Moyenne Island

This morning, perhaps take a half-day optional excursion in La Digue – a picturesque, quaint community in the Seychelles. After disembarking by Zodiac, head by bus to the Veuve Nature Reserve and through Union Plantation to l’Anse Source d’Argent beach. Arrive at L’Union Estate and tour the copra kiln, a traditional coconut oil mill and the colonial plantation house. Spend some time at the magnificent Anse Source D’Argent beach, marvelling at some of Seychelles' most impressive rock formations, while enjoying a refreshment. Time for hunting souvenirs at La Passe, the islands main village, before returning to the ship. In the late afternoon, set sail for Moyenne Island, opposite Mahe, to spend the night at anchor.

Day 7 Moyenne Island – Mahe

Take a short, included guided tour around the island before there is time for swim and a barbecue on the deck. This is the last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming before heading back to Mahe. Leave Moyenne Island for Mahe’s Victoria port in the afternoon arriving late at the Inter Island Quay. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner with live music and dancing, spending the night in Mahe.

Day 8 Mahe – Disembarkation Day

Disembarkation takes place after breakfast between 9 and 10 am. With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart any time after disembarkation. Make your own way to Mahe Airport for an onward flight connection or perhaps stay on and enjoy one of the amazing resorts in the Seychelles.