South Africa: South Africa & Madagascar - 12-Day Cruise - Norwegian Dawn - Nov 23 - Dec 5, 2025

South Africa: South Africa & Madagascar - 12-Day Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Price: From $2,501.78 CAD Per Person

(Price per person, based on double occupancy, cabin category Inside.)

Departure Date: November 23, 2025

Return Date: December 5, 2025

Photo: NCL

Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring natural beauty and amazing wildlife in Madagascar and Africa while learning about rich local cultures and traditions. With an overnight stay in Richard's Bay, you have plenty of time to explore all the region offers, from encountering elephants, lions, hippos and other species on an unforgettable safari at a local game reserve to learning about Zulu culture with a visit to the DumaZulu Traditional Village. Then encounter diverse species that include lemurs, pygmy kingfishers and colourful chameleons at the Lokobe Natural Reserve, located outside Nosy Be. In Port Louis, your overnight stay allows you even more time to dive deeper into the region's natural beauty, culture and history. Learn about the historic tea trade with a scenic tour along the "Tea Route" that includes tea tastings and visiting 19th century plantation houses or journey to one of the nearby islands for a day of oceanside relaxation.

Photo: Map of the itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is both the legislative capital of South Africa and one of its most vibrant cities. Make your way to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding city and harbour. Visit Robben Island to see the former site of the notorious former prison that held Nelson Mandela. Explore the manicured lawns and beautiful forest in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Then stop by the V&A Waterfront for some shopping and entertainment.

Day 2: Mossel Bay, South Africa

Located along the Southern Cape, Mossel Bay is one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Sink your toes into the sands of Santos Beach. Hike up the trail to the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse where the 19th century structure provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the earliest humans at the Point of Human Origins archaeological site. Then explore the more recent cultural heritage at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum.

Photo: Mossel Bay

Day 3: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is one of South Africa's major municipalities and bears the nickname "The Friendly City." Relax on beautiful King's Beach. Spot some big game at the Kragga Kamma Game Park nature reserve. Explore the rich history of South Africa's Eastern Cape at the Donkin Reserve. Try local dishes like potjiekos, an indigenous stew cooked outdoors in a cast-iron pot.

Day 4: Richards Bay, South Africa

Situated on the deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, Richards Bay will thrill both nature and culture seekers. Spend the day walking through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve where you might see one of the rarest birds of pray in South Africa, the Palm-Nut vulture. Catch some sun or some waves at Aklantstrand Beach or learn about South African history and art at the Empangeni Museum.

Day 5: Richards Bay, South Africa

Situated on the deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, Richards Bay will thrill both nature and culture seekers. Spend the day walking through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve where you might see one of the rarest birds of pray in South Africa, the Palm-Nut vulture. Catch some sun or some waves at Aklantstrand Beach or learn about South African history and art at the Empangeni Museum.

Days 6-7: At Sea

Day 8: Nosy Be, Madagascar 

Immerse yourself in Madasgascar's largest and most popular destination, Nosy Be. This "Big Island" off the northwest coast is famous for its natural splendour and Ylang Ylang trees that make up a major part of the local economy. Spend the day hanging out with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve. Indulge in local cuisine like the diverse and delectable variations of Laoka. Then brave the highest peak on the island at Mont Lokobe or relax on the beaches of Befotaka Bay.

Photo: Nosy Be, Madagascar 

Day 9: Antsiranana, Madagascar

A gateway to Northern Madagascar, Antisiranana, once Diego Suarez, is at once a buzzing city and a sleepy one. Most residents nap from noon to 3pm and so normally bustling shops and restaurants are closed for a few hours around this time. But even when shops are shut, there's plenty of architecture and natural beauty to wander through. Ravaged by several cyclones over the centuries, you'll find several ruins of once-gorgeous French-style architecture. Outside the city, there are beaches to relax on and forests to explore. Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. See what animals you can spot!

Day 10: At Sea

Day 11: Pointe Des Galets, Reunion

With its lush rainforests and beaches bordering coral reefs, Pointe des Galets, Réunion will dazzle you with its natural splendour. This island in the Indian Ocean is a French department and is known for Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano that rises to 8,635 ft. When you're not hiking through the Bélouve Forest or laying back on l'Hermitage beach, you can visit the Aquarium of Réunion or stop by the Jardin de l'Etat, a botanical garden opened in 1773.

Days 12-13: Port Louis, Mauritius

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.

Looking for a getaway? Contact me today! 

Bonnie Fowler
Travel Agent 
Telephone - 647-213-6968
1003-55 York Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5J 1R7
TICO: 50021282