Iconic Wildlife & Vast Landscapes of Africa

Michaela Strachan

One of TV’s best-loved presenters, Michaela Strachan, will be sharing her passion for animal welfare and extensive experience of wildlife conservation with guests onboard this cruise Africa and the Indian Ocean. From spectacles to predation, rarities to nesting, seasonal highlights to humour; Michaela will talk about British wildlife, wildlife programme making and what makes British wildlife programmes so popular. 

From penguin poo to cormorant beaks! Michaela talks about her experiences with SANCCOB, the sea bird rescue centre based in Cape Town. She will talk about saving the highly-endangered African Penguin and her experience of hand-rearing these adorable birds, as well as the 2020 Cape Cormorant crisis when thousands of chicks needed rescuing from nearby Robben Island.

Michaela will also join guests on a selection of tours in Cape Town.

Explore Vast Natural Landscapes

On this cruise, join us as Bolette takes you to the vast landscapes of the African continent and the Indian Ocean. Explore the biodiverse islands of Madagascar and the Seychelles and the savannahs and mountains of Africa. Reunion is your gateway to the lava tubes of the famous Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanos in the world, while in Cape Town you are ideally placed to discover the iconic Table Mountain. You’ll be joined by Geologist and guest speaker Glynda Easterbrook, who will deliver a series of insightful talks focusing on a range of subjects, from the Great Rift Valley, to the geology, flora and biodiversity of the Indian Ocean archipelagos and islands.

Witness African Wildlife in their Natural Environment

This cruise will offer you the opportunity to see incredible African wildlife in their natural habitat, from seeking out the Big Five on safari to spotting the lemurs and rare wildlife of Madagascar. From Mombasa, you could explore the vast plains of the Maasai Mara on a two-day adventure or discover the famous Serengeti on a three-day trip to see the wildlife which call this region home. Meanwhile, four calls into Madagascar will give you the chance to see endemic Lemurs in their natural environment across the island. On board, you’ll be joined by Zoologist and former Park Ranger Neill Caithness, who will share his experiences of working in National Parks with such magnificent wildlife. Ocean Wildlife Encounters will also be on hand, delivering talks on the marine life you may be lucky enough to see, as well as leading wildlife spotting sessions out on deck.

Uncover Historical Influences from Old Trading Routes

You’ll have the opportunity to discover the influences that the French, Portuguese and British had on old trading routes at some of the African ports Bolette will be visiting on this particular cruise. During our call into Toamasina, you can uncover the history of Fort Manda and learn how it was used to defend the town from invaders; while Dar Es Salaam is your gateway to the Kaole Ruins, the Old Fort and the historic site of Bagamoyo. In Victoria, take the opportunity to delve into the history of the old spice routes with a visit to a plantation and see how fruit trees, spice plants, palms and oil are cultivated. In Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, learn about the first European settlers in this region and see the lasting legacy from the British colonial period with visits to St Mary’s Cathedral, City Hall and the Post Office.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

On our once-in-a-lifetime overnight experiences, you will have the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the destination or area that you are visiting, such as searching for the Big Five in South Africa, or witnessing the magnificent Victoria Falls in Botswana. You will stay off the ship and all of your travel arrangements, accommodation and meals will be organised for you to ensure that your journey is seamless.