Madagascar & South Africa
PONANTEU171226HOL

Madagascar & South Africa

Departure 17 Dec 2026
Duration 11 Nights
Cruise Line PONANT EXPLORATIONS
Ship Le Dumont-d'Urville

Featured Cabins

0800 059 0570

Itinerary

Durban, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 Dec 2026

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Durban

Richards Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 18 Dec 2026

South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn – it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

Richards Bay

Richards Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 19 Dec 2026

South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn – it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

Richards Bay

At Sea

Date of arrival 20 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

At Sea

Date of arrival 21 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Tuléar, Madagascar

Date of arrival 22 Dec 2026
Tuléar

Morondava, Madagascar

Date of arrival 23 Dec 2026
Morondava
Day 1

Durban, South Africa

Date of arrival 17 Dec 2026

Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.

Durban
Day 2

Richards Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 18 Dec 2026

South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn – it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

Richards Bay
Day 3

Richards Bay, South Africa

Date of arrival 19 Dec 2026

South Africa’s largest harbour is located on a lagoon on the Mhlatuze River on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal and takes its name from Admiral Sir F W Richards who sailed into the bay to deliver supplies to the troops during the Anglo/Zulu War of 1879. The Richards Bay lagoon was declared a game reserve in 1935, when conservationists objected to the growing industrialisation here. This however did nothing to halt development. Instead a compromise was agreed and a wall was built across the length of the bay to divide the lagoon. The north side became the seaport and the south remained a sanctuary for waterfowl and wildlife. The lagoon is famous for being the site where the longest crocodile ever recorded was shot by hunter John Dunn – it measured over 20 feet. The town was built on the shores of the lagoon in 1954 and although it was only a small fishing community in the 1960s, the development of the deep water harbour and railway in 1976 prompted the growth of the much larger township you see today. The bustling town is now a popular holiday destination with its unspoilt beaches at the edge of the Indian Ocean, year-round sunshine and excellent recreational facilities including surfing and fishing. It is also an excellent gateway to Zululand and the KwaZulu wildlife reserves. Richards Bay has recently undergone a major renovation that has given the town a Caribbean feel.

Richards Bay
Day 4

At Sea

Date of arrival 20 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 5

At Sea

Date of arrival 21 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 6

Tuléar, Madagascar

Date of arrival 22 Dec 2026
Tuléar
Day 7

Morondava, Madagascar

Date of arrival 23 Dec 2026
Morondava

At Sea

Date of arrival 24 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Majunga (Mahajanga), Madagascar

Date of arrival 25 Dec 2026
Majunga (Mahajanga)

Nosy Komba, Madagascar

Date of arrival 26 Dec 2026
Nosy Komba

Nosy Hara, Madagascar

Date of arrival 27 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Nosy Bé, Madagascar

Date of arrival 28 Dec 2026

Nosy Bé, meaning Big Island in the Malagasy language, lies just a stone’s throw off Madagascar’s northwest coast. It is a remote and exotic destination. With its deserted beaches, rustic hotels and unhurried pace, it attracts travellers looking for a laid-back vacation. The fertile island is the centre for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang trees. The heady scent of their flowers gave Nosy Bé the name “Perfumed Isle.” Other local products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla and pepper; they are grown for export in large plantations. Hellville, the island’s main town and port, is situated in a sheltered bay. It is named after a former French governor, Admiral de Hell. The town features a few old colonial buildings, a busy market, some small boutiques and tourist shops along the busy main street. At the quayside, vendors display embroidered linens, wood carvings and straw articles. Trips into the lush countryside may include a ride up to Mt. Passot. At 950 feet (285 metres), this is the highest point on the island. The view from the top offers an extensive panorama of crater lakes nestled between verdant hills. Most visitors make the boat trip to Nosy Komba. The tiny island is known for its lemur reserve. These arboreal primates, with their large eyes, soft fur and long curling tails, have lived unharmed for centuries in the forest behind Ampangorina village. The lemurs are a popular tourist attraction and a profitable source of income to the small local community.

Nosy Bé
Day 8

At Sea

Date of arrival 24 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 9

Majunga (Mahajanga), Madagascar

Date of arrival 25 Dec 2026
Majunga (Mahajanga)
Day 10

Nosy Komba, Madagascar

Date of arrival 26 Dec 2026
Nosy Komba
Day 11

Nosy Hara, Madagascar

Date of arrival 27 Dec 2026

No additional details available for this day.

Day 12

Nosy Bé, Madagascar

Date of arrival 28 Dec 2026

Nosy Bé, meaning Big Island in the Malagasy language, lies just a stone’s throw off Madagascar’s northwest coast. It is a remote and exotic destination. With its deserted beaches, rustic hotels and unhurried pace, it attracts travellers looking for a laid-back vacation. The fertile island is the centre for the production of perfume essence from the ylang-ylang trees. The heady scent of their flowers gave Nosy Bé the name “Perfumed Isle.” Other local products include sugar cane, coffee, vanilla and pepper; they are grown for export in large plantations. Hellville, the island’s main town and port, is situated in a sheltered bay. It is named after a former French governor, Admiral de Hell. The town features a few old colonial buildings, a busy market, some small boutiques and tourist shops along the busy main street. At the quayside, vendors display embroidered linens, wood carvings and straw articles. Trips into the lush countryside may include a ride up to Mt. Passot. At 950 feet (285 metres), this is the highest point on the island. The view from the top offers an extensive panorama of crater lakes nestled between verdant hills. Most visitors make the boat trip to Nosy Komba. The tiny island is known for its lemur reserve. These arboreal primates, with their large eyes, soft fur and long curling tails, have lived unharmed for centuries in the forest behind Ampangorina village. The lemurs are a popular tourist attraction and a profitable source of income to the small local community.

Nosy Bé

Cabin Options

PONANT, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Prestige Stateroom 1.jpg

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Welcome to the Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 204ft² (19m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Deluxe Stateroom 1.jpg

Deluxe Suite

Welcome to the Deluxe Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 3 persons
Size 290ft² (27m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Prestige Suite 1.jpg

Prestige Suite

Welcome to the Prestige Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 409ft² (38m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Privilege Suite 1.jpg

Privilege Suite

Welcome to the Privilege Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 3 persons
Size 344ft² (32m²)
PONANT, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Grand Deluxe Suite 1.jpg

Grand Suite

Welcome to the Grand Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 484ft² (45m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Owner's Suite 1.jpg

Owner's Suite

Welcome to the Owner's Suite aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Suite
Occupancy 4 persons
Size 484ft² (45m²)
Ponant Le Dumont d-Urville Deluxe Stateroom 1.jpg

Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom

Welcome to the Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom aboard the Le Dumont-d'Urville from PONANT EXPLORATIONS, your home away from home. Your private abode includes a range of amenities for your enjoyment, relaxation and comfort.
Room Type Outside
Occupancy 2 persons
Size 204ft² (19m²)

Ship Facilities

Dining
Enrichment
Entertainment
Health & Fitness
Younger Travellers

About the Ship

Le Dumont d’Urville takes you in style and comfort to the natural and cultural wonders of the world.

Le dumont-d'urville

Le dumont-d'urville Information

Launched 2019
Length 430 ft (131m)
Guest Capacity 184
Cabins 92
Crew Members 118

Deck Plans

Deck 3

  • Theatre
  • Medical Centre
  • Excursion Desk
  • Reception Desk
  • Shop
  • Main Lounge
  • Grill
  • Pool
  • Marina
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

Deck 4

  • Restaurant
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
  • Accessible Staterooms

Deck 5

  • Bridge
  • Owners Suite
  • Prestige Suites
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Privilege Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom
  • Accessible Staterooms

Deck 6

  • Observatory Lounge
  • Art Gallery/Studio Ponant
  • Library
  • Privilege Suites
  • Grand Suites
  • Deluxe Suites
  • Prestige Suites
  • Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Deck 7

  • Sun Deck
  • Spa
  • Fitness Centre
  • Hair Salon

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