28 December to 29 December - At sea

30 December

Madagascar: Tuléar

Tuléar (also known as Toliara) is located on Madagascar’s southwest coast, with some great snorkelling and diving just offshore. The small Renala Private Reserve, just to the north of the town, preserves part of Madagascar’s spiny forest, a unique ecosystem that supports rare wildlife including grey mouse lemurs and spider tortoises.

31 December

Madagascar: Nosy Ve

1 January

Madagascar: Sarodrano

2 January

Madagascar: Morondava

There’s not much to see in the seaside town of Morondava, but nearby attractions include one of the most famous sights in Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs. These uniquely weird and bulbous trees grow up to 30 metres tall and 10 metres in diameter. Also close by is Kirindy Forest, home to endemic wildlife including common brown lemurs, sifakas and fossas.

3 January - At sea

4 January

Madagascar: Majunga

The port city of Majunga (also known as Mahajanga) is woven from diverse cultural influences, with historic links to both India and the African mainland. It’s a two-hour drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, one of the largest remaining areas of deciduous forest in Madagascar, home to numerous species of lemur and chameleon.

5 January

Madagascar: Nosy Komba

The small, turtle-shaped island of Nosy Komba has some lovely beaches and calm waters, sheltered by the volcanic rocks that surround it. Take a stroll around the village of Ampangoriana, meet the friendly locals and visit the fantastic Black Lemur Sanctuary.

6 January

Madagascar: Nosy Hara

7 January

Arriving in Nosy Be

The island of Nosy Be, just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, remains a laid back locale in spite of its popularity as a tourist destination. The beaches are the main attraction for most visitors, along with the colourful chameleons and tiny frogs hiding in the Lokobe wildlife reserve.