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Home , Aldabra, Farquhar Group

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ISLANDS OF THE A VOYAGE FROM EXPLORING , THE & TANZANIA ABOARD THE MS SKY 19TH JANUARY TO 4TH FEBRUARY 2022 Giant , . Boobie, Aldabra

ere is an extraordinary cruise for those who enjoy the natural world and all its wonders TANZANIA Hand are looking for the opportunity to escape the British winter. Join us aboard the all- suite MS Island Sky and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean as she undertakes Zanzibar exactly the type of itinerary that suits her many talents best. With the vessel’s purpose built Dar es Aldabra Island Salaam roup Zodiacs we will land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, explore vast and Kilwa Farquhar reefs and encounter some of the most extraordinarily beautiful tropical scenery to be found Kisiwani anywhere in the world. Diego Suarez INDIAN OCEAN

Sailing from Mauritius we will land on its nearest neighbour, Reunion, a little bit of Nosy Mangabe Masoala in the Indian Ocean and a stunning place. We will spend the day exploring its truly awesome National Park and dramatic scenery before we continue to Madagascar for four days of exploration of this Toamasina incredibly verdant and beautiful island with its unique flora and fauna. MADAGASCAR Mauritius

Reunion From Madagascar we will make our way to the Seychelles with three days scheduled in Island the Aldabra Island group. Being one of the most difficult places in the world to access and having a lack of freshwater has saved Aldabra from any tourism development and there is no landing strip so the only viable means of reaching this untouched region is by ship. Aldabra is the last breeding ground of the and in addition to seeing some of these endearing creatures you should also encounter , and whales as well as countless birds including the flightless rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean. Our expedition concludes in Tanzania where we visit Kilwa Kisiwani, a site of exceptional historical interest, followed by a full day in atmospheric Zanzibar. This expedition really is a veritable feast of beauty, the natural world and island culture. You will witness the bounty of the islands, the wildlife from the giant of Aldabra to the lemurs of Madagascar and an amazingly prolific birdlife.

plummet hundreds of feet. The rich The Itinerary soil and mellow climate produce a Day 1 London to Port Louis, lush and verdant landscape which Mauritius. Fly by scheduled indirect is dotted with villages and towns flight. with a uniquely French atmosphere. Fields of sugar cane and plantations Day 2 Port Louis. Arrive today of tropical fruits, vanilla and all and transfer to the MS Island manner of spices perfume the air. Sky moored in Port Louis. Enjoy We will enjoy views from the Nez welcome drinks and dinner as we des Bouefs and see the Piton de sail this evening. la Fournaise crater. After a creole lunch in a local restaurant we will Day 3 Reunion Island. We arrive visit the ‘Cite du Volcan’ Museum. at breakfast in Reunion where we Alternatively enjoy a morning tour have a choice of excursions. On a to a vanilla plantation in St Andre full day tour we will visit the central where we learn about the history highlands where spectacularly and culture of this integral part of rugged peaks of dormant or Reunion’s heritage. Continue to extinct volcanoes cradle huge Salazie, a verdant landscape and amphitheatres known as cirques, home to many waterfalls including where mountains tower to over the ‘Voile de la Mariee’ before Waterfalls, Reunion 10,000 feet and beautiful waterfalls stopping in St Denis for some free www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Stone Town, Zanzibar Exploring by Zodiac

Chameleon, Nosy Mangabe Mantella Frog, Nosy Mangabe Black and White Ruffed Lemur

time on our way back to the ship. released into the forest. We will use Day 9 Farqhuar Group, Seychelles. should belong to the whole world”. This afternoon is at leisure before our Zodiacs to land on the beach Arriving in the Seychelles this Aldabra is unique and every time we set sail this evening. next to the forest and organise a morning, we will anchor off Farquhar we call at what is believed to be series of nature walks looking at where we will use our Zodiacs to the world’s largest we find Day 4 At Sea. Spend the day at the varied trees, plants and ferns explore the sparkling of something new of interest. Sightings sea as we sail towards Madagascar. and we hope to spot chameleon, this remote atoll ringed island have been made of the extremely Maybe join a lecture or find a spot lizards and black and white ruffed of coconut and casuarina trees. rare white throated rail and the atoll on deck to relax. lemur. For the birders, we will keep Hawksbill and green sea turtles is also home to the world’s second an eye out for Madagascar buzzard, come to the atoll to nest and largest colony of frigate birds and Day 5 Toamasina, Madagascar. kingfisher and paradise flycatchers. several of the ’s to the largest crab, the coconut Our first call in Madagascar is at We also explore Madagascar’s islands are Important Bird and crab. Whilst exploring by Zodiac it Toamasina, the country’s main port largest protected area, the Masoala Areas. The island is a is difficult to know in which direction and second largest city but also National Park, which comprises of haven providing us with a delightful to look. The clear blue seas abound the gateway to the Pangalanes coastal rainforest, flooded forests, morning of bird watching or with life, the skies are alive with Canals, a series of rivers, waterways marsh and mangroves. Mammal snorkelling. Return to the ship for varied birdlife and ashore giant land and lakes that extend for over 400 species encountered include the lunch and an afternoon cruising. tortoises forage as they have done miles down the island’s east coast. red-ruffed lemur, the red-fronted for millions of years. We hope to Used mainly for transportation and brown lemur and the ring-tailed Days 10 to 12 Aldabra Islands. explore with a short fishing, the canals are also home mongoose. The park is also home We have three days to enjoy the walk to see some of the thousands to unspoiled beaches, lagoons and to various species of brightly of islands and of tortoises and numerous robber lakes whilst providing access to coloured Mantella frogs, all manner our itinerary will be in the hands crabs or swim in the lagoon, a vast national parks and private reserves. of extraordinary chameleons and of our Expedition Leader and 17 mile stretch of shallow clear This morning we will take a local is a refuge of the endangered Captain who will monitor the local water. From our Zodiacs we can boat cruise through the canal to Madagascar red-owl, Madagascar conditions to ensure we maximise watch the ever-changing undersea enjoy the scenery followed by a serpent eagle and many endemic our time here. Whilst our itinerary world and snorkel in colourful coral nature walk in one of the private bird species. A series of walks for is flexible, we hope to call at the waters. reserves. Enjoy lunch in the reserve all levels will operate whilst there island of Assumption which was before returning to Toamasina will also be the option to swim off ruthlessly plundered for its vast Day 13 At Sea. Enjoy the day at sea this afternoon. Alternatively visit the beach or perhaps visit the local deposits of guano in the early to relax. the Ivoloina Zoological Parc, a village. 20th century. Happily, peace has 282 hectare property combining returned, and the wildlife of rare Day 14 Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. a small zoo where we will see Day 8 Diego Suarez. After a birds and green turtles are once This morning we anchor off Kilwa up to 12 species of lemur as morning at sea we will enter again in abundance. Our time here Kisiwani, a site of exceptional well as indigenous tortoises and dramatic Diego Suarez, a stunning will be spent beachcombing, on historical interest, where the chameleons. Meanwhile in the natural harbour with a cosmopolitan nature walks or snorkelling. We also atmospheric ruins represent surrounding forests we may see wild mix of inhabitants including Creoles, hope to reach where a a wide sweep of East African lemurs or malachite kingfishers on Indians, Chinese, Comorans and huge ring of twelve islands circle a coastal history, from the heights one of the many walking trails. . This afternoon choose from a lagoon. Many of the are still of the Swahili and Shirazi trading city tour visiting the Commonwealth to be surveyed and we will explore civilisation to the darker days of Days 6 & 7 Nosy Mangabe & Cemetery and Place Joffre, or the some of them by Zodiac. This is slavery and the uprisings against Masoala National Park. Spend a Malagasy Rain Forest at the Mount an Important Bird and Biodiversity German rule. Once one of Africa’s day and a half in Antongil Bay area. Amber National Park. Dividing Area with all three species of booby wealthiest towns, Kilwa Kisiwani is We discover Nosy Mangabe, a into short and long walk parties found in the Seychelles including now a UNESCO World Heritage 520-hectare island reserve and one we will go in search of wildlife as the last breeding site for the brown Site and contains the world’s most of the most diverse areas of virgin we explore the rainforest. In the booby. Also spot sooty and extensive and best-preserved rain forest in Madagascar which has towering vegetation, we may spot great frigate birds. We will also Swahili ruins. We will spend the also been an important research several species of lemurs and spend time on Aldabra, the island morning on a walking tour and see centre since the mid-1960s when chameleons as well as endemic referred to by Sir Julian Huxley the prominent fort and the Great several aye-ayes and lemurs were birds, including parrots. as “One of nature’s treasures and Mosque which stood at the heart Post-cruise Selous Safari Extension 3rd to 7th February 2022

Kilwa Kisiwani

of this ancient city which was once monkey, indigenous to the island. the largest in East Africa. This afternoon we set sail for Zanzibar. Day 16 Dar es Salaam to Before returning home, we are offering an extension at the Selous Game London. Disembark this morning Reserve which is home to over 1,000,000 large animals and over half of Day 15 Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s and transfer to the airport for Tanzania’s elephant population. However, one of the major attractions harbour, crowded with dhows, very our scheduled indirect flight to must be the mighty Rufiji river, home to one of the largest crocodile much sets the scene for our visit London. and hippo populations in Africa, swarming with fish which in turn bring to this Arab-style city with its long about some of the world’s best water birding. The river has also formed narrow streets, bazaars, houses Day 17 London. Arrive this several large lakes on its northern bank, navigable by boat and Siwandu with overhanging balconies and morning. Camp is situated on one of these lakes. All safari tents at the camp are intricately carved doorways. On widely spaced along the lake shore ensuring maximum privacy and a morning walking tour, soak up wonderful views. Each tent sits atop its own raised timber platform with the timeless atmosphere of Stone two large verandas. The spacious tents are luxuriously appointed, with Town including Livingstone House, en-suite bathrooms and open air hot-water showers. The camp has its Sultan’s Palace, the slave market own swimming pool, enabling guests to cool off in the heat of the day. and the Old Fort. The afternoon The dining area and bar areas are raised on viewing platforms, with large is free to relax and explore comfortable sofas and a wildlife reference library. independently or join a tour to a spice farm to experience the various fruits and spices cultivated The Itinerary on the island. Alternatively, travel Day 1 Dar es Salaam to Selous, Tanzania. After breakfast we will to Jozani Forest which sustains disembark the MS Island Sky and transfer to the airport for our 45-minute a variety of wildlife and birds, scheduled flight to Mtemere Airstrip in the Selous Game Reserve. On including the rare red colobus arrival transfer to the Siwandu Camp and this afternoon enjoy your first game experience with a boat safari looking for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. (B, L, D) PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Days 2 & 3 Selous. Enjoy two full days in the Reserve with included game drives each day. Maybe enjoy a full day game viewing with a SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON picnic lunch or a half day walking safari through the bush with a ranger. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Alternatively join another boat safari or simply relax in your tent. (B, L, D) Deck Suite Category Brochure Price Special Offer Price Day 4 Selous to London. Enjoy breakfast and a final safari option Magellan Standard £10495 £9995 before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Dar es Salaam where Columbus Superior £10795 £10295 we connect with our onward scheduled flight to London.(B) Marco Polo Premium £10995 £10495 Marco Polo Corner £11395 £10895 Day 5 London. Arrive this morning. Erikson Deluxe Balcony £12395 £11895 Explorer Owner’s Balcony Suites £12895 £12395 Explorer Island Suite £13895 £13395 PRICES PER PERSON Magellan Standard for sole use £13495 £12995 Based on double occupancy Columbus Superior for sole use £14095 £13595 Twin: £3895 Single: £4895

PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights Price Includes: Three nights accommodation in the Selous game Reserve, aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer meals as indicated (B – breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), internal flights and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition between Dar es Salaam and Selous Game Reserve, game drives, gratuities, team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes transfers. • Port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, Tanzania visa. Not Included: Travel insurance, Madagascar visa, Tanzania visa.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 ms island sky

Friendly Service Deluxe Balcony Suite The Restaurant

The much loved MS Island Sky is one of our two flagships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same shipyard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world. With a maximum passenger capacity of only 118, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

Your Suite Your Dining On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the All feature a seating area and some have private balconies, whilst those cuisine on board the MS Island Sky is of a consistent superior quality on the Marco Polo Deck feature tinted, sliding glass doors allowing that befits such a vessel. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on greatly enhanced viewing opportunities and quick access to the deck. board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, and choice of restaurants at your leisure; whether that be joining a table which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of four to six other passengers in the elegant à la carte Restaurant or of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over outside buffet-style on the Lido Deck in the evening sunshine. In the main five decks and each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite Restaurant, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in order on request. Lunch and dinner menus offer plenty of choice, often shower, a large wardrobe, dressing table and excellent storage. There reflecting the daily catch and local delicacies. The Welcome and Farewell is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD/CD player and a dinners are a sumptuous five course affair. To enhance your dining telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, dressing gowns and experience further a selection of wines is included with both meals. slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place in either the comfort of safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, air-conditioning and the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea heating. The comfortable beds in each suite can be configured as either and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered double or twin. for with sufficient notice. Superior Suite The Club The Library

Your Space MS ISLAND SKY DECK PLAN A VOYAGE FROM MAURITIUS EXPLORING MADAGASCAR, The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large THE SEYCHELLES & TANZANIA ABOARD THE MS ISLAND SKY Lounge on the Columbus Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily TH TH Owner’s Balcony Suites 19 JANUARY TO 4 FEBRUARY 2022 Owner’s Balcony Suites briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers Explorer Deck and expedition staff take place in the Lounge. In addition to the main ExplorerErikson Deck Deck EriksonMarco Polo Deck Deck Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Marco Polo Deck which MarcoColumbus Polo Deck Deck Owner’s Balcony Suites ColumbusMagellan DeckDeck features the main bar. The Club also features a 24-hour tea and coffee Owner’s Balcony Suites Magellan Deck station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Columbus Deck is the Library. Well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the Explorer Deck Balconies vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads, you will not find Deluxe Balcony Suites Explorer Deck Balconies Owner’s Balcony511 SuitesDeluxe509 Balcony507 Suites505 yourself short of excellent literature on board. A collection of games 605 603 601 Owner’s Balcony511 Suites509 507 505 as well as devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also 605 603 601 Hair dresser STAIRS LIFT 602 & Beauty Center 606 604 Island Hair dresser Owner’s Balcony512 Suites 510 508 506 STAIRS LIFT 602 be found in the Library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own & Beauty DeluxeSuite Balcony Suites xxx Center 606 604 Island Owner’s Balcony512 Suites 510 508 506 Balconies xxx device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on DeluxeSuite Balcony Suites Erikson Deck Balconies location and demand). The main Restaurant, which can seat all guests at Balconies Erikson Deck DelDeluxeuxe Balconies BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart one sitting, is located on the Magellan Deck, and outside there is a rear Hotel room room Buffet Pantry manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite office DelDeluxeuxe BalcoBalconyny SuiteSuitess Radio Chart STAIRS room room Bridge Lido Buffet Pantry Hotel Lido Deck located on the Erikson Deck where meals are served in warm manager´s 511 509 Pr507emium505 Suites PremiumOffice r Suites OpenPr emium Suites Corner Suite Deck office 427 425 423 421 Deck419 417 415 STAIRS Bridge Lido Open STAIRS LIFT 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Deck Chief Captain Deck weather under shade. Further to this on the top Explorer Deck there is an 512 510 508 506 Engineer STAIRS LIFT DelDeluxeuxe Balc Balconyony SSuiteuites Chief Captain observation area ideal for spotting wildlife, complete with sun loungers 512 510 508 506 Engineer DelDeluxeuxe Balc BalconyBalconies428ony SSuiteuite426s 424 422 420 418 416 414 Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite for sunbathing, relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. Balconies428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 Marco Polo Deck DeckPr Accessemium Suites PremiumDeck Suite Accesss Premium Suites Corner Suite Promenade deck Marco Polo Deck Deck Access Deck Access The Promenade Deck wraps around the whole ship giving outstanding Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Staff Promenade deck Cabin 427Premium425 Suites 423Premium 421Suites 419Premium Suite417s Corner415 Suite Staff views. There is also a small beauty salon on board with appointments Cabin The 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 Club Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites The made on request. LIFT Library STAIRS Club Staff Cabin Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Coffee 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Library STAIRS LIFT Staff Promenade deck Coffee Cabin 428 426347424345422343420341418339416 414335 333 331 329 Station Premium Suites Premium Suites Premium Suites Corner Suite Deck Access Deck Access Your Comfort Promenade deck Columbus Deck Deck Access Deck Access Promenade deck 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 The MS Island Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and Columbus Deck Cruise Cruise Director Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Promenade deck 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Cruise 335 333 331 329 communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the Cruise Director 347Superior345 Suites 343Superior341 Suite339s Superior Suites office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Public Entrance Lounge bathrooms 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329 ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer you the opportunity Hall Public EntranceRecep tion Lounge bathroomsSTAIRS LIFT STAIRS Hall Reception 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessel’s STAIRS LIFT Purser’s Standard Suites Office Superior Suites Superior Suites Superior Suites Promenade deck STAIRS 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330 Purser’s Superior Suites 261Superior259Standa Suiterds257 Suites Superior255 Suites progress by charts and learn more about your journey. On board you Office Promenade deck 261 259 257 255 will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. When at Magellan Deck Magellan Deck Standard Suites Hospital anchor our nimble Zodiacs will ferry you ashore or, on select cruises, enjoy Galley 261 259 257 255 Doctor Standard Suites Hospital Galley 261 259 257 255 Doct252or 250 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites Zodiac cruises getting you closer to the natural world. Standard Suites Standard Suites Restaurant 252(forwar250d) 262 260 258 256 254 Standard Suites STAIRS LIFT Standard Suites Standard SuiteOs fficer’s (forward) Restaurant Quarters

STAIRS LIFT 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Officer’s Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites Quarters Your Life On Board 262 260 258 256 254 252 250 Standard Suites Standard Suites Standard Suites The atmosphere on board is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about Standard Suites Corner Suites with Deck Access Owner’s Balcony Suites Standard Suites Corner Suites with Deck Access Owner’s Balcony Suites wonderful destinations you are visiting in the company of like-minded SuperiorStandard Suites (Forward) PremiumPremiumsingleStandardw) arDeluxed Su iteSuites SuitesSuites Balcony (ForS SuitesDeluxe Balcony Suites Island Suite Standard Suites (Forward) Premium Suites Deluxe Balcony Suites SuperiorStandard SuitesSuites CornerPremiumsingleStandardw)DeluxesStandardCornerarDeluxed S Suitesu SuitesBalconyite SuitesSuites Balcony (ForSuiteS SuitesOwners Balcony SuitesIsland Suite Premium Suites with Deck Access people. There is a high ratio of crew to passengers and our friendly crew Standard Suites CornerDeluxesStandardCorner Suites SuitesBalcony Suite Suite Owners Balcony Suites PremiumSuperior SuitesSuites with Deck AccessOwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Captains are Superior Suites OwnerssSuperior Balcony Suite Suite experienced mariners. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship where During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way peace, high quality of service and attention to detail are the order of destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition the day. A little music in the Lounge after dinner, Guest Speakers and team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac informative port briefings and of course good food, all contribute to landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more make any voyage aboard this wonderful vessel a memorable and joyful adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. experience.

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Fairy .

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