Zanzibar
Zanzibar 02/24/2025
Once a mythical post along the legendary Indian Ocean trade route, today a certain whiff of adventure still pervades in Zanzibar. Located off the coast of Tanzania, this place often referred to as “spice island” is brimming with natural treasures, such as Jozani Forest, the last remains of the huge primeval forest that once covered the island, home to a unique ecosystem. This port of call will also be the moment to discover ”Stone Town”, the historical centre of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A veritable labyrinth of narrow streets lined with houses made from coral stone, it is home to sumptuous buildings in a multitude of architectural styles, the result of the blending of African, European and Indian cultures.
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Zanzibar, full day city/spice tour - 8 hours
Spend the day in Stone Town - a city renowned for its culture, architecture, cuisine and so much more.
Highlights:
- The tour covers the main sights of the town: the city market, the Anglican Church built in 1874, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace Museum, Ithnasheri Dispensary, a spice plantation and the Persian baths at Kidichi
- A great introduction to the history of Zanzibar and its culture
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour operates: whole day
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical Activity level: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour, entrance fees, meals
Not Included: gratuities
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Zanzibar: half day spice tour - 4 hours
Enjoy a half day tour of a spice plantations in Zanzibar - The great variety of spices and plants grown is used in food flavouring and preparation, cosmetics, dyes and traditional medicines.
Highlights:
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The highlights include a visit to the Maruhubi Ruins, a spice plantation and thereafter a visit to the Persian baths at Kidichi, built by the first Sultan for his Persian wife
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A fun way to learn about spices such as nutmeg, clove, vanilla, cinnamon and their uses in medicine, cosmetics and cooking.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour operates: half day
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical Activity level: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour, entrance fees, meals
Not Included: gratuities
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Zanzibar: Stone Town Tour - 4 hours
Enjoy a half day tour of Stone Town, the historical, cultural and architectural capital of Zanzibar Island.
Highlights:
- The tour covers the main sights of Stone Town: the city market, the Anglican Church and the slave chambers, House of Wonders, the Sultan Palace Museum and the Ithnasheri Dispensary.
- Offers an introduction to Zanzibar's captivating history, unique heritage and distinctive architecture that includes narrow streets, colonial monuments and ornately carved and studded doors.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour, entrance fees
Not included: Meals
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Zanzibar: Jozani Forest - 3.5 hours
Explore Zanzibar's Jozani Forest Reserve the only National Park in Zanzibar, with this half day tour.
Highlights:
- The rare Red Colobus Monkey, endemic to Zanzibar
- A wildlife encounter by the beach
Tour Duration: 3.5 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour. entrance fees
Not Included: Meals
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Zanzibar: Full Day Nungwi and Beach - 7 hours
Spend the day catching the sun's rays by the beach in Nungwi.
Highlights:
The main sights of the tour the Mkokotoni Fish Market - the first actual town of Zanzibar, an afternoon at Nungwi beach and a visit to the dhow builders of Zanzibar.
Tour duration: 7 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from port and meals
Not included: gratuities
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Zanzibar: Sultan Panorama - 4 hours
Learn about the Sultans who ruled Zanzibar from the 1800s to the 1960s with this half day tour of Zanzibar.
Highlights:
- The tour covers the main sights of the Sultan Era including: City Market (formerly Sultana market), Anglican Church and Slave Chambers, the Sultan's Palace Museum where the last sultan ruled from before the revolution in 1964 and Kizimbani village
- A great insight into the history of the sultans and Zanzibar
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tours can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided tour and entrance fees
Not included: Meals
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Zanzibar: Snorkelling with Safari Blue - 6.5 hours
Swim, snorkel or just simply relax as you sip a fresh coconut drink at the Pange sandbank.
Highlights:
- A guided snorkelling session
- Ride in a traditional wooden dhow to Pange sandbank
Tour duration: 6.5 hours
Tour operates: In the morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Low
Included: Transportation to/from Port, guided snorkelling session, meals
Not included: Gratuities
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02/24/2025 |
02/24/2025 |
Misali Island
Misali Island 02/25/2025
Renowned for its underwater world, Misali became a protected conservation area in 1998. So, it’s possible to admire its sea beds and swim there, but not to fish. If conditions allow, you’ll perhaps have the chance to see varied underwater fauna. To the north-east of the island, a white sandy beach, bathed in stunningly transparent turquoise water, is an ideal place to relax.
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02/25/2025 |
02/25/2025 |
Pemba Island
Pemba Island 02/26/2025
The second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba Island captivates, surprises and fascinates. You will be enchanted by the songs of the island women, on the beaches of fine sand, as they gather red algae at low tide. A unique sight! Mountainous with hills of fertile land and bearing the nickname ““the Green Island”, it is bordered by quiet shores, brimming with authenticity. Banana trees, coconut trees, clove trees, nutmeg trees… its lush vegetation ensures the local production of the spices that has made its reputation (primarily cloves but also nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, etc.).
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02/26/2025 |
02/26/2025 |
Kilwa Kisiwani
Kilwa Kisiwani 02/27/2025
Near the Tanzanian coast, around 300 km south of Dar es Salaam, the island of Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Occupied from the 9th century to the 11th century, it reached its heights in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was described by the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battouta as “one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” A former Swahili trading city, the island prospered from the trade of gold and ivory from the inland regions. The remains of its former port city cover a large part of the island. Those of its superb Great Mosque, the oldest mosque remaining on the coast of East Africa, are well worth a visit.
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02/27/2025 |
02/27/2025 |
At Sea
At Sea 02/28/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
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02/28/2025 |
02/28/2025 |
Assumption, Seychelles
Assumption, Seychelles 03/01/2025
Assumption Island is part of the Aldabra group (Outer Islands), situated in the south-west of the Seychelles. Discovered in the mid-18th century by the French captain Nicolas Morphey, this bean-shaped island covered in dunes and shrubs is relatively flat. A handful of people live there, in a small village in the island’s west. The island’s beaches are a major egg-laying and breeding site for sea turtles. The surrounding waters are ideal for scuba diving. This is where Jacques-Yves Cousteau filmed some of the scenes for his famous documentary film “The Silent World”, released in 1956.
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03/01/2025 |
03/01/2025 |
Astove, Seychelles
Astove, Seychelles 03/02/2025
Closer to Madagascar than to Victoria, Astove is the southernmost island in the Seychelles. It is part of the Aldabra group, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Now uninhabited, this coral island covered in coconut trees was once home to the employees that worked on the coconut plantations. Renowned for the richness of its seabeds, Astove Atoll is now a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. It also attracts experienced divers, who visit the atoll to explore the “Astove Wall”, where the sea floor drops to a depth of about 40 metres. The wall is covered in coral and many fish and green sea turtles can be found there.
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03/02/2025 |
03/02/2025 |
Aldabra, Seychelles
Aldabra, Seychelles 03/03/2025
Located in the very heart of this faraway archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is considered to be one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth, where a large population of sea turtles has found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast tract of land is formed by 4 small coral reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches. As your ship slowly nears the clear, reflective waters along its shoreline, do not miss your chance to discover this natural wonder, which is considered to be the largest atoll in the world and once fired the imagination of many an explorer.
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03/03/2025 |
03/03/2025 |
Aldabra, Seychelles
Aldabra, Seychelles 03/04/2025
Located in the very heart of this faraway archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is considered to be one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on earth, where a large population of sea turtles has found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast tract of land is formed by 4 small coral reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches. As your ship slowly nears the clear, reflective waters along its shoreline, do not miss your chance to discover this natural wonder, which is considered to be the largest atoll in the world and once fired the imagination of many an explorer.
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03/04/2025 |
03/04/2025 |
At Sea
At Sea 03/05/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
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03/05/2025 |
03/05/2025 |
St. Francois Island
St. Francois Island 03/06/2025
In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François Atoll paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. In the heart of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, St. François Atoll paints the Indian Ocean in an infinite palette of blues. This coral atoll, made up of the Bijoutier and St. François islands, is exactly what people imagine when they think of the Seychelles. Formed around volcanos having vanished into the abyssal depths of the Indian Ocean, its islands are protected by splendid and fragile coral reefs. Here, the population is composed of myriad birds on land and of sea turtles and a multitude of fish in the water, making this the ideal place for hiking or snorkelling. Here, the population is composed of myriad birds on land and of sea turtles and a multitude of fish in the water, making this the ideal place for hiking or snorkelling.
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03/06/2025 |
03/06/2025 |
La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue, Seychelles 03/07/2025
La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3 km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.
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03/07/2025 |
03/07/2025 |
Victoria, Seychelles
Victoria, Seychelles 03/08/2025
Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.
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03/08/2025 |
03/08/2025 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
