Cruising the Seychelles & Coastal Tanzania - Le Bougainville
East Africa is calling! Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, swim in turquoise waters, relax on sandy beaches, and encounter diverse wildlife along lush jungle trails.
7.7*
ECO SCORE
148
PASSENGERS
14
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Coastal Africa: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Bougainville
Discover the exquisite spice islands and culture of East Africa with a renowned Expedition Team. Begin in Tanzania with visits to storied Zanzibar and the UNESCO-designated ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani. In spellbinding Seychelles, explore bright blue waters, coral reefs and tropical beaches as well as stunning marine ecosystems, jungle trails in emerald forests and the mythic Aldabra Atoll, bursting with endemic birds and wildlife.
- • Visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout your voyage that feature both the Inner and Outer islands of the Seychelles, highlighting a rich diversity of cultural history, flora and fauna.
• Spend two days at Aldabra Atoll, the world’s second-largest raised coral atoll and home to approximately two-thirds of the world’s Giant Tortoise population.
• Enjoy Continental-style service and French-inspired cuisine among other international favorites on this beautiful, French-flagged luxury ship.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Save 50% on the single supplement on select departures!
Rates:
from $16,995 per person
This period falls between the northwest trade winds and southeast monsoon seasons, resulting in calm seas, warm temperatures (around 28-30°C / 82-86°F), and light breezes, perfect for beach relaxation and water activities.
Inquire for exact departure dates.
February-March;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania
Arrive on Zanzibar’s main island and transfer to the Park Hyatt Zanzibar located in historic Stone Town. Also known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar boasts a vibrant culture borne of deep-rooted trade traditions and an eclectic mix of Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian and African influences. This evening, gather for a welcome briefing and dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Zanzibar Island
The day’s excursions may include a walking tour of Stone Town’s spice markets and churches, a visit to a rural spice farm or a trek through the mangroves of Jozani Forest Nature Reserve, home to the rare red colobus monkey. Later, board your beautiful expedition ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 3: Pemba Island
This morning, Pemba Island comes into view, its lush green hills tumbling into an aquamarine coast of mangroves, lagoons and beaches. Coming ashore, you might learn about island life in the village, visit a school or encounter Pemba’s endemic flying fox at a local sanctuary.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 4: Kilwa Kisiwani
In its heyday, Kilwa Kisiwani was an impressive trading hub for sultans and royalty. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site's fascinating ruins remain accessible only by boat. Here, you might visit the Malindi Mosque and cemetery, the Gereza Fort and the Makutani Palace.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 5: Day at Sea
As your expedition vessel sails toward the Seychelles, relax in the spa and take in a series of enriching lectures.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 6: Assumption Island, Seychelles
Arrive amid the Seychelles, a 115-island paradise of azure waters, white sands and verdant mountains harboring a diverse wealth of marine and birdlife. This afternoon, arrive at Aldabra Atoll. Here, four distinct islands frame a large lagoon inhabited by Aldabra giant tortoises and flightless Aldabra rails.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 7: Aldabra Atoll
The day’s excursions may include an exploration of local preservation efforts, a look at daily life on the island, or snorkeling or diving the stunning reefs offshore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 8: Astove Island
Cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, coming ashore to explore historic Astove, an island renowned for its large inner lagoon and jaw-dropping underwater sea cliff. Here, you might visit an abandoned coconut plantation, embark on a birding walk in search of the endemic souimanga sunbird or relax on the island’s spectacular beaches.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 9: Cosmoledo Atoll
Continue your Outer Seychelles adventure on the remote Aldabra Group’s Cosmoledo Atoll, home to vast wadable sand flats and an incredible lagoon. Cosmoledo is also the realm of the giant trevally, a powerful predatory fish prized by anglers the world over. Aside from its explosive saltwater fly fishing, the atoll is also renowned as a seasonal sea turtle nesting site. Conditions permitting, you might choose to snorkel or dive offshore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 10: Farquhar Atoll
Explore Farquhar, the southernmost atoll in the Seychelles and another important nesting site for sea turtles. Here, you might embark on Zodiac excursions, snorkel or dive in a lagoon, or relax on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 11: Rémire Island
Today, explore Rémire Island, another remote enclave of the Outer Seychelles renowned for its marine biodiversity and lumbering giant tortoises. Here, wade in emerald waters teeming with luminous fish and relax on yet another gorgeous beach.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 12: Aride & Curieuse Islands
Come ashore to visit Aride Island Nature Reserve’s incredible granite cliffs and seabird colonies. Then, cruise by Curieuse Marine National Park, where you take in the views of its lush forest and undisturbed beaches. Conditions permitting, you might choose to snorkel or dive offshore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 13: Praslin & La Digue Islands
Cruise to Praslin Island, a palm-fringed paradise of tropical forests and exotic birdlife. Here, your morning excursion may include a trek through the giant palms of Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Sail onward to the port of La Digue, where you might tour the island via rugged camionette (covered truck), visit a vanilla plantation or lounge on one of the island’s beaches. Afterward, return to your ship for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 14: Depart Mahé, Seychelles
After breakfast, disembark your ship in Victoria, where you might tour the town and its local market. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Le Bougainville
Cruise in intimate luxury aboard the Le Bougainville, a state-of-the-art ship launched in 2019. With a limited capacity of just 148 guests, it offers more shore excursions and private balcony cabins for a personalized experience. Enjoy complimentary butler service in every suite, full-service salon with spa, sauna, steam room, and an outdoor heated pool. The ship features two restaurants, multiple observation areas, a library, fitness center, theater, and 24-hour medical facilities. Additional perks include complimentary in-cabin breakfast, an open bar, 24-hour room service, and two lounges with live music and a panoramic terrace.
• Capacity: 148 Guests
• Cabins: 73 Cabins
• Specialists: Credentialed Experts, 1:1.3 Staff to Guest Ratio
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
"Le Bougainville is one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea, and when operated by this world-class company, her voyages come alive with expert guiding and off-the-beaten-path itineraries. If you're looking for a way to see the world in comfort and style with Continental-style service, enthusiastic staff, and a fantastic education program, we heartily recommend this lovely ship."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
CLASSIC STATEROOM
Cabin: 204 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.) Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.); Features a private balcony, on-demand TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and luxury bath products.
From in USD:
$16,995pp
DELUXE SUITE
Cabin: 290 sq. ft. (27 sq. m.)
Balcony: 65 sq. ft. (6 sq. m.); Every suite includes butler service, welcome Champagne, nightly canapés and packing/unpacking on request
From in USD:
$30,495pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE
Cabin: 484 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.)
Balcony: 322 sq. ft. (30 sq. m.); Every suite includes butler service, welcome Champagne, nightly canapés and packing/unpacking on request
From in USD:
$47,995pp
DELUXE STATEROOM
Cabin: 204 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.) Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.); Features a private balcony, on-demand TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and luxury bath products.
From in USD:
$19,495pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE
Cabin: 344 sq. ft. (32 sq. m.)
Balcony: 86 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.); Every suite includes butler service, welcome Champagne, nightly canapés and packing/unpacking on request
From in USD:
$33,995pp
OWNER'S SUITE
Cabin: 484 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.)
Balcony: 430 sq. ft. (40 sq. m.); Every suite includes butler service, welcome Champagne, nightly canapés and packing/unpacking on request
From in USD:
$50,995pp
PRESTIGE STATEROOM
Cabin: 204 sq. ft. (19 sq. m.) Balcony: 43 sq. ft. (4 sq. m.); Features a private balcony, on-demand TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, plush robes and slippers, and luxury bath products.
From in USD:
$22,495pp
PRESTIGE TWO-ROOM SUITE
Cabin: 409 sq. ft. (38 sq. m.)
Balcony: 86 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.); Every suite includes butler service, welcome Champagne, nightly canapés and packing/unpacking on request
From in USD:
$41,495pp
Snorkel or dive, visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and get way off the radar on this very rare voyage from Zanzibar to the Seychelles. If you’re looking for pristine beauty and one of the best expedition teams in the world, the lovely Bougainville is ready to show you this tropical paradise.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary; park and entrance fees; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local bottled water during sightseeing; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes and internal airfare where indicated.
An Exclusively Chartered, All-Inclusive Voyage; Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay and Excursion Airport Meet and Greet and Transfers; Private Balcony with Every Onboard Accommodation and Butler Service with Every Suite; Maximum Personnel-to-Guest Ratio of 1 to 1.2 and ship occupancy limited to 80 percent; Culinary Program Featuring French-Inspired Cuisine, Including House Drinks, Afternoon Tea and Pastries; 24-Hour Room Service and Breakfast in Bed on board; Zodiac and Shore Excursions Led by Expert Naturalist Driver-Guides; Available aquatic activities, such as snorkel; Enrichment program, lectures and presentations; Traveler’s Valet® Laundry Service on board; All Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes; Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels; Onboard Service from an English-Speaking Staff, Including an Accredited Physician; 24/7 A&K On-Call Support.
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; beverages other than those noted in inclusions above or specified in the itinerary; sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry (except for Traveller’s Valet as noted), communication charges, Internet access for all trains; and optional activities (which are subject to availability).
