Safari, The Seychelles and Indian Ocean: 20 days Mahé, Seychelles to Nairobi

Your cruise begins in Mahé island, the largest island of the Seychelles and home of the capital, Victoria. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of the Seychelles and East Africa. You will sail to La Digue later in the afternoon.

Please book your flight to arrive into Mahé, Seychelles prior to 01:00 PM.

La Digue Island is the smallest of the three populated islands in the Seychelles. The island is fringed  by world-famous beaches. One of the most recognisable is Anse Source d'Argent –it has pink-hued sands contrasting with granite boulders and aquamarine waters.  Sail to Praslin Island after lunch.

Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles, is visually stunning with tropical jungle-fringed beaches, emerald waters and powdery sand. Anse Lazio beach has been voted one of the world’s best beaches several times and there’s a dazzling reef just offshore brimming with coral and marine life. On land, coconut palms and granite boulders create a picture-postcard landscape. In the centre of the island, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.

The Amirante Islands are known for their pristine beauty, the perfect haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Their isolated location and untouched environment make them an ideal destination for diving, fishing, and wildlife observation. You could take a stroll or hike under the canopy of exotic palm trees, where various bird species can be spotted.

Whether you're an angler, diver, birdwatcher, or simply a lover of nature and tranquillity, the Alphonse Group of Atolls offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It has one of the world’s healthiest climates, which creates an incredible biome of diversity.

The Farquhar Group is made up of 10 islands and atolls covering an area of 370 square kilometres. You will explore the sparkling lagoon encircled by this ringed-shaped atoll dotted with coconut and casuarina trees. Hawksbill and green sea turtles come to the atoll to nest and several of the Farquhar Group’s islands are important biodiversity regions.

Aldabra Atoll is a remarkable and remote atoll in the most south westerly part of the Seychelles, closer to African coast than to Mahé. It's one of the largest atolls in the world and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding natural beauty and significant biodiversity.

Spend another day exploring the fascinating Aldabra Atoll. The atoll comprises four large coral islands which enclose a shallow lagoon. This ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the atoll. Notably, Aldabra is home to the world's largest population of giant tortoises. Today, access to Aldabra is strictly monitored to minimise human impact on the environment.

The marine life around Aldabra is also diverse and plentiful. The atoll's lagoon provides a habitat for numerous species of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and various types of corals. Hawksbill and green turtles' nest on the atoll's beaches, and the surrounding waters are frequented by manta rays, sharks, and dolphins.

Relish the nautical adventure of a lifetime with some relaxing time at sea as you sail west across the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the lavish comforts of your luxury yacht — ascend to the Sky Deck to drink in panoramic views or relax in the Observation Lounge.

Sitting just off the coast of Tanzania, Kilwa Kisiwani is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. The island was a significant trade hub from the 13th to the 16th centuries with much of the gold, silver, pearls, perfumes and other goods traded in the Indian Ocean passing through here. Ruins cover the island, with palaces, bathing pools and prisons excavated. The most striking site is the Great Mosque, the oldest standing mosque on the East African coast. With its 16 domed and vaulted bays, the mosque’s grand architecture reflects the city's golden age.

Sail north to Mafia Island, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. It has an incredibly diverse landscape, dotted with coconut and cashew nut plantations, palm trees, tidal mangroves and plump baobab trees standing in vast African savannah grasslands. The island is also famous for its population of whale sharks, attracting visitors who wish to swim alongside these gentle giants. The best time to see whale sharks is usually between October and February.

Continuing north to Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of East Africa.  Known as the ‘Spice Islands’, Zanzibar has a rich history in the spice trade and it's still a major producer of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage site – the narrow streets lined with coral-hewn houses blend African, European and Indian influences.

Today, your Emerald Cruises luxury voyage concludes in Mombasa, the main port city. This afternoon, you’ll fly onwards to Nairobi, Kenya’s colourful and vibrant capital. Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll  be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi for your overnight stay. Here, you’ll be introduced to your experienced Driver-Guide and later this evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.  
Overnight Stay: Nairobi

Your thrilling African safari begins this morning as we head north via Nanyuki for the Samburu Game Reserve. Set in the rugged, semi-arid northern region of Kenya, Samburu enchants visitors with spectacular scenic landscape. Within the Reserve, enjoy a two-night stay at your lodge.

You’ll set off on your first safari drive this afternoon. Samburu is visited by large herds of Elephants, drawn by the promise of water. This is one of the best places to find several endemic Northern species, including the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich and the endangered  Grévy's Zebra. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai.
Two-night Stay: Samburu Game Reserve

Today enjoy a morning and afternoon game viewing drive. The entire Samburu region is a place of breath-taking and wondrous beauty, a place where the vision of a deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river brings a magical end to a memorable day on safari. Visit a Samburu Manyatta or Village and see what life is like in this harsh landscape.

After breakfast depart for Lake Nakuru National Park with a brief stop en-route at the Thompson’s Falls for a breath-taking view of the magnificant scenery.

Lake Nakuru ranks as one of Africa’s finest game viewing parks, the natural habitat for a variety of animal species that extend to prides of lion, Cape buffalo, waterbucks, warthogs, the endangered Rothschild giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, impala and the elusive leopard. among many others. Lake Nakuru National Park is also one of the best places to spot the endangered black and white rhino, while more than 300 bird species have been recorded here.

Later, savour an unforgettable African sunset experience, complete with drinks and canapés, before your overnight stay.
Overnight Stay: Lake Nakuru National Park

Visit the Mission in Action Orphanage and hear the fascinating stories of how it was established by an Australian family. Continue to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned game reserve, which offers breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your tented camp, your home for the next three nights stay. Then enjoy lunch and some time at leisure before you depart on an exciting game viewing drive. The rolling plains and grasslands, stretching far into the horizons as far as the eye can see are the habitat of the black-manned lion, the savannah elephant, the Cape buffalo, wildebeest, the elusive leopard, cheetah, the spotted & stripped hyena, the rhino, topi, Burchell’s zebra and the Maasai giraffe, among many others.
Three Night Stay: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Enjoy a full day in the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.

Visit a traditional Maasai Village and experience the culture of this world-famous community. The Masai still live as they have done for centuries;  this is a marvellous opportunity to interact with the East African semi-nomadic people and experience their way of life, as you learn first-hand about their customs and traditions.

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Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (extra expense, please book on tour)

Today enjoy another day of game drives with an opportunity to see more of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ that Maasai Mara is world-famous for: the lion, savannah (African) elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and the black rhino.

This evening, enjoy dining  under the African starry skies.

Today your African adventure draws to a conclusion. Bid farewell to your Driver-Guide and fellow travellers before being transferred to the airport.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nairobi after 04:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary states above.