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South Africa - The Call of the Wild - Port Louis to Cape
Town
MS Europa - November 25 - December 9, 2012
Table Mountain is the landmark of one of the
most popular metropolises on Earth, and Cape Town crowns unique days. The tip of Africa invites
you on a wildlife observation tour through its expansive wildnerness, right to the heart of the
habitat of lions, elephants, rhinoceroses and zebras. The "Garden Route“ also takes you through
magnificent landscapes, and the Zulu people grant insights into old traditions. On board, great
entertainment is ensured by "Kaapse Klopse“ - South Africa's carnival. This cruise is simply a
celebration of nature and joie de vivre.
Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: St. Lucia Wetland
Park*
• Animal observation tours through South Africa's wildlife parks*
• Cape Town: Driving up Table Mountain*, flight over two oceans* and
the Cape of Good Hope*
• Kaapse Klopse - South Africa's spectacular carnival on board
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
Subject to changes.
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Port Louis/Mauritius
The magnificent beaches of
Mauritius - Dream Island in the Indian Ocean will thrill those who have opted to join
the luxurious pre-cruise programme*.
Le Port/Réunion
In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the mountaineous island
rises out of the sea with its lush tropical vegetation. The latter offers a striking contrast
to the lunar landscape surrounding the active Piton de la Fournaise*, which you will
approach via the winding volcano route. The island appears even more spectacular from a bird's
eye view - enjoy the helicopter sightseeing flight* over picturesque valleys and impressive
volcanic craters.
Taolanaro/Fort Dauphin/Madagascar
Guarded over by Pic St. Louis, the "place
of dreams", which is how the name of the port city translates, is located at the southern
tip of Madagascar. Gather impressions of Taolanaro and learn plenty of interesting facts
about the flora and fauna of this region at Saidi Botanical Garden*.
Richard's Bay/South Africa
Waking up in the morning, you have every reason
to look forward to the first thrilling encounters with South Africa. With a bit of luck, you
will see the "Big Five" roam the steppe in the course of an overland excursion to a wildlife
reserve - lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses. St. Lucia Wetland Park*, a
UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is a paradise for birds such as herons, pelicans and
flamingos. During your boat tour across the lake, you furthermore have good chances of spotting
crocodiles and hippopotami. A visit to the village of Kwabhekithunga* will grant you insights
into the old traditions of the proud Zulu.
Durban/South Africa
The "Golden Mile" with its fine sandy beaches extends
along the coast of the African metropolis. However, Durban's* diversity is also enhanced by
exotic impressions - in the Indian quarter, the locals haggle over spices, handmade items and
silk at the bustling market. South Africa's wilderness makes the appeal of further
animal observation tours* through small, private wildlife reserves irresistible. In open-top
all-terrain vehicles, we will set out in search of rhinoceroses, hippopotami, giraffes,
antilopes and zebras.
Port Elizabeth/South Africa
Early in the evening, the EUROPA reaches one of
the most popular seaside resorts in Africa. The following day, a township tour* will
grant you some insights into the life of its inhabitants. Large pachyderms are the great
attraction of the Addo Elephant Park*. Around 70 years ago, there were hardly any left
in this region, but the population gradually recovered thanks to the establishment of the
sanctuary. Today, an animal observation tour in an open-top all-terrain vehicle provides
you with the opportunity to watch elephants at the waterholes or in the wild. With a bit of
luck, you will also catch sight of ostriches, antilopes or the rare Cape buffaloes.
Mossel Bay/South Africa
In 1488, Bartholomew Diaz was the first European to
set foot on South African soil - in the "bay of mussels". Here, the gorgeous "Garden
Route" passes through the landscape against the magnificent backdrop of the Outeniqua
Mountains. Along one of the most beautiful stretches of the coast road, the landscape tour
takes you all the way to Knysna*. Cruise through the town's pretty lagoon aboard a paddle
steamer or explore the rainforest of the Featherbed Nature Reserve* on foot and enjoy
the views across the Indian Ocean.
Cape Town/South Africa
The EUROPA approaches one of the most beautiful
metropolises in the world, and you have plenty of time to explore the city and its
surroundings. On a panoramic tour*, the drive up to the top of Cape Town's landmark: Table
Mountain awaits you. If the weather is favourable, you will enjoy spectacular views across
the city, the beaches and the sea from up there. Cape Town could only possibly be perceived as
more awe-inspiring from above - join us on the helicopter flight* over two oceans and admire
the impressive coastal landscape from a bird's eye view. The following day, we will set
out for the nature reserve at the Cape of Good Hope* with fantastic views and the
penguins on Boulders Beach. Or would you like to experience the appealing landscape along
Chapman's Peak Drive* which, with plenty of bends, breathtakingly winds its way between
the sea and the rock faces? After two overnight stays on board, the final excursion takes you
to the wine region before you embark on your return journey to Germany. Unless, of course, you
follow the call of the post-cruise programme* and experience the unique animal kingdom
of Etosha National Park on the Namibia flight safari.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed
here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
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