East Africa Cruise

   Mahe - Mombasa
7 Days

   
Arrive in Mahe
Overnight at Hotel

Like jade-colored jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. The people are a fusion of three continents — Africa, Asia and Europe.This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages — Creole, French and English.

Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital,Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop.The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the center of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market.

The major attractions are found outside of town where the island’s quiet, lazy atmosphere delights visitors.With 68 pristine, white sand beaches, Mahé boasts more beaches and tourist facilities than any of the other Seychelles Islands. Beautiful and remote Mahé with its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches is indeed an island of abundance; pleasant surprises are around every bend in the trail. Come ashore and discover for yourself this marvelous island paradise.
   

Join Silver Shadow
Mahe, Seychelles
Mahe, Seychelles
7am
La Digue, Seychelles
10am 6pm

This small island, no more than four square miles in size, is Praslin’s beautiful neighbor and presents a picture of peaceful seclusion. Apart from a few minivans, the only other means of transport here are oxcarts or bicycles. The island has two centers, La Passe where you come ashore via the ship’s tender and, just half a mile to the south, Anse La Réunion. Both are on the island’s west coast and neither has more than a handful of dwellings, a few shops, and bicycle and oxcart rentals.

A perfect place to explore on one’s own, some of the beaches near La Passe are within easy walking distance. There is good diving practically anywhere in the waters around La Digue, as well as excellent snorkeling at Anse Patates and Anse La Réunion. Protected on all but its southeast shores by a magnificent encircling coral reef, La Digue retains all the fascination of an untouched world.

The road leading south from La Passe takes you past the charming La Digue Island Lodge and continues to l’Union Estate. The grounds feature a copra factory and an impressive tumble of granite rocks, at the foot of which live several giant tortoises. Farther along the beach at Source d’Argent, a dirt path winds around heaps of giant granite boulders which present a popular subject for photo buffs. From Anse La Réunion a road heads inland, skirting a nature reserve established specifically for the Seychelles paradise flycatcher. The reserve was set up jointly by the Seychelles National Commission for the Environment and the British Royal Society for Nature Conservation in an attempt to save the rare bird from extinction. A number of other species of land birds typical of the Seychelles also make their home in the cool green woods of the 37-acre reserve.

Most of the 2,000 islanders live and work on the coconut and vanilla plantations or earn their living from fishing and boat building. The relaxed rhythm of life, the beautiful, well-preserved colonial-style houses surrounded by palms and other tropical greenery, and the air scented by fragrant blooms contribute to the enjoyment of this island that time seems to have passed by.
   

Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruising the Indian Ocean

   
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
8am 6pm

Located on the Indian Ocean coast, Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital and the country’s major city.

Travelers to Dar es Salaam will find sites of historical interest both in the city and the surrounding area. An organized city sightseeing tour provides a good overview for the first-time visitor. Of main interest are the game reserves and national parks, which are a good distance from Dar es Salaam and require full day or overnight excursions.
   

Zanzibar, Tanzania
8am 6pm

Zanzibar, known as the Spice Island, is separated from mainland Tanzania by a 22-mile-wide channel. The name itself evokes a romantic past that includes memories of great seafarers and explorers, and tales of famous deeds and great riches.

The island’s main town, Stone Town or Zanzibar Town, on the west coast has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center. The different nationalities that have settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left a distinct mark on its people and architecture. Of special note are the ornate wooden doors and intricately carved balconies. Walking through the narrow streets of Stone Town the visitor catches a glimpse of the town’s exotic life. A scent of cloves in the air serves as a reminder that this is indeed the Spice Island. At one time, Zanzibar supplied the world’s tables with cloves. Today there are still plantations that cultivate a variety of spices, but the island's economy depends ever more on tourism. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are a major draw for vacationers, encouraging such holiday activities as swimming, sailing and exploring beneath the ocean in unspoiled underwater parks.

In Stone Town visit the recently restored Old Fort, the Sultan’s Palace Museum, the National Museum, the busy market stalls and little shops. Here artisans create gold and silver jewelry and beautifully carved wooden chests. Stretches of dazzling white sand beaches lie outside of town. A small nature reserve, the Jozani Forest, is home to the last few remaining red Colubus monkeys. Jozani Forest is 25 miles southeast of Stone Town.
   

Mombasa, Kenya
7am

Mombasa, often called the Gateway to Kenya, is the country’s most historic city and the largest port on Africa’s Coral Coast. Located on Mombasa Island, the city can be traced back to the 11th century. Settlements began to thrive here due to the excellent deep-water harbor and its protected position.

The most exotic part of Mombasa is the Old Town. Here, narrow alleys lined by mosques and cramped old houses slope down to the bustling dhow harbor. The busy downtown area represents the commercial, 20th-century Mombasa. Most visitors simply pass through the city at the beginning or the end of their African safari, unaware of Mombasa's intriguing past.

For cruise vessels Mombasa provides a convenient gateway for inland trips, such as Tsavo National Park or the lesser-known Shimba Hills National Reserve. Just north of Mombasa is the Bamburi Nature Trail, established in an attempt to rehabilitate a giant quarry. Beyond, the coastal region features long stretches of powdery white sand beaches lined by resort hotels.
   

Disembark Silver Shadow
Fly to Nairobi, Kenya
Transfer to hotel for hospitality accommodations
Then to airport for your late night flight home

   

INCLUDES:
Roundtrip economy air transportation from selected gateway cities, pre-cruise accommodations in a deluxe hotel, porterage and transfers.
Select wines, champagnes, spirits, sodas, and bottled water throughout the ship.
All onboard gratuities
All port charges