Expedition Africa and Indian Ocean

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Why choose an Expedition Africa and Indian Ocean with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises?


- Our cruises in Africa and the Indian Ocean combine safaris, nature experiences, exotic islands and cultural diversity: ideal for travellers seeking the extraordinary and wanting to discover Africa from a new perspective – comfortable, intense and unforgettable. 

- The itineraries span modern coastal cities, diverse landscapes and remote island destinations, providing varied experiences within one journey.

- Selected itineraries include opportunities to experience Africa’s wildlife in its natural environment. Encounters with species such as elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo take place in well-known safari regions and national parks, offering insights into Africa’s rich biodiversity.

-Africa’s coastline features a wide range of destinations, from Mossel Bay and the Garden Route to ports such as Maputo. These destinations combine natural scenery with urban culture, history and regional influences, adding cultural depth to the voyages.

- The cruises are complemented by island calls in the Indian Ocean, characterised by sandy beaches, clear waters and tropical landscapes. These destinations provide opportunities for leisure activities such as swimming, snorkelling and shore excursions.

- The Indian Ocean opens up an expedition region of exceptional diversity. Madagascar and the Seychelles combine pristine island landscapes, globally unique biodiversity and cultural depth, creating experiences beyond established routes. Far from tourist paths, these expeditions lead to regions where research, authenticity and a pioneering spirit take centre stage – home to endemic wildlife, protected natural areas and landscapes accessible only to small ships. A new way of discovering, defined by intensity, close proximity to nature and a genuine expedition character.

- Small ships, small groups: a maximum of 230 guests, enabling access to highly regulated or scarcely developed natural areas

- Pioneering approach: First intensive (European) winter routing in the Indian Ocean (2027/28 season)

- Zodiac‑based exploration: landings in locations where there are no ports or piers

- Summer‑like conditions during the European winter: in‑depth nature experiences in comfortable temperatures

​Insider's insights >>

​Interview with Isolde Susset >>

Press release >>


 

 

In-depth knowledge Madagascar and Seychelles

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  • Spectacular routes to remote regions where other ships have to turn back
  • Cruises with respect to nature and wildlife and with a small group of no more than 230 guests
  • Closer to nature on board thanks to an exceptional amount of open deck space
  • Captains and crews with decades of expertise
  • See and understand more thanks to teams of experts who accompany the numerous Zodiac rides and landings
  • State-of-the-art navigation, positioning and communications systems
  • Since 2020, we have been using marine gas oil with a maximum sulphur content of only 0.1 %. By entirely foregoing heavy fuel oil, we are reducing sulphur emissions by 80 % and particulate emission by 30 %.

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Expedition cruises to Africa and the Indian Ocean

Expedition South Africa and Madagascar
Cape Town - Mauritius, 15 Nov - 03 Dec 2026, 18 days, cruise SPI2623
Prices and availabilities

South Africa and Indian Ocean
Cape Town - Mahe (Seychelles), 22 Nov - 08 Dec 2027, 16 days, cruise NAT2724
Prices and availabilities

Expedition Seychelles
Mahe (Seychelles) - Mauritius, 08 - 20 Dec 2027, 12 days, cruise NAT2725
Prices and availabilities

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