Aboard the Clipper Odyssey

March 4 – 21, 2012

Coastal East Africa’s varied habitats create havens for the plant and animal species that thrive there. The region’s waters sustain all five species of endangered sea turtles in the Indian Ocean, plus 35 species of marine mammals, including whales and dolphins. WWF is working to conserve this priority place, to protect its abundant wildlife and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. By traveling with WWF on our Mozambique Odyssey with Tanzania & South Africa, you are supporting our conservation work around the world, including crucial efforts along Coastal East Africa.

• Snorkel or dive to look for whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and other key marine life.
• Visit South Africa’s Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park in search of such species such rhinos, lions and giraffes.
• Search for endemic animals, including the Pemba flying fox and Pemba white-eye, in lush Ngezi Forest.
• Explore Inhaca, a natural habitat for more than 300 bird species.

Note: This expedition can be combined with our Voyage to Madagascar.

Trip Itinerary

Sunday & Monday, March 4 & 5: Depart USA / En route
Depart on your independent flight to Zanzibar.

Tuesday, March 6: Zanzibar / Tanzania
Arrive in Zanzibar in the late morning and transfer to your hotel for brunch and an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a welcome reception, dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Br, D)

Wednesday, March 7: Zanzibar / Embark 
With its palm-fringed beaches and historically fascinating Stone Town, Zanzibar lives up to its Arabian Nights reputation for exotic charm. Zanzibar’s long cultural history began with Arab traders who arrived in the 8th century with cargoes of ivory and spices – the island was once the world’s largest producer of cloves. Explore enchanting Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose distinctive hallmarks include 19th-century coralline architecture, more than 500 ornately carved and studded doors, a labyrinth of winding alleys, numerous mosques and a large bustling bazaar.

Later visit one of the many spice plantations known for producing nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and cloves. Or travel to Jozani Natural Forest Reserve, where old growth forest is the habitat of the endemic red colobus monkey, Skye’s monkey, duiker and more than 40 species of birds, including the Fischer’s turaco, African paradise flycatcher and mangrove kingfisher. In the late afternoon, embark the Clipper Odyssey. (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 8: Pemba Island
Arrive at Pemba Island, the northernmost island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, in the morning. Learn about the Seacology project that works to conserve and protect Pemba’s indigenous forests, a vital habitat for the endemic Pemba flying fox. Then enjoy a walk through the lush Ngezi Forest, which is home to approximately 27 avian species including the palm-nut vulture, African scops owl and endemic Pemba white-eye. Alternatively, visit a seldom-toured village for a cultural performance. All travelers will return to the ship via the city Chake Chake. Then spend the afternoon snorkeling or diving. (B,L,D)

Friday, March 9: At Sea
As you cruise toward Mozambique, lecturers recap your time in Tanzania and prepare you for the adventures ahead. (B,L,D)

Saturday, March 10: Ibo Island, Mozambique
The first stop in Mozambique is gorgeous Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, where World Wildlife Fund recently provided the first on-the-ground look at its expansive lagoon ecosystem using satellite imagery. Ruled first by Arab traders who arrived in A.D. 600, then by the Portuguese who attacked in 1522, today its 3,500 permanent residents practice both Muslim and tribal customs. A morning walk through the village includes a close-up look at the beautiful local architecture and a visit to the Catholic church and the fort of St. Jao Baptista. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling, diving or viewing underwater riches via glass-bottom boat. Highlights include a 100-year-old shipwreck in shallow waters, amazing corals and reef fish species from gobies to mammoth Napoleon wrasses, as well as sharks, kingfish and sea turtles. (B,L,D)

Sunday, March 11: Quirimba / Mogundula
Home to thousands of lanky palms and lush thickets of mangrove, Quirimba was the first capital of the archipelago. The remains of colonial architecture speak of ancient Arab mariners, and the idyllic setting makes for perfect exploration on foot. Time permitting, board Zodiacs to explore the mangroves and search for wildlife. A big focus of WWF’s work in this region is rebuilding and protecting these vital mangroves from the effects of climate change. During lunch on board, cruise to uninhabited Mogundula, which lies just 2 ½ miles off the northern Mozambique mainland, for an afternoon of exploration, snorkeling or diving. (B,L,D)

Monday, March 12: Ilha de Mozambique
Beautiful, intriguing Ilha de Mozambique, a World Heritage Site, was once a major Portuguese trading post on the India route. Since its 16th-century heyday, the main town has been continuously inhabited and the preservation of its architecture is simply stunning. This morning, enjoy a welcome dance and then explore the community, including its colorful market. Visit the Chapel of Our Lady; built in 1522, it is considered to be the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere. Also stop at the 1624 Governor’s Palace, Maritime Museum, and mosque. Return to the ship for lunch and sail southward. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 13: At Sea
Enjoy a day at leisure and cruise toward Bazaruto Archipelago. WWF works to involve community organizations in the protection of this national park, and today’s lectures will introduce you to these sublime islands. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, March 14: Bazaruto
Explore this natural wonderland and its underwater world. The pristine setting makes it an ideal spot for nature walks, and there is the opportunity to snorkel, dive or swim in the translucent waters or simply relax on the pink coral sands. (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 15: Inhambane / Punta da Barra
Board a local boat in Inhambane for a snorkeling excursion. The rich waters support a stunning array of large marine life including whale sharks, manta and devil rays, turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. During lunch on board, cruise to the beautiful beaches of Punta da Barra. Birders set out on a foray to search for flamingos and other residents. Snorkeling and diving outings reveal a wealth of marine life. Or choose to stroll through town; Inhambane is one of the oldest on Mozambique’s eastern coast. Explore the Old Quarter, including the Cathedral and fragrant central market. The waterfront sports a huge fleet of working dhows (traditional Arab sailing vessels). (B,L,D)

Friday, March 16: Inhaca
Inhaca is an island paradise of unspoiled forests, breathtaking beaches and colorful coral reefs. Its four distinct shores claim unique ecosystems, from grassy plains to forested sand dunes to exposed mudflats. Since 1976 the island has had protected status. Spend the afternoon at Santa Maria and Turtle Beach; nearly 160 species of staghorn and plate corals proliferate off shore. Humpback whales are often spotted, and snorkelers and divers may be rewarded with exciting views of moray eels, scorpionfish, butterflyfish and seahorses. Birders revel in copious sightings of some of the 300 bird species that reside here, including pink-backed pelicans, southern-banded snake eagles, lesser sand-plovers and gray-rumped swallows. (B,L,D)

Saturday, March 17: Maputo
Arrive in Maputo this morning and set out on foot to explore this port city after breakfast. Modeled after the Portuguese harbor cities of Lisbon and Porto, Maputo's wide avenues are similarly inlaid with black and white stone mosaics. Visit the city’s most important landmark, the 1787 Portuguese Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which was the nucleus of the original settlement. Stop at the Iron House, built in 1892 and made entirely of steel, and the beautiful Central Railway Station; both were designed by Gustave Eiffel. You’ll also visit the Natural History Museum and stroll through the exotic botanical gardens.
Return to the ship for lunch and continue the voyage southward. (B,L,D)

Sunday, March 18: Richard’s Bay, South Africa
Situated on KwaZulu Natal’s fertile South Coast and established as a port settlement in 1879 during the Anglo-Boer War, Richard’s Bay now flourishes along one of the country’s largest harbors. After breakfast board small boats to explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia), another World Heritage Site. This is Africa’s largest estuarine system, which includes underwater canyons, forested dunes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savannas. The amazing biodiversity here includes more than 500 species of birds, including Goliath and rufous-bellied herons, African broadbills and gorgeous bush-shrikes. As you navigate these wildlife-rich waterways, watch for hippos – large populations live within the protected region – and crocodiles, whose numbers reach around 1,000. After lunch set out in 4x4 vehicles for an afternoon at Cape Vidal and its beautiful beaches. (B,L,D)

Monday, March 19: Richard’s Bay / Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
After an early breakfast depart for Hluhluwe- Imfolozi Park for a wildlife-viewing drive in one of South Africa’s largest Big Five reserves. Established in 1895 and situated in the heart of Zululand, the park provides habitat for an astounding diversity of mammals, including black and white rhinos, Nile crocodiles, lions, cheetahs, elephants, blue wildebeest, jackals, giraffes, zebras and baboons. More than 300 recorded species of birds make the park one of South Africa’s prime birding areas. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 20: Durban / Disembark 
Disembark in Durban this morning for a city tour. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your independent flight to the USA. (B,L)

Wednesday, March 21: Arrive USA
Connect with homeward flights.