Lagoons to Safari Legends – Papeete to Cape Town

The island of Tahiti’s urban center has much to offer visitors. Take a stroll through the new Jardins Paofai, watch the surfers on their longboards, marvel at Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, Fern Grottos.

“The Garden Island” is filled with easily accessible pristine white beaches kissed by emerald waters; you can rent a bicycle and explore the island, take a boat to the hanging oyster beds to see the black pearl farm, or go on a shark-feeding excursion.

The dramatic Mount Otemanu stands watch over the sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands of Bora Bora, known as the most romantic island in the world. Snorkel, swim with the manta rays or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its lovely coral islands.

Remote, verdant and stunningly beautiful, this island is pure and pristine. Visit one of the many tuna canneries or snorkel in the crystalline waters of one of the protected lagoons. Find a fale, a gazebo where locals perform for visitors.

Apia is located on the northern shore of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island and home to spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, sand dunes, beaches and brilliant sunrises and sunsets. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here and is buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the village of Vailima and the home he built there, which is now a museum in his honor.

Enjoy the tropical rainforest climate of Fiji’s capital city, the largest in the South Pacific. Wander the Victoria Parade, the main thoroughfare with shops and restaurants.

Nicknamed “Sugar City,” it’s in the heart of the soft coral capital of the world. Snorkel, scuba, take a boat to a nearby deserted island; visit lush rainforests, local potters and orchid farms.

Wander through this capital city’s joyous streets; take free ferries to small offshore islands, visit the Vanuatu Cultural Center in town, or snorkel, horseback ride or hike up to the beautiful Cascade Waterfalls.

Lifou Island or Drehu in the local language is the largest, most populous and most important island of the Loyalty Islands, in the archipelago of New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. With a total area of 1,207 square kilometers

Known as “The Paris of the Pacific,” the capital city of New Caledonia still maintains a village atmosphere. Visit the new Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center, try wind-surfing, or share a bottle of vin rouge while relaxing at La Place des Cocotiers.

Tantalizingly close to New Zealand’s northernmost point, an exquisite landscape revered by the Maori people, subtropical Whangarei beckons with its countless natural attractions, including breathtaking Whangarei Falls and the pristine beaches of Waipu Cove. A bit farther north, the magnificent Bay of Islands evokes a cluster of emeralds that has been cast into the shimmering sea. In the Abbey Caves, feel childlike wonder while exploring passages draped with otherworldly bioluminescent glow worms, and as a quirky diversion, examine over 1,600 historic timepieces at Claphams National Clock Museum. Gaze at the yachts docked next to the splendid Town Basin Marina Village, where you might pick up a memento of this enchanting port of call.

Enjoy this beautiful city, its enormous parks and spectacular views from Mount Eden. Learn about Maori culture; visit the famed Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their fantastic formations. Or head for the coast and the crashing surf, see a gannet colony and admire the sheep farms along the way. Visit an area vineyard or one of sixty volcanoes

Enjoy this beautiful city, its enormous parks and spectacular views from Mount Eden. Learn about Maori culture; visit the famed Waitomo Glowworm Caves and their fantastic formations. Or head for the coast and the crashing surf, see a gannet colony and admire the sheep farms along the way. Visit an area vineyard or one of sixty volcanoes

Relish the opportunities in this natural playground as you observe flying dolphins, gannets and blue penguins. The diving is renowned as some of the best in the world. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House, where the founding document of New Zealand was signed.

Visit the famous Opera House, stroll along the harbor or cruise around it. Climb the Harbor Bridge, take a walk through the Rocks where Sydney began, or enjoy celebrated

Bondi Beach. Head into the beautiful Blue Mountains for a taste of the country; visit a wildlife park and enjoy Australia’s fabulously unique creatures.

Discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs.

This is the place to see the magnificent rainforest from the Kuranda Railway and visit local wildlife like koalas and emus in a rainforest habitat. Or learn about Aboriginal tradition at the culture park. Explore the town, its charming homes and the lovely botanical garden.

Discover the distinct culture of this remote island and its people, who follow a traditional lifestyle. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and expansive views over the Torres Strait. Visit the impressive fortress, the pearl divers’ monument and the historic buildings. Or journey across the strait to Cape York and its wilderness.

Discover Aboriginal culture and art at the Fine Arts Museum, see the city and its wonderful gardens, or venture into the outback to fabulous Territory Wildlife Park and its many wonders. Or head for the incredible waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Watch crocodiles at a research station, or take a cruise along the Adelaide River and watch the saltwater crocs leap from the water to catch their prey.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Spend the day discovering this cosmopolitan city and its diversity of cultures, from the soaring Petronas Towers and the royal palace to Gothic churches, colonial remnants and a restored Malay timber house in a lovely heritage center. Experience everyday life as you browse the bustling markets and shops. Shopping: Shop for crafts, fine pewter, jewelry and batik.

Visit a batik factory, a butterfly farm, a mosque, church and Indian temple, or just laze around on the beach. Hike the rainforest and waterfall-clad mountains that form the backdrop to the beautiful sandy beaches on the island known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” The capital of the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique culture and architecture.

Langkawi is the main island in the archipelago of the same name in the Andaman Sea. Stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife will surround you as you snorkel, horseback ride, hike, golf or simply relax on the powdery sands of the island beaches. Experience Langkawi’s wildlife up close on a boat tour of the amazing mangrove forest. Travel by cable car over ancient rainforests to the top of Mount Machincang.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Discover the amazing contrasts of this cosmopolitan, Portuguese-founded city with its lovely colonial architecture, Dutch-style palaces, historic churches, Jewish quarter and huge Chinese fishing nets. Or explore tranquil canals by boat and see ancient villages, exquisite scenery, plantations and temples. See Indian cotton made in traditional fashion.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the Arabian Sea, watch the fishing boats and explore the city, especially the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius College Chapel, the Sultan Battery, Light House Hill Garden, Mangala Devi Temple and the Jumma Masjid. See a traditional South Indian dance performance or perhaps encounter a festival honoring a local deity.

Enjoy this marvelous old Portuguese and Hindu city studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches. Visit the stunning Baroque cathedral and quaint, colorful Panjim for a taste of Portugal in India. Explore the countryside and its spice farms, local markets and the region’s exquisite beaches.

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

An idyllic tropical island, Praslin is ringed with secluded beaches like magnificent Anse Lazio. Don’t miss Vallée de Mai, a virgin palm forest so extraordinary it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest supports extremely rare flora and fauna, including the black parrot and exotic coco de mer, the world’s largest nut.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Lying off the northern coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be (which means “Big Island” in Malagasy) contains seven volcanic lakes and is blanketed with fragrant flora such as ylang-ylang, frangipani and vanilla. Unusual wildlife flourishes here, as witnessed in Lokobe Nature Reserve, home to maki lemurs, chameleons and paradise flycatchers.

While the other islands of the fragrant Comoros (known as the “Perfume Islands”) gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte remained under French rule, and you’ll welcome the influence. The Petit Terre district boasts fine patisseries, boutiques and art galleries, and there’s a French flair everywhere.

Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo’s struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

With an average of 320 sunny days a year, Mossel Bay has the second mildest climate in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Enjoy walks along the beautiful beaches, horseback riding and whale and dolphin watching. Track big game on a thrilling safari or take a cruise to Seal Island, populated by over 2,500 Cape fur seals.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.