Day 1 : Arrival Tana
Arrival in Tana, meet and greet at the airport then transfer to your hotel.
Our reps will meet you at your hotel to hand you all your travel documents and to make a briefing for the whole tours.
Night in hotel
ANTANANARIVO :
Antananarivo means “City of thousands”. Its story began 500 years ago, the king Andrianjaka sent over 1000 soldiers to cut the forest and to conquer the land. Then the great King Andrianampoinimerina, attracted by the beauty of the city, decided to build a palace there, which became later his successor's main palace. From here the same king started to unify the different kingdoms of the island.
During King Radama's reign Antananarivo became the capital of all Madagascar. . Antananarivo is build on 3 levels : the high city where the queen's palace is situated, the first area occupied during the royal period, then the mid-city, the administrative area where all the better boutiques of the capital are found, then the low city which is the commercial area of the Arrival in Tana, meet and greet at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Our reps will meet you at your hotel to hand you all your travel documents and to make a briefing for the whole tours. Night in hotel
Overnight : Gassy Country House BB
Day 2 : Tana - Diégo-Suarez (Antsiranana) – (Domestic flight)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Diego; Diego is situated in the north of Madagascar; it is the place where the first European landed on Madagascar. Surrounded by the "Mozambique channel" and the "Indian Ocean" it is a spectacular location with its numerous bays and beautiful beaches.
After your check-in, drive up to the Montagne des Français where you can have a view of the whole of Diego with the 3 bays and you can see the endemic Baobab Antseraniensis.
Overnight : Allamanda BB
Day 3 : Diégo-Suarez (Antsiranana) - Mahamasina
After breakfast, 1 hour drive to Joffre Ville where you start your 2 hours visit of the Montagne d'Ambre National Park, accompanied by a local guide. The park located on the mountain of Ambre, consists of a tropical rainforest of 18,200 ha covering a volcanic massif composed mainly of basaltic rocks. This park is rich in wildlife and is home to a lot of endemic fauna and flora. Reptiles are impressive, stump-tailed chameleons, snakes and insect life is particularly rich.
Numerous rivers have their source here and flow out in different directions, so the park is a vital water catchment area for the nearby town of Diego Suarez. There are several attractive crater lakes and some spectacular waterfalls. Much of the park is covered with upland moist tropical forest, with numerous giant trees, smaller ferns and several orchid species. After the visit we head on southwards to Mahamasina.
On the way stop in Anivorano and take a dirt road for 1-hour drive to the Tsingy Rouge, a strange sculpture resulting from the erosion of a red sandy mountain. Then back to the main road and have 2 hours' drive to Mahamasina, on the foot of Ankarana National Park.
Overnight : Ankarana Lodge DBB
Day 4 : Mahamasina
Morning we hike and explore (2-4hours) the "Tsingy d'Ankarana", where the limestone highland has been sculpted by erosion. It gives the impression of walking on a spiny land and offers us an extraordinary spectacle. The vegetation itself is as unusual as the Tsingy itself. The area consists of 18,225 ha covering a massif of Jurassic limestone rising abruptly from the surrounding savanna-like plain.
Dominant canopy trees include Dalbergia and Acasia, various figs, and superb specimens of the baobab Adansonia madagascariensis, and numerous palms. The Tsingy harbours a fascinating assemblage of drought-adapted succulent plants like Pachypodium decaryi, Adenia neohumbertii and so on...Abundant wildlife lives in the forested canyons and during your walk you'll meet brown lemurs, geckos and non-poisonous snakes.
Overnight : Ankarana Lodge DBB
Day 5 : Mahamasina – Ankify - Nosy Be
After breakfast, drive towards Ankify. Stop in Ambanja for a visit to a cacao and vanilla plantation of Cyrille.
Then 1-hour transfer by speedboat to Hell Ville the main town of the island of Nosy be. Transfer by car to your hotel. Check-in and overnight in hotel.
Overnight : Ravintsara Wellness BB
Day 6 – 7 : Nosy Be
Day at leisure. Many excursions are possible like Optional excursions:
Mont Passot the highest point of the island where we can have marvellous views of a series of deep-blue crater and sacred lake, said to contain crocodiles which are ancestors of the local people. Nosy Be is the best place for a rest.
By speedboat to Nosy Komba and Tanikely which are 2 isles around Nosy Be. First stop in Nosy Komba, a tiny isle on the south east of Nosy be. Named after the black lemurs or komba which habited the primary forest of the island. Visit the small park run by the village where one can see the maccacco maccacco lemur which is only found in this area. Nosy Komba is also known for the embroidered table cloths made by local women. Then 1-hour boatride to reach Nosy Tanikely, an uninhabited submarine National Park which offers good snorkelling and diving. Fresh Sea-food lunch, then around 03.00pm, sail back to Nosy be
Day excursion to the "LOKOBE Special reserve". Transfer to the harbour where we take a small boat to reach the reserve. Located on the eastern side of the island of Nosy Be, the reserve of Lokobe is what remains of the rainy tropical forest of the island. There are forty-two species of birds, and black lemurs «maccacco maccacco" which are only found in this area. Thirty-five species of reptiles have been seen, seven of which are chameleons. It is possible to visit the buffer zone on the north-east side of the peninsula where permits are not required. One of the main interests of Lokobe is the village where we can experience the life of local people. Back to the hotel. Stop in town to see the local market.
Overnight : Ravintsara Wellness BB
Day 8 : Nosy Be – Antananarivo (Domestic flight)
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Tana, on arrival, transfer and overnight in hotel
Overnight : Gassy Country House BB
Day 9 : Nosy Be - OUT
Transfer to the airport for the international flight back home.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Accommodation according to the above itinerary
- Excursions mentioned in the program
- Private 4x4, driver, fuel during the trip
- Entrance fees, special guides in parks mentioned in the program
- All transfers from Hotel to the airport and back
- Speedboat transfer Ankify - Nosy be Hell-Ville
Our services do not include :
- International &domestic flights
- All excursions not in the program
- Personal expenses, drinks, tips
- All insurance
Accomodation :
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is a destination of unparalleled biodiversity and natural beauty. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar is renowned for its unique wildlife, pristine beaches, and diverse landscapes ranging from rainforests to arid deserts. Known as the "eighth continent" due to its distinct flora and fauna, Madagascar offers an adventurous and enriching travel experience for nature enthusiasts, explorers, and culture seekers.
Getting There:
Madagascar is served by several international airports, with Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, the capital, being the main entry point. Direct flights are available from various international destinations, including Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Where to Stay:
Madagascar offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences:
Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Time + Tide Miavana, Constance Tsarabanjina, Anjajavy Lodge.
Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Colbert (Antananarivo), Hotel Relais des Plateaux (Ivato), Nosy Be Hotel & Spa.
Budget Options: La Residence Madalief (Antsirabe), Madagascar Underground (Antananarivo), Les Flots Bleus (Morondava).
Eco-Lodges: Eulophiella Lodge (Andasibe), Mantadia Lodge (Andasibe), Bushhouse Lodge (Masoala).
Top Attractions:
Avenue of the Baobabs:
Located near Morondava on the west coast, this iconic dirt road lined with ancient baobab trees offers a stunning and surreal landscape, especially at sunset.
Isalo National Park:
Known for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming pools, Isalo National Park is perfect for hiking and exploring diverse landscapes.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park:
Famous for its rich biodiversity and home to the largest lemur species, the Indri, this park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and lush rainforests.
Nosy Be:
This popular island destination off the northwest coast is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsingy de Bemaraha is renowned for its unique limestone formations, known as "tsingy," and its diverse wildlife.
Ranomafana National Park:
A lush rainforest park famous for its hot springs and as a habitat for several species of lemurs and other endemic wildlife.
Antananarivo:
The bustling capital city offers a mix of historic sites, markets, and cultural experiences, including the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and the vibrant Analakely Market.
Ifaty:
Located in the southwest, Ifaty is known for its coral reefs, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for whale watching.
Cultural Experiences:
Malagasy Culture:
Engage with the warm and hospitable Malagasy people, and experience their rich cultural traditions, music, dance, and festivals.
Local Markets:
Explore vibrant markets like Zoma Market in Antananarivo, where you can find local crafts, spices, and fresh produce.
Traditional Villages:
Visit traditional Malagasy villages to learn about local customs, farming practices, and community life.
Food and Drink:
Traditional Malagasy Cuisine:
Sample local dishes such as romazava (a meat and vegetable stew), ravitoto (pork with cassava leaves), and zebu steak.
Street Food:
Try popular street foods like mofo gasy (Malagasy doughnuts), sambos (samosas), and koba (a sweet made from rice flour, peanuts, and honey).
Tropical Fruits:
Enjoy a variety of fresh tropical fruits, including lychees, mangoes, and pineapples.
Drinks:
Try local beverages such as ranovola (rice water tea), and the locally brewed Three Horses Beer (THB).
Practical Tips:
Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
Language: Malagasy is the official language, but French is widely spoken, especially in urban areas.
Transportation: Madagascar's infrastructure can be challenging. Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel long distances. Taxis, buses, and car rentals are available for local transportation.
Weather: Madagascar has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November.
Health: It's recommended to take anti-malarial medication and ensure vaccinations are up to date. Bottled water is advisable for drinking.
Safety: While Madagascar is generally safe for tourists, it's essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions, particularly in urban areas.
Madagascar, with its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offers an extraordinary travel experience. From exploring the mysterious baobabs and limestone formations to relaxing on pristine beaches and discovering the vibrant local culture, Madagascar promises an adventure like no other. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural enthusiast, Madagascar is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.