Madagascar

1000 Views of Madagascar / Dhow Camping Trip / Madagascar North
Madagascar South / Madagascar East / Island Hopping

7 Day Madagascar Island Hopping

A fun island hopping tour from Nosy Be to Nosy Verona through Ambatiloka, Nosy Komba and Lokobie Reserve.

Highlights
Chanty Beach, Ambatiloka, Sakatia Island, Nosy Tanikely Marine reserve, Nosy Komba, and Lokobe Nature Reserve.

DAY 1 - 2: Antananarivo to Nosy Be Day 1: D, Day 2: BLD
A morning departure takes you from Johannesburg, South Africa and into Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo. After a quick stop there and a chance to do some last minute shopping, you fly onto Nosy Be and we transfer by taxi to Chanty beach and then by speedboat to Sakatia Towers, which is on a small private beach. The next two days will be spent snorkeling, taking pleasant walks, exploring the stunning beach, riding on pirogues and sea kayaks, and just soaking up the sand, sea and sun.
Accommodation: Sakatia Towers ( Small guest house that is owner run and sits on a private beach, 12m above the sea. Restaurant, bar, laundry, fan, mosquito net)

DAY 3 - 4: Ambatiloka to Nosy Komba BLD
After 2 nights at Sakatia Towers, today we make an early start to Ambatiloka by speed boat and taxi. We then take a day excursion with a beach picnic lunch at Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve - famed for its world class snorkeling and diving. After that, we proceed to Nosy Komba where will be accommodated at Hotel Jardin Vanille or Lilians Bungalows.Nosy Komba is a small island surrounded by clear water that is perfect for diving. This tiny island is secluded and remote - perfect for relaxation and fun in the sun. The islands big attraction is a large population of black lemur, roaming the trees, and with any luck, marine turtles may be spotted. Our time on Nosy Komba will be spent relaxing on the beach, taking forest walks up the mountain, visiting the nearby Anjibe village and soaking up the sun. Pirogue trips and deep sea fishing can be organized for those who wish.
Accommodation: Hotel Jardin Vanille or Lilians Bungalows (en suite bungalows, mosquito nets, hot water, restaurant)

DAY 5 - 6: Nosy Komba - Nosy Be, Lokobe Nature Reserve BLD
After breakfast we travel via boat from Nosy Komba to the main island of Nosy Be, where you will check into Sambatra Bed & Breakfast. Just 20 minutes from Hell-ville, its location offers you easy access to the activities contained in the town. You can arrange trips to do Quad biking, visit the local market and Handicrafts market, see the sacred tree or climb Mount Passot.

On day 6, we take a motorised pirogue trip to Lokobe Nature Reserve. Far from the flood of tourists Lokobie Reserve is only accessible by sea and is a haven of peace. Spend the day enjoying jungle walks to see the variety of wildlife, and take in the beautiful sounds of nature. The famous Nosy Be Panther Chameleon is present in this last remaining lowland rainforest on the island.
Accommodation: Sambatra Bed & Breakfast (Double bungalows, en suite bathroom, mosquito net and fans plus restaurant. Set on Ambaro beach, facing the peninsula of Nosy Sakatia and the sunset)

DAY 7: Antananarivo, Madagascar B
After breakfast, we proceed by taxi to the airport where we will fly back to the capital city, Antananarivo and catch our flight back to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Please note - lunch is not included in day 7 of your tour. Should your flights have you departing in the afternoon or evening, please make direct arrangements with the hotel for meals. These will be at an additional cost.

Meal Key B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

2009 Per Person Rate: US$1205, Child Rate: US$1010, Single Supplement: US$345

Included in the price
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary; all meals and transfers as mentioned in itinerary

Not included in the price
Optional activities i.e. scuba diving, deep-sea fishing (sailfish), snorkelling, travel insurance, flights, visas, pre and post tour accommodation, all drinks, tips and curios.

DAY 8 - 9: (Optional) Nosy Be B
For 2 extra nights, one can stay at Sambatra Lodge on the West Coast of Nosy Be. There will be plenty of opportunities to hire a quad bike or motorbike, for trips around the beautiful island of Nosy Be. PLEASE NOTE THESE LAST 2 DAYS WILL BE AT AN ADDITIONAL COST. PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR THE PRICE INCLUDING OPTIONAL DAYS

Information on areas visited

Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of which are unique to Madagascar. Most famous among those are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries not to use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a-trillion stems and dripping leaves.
Tana
Antananarivo, better known in the shortened version, "Tana", is the bustling capital of Madagascar with about 2,000,000 inhabitants. Situated in the high plateau, the city was founded in 1610 by a Malagasy King. To protect the newly gained territory he left 1000 men behind and that's how Antananarivo got its name (town of 1000). It has developed to a quite interesting city with a lot of contrasts. As Tana contains the country's major international airport, most visitors will find themselves at least passing through the city. Time allowing, you should however spend some days here to explore the city, visit the market places and Roya. Roya is a palace and one of the main features of Tana. It is built on the highest hill and can be seen from for tens of kilometers in any direction.
Sakatia Island
Sakatia Island is a tropical paradise. Situated near Nosy Be off the North Western coast of Madagascar, Sakatia is a true breakaway with no roads or motor vehicles, and only lots of foot paths, with which one can wander at leisure and explore the beauty of the island. It offers typically unspoilt tropical fauna and flora and has a population of only 300. The island is fringed by spectacular coral reefs to be enjoyed by the snorkeller or scuba diver alike.
Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely (Little Land Island) is 10km west of Nosy Komba, an island south-east of Nosy Be. It is a protected marine reserve and therefore one of the better sites for diving and snorkeling. Expect stunning hard and soft corals, lobsters, eels, reef fish and occasional turtles. Other attractions include beaches, tide pools and a variety of tropical bird species.
Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba (Island of lemurs) is a small volcanic island lying midway between Nosy Be and the mainland of Madagascar. The island offers several walking trails, and an excellent opportunity to observe lemur behavior, from the semi-tame black lemurs (small fee to clients, own cost). Visit local inland villages or head to the island's neighbouring islets for great snorkeling and swimming.
Lokobe Nature Reserve
This is the last remaining lowland rainforest on the island and is famed for its black lemur and beautiful nosy be panther chameleon.

Information on Hotels stayed in

Sakatia Towers
Nosy Sakatia (Orchid Island) is a small tropical island situated off the northwest coast of Madagascar, a still unspoilt piece of paradise only 1km west of Nosy Be. Sakatia Towers, situated on the northeastern side of Nosy Sakatia, is the only guesthouse on Nosy Sakatia and offers a private beach, gazebo and boardwalk. Sakatia Towers consists of a three bedroom guesthouse, a two bedroom family bungalow and a single bedroomed bungalow. The rooms have fan, mosquito nets and en-suite bathrooms. Sakatia Towers offers a diverse range of activities on and around the islands making use of professionals. During your stay on Sakatia Island, you can enjoy good snorkeling on the reef, pleasant walks and the use of pirogues and sea kayaks. Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing (sailfish) can also be booked from Sakatia Towers. One of the highlights of your stay will be a beach picnic on the secluded beach on the northern shores of Sakatia.

Jardin Vanille
This is a small jewel hidden in the trees, overlooking the turquoise sea to Ankify and the mainland beyond. Jardin Vanille is on the south of Nosy Komba, and set on a beautiful beach. It's mangrove stilted bungalows are all en suite and linked by wooden walkways.

Lilians Bungalows (alternative to Jardin Vanile)
Located above the same beach as Jardin Vanille, this guest house offers comfortable accommodation in en-suite bungalows, with magnificent views over the ocean. Lillian is a wonderful host, and offers many personal touches throughout the guest house.

Sambatra Bed & Breakfast
Situated on Ambaro beach, Sambatra Bed & Breakfast faces the peninsula of Nosy Sakatia and the sunset. Located 20 minutes from Hell-ville, you are able to access all the activities contained in the town.

All the rooms have mosquito nets, fan and a private bathroom with hot water.