Please note, the program below is just a guideline. We will update the Detailed Program at the beginning of 2025. Meanwhile if you have any questions, please contact us.
Day 1. 13. October
Departure from Vienna, arrival in Antananarivo
Depending on the flight, we will probably arrive in Antananarivo, the hilly capital of Madagascar, in the afternoon. Our driver and car will be waiting for us at the airport to take us to our hotel in the city centre.
Day 2. 14. October
Antananarivo – Sambava – Soavoanio – Antalaha Domestic Flight
Sambava – Soavoanio (5 km)
Soavoanio – Antalaha (80 km/ 1 h)
Early morning transfer to the airport.
Domestic flight to Sambava, the centre of the wonderful and untouched SAVA region.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Soavoanio coconut plantation.
An exciting visit to the Soavoanio plantation. Coconut groves are spread along the coast, both north and south of the town of Sambava. During the visit, we can get to know the hybridization processes, and then see the germination plant, the nursery garden, the ovens and the coconut oil distilling workshop.
After the visit, transfer to Antalaha (80 km, approx. 1 hour)
Sightseeing in Antalaha, the second-largest town in the region. During the sightseeing tour, we also get to know the story of the famous Hungarian world traveller, Earl Móric Benyovszky: the earl played an important role in the history of this region of Madagascar, he founded one of the largest cities (the former Louisbourg, now known as Maroantsetra) on behalf of the French court. The inhabitants respected him so much that the local tribes elected him as their chief. Later, he returned to his beloved island, in the same region, in American “colours”, and died here fighting on the side of the Malagasy against the French colonialists.
His name is still known among the locals living on the east coast, and the legend of Benyovszky’s buried treasure lives on…
Day 3. 15. October
Antalaha – Ma Colline – Domaine D’ambohimanitra Strand – Antalaha
Antalaha –Domaine d’Ambohimanitra (35km / 30min)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Excursion in the Ma Colline private park: in the park on the hill next to Antalaha, we take part in a diverse program, during which we can see the endemic flora and fauna that live here, we take a trip on the rivers between the rice fields on a traditional Malagasy boat (pirogue), we visit a traditional one-site, preserved workshop. small village, where we can get to know the everyday life of local residents. During our picnic, we can taste the local fruits.
The private park is run by a non-profit organization, whose goal is to ensure sustainable development in the region. In the name of sustainability, each of us can plant a tree in the park at the end of the visit.
In the afternoon, transfer to the beautiful private beach of the Ambohimanitra Estate (Domaine d’Ambohimanitra), famous for its huge vanilla plantation. Bathing, sunbathing, snacks and drinks are served to us.
There are also 3 wonderful lodge accommodations on the estate, in a magical environment, in the middle of the estate, among vanilla and other spice plantations, overlooking the sea.
The group splits into two today: Group A sleeps on the estate, and Group B goes back to Antalaha (35 km, about half an hour).
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4. 16. October
VANILLA DAY at Ambohimanitra estate and Antalaha
Antalaha –Domaine d’Ambohimanitra (35km / 30min)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Group B: transfer from Antalaha to the Ambohimanitra estate.
Today’s vanilla-themed visits begin at the estate.
Madagascar is the world’s largest exporter of vanilla. The highest quality vanilla, Bourbon vanilla, is grown here. During the guided visit to the estate, we will first visit the vanilla orchid plantation and learn about the different vanilla tree varieties, as well as discover the tree nurseries of the local varieties. We get to know the plant and the fertilization process of the vanilla flower in detail, as well as all the phases during which the flower will later become a vanilla pod.
To end the immersion in vanilla, we take part in a vanilla-themed lunch on the panoramic terrace, in which vanilla plays a leading role in every course.
After lunch, we will continue the exciting visit, we will learn about the processing of vanilla. Transfer to Antalaha to the vanilla plant belonging to the estate: here we can see the stages of making vanilla up to export. We learn the secrets of each stage of vanilla processing: harvesting, boiling, measuring, and sorting based on the different properties of vanilla. It is also possible to do some shopping.
The group then splits into two: Group B sleeps on the estate, and Group A stays in Antalaha.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5. 17. October
Antalaha-Sambava-Nosiarina
Antalaha – Nosiarina (90 km, kb 1h30)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Nosiarina (15 km from Sambava), where we will take part in a full-day excursion, during which we will get to know this wonderful region. First, we go down the Bemarivo river on a pirogue (a traditional fishing boat, which is also used by the locals): during the cruise, wonderful panoramas unfold before us, while we are swayed by the rhythm of the water. We discover the daily life of the small villages, we take a walk among the small, traditional vanilla and coffee plantations of the local residents. We will have our picnic lunch in the bend of a strait. Continuing our journey, we go pass by a coconut grove and then reach the heart of the small town of Sambava around 4:00 p.m.
Sambava is the centre of the region and the “capital” of vanilla cultivation. If our time permits, we will take a short city tour, and then transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6. 18. October
Sambava-Vohemar
Sambava – Vohemar (149 km, kb 03h30)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Around 8.30 departure to Vohemar.
The town of Iharana (Vohemar in Madagascar) is located in the northern part of the SAVA region, in a beautiful bay. Today, Vohemar is also a bustling trading town of vanilla. We will see the small town and its beautiful bay, then visit the nearby “Green Lake”, a sacred lake and place of worship among the local population. Among the inhabitants of the region, the green colour of the water inspired various superstitions and created myths related to it for years. Magnificent dunes surround the colourful lake.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7. 19. October
Vohemar-Ancarana
Vohemar-Ambilobe 151km, 02h30
Ambilobe – Ankarana, 29km, 01h
Trip to Ankarana.
Visiting the Ankarana National Park.
Today we will discover one of Madagascar’s most famous sights, the unique, “tsingy”. The word Tsingy means “where you can’t walk barefoot”. We visit the huge, grey Madagascar “Tsingy” in the Ankarana massif. This geological formation can only be seen at four places in the world.
Karst landscapes, upland limestone formations, impressive “tsingy” peaks and needle-pointed limestone “forests” characterize the area. Seeing its laced and pierced interior, travellers here can easily feel like they are on the moon. During our tour, we also see many species of lemurs, canyons, interesting bird species and caves.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8. 20. October
Ankarana-Ambania-Milliot Plantation
Ankarana – Ambanja (135 Km / 03h30)
Ambanja – Millot plantation (15 km / 30 minutes)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Ambanja to the Millot chocolate and spice plantation.
The beautiful plantation was founded in 1904, it is the leading producer of organic cocoa, spices and essential oils, and the producer of the world-famous Valrhona chocolate. Visiting this little slice of paradise is not only highly informative but also a true festival of the senses.
The tour can be crowned with lunch in the beautiful old farmhouse. Against the backdrop of the stunning landscape, you can taste and smell all the farm’s plants, from lychee-like raw cacao beans to unshelled cacao beans, to strong green pepper soaked in salty juice and vinegar. In the distillery, ylang-ylang essential oils or freshly picked vetiver roots will fight for the attention of our olfactory senses.
Our gourmet lunch includes dishes made with products from the plantation, including a wonderful chocolate cake with vanilla cream. Be sure to try the excellent chocolate-flavoured rum (which, of course, is made from the plantation’s cocoa).
In the afternoon transfer back to Ambanja, where we can learn about the daily life and culture of the local people. After sightseeing, we’ll go off the beaten path and explore rural areas where people make a living growing cocoa and rice plantations. Our journey allows us to see huge cocoa plantations, rice fields and small villages. In the centre of the plantations are majestic baobab trees.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 9. 21. October
Ambanja-Ankify-Nosy Be
Ambanja – Ankify (15 km)
boat trip (45 minutes)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we will leave the main island of Madagascar to sail to one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the Nosy Be archipelago. Passing cocoa, coffee, and ylang-ylang plantations, then passing through the coastal mangrove forest, we arrive at the village of Ankify, from where our boat departs, arriving in Hell-Ville, the capital of the main island of the archipelago.
We take our accommodation in our beautiful, exclusive seaside hotel, and in the afternoon, we enjoy the magical atmosphere of this wonderful place. 5 nights
Free afternoon on the island of Nosy Be.
It is no coincidence that the island of Nosy Be is one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world every year on the list of the leading travel website Tripadvisor. During the days spent here, we enjoy its endless beaches with soft, white sand. Our meals, if we wish, are served on the sandy beach, of course from the seafood caught that day…
and why not try the freshly caught crawfish, which you can get for a tenth of the price at home? Let’s venture deeper into the crystal-clear turquoise water and discover the multi-coloured, wonderful coral reefs and their colourful inhabitants, which make these islands one of the world’s number one diving paradises: the diving sites are covered with beautiful colourful corals, some coral flowers can reach 2-3 meters in diameter. In addition to the “usual” colourful fish species and large shoals of coral reefs (parrot fish, barracudas, sawfish, Picasso fish, striped bass, etc.), we can see leopard sharks, reef sharks, giant stingrays, eagle rays, many kinds of turtles, among which huge the size of the green turtle is the most special.
Meet the manta rays are also common. Apart from these, the main attraction is the visit of fin whales (between August and November) and whale sharks (in May and October-November) to the archipelago! If you come during the whale season, don’t miss the whale watching tour to see the fin whales playing with their calves and performing their love dance… When the evening comes, we enjoy the incredible tranquillity that surrounds us while tasting the local rums made from sugar cane… and while the magical we enjoy the sunset, inhaling the intoxicating, tropical scent of the ylang-ylang plantations.
Dinner.
Day 10. 22. October
Nosy Be-Lokobe National Park-Island Tour
Relaxing on the beach all day.
Optional program for the day:
After breakfast, we go on a trip to the LOKOBE national park to get to know the fauna and flora of Nosy Be. We drive from the hotel to the fishing village of Ambatozavavy, where we exchange our car for a pirogue (traditional fishing boat) and continue our journey. During the 45-minute journey, a special landscape unfolds before our eyes: mangrove forests, the traveller’s tree (Ravinala) and rainforests. We end up in the village of Ampasipohy where the entrance to the park is located. Our guide introduces us in detail to the various plant species, including herbs, which the local population actually uses as medicine. And, of course, the animal world will also hide unforgettable surprises: we will meet macaque lemurs, boas, brookesia chameleons and an endless number of geckos, whose songs will accompany our journey. The tour also includes our picnic lunch.
Then we will discover the fantastic scents of the island and understand why Nosy Be is called the « Island of Fragrances ». We visit the ylang-ylang distillery and rum-making plants, which were founded in 1889 by missionaries. The emblematic product of Nosy-Be, the ylang-ylang flower, is distilled here, as well as ravintsara, eucalyptus and patchouli essential oils, which have exceptional medicinal effects and fragrance.
with a bit of luck, we may even witness the arrival of collection trucks loaded with ylang-ylang flowers, or the release of essential oils from the still. We will have the opportunity to smell the various essential oils and, if we wish, we can buy them as well.
At the end of our day, we go up Mount Passot, the highest peak on the island, from where we watch the sunset with a breath-taking panorama of the entire volcanic lake
Dinner.
Day 11. 23. October
Nosy Be-Boat Trip To Nosy Komba And Nosy Tanikely Islands
Relaxing on the beach all-day.
Optional program for the day:
After breakfast today we will go on a boat trip to explore the surrounding wonderful islands. We will visit the two small islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely as part of a one-day boat trip. First, we land on the small and beautiful island of Nosy Tanikely, whose name means “the island of the small land”. This is the most visited island of the Nosy Be archipelago. The entire island is a marine reserve and a natural aquarium: the region’s most beautiful diving spots can be found here, making it an ideal location for snorkelling and diving (can be included in the program upon special request). Thanks to the healthy coral, many sea turtles and various colourful fish species live here.
The lighthouse on the top of the island, built in 1908, offers a great view of the entire archipelago. We will eat our picnic lunch on one of the most beautiful, white sand beaches of Tanikely.
After lunch, we sail on to the island of Nosy Komba, which means: «island of the lemurs». As the name suggests, Nosy Komba is home to many lemurs, who, thanks to the local « fady » (meaning taboo in the Malagasy language), enjoy protection among the inhabitants, who respect them as sacred animals.
With the help of a few bananas, we can take very original photos of the lemurs lured to us in this way! We can also admire the hand-embroidered products of local women, as well as the decorative figurines carved out of wood by men. The island of Nosy Komba also abounds in beautiful beaches, we can even take a dip in the turquoise water. If you want, you can also climb the island’s highest peak, 622 meters high.
We return to our hotel by boat
The price of the optional program:
Dinner.
Day 12. 24. October
Nosy Be-Boat Trip To Nosy Iranja Island
Breakfast at the hotel. Relaxing on the beach all-day.
Optional program for the day:
We get on the boat again, and this time we go on a trip to Nosy Iranja, which is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful islands we have seen/will see in our lives. The island of Nosy Iranja actually consists of two small, paradisaically beautiful islands separated by a thin, blinding white sand barrier in the sea. The atmosphere we feel here is indescribable: today, this excursion has become an almost “obligatory” and unmissable program for tourists visiting the Nosy archipelago. The tour also includes our picnic lunch.
We return to our hotel by boat.
The price of the optional program:
Dinner.
Day 13. 25. October
Nosy Be.
Today is a day of freedom: there is no organized program, and everyone can organize this day according to their wishes and needs. Let’s enjoy the freedom, switch to the Malagasy rhythm and feel the locals’ motto: “mora-mora”, i.e. slowly-slowly…
Program suggestions: go diving with a bottle or goggles at the colourful coral reef, take part in traditional fishing or even modern, motorboat, deep-sea fishing, go out on a motorboat and watch the games, jumps and family life of huge humpback whales (during the whale season: August and between November).
Or: simply lie on the ocean shore and listen to the soothing, endless roar of the waves…
We will give our farewell dinner the authentic, Malagasy way: after dinner, a local band will join us to introduce us to their traditional instruments, music, and folk dances.
Their national drink, rum, is also essential for a festive celebration: you can taste 5 types of local “rum arrangé” (rums aged with various spices and fruits).
Dinner.
Day 14. 26. October
Nosy Be- Departure International Flight.
After breakfast, free morning on the beach.
Then transfer to the airport in Hell-Ville, the capital of Nosy Be. Return home from Madagascar.