Discover the Northern part of Madagascar which is completely different than the other areas, we are going to begin with Diego Suarez and its beautiful sites: Joffre Ville where the oldest National Park of Madagascar (The Amber Mountain) is located; the Red Tsingy; the French mountain when you can spot the Baobab Adansonia Suarezensis only found in Diego Suarez; the 3 Bays and the emerald sea. Continuation to Ankarana reserve with its grey Tsingy. Discover Cocoa and Vanilla plantations before rel
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover of the ethnic group Antakarana and its daily life, its cultures and its arts
• Diego Suarez and its city old city of architecture Indopakistanais, its big port of cargo, boats
• Discover one of the most beautiful bay of the world
• Discover the oldest national park of Madagascar which is the Amber Mountain N.P
• The best day tours in Diego Suarez (Tsingy Rouge, the three bays; the French mountain; the emerald sea and its immense lagoon)
• Ambilobe, its sugar canes and of anacardiers Cocoa and Vanilla Plantations
• Nosy Tanikely and its natural aquarium that you will discover multicolored fishes
• Nosy Be and its beautiful Beach and a lot of excursions (diving, snorkeling ...)
• Ambohimanga Kings Palace (UNESCO SITE)
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING
From € 1890 € 2520 /pax (LUXURY HOTEL OPTION)
From € 2470 € 1780 /pax (MID-RANGE HOTEL OPTION)
From € 2675 € 1585 /pax (BUDGET HOTEL OPTION)
The price indicated is per person sharing room (DBL or TWIN), it is based on 2 Persons; if less or more, please contact us and we will send you the final price.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
• Private Meet & greet at Antananarivo international airport
• Return private transfers from/in airport/hotel
• All boat and ferry activities
• Private vehicle with a driver English speaking (Fuel included)
• Accommodations in standard DOUBLE/TWIN room with private sanitary
• The meals as specified
• The day tour as specified
• Entrance Parks/reserve and local guide fees
• The domestic flight tickets Antananarivo/Diego Saurez & Nosy Be/Antananarivo (DECOUVERTE OFFER / LL1)
Exclusions:
• All international flight costs and visa fees or assistance unless otherwise specified.
• Tips; drinks; personal expense and none specified items.
Ticket Flight Condition:
• COUP DE COEUR (EL1): Nonrefundable and non modifiable rate after issuing the ticket flight
• DECOUVERTE OFFER (LL1): Nonrefundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket flight
• LIBERTE (YL1): Refundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket fligh
• PRIVILEGE (CL1): Refundable and modifiable rate with penalty of € 18/person after issuing the ticket flight
JOINING TOUR ABROAD
11 days/10 nights: From Antananarivo to Antananarivo The tour is guaranteed for a group with a minimum of 4 persons and a maximum of 12 persons and always with a private guide/assistant speaking English during the whole tour, please see below the price relative of the group size with options (Luxury, Mid Range and Budget) that you can choose depending your budget. All of our tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travelers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation. On this particular tour we are pleased to be able to offer customers the option of pre-booking a guaranteed single room for each night of the tour.
Day 1: Antananarivo
Meet and greet at Antananarivo international airport by GMT+3 representarive and then transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez. Upon arrival, meet and then transferred to your hotel then depart to visit the oldest National Park in Madagascar and discover its fauna and flora. We will try to find the smallest chameleon which is the brookesia, the mongooses and some lemurs. Discover at the same time the sacred waterfall…After the visit, drive to Joffre Ville and then a short hike to admire the oldest military city and its amazing colonial houses… Continue to Diego Suarez and check in at your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Regular flight & Private Vehicle
Day 3: Diego Suarez (The Emerald Sea)
Today, we take a sailboat and navigate to the emerald sea which is a site of an almost supernatural beauty. The shallow depth of the water and sandy bottom give a turquoise blue tint to this small inner sea, which is lined with little frequented, white sand beaches. After a picnic lunch, go bathing or doing snorkeling or just walking on the long white sandy beach. Navigate back to Diego Suarez. Drive back to your hotel and along the way, you will discover the endemic baobabs in the entrance of the French Mountain.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private vehicle & Sailboat
Day 4: Diego Suarez – Ankarana (105km +/- 4h drive)
Today, depart to visit the ecologically fragile Tsingy Rouge with its unique sedimentary ponds. The vegetation these Tsingy are very different from those of Ankarana because they come from erosion also called “lapiez”. This original formation related to the combination of bushfire and infiltration of water rain offers a supernatural landscape. Continue to Ankarana reserve. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 5: Ankarana
Today, full day visit of Ankarana reserve and reach the hanging bridge. A hundred and fifty million years ago this park was under the sea, and it now contains surprising formations of limestone surmounted by sharp Tsingy and pierced by caves. Ankarana homes the Crown lemurs specifically are large in population, but dwarf lemurs, Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier’s black lemur and northern sportive lemur can also be found here. You may also come across fossa - Madagascar's largest carnivore, tenrecs, ring-tailed mongoose, and Madagascar stiped civet. After the visit, back to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private vehicle & Sail Boat
Day 6: Ankarana – Ankify (156km +/- 5h drive) & Ankify – Nosy Be (30 minutes by boat)
After breakfast, depart for Ankify via coffee, vanilla, cocoa, Ylang Ylang, and hot pepper plantations. Upon arrival, speed boat transfer to Nosy Be and then transfer to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private vehicle & speed boat
Day 7: Nosy Be (Nosy Komba & Tanikely)
Today, transfer to the harbor and then speed boat to Nosy Komba, the second largest island next to Nosy Be. Familiarize yourself with the lemurs who won't hesitate to climb on your shoulders to get a piece of banana. Visit the handicraft village and walk along the stalls of wood sculptures, tablecloths and basketry, meeting smiling and friendly faces. We'll embark again on the speed boat and head for Nosy Tanikely, the protected submarine reserve. We'll have lunch on the beach before exploring this life-size aquarium by snorkeling. After the visit, transfer to Nosy Be and then to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private vehicle & speed boat
Day 8: Nosy Be (Nosy Iranja)
Today, transfer to the harbor and then speed boat to Nosy Iranja which is located an hour and half away from Nosy be, composed of two islands connected by a white sandbank, covered in high tide. Get to explore this paradise island of turquoise blue and natural green colors. Turtles still come here to lay eggs hence its name, the Turtle Island. We can watch all kinds of birds, there are some herons and sometimes sea eagles too. On the way, discover the virgin coast of the mainland and Nosy Antsoa, another well-preserved island… You'll start feeling like Robinson Crusoe! Back to Nosy Be and then transfer to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private vehicle & speed boat
Day 9: Nosy Be
Free day at leisure to relax on the beach or discover Nosy Be
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN NOSY BE
NOSY SAKATIA DAY TRIP
Nosy Sakatia is certainly the most beautiful island of Nosy Be, protected and classified by the Ministry of Environment; it conceals sites very much appreciated by scientists. What you'll see: Blazing flamboyant’s, coffee trees, pepper pots, vanilla, tree of the traveler, pineapple, anacardiers, mangoes, jaquiers, guavas, eucalyptus, raffia, orchids, kapokiers, palm trees, healing plants, and much more. For your pleasure, we have decorated the splendid beach of Ambalia exclusively for our customers. Lunch on the private beach, snorkeling and sea kayaking are all at your disposal.
NOSY BE ISLAND DAY TRIP
tour Nosy Be Island by car. Visit the Dzamandzar SIRAMA sugar refinery (operating since 1920), then Hell Ville, the capital of Nosy Be with its colonial buildings, and markets of embroidered tablecloths. Continue to the spice market with its stacks of crabs, tropical fruits, vegetables, and other produce, then visit the harbor (making sure there are plenty of opportunities for shopping). Travel south to see the luxurious millennium Banyan trees, fields of coffee trees, pepper plants, fruit trees, sugar cane and the famous Ylang Ylang. Have lunch then continue to the botanic gardens, museum, and distillery. Before ending the day, visit Mount Passot, to take in a 360 ° view of the entire island and its volcanic lakes. Enjoy a cocktail and take advantage of a sunset deserving of the most beautiful postcard. Return to the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: On Request
Day 10: Nosy Be – Antananarivo (2h15 flight)
Free morning at the leisure and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you will be met and then transferred to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Minibus
Day 11: Antananarivo
After breakfast, depart for Ambohimanga Kings Palace which is located at 22 km from Antananarivo, it is the cradle of the Merina dynasty, the Mecca of the Merina Kingdom and the starting point for the unification of Imerina. This ancient royal city was reputed to be a sacred city where no foreigner could enter. There's a lot to admire in this place. From the entrance of the village, the old stone gate-shaped disc in the chamber, the royal box of Andrianampoinimerina, the summer palace of the queens, the Horse Park and sacred ponds. The enclosure is surrounded by a wall consisting mainly of egg whites in place of cement. The door to the east has "Ambatomitsangana" inscribed on it and is a large stone disc 4m in diameter rolled closed every night and open every morning by dozens of men. After the visit, continuation to the Digue market, the place for handcrafts Malagasy that you will be able buy some souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual's own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated medium so everyone can join it. We will usually involve easy walks (2 to 6 hours/day) at low altitudes (below 2000m). Some previous hill walking experience would be beneficial but these walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life.
PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR PREFERENCE.
You can still modify according to your needs and choice.
DAYS
CITIES
LUXURY
MID-RANGE
BUDGET
1
Antananarivo
Palissandre
Sakamanga
Niaouly hotel
2, 3, 4 & 5
Diego Suarez
Allamanda Hotel
Imperial
Kartiffa Hotel
6
Ankify
Le Dauphin Bleu
Baobab Ankify
Ankify Lodge
7, 8 & 9
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Manga Soa Lodge
Nosy Lodge
10
Antananarivo
Palissandre hotel
Sakamanga hotel
Niaouly Hotel
11
Antananarivo
-
-
-
Most of the hotels in Madagascar do not have the standard internationnal level, except some hotels in Antananarivo, Sainte Marie and Nosy Be but GMT+3 guarantees to find you the best hotels and accommodation for your budget. We will supply all of the necessary details for you to prepare your holidays and have a memorable stay in each hotel. Please note that in Madagascar, there is only one 5 star hotel, which is the Carlton Hotel in Antananarivo,. Once you leave the capital, the ranges of hotels are varied.
GMT+3 LUXURY (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
Wherever you stay in Madagascar, we will guarantee to find comfortable hotels, lodges or guesthouses with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. Our hotels have air-conditioning/heating where appropriate and reliable hot and cold water. They generally have a very good level of service and mosthaveadded amenities such as a restaurant, bar, gardens or swimming pool.
These hotels usually have twin or single rooms with en suite facilities. They are generally standard, no-frills hotels with adequate amenities and service standards. Whilst comfort levels are perfectly acceptable to most, please don’t expect too much! These are often small, family-run establishments
GMT+3 BUDGET (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
These accommodations may be communal or dorm-style, and WC / washing facilities are usually shared. Running hot and cold water may be unreliable or even unavailable. However, these can be the most rewarding and memorable places to stay, despite the comfort levels being low.
SAINTE MARIE
Sainte Marie Island (Nosy Boraha) is situated on the East Coast of Madagascar. The most Beach tourist place after Nosy Be and known by its kilometrical sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, bays and coves protected by coral reefs. Please note that the best beaches are located in the northern; western and in Islet aux Nattes. In the same time, you will like its lush vegetation and animals. In winter (from June to the end of September) the humpback whales (Megaptera) are present around Madagascar but the best place to spot is in Sainte Marie Island …
HOW TO GET THERE ?
Location: You need to return in Antananarivo first and then take the flight from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie or continuation to Tamatave and then to Soanierana Ivongo + speed boat to Sainte Marie. Transportation: by plane; vehicle & Speed boat
NOSY BE
Nosy Be island lying about 5 miles (8 km) off the northwestern shore of Madagascar. The name means “Big Island.” It is 19 miles (30 km) long, 12 miles (19 km) wide, and has an area of about 120 square miles (310 square km). Formed by volcanoes, the island is forested and has numerous craters and crater lakes. Its highest point is Mount Passot (1,079 feet [329 metres]). It has an annual rainfall of 78–118 inches (1,975–3,000 mm). The island’s products, chiefly sugar and oils for perfumery, also include rum, vanilla, black pepper, and bitter oranges. Nosy Be is the top beach destination in Madagascar with its surrounding islands remain paradise in the buff. A lot of activiies are available to make your holidays more Unforgettable .
Area: 594,180 sq km. Population: 24,890,189. Language: French, Malagasy. Religion: Christian, Muslim. Local Time: GMT +3 Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two pin round plug. Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:2,000,00 Madagascar. Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Madagascar, Dervla Murphy: Muddling through Madagascar, G. Durrell: The Aye-aye and I, D. Attenborough: Zoo Quest to Madagascar, I. Sinclair: Birds of the IndianOcean Islands, I. Tattersall: The Primates of Madagascar.
SEASON & CLIMATE
The climate is tropical, but very cold in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. The southwest area is hot, dry and semi-arid. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed here.
The western coast of Madagascar is much drier than the eastern coast. In general, we can say the climate here is dry tropical. During the dry months between May and November it does not rain at all and the temperatures are pleasant (20 to 25°C on average). Between December and April it can rain torrentially or just a couple of showers, depending on the area and the year. The northern area is greener and indeed considerably wetter than the south. The hottest months are March, April, November and December, when the average temperature is 30° C or even more.
FORMALITIES
VISA REQUIRMENTS:
The visa is always free for an holidays less than month and subject to change. We will confirm you before your arrival. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of return.
All visitors must obtain a tourist visa (maximum duration 3 months). This costs approximately 25.00 Euro per person and can be obtained in any Madagascar Embassy or upon arrival at the international airports of Antananarivo, Diego Suarez, and Nosy Be or in Tamatave (Toamasina). Return International flight tickets.
VACCINATIONS & PROTECTIONS:
Please consult your doctor when planning your journey: Malaria is present in most parts of Madagascar. Some form of anti malarial is recommended. Always use mosquito repellent and avoid being bitten. Vaccinations against tetanus, cholera and yellow fever are recommended. Bring your usual medicines because they may not be available in Madagascar. In top Urgency, GMT+3 works with specialist doctors to assure and assist you before your evacuation.
INSURANCE:
We recommend you to see a Travel insurance to secure your holidays in Madagascar. You must take your policy document with you on tour and it should state in writing that you are the named policyholder and that the cover is valid for your period of travel. Your policy document must also indicate that you have medical expenses and emergency repatriation cover and a 24-hour contact telephone number for your Insurance Company must be shown on your documentation in case of emergency.
MONEY
CREDIT CARDS & TRAVELERS CHEQUES:
Credit cards are still not used widely in Madagascar. However, they are accepted in big cities, international hotels and in the banks of all cities. You will find ATMs in most main cities, where you can withdraw Ariary. VISA and MASTERCARD are most commonly accepted cards. It is also useful to bring some Travelers Cheques or cash in Euros or US dollars. AMERICAN EXPRESS is seldom accepted outside of Antananarivo. Please note that $100 date 1996 bills are not accepted (better from 2006 dated)
TIPPING:
Tips are expected for most services. The size of the tip depends on your satisfaction but 5 to 10 % is an acceptable level. We suggest that you plan on average 10 Euros per person per day for a guide. Remember that wages are very low in Madagascar so be careful not to over tip and create unreasonable expectations for other travelers
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT TO BRING
LUGGAGES:
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company. Please note that 20kg per person is allowed for the internal flight.
CLOTHING:
Given the variations of day and night temperature, and the changes of altitude between the highlands and the coast, we recommend that you dress in layers. Bring light clothes but have additional layers (fleece, pullover, jacket, windbreaker or raincoat). Make sure you have long sleeves and long trousers to protect against mosquitoes in early morning and dusk.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT:
On each tourt a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader. See the list in the General Information Booklet for more information. A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes. Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve. Choose a high factor sun cream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sun block/ lip salve are ideal for facial protection. A head torch is essential for NOCTURNAL visit. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb. Sun screen and insect repellent. Make sure you have enough camera film and spare batteries, as both are difficult to obtain locally. Bring a beach towel and swimming costume.
