Day 1| Nosy-Be

Highlights [top]

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Description [top]

By using traditional sailing boats as means of transportation, we explore Madagascar’s wild coastline, accessible by sea only.

Hiking in luxurious tropical vegetation, we pass through small fishing villages and meet with the local ethnic "Vezo" people who travel with their customary long wooden boats or dugouts as they are commonly known.

Here you can enjoy swimming and diving in the surrounding turquoise blue lagoons.

Tour Map [top]

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Days detail [top]

Day 1 | Nosy-Be, Antsiranana, Madagascar

Nosy Be - Marotony

In the morning, we board a traditional wooden boat and navigate towards ‘’La Grande Terre’’ (4 hour trip) to reach a small fishermen's village on the coast. Beach lunch on the way. Spend a leisurely afternoon; stroll around and meet with the local villagers. Camp overnight on the beach.

Day 2 | Ambariomena, Antsiranana, Madagascar

Inland hike in the morning, amongst a lush and tropical landscape of hills and forests. Stop in a typical inland village. After reaching the coast again, leave for a short cruise, before setting up the camp on a small wild beach, between mangroves and coconut palms. Relax, bathe and wander around in the afternoon. Camp on the beach.

Day 3 | Anjiabe, Mahajanga, Madagascar

Morning navigation to Nosy Iranja (approx 1h30). This idyllic site is formed by two islands connected by a sandbank that is exposed during low tide. Stroll on foot and discover the lighthouse which dominates the site and the tiny fishermen's village. Dive and swim into coral blue waters…In the afrernoon, sail back (approx 1 hour) to reach our evening campsite. Bivouac on the beach amongst palm trees.

Day 4 | Ampohana, Antsiranana, Madagascar

Slowly in the morning, we hike across the peninsula to reach ‘’La Baie des Russe’’ where our boats will be waiting for us. Short trip across the bay or for those who wish, a short stroll on foot will lead us to our campsite. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax, swim or explore the surrounding beaches and forest. Camp on the beach.

Day 5 | Baie des Russe, Madagascar, Madagascar

In the morning, short coastal boat trip through lagoons along wild beaches. Bathe and dive surrounded by coral reefs and then lunch near the village of Mahavonona.
After a small walk in the village, you can choose to hike back to the campsite (1.5 hours) following the coastline or return by boat.

Day 6 | Nosy komba, Antsiranana, Madagascar

Nosy komba-Nosy Be
Early morning navigation (approx 3.5 hours) to reach Nosy Komba, the island is famous for its black lemur reserve. Visit lively village which is well known for distinctive sculpted boats and its beautiful handmade crafts, especially their women’s fine embroidery work. Have lunch in the village or in Nosy-be depending on time availability on the day. Visit the township before returning to the hotel at the end of the day.

Trip notes [top]

Period [top]

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec

Included [top]

• Full boarding while touring except dinner in Nosy Be on day 06
• Coastal hike with crew and English spoken guide
  
• Camping gear except sleeping bag
  
• Hotel / port or aéroport transfer

Not included [top]

• Dinner in Nosy Be on day 06
  
• DrinkS
• Tips
  
• Any other excursions or activities not mentioned in the program

Notes [top]

• Transportation / Staffing: Traditional wooden boat; 8 person capacity. For larger groups we add more boats to form a small fleet. Sail or engine navigation depending on the wind and passengers preference. We take all equipment on board with us, including luggage, camping gear and food provisions on boats. Each group will be looked after by a French speaking guide, a sailor and an assistant-sailor/cook in each boat.
• Important Note:The above itinerary is a guideline only. We travel on sailing boats and therefore are dependant on winds, tides and weather conditions. Activities such as exploring the coast, hiking, excursions and diving will stay the same but departure times and timing of sea-faring journeys could vary accordingly. The rainy season, from late December to March, will increase the likelihood of rough seas or tropical storms and the safety of our clients and staff is paramount Management has the right to cancel a part or entire itinerary if this is the case. In this instance, the offshore itinerary will be replaced by an alternative accommodation in hotel or bungalow and with daily excursions.
• Accommodation / Meals: Hotel or bungalow on the first and last day; Dome tent provided for camping. There will always be access to fresh water (such as streams or wells) for the evening shower. Restaurant meals in Nosy Bé and Nosy Komba and in beach camps. Typical menu is a large breakfast in the morning; delicious mixed salads and fruits for lunch and a warm meal made from local produce such as vegetables, fish and chicken.
• Climate: Warm and wet tropical climate. Dry season from June till September, air temperature varies between 26° and 30°C, water temperature varies between 24° et 26°C. Hot and rainy season from October till May, air temperature between 28° and 32°C, water temperature between 26° et 29°C. During the wet season, rain falls generally late in the afternoon and at night, from January till March, rain is heavier and can also occur during the day. 

Equipment [top]

• What you need to bring: Plan to take soft shell luggage with a maximum weight of 15kg per person, including a small day pack and waterproof bags for your personal belongings (such as camera and other valuables).
• Camping: Sleeping-bag liner, light sleeping bag (in July/August) and sleeping mat
• Clothing: T-shirts, comfortable long-sleeved shirt, shorts, lightweight trousers, swimsuit/bathers, pullover or light polar fleece (July/August), wind stopper jacket, light raincoat type poncho (December to March), Teva sandals or light walking shoes, flip flops, personal toiletries, comprehensive first-aid kit, medication (including sunscreen, blister protection, insect/mosquito repellent, analgesics), hat, sunglasses, headlamp, water bottle. We provide mask and snorkel but snorkelling experts may prefer to bring your own gear.