Free nights: 12 – 31 Mar 2010 - Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6. Can be combined with honeymoon offer. [more]

Itinerary -  7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way into the arrivals hall. Meet and greet and check in for your charter flight to Anjajavy, where you will be staying on a full board basis for 7 nights.

Day 8: Check out of Anjajavy and fly back to Antananarivo with the scheduled charter flight. Check in for your flight out.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

• Euro 4212

This is a luxury option combining luxury tented accommodation in the south of Madagascar together with a Relais & Chateaux property in the north-west called Anjajavy.Starting off with the luxury...[more]

Sample itinerary: 10 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Fort Dauphin

Depart from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and fly to Fort Dauphin. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way into the arrivals hall. Our English speaking Malagasy agents will meet and will meet and transfer you to La Croix Du Sud in Fort Dauphin. (B&B)  

If time allows afternoon or evening excursion to Nahampoana Reserve to see lemurs.

Please note: depending on departure days and schedules, flight may go via Antananarivo with a domestic flight to Fort Dauphin.

Day 2: Fort Dauphin – Mandrare River Camp

Collection by the representative of Madagascar Classic Camping (MCC). You will be heading west towards the town of Ambosary in a 4x4 vehicle. (1 hour) Shortly after the town of Ambosary you will turn south through the Sisal plantations to Lac Anony (approximately 2 ½hrs). After a shaded picnic lunch by the lake shore you continue to the southern end of the lake to marvel at the enormous dunes, some 70ft high. A large variety of aquatic birdlife can be seen in and around the lake, with Flamingos in September and October. The dunes are magnificent and the view at the back of the dunes is just breath taking, miles and miles of completely un-spoilt beach with beautiful water and waves. Back in your vehicle for the final 1¾ hour drive to the camp. Approximate time of arrival at the camp is 5pm.  After settling into your tent you will gather for canapés and sparkling wine. A traditional group from the nearby village perform Antandroy music and dance around the campfire before dinner. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 3: Mandrare River Camp

After a breakfast of eggs, bacon, freshly baked Croissants and Pain au Chocolate, you will head for the sacred forests and ancient tombs across the river. The car trip to the Ifotoka village where you will cross the river takes a about 20 minutes. In the forest your guides will explain the culture of ancestor worship and may show you how to use a Piletse, the traditional Antandroy slingshot. Return to camp and relax before a sumptuous BBQ lunch. Mid afternoon you drive to a local village to experience a traditional ‘Ringa’ competition. This Antandroy form of wrestling is a deeply proud and historical tradition.  Some participants walk for up to 2 days from outlying villages to compete. This is an activity which the contestants take seriously, and although injuries are rare, they may occur from time to time so it is not advised for children. After the Ringa we take a night walk looking for Mouse and Sportive lemurs then drive back to the camp for dinner. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 4: Mandrare River Camp

An early start takes us to nearby Gallery forests with excellent Sifaka and Ring Tailed Lemur populations, as well as great birding. Then back to camp for a late breakfast. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to go bird watching along the river, sit in the hammock reading a book.  The more energetic may like visit a local market or school. After a barbeque lunch is served in camp, the afternoon is spent exploring nearby spiny forests for more lemur sightings and bird watching. After dinner a step down to the beach with a pair of binoculars or with the astronomy telescope. Being hundreds of km’s from the nearest big city there is zero light pollution. Overnight stay at the MCC camp on a fully inclusive basis

Day 5: Mandrare River Camp - Fort Dauphin - Antananarivo

Transfer to Fort Dauphin and check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Visit the Digue Market, and check in to your Antananarivo Hotel, the Palissandre Hotel and Spa in a standard room on a B&B basis.

Day 6:  Antananarivo - Anjajavy

Check out of the hotel and our agents will transfer you to the airport in time to check in for the scheduled charter flight to Anjajavy  where you will be staying for 4 nights on full board basis.

Day 10: Anjajavy - Antananarivo

Check out of Anjajavy and fly back to Antananarivo with the scheduled charter flight. On arrival our agents will be waiting to transfer you to Palissandre Hotel & Spa

Day 11: Flight out

Check out of the hotel and our agents will transfer you back to the airport in time to check in for your flight out.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

±Euro4445

This itinerary is one of the best choices for first time visitors as it is possible to visit almost all year (except February). The Nosy Be Archipelago is situated off the northwest coast of...[more]

Sample itinerary to Nosy Be & Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Perinet Reserve): 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the central Highlands. On arrival proceed through immigration and customs and then make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Nosy Be Island. You will be met on arrival by a representative of the hotel and transferred to the hotel you have chosen (4 nights at the hotel of your choice).

Day 5: Today you will transfer to the airport at Nosy Be and fly to Antananarivo. Here you will be met and transferred by road to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (3½ hours by good, winding road). Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 6: You have the whole day to explore Andasibe's rainforest. If you are interested in birds it is best to begin as early as possible as this is when the birds are most active. Lemur activity usually begins a bit later in the mornings for those of you who are less keen on early starts. The trails are not difficult to manage and all the forest guides speak English and French. Here you should see Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Indri and birds like the Turaco-like Blue Coua; the rotund Velvet-Asity and the tiny Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight at Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 7: Today you will transfer by road to Antananarivo and check into the Palissandre Hotel & Spa  for the last night (B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago: ±Euro2000 [Amarina dinner, bed and breakfast (superior room)]

±Euro2900 [Tsarabanjina Private Island Full Board]
±Euro1900 [Vanila Hotel bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room)]

midrange option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago ±Euro1500 [Chanty Beach bed and breakfast]

Combine the rainforest reserve of Andasibe-Mantadia with the Anjajavy Resort (Relais & Chateaux).

Andasibe-Mantadia (Perinet) also known as Analamazaotra, is one of Madagascar's most visited...[more]

Itinerary - 10 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and check in for your charter flight to Anjajavy where you will be staying for 7 nights on a full board basis.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo and transfer to Andasibe Mantadia National Park (3½ hours by good, winding road). Picturesque scenery en route. Overnight stay at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 10: Whole day to explore Andasibe Mantadia National Park’s rainforest. To see the most wildlife (especially Indris and birds) we recommend you be in the rainforest as close to daybreak as possible as the animals are most active. The trails are not difficult to walk and most forest guides speak good English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua, Sunbird-Asity and Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson’s Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight stay at Vakona Lodge or Feon’ny Ala or Eulophiella (B&B).

Day 11: Today you can visit the more remote, nearby rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where the Andasibe Mantadia National Park guides are used to taking visitors. This is more challenging terrain than Andasibe Mantadia National Park, but you can do as much as you feel comfortable with. The primary rainforest here is spectacular and wildlife includes Diadem’s Sifaka, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs, Indri and birds like Brown Mesite, Pitta-like Ground-roller, Brown Emutail and Velvet Asity. Later you will transfer to the airport where our agents will assist you with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010): Euro 5265

This is a perfect itinerary for travellers looking for an island beach holiday as well as experiencing some of Madagascar's wildlife.You visit Ile Sainte Marie for some beach R&R and then Perinet...[more]

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha). A representative of the hotel will meet you on arrival. Transfer to the hotel of your choice where you will be staying for 4 nights. Ile Sainte Marie Hotels Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa ***+ La Crique **
Baboo Village **

Day 2: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 3: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 4: Sainte Marie Island. Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.

Day 5: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. From Tana you will transfer by road to Perinet Forest Reserve. The route east to Andasibe-Mantadia (Perinet) is picturesque and during your stay here you'll explore the rainforests for its amazing diversity of wildlife.Remember to pack a good torch should you be interested in a night walk in search of any nocturnal wildlife.Overnight at the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella (midrange)(B&B).

Day 6: Whole day to explore Perinet's rainforest. In order to see as much as possible it is best to be in the rainforest by daybreak as the animals are most active then. The trails are not difficult to manage and the forest guides speak English. You should also encounter the likes of Grey Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur; birds like the lovely Blue Coua; Velvet-Asity and Nuthatch Vanga, as well as impressive reptiles like Malagasy Tree Boa and Parson's Chameleon. Orchids and other epiphytes festoon the trees. Overnight at the Vakona Lodge (upmarket) or Hotel Feon'ny Ala or Eulophiella  (midrange)(B&B).

Day 7: Return to Antananarivo and check in to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa for the last night (B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010)

upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and on Ile Sainte Marie

±Euro1950 Princess Bora Dinner, bed and breakfast and B&B rest of the tour

mid range option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and on Ile Sainte Marie

±Euro1500 Baboo Village B&B throughout

Montagne D’Ambre National Park is a long-extinct volcano covered by primary tropical forest, including craters and waterfalls. A 45 minutes drive to the south-west of Diego takes you to the more...[more]

Itinerary: 12 nights

• Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival at Tana International airport (Ivato) please proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and then proceed to the arrivals hall. Here our Malagasy agents will meet you. Look out for your name on a hand-held notice board. You will then be assisted with your transfer to Palissandre Hotel and Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez /Antsiranana, to the far north of the island. At Diego airport, you will be met and then transferred by car to your hotel near to Montagne d’Ambre. If you arrive early enough you will be taken to the park. Overnight at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).
• Day 3: Montagne D’Ambre National Park is the focus for the day. The forest guides will show you around the trails, taking in some of the park’s scenic highlights. If you are up in the early morning, you may see birds like the gorgeous Pitta-like Ground-roller, the Spectacled Greenbul, Madagascar Crested Ibis and White-throated Oxylabes among others. You will see several different lemurs including Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs and various chameleons and lizards. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of Grand Cascade waterfall. Overnight stay at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).

• Day 4: Transfer from Montagne d’Ambre, southwards to the remarkable Ankarana Reserve, some 130km south of Diego. Days in the unworldly Ankarana.  Overnight at Tsingy Lodge or Le Relais de l’ Ankarana.  (Full Board).
• Day 5: Transfer to the northwest coastal settlement of Ankify (about 4 hours). Your accommodation for the night is Le Dauphin Bleu situated on the hill of Ankify. (Full Board).
• Day 6: Transfer by boat from Ankify to the holiday island of Nosy Be (about 1½ hours). Nosy Be is one of the better-known holiday venues of Madagascar, mainly because its tropical climate is always pleasant. The secret to getting maximum value for one’s money and time in this area, is to visit some of the idyllic surrounding islands, where one can go snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, lemur watching and relaxing on sun-drenched beaches. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 7 – Day 11: Nights on Nosy Be island at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 12: Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 13: Transfer to Tana airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.12 

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):
upmarket: with Le Domain de Fontenaie and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2810
mid range: with Nature Lodge and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2574

Ankarana West is only for the fit and nature enthusiast: Hike in from the west after driving to the nearby village of Andrafiabe. Minimum two days are requested. This option is only accessible during...[more]

Itinerary: 14 nights

• Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival at Tana International airport (Ivato) please proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and then proceed to the arrivals hall. Here our Malagasy agents will meet you. Look out for your name on a hand-held notice board. You will then be assisted with your transfer to Palissandre Hotel and Spa or Relais des Plateaux or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 2: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez /Antsiranana, to the far north of the island. At Diego airport, you will be met and then transferred by car to your hotel near to Montagne d’Ambre. If you arrive early enough you will be taken to the park. Overnight at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).
• Day 3: Montagne D’Ambre National Park is the focus for the day. The forest guides will show you around the trails, taking in some of the park’s scenic highlights. If you are up in the early morning, you may see birds like the gorgeous Pitta-like Ground-roller, the Spectacled Greenbul, Madagascar Crested Ibis and White-throated Oxylabes among others. You will see several different lemurs including Crowned and Sanford’s Brown Lemurs and various chameleons and lizards. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of Grand Cascade waterfall. Overnight stay at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (Full Board).

• Day 4: Transfer from Montagne d’Ambre, southwards to the remarkable Ankarana Reserve, some 130km south of Diego. Days in the unworldly Ankarana.  Overnight camping, (Full Board). If you venture into west Ankarana you have to camp. Please note that these campsites are very basic: No running water and no flushing toilets. All equipment is provided. Inspect your clothing and shoes carefully in the mornings, as scorpions are common in the massif and often crawl into things like shoes or boots. Be sure to have hiking boots with strong grip. Strap-on water bottles are a sound idea. Pack sun block, a strong torch and insecticide.
• Day 5: The guides will take you to places like the green Lac Vert, which is in a deep natural sinkhole. You will also see some spectacular areas of pinnacle fields, as well as the odd assortment of drought resistant plants, which grow on them. Then there are the lemurs, the birds, reptiles and so much more.  Overnight camping.  (Full Board).
• Day 6: Another day in the wilderness. It will be quite unlike anywhere else you have ever been. Overnight camping.  (Full Board).
• Day 7: Transfer to the northwest coastal settlement of Ankify (about 4 hours). Your accommodation for the night is Le Dauphin Bleu situated on the hill of Ankify. (Full Board).
• Day 8: Transfer by boat from Ankify to the holiday island of Nosy Be (about 1½ hours). Nosy Be is one of the better-known holiday venues of Madagascar, mainly because its tropical climate is always pleasant. The secret to getting maximum value for one’s money and time in this area, is to visit some of the idyllic surrounding islands, where one can go snorkelling, diving, fishing, hiking, lemur watching and relaxing on sun-drenched beaches. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 9 - Day 13: Nights on Nosy Be island at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel of your choice.
• Day 14: Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Palissandre Hotel & Spa or Relais des Plateaux or Residence Lapasoa (Bed & Breakfast).
• Day 15: Transfer to Tana airport and assistance with check-in. Return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):
upmarket: with Le Domain de Fontenaie and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR3107
mid range: with Nature Lodge and Vanila (Nosy Be): EUR2869

This itinerary takes you to the island of Nosy Be and to the northern rainforests of Montagne d’Ambre. The attraction of Nosy Be is its tropical climate and ‘Indian Ocean holiday island’ style which...[more]

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Overnight Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 2: Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the island of Nosy Be. Day at leisure. Overnight Hotel (your choice).

Day 3: Day at leisure. Overnight Hotel (your choice).

Day 4: Day at leisure. Overnight Hotel (your choice).

Day 5: Transfer to the airport and fly to Diego Suarez. Transfer to Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (full board).

Day 6: Whole day to explore Montagne d’Ambre. Overnight stay at Le Domaine de Fontenay or Nature Lodge (full board).

Day 7: Transfer back to Diego Suarez and return flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to Palissandre Hotel & Spa (B&B).

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010): With Tsarabanjina Island (Nosy Be) Euro3078
With Vanila Hotel (Nosy Be) Euro2211

Masoala has been described as the last Eden on earth...and as you glide down the Antalavia River in a dugout canoe, you can understand why. With its lush tropical rainforests leading right down to...[more]

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. At the airport our English-speaking Malagasy agents will meet and assist you with formalities. You transfer to the Pavillon de L’Emyrne. (B&B)

Day 2: Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Maroantsetra on the east coast north of the city of Tamatave (Toamasina). Transfer to the Relais de Masoala. (Dinner, bed and breakfast).

If time allows you will be taken to Nosy Mangabe. Boat transfer to  Nosy Mangabe take approximately 20 minutes.  Picnic lunch and guided walk on the forest trails. Sightings of white-fronted brown and black and white ruffed lemurs, leaf tailed geckos and boas are common. It is also possible to visit the tombs and the stone carvings on the “plaige des hollandaise”. Return by boat to the boat port of Maroantsetra and then transfer to the hotel. Depending on time, there are options of an evening walk through the sleepy traditional town, or a stroll to the beach or a short river cruise.

Day 3: After an early breakfast, depart from Maroantsetra by boat for the voyage across the Baie d’Antongil to the Masoala Forest Lodge at Tampolo. The journey of 40 km takes between 1 – 3 hours, passing close by Nosy Mangabe, with the possibility of dolphin and whale sightings in season and the thickly forested mountains of the peninsula as a dramatic backdrop to the destination.

Settle into the camp, with a hot or cold beverage, depending on the weather. Explore the camp and beaches and maybe some snorkelling for those feeling energetic, before lunch. After a short siesta, either a short guided forest walk or meet on the beach for a kayak briefing and some training for the novices, followed by a short paddle down the coast to a deserted beach in the primary rain forest at Lohatrozana (whales-head).

Return by sunset, in time for a shower and relaxation around the campfire on the beach, before dinner. Overnight to the sound of the sea and the forest in the Masoala Forest Lodge. (Full Board).

Day 4: After breakfast, a guided walk into the primary rainforest of the Masoala National Park to view the birds, lemurs and countless other creatures endemic to this forest. Return to the camp for a well earned lunch and rest and possibly a short kayak outing in the evening for the energetic, with the option of a night walk to view the nocturnal wildlife after dinner. Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge. (Full Board)

Day 5: After breakfast, a guided pirogue trip up the Tampolo River and then walk through the coastal forest to the cascades, with the chance of sighting some more of the wildlife endemic to this area. After a relaxing afternoon on the nearby private beaches, an evening of entertainment and high spirits in the camp with the traditional Malagasy music and dance group from the local village. Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge. (Full Board).

Day 6: After breakfast, a day excursion by boat, on foot, or by kayak through the Tampolo Marine Reserve and coastal forest, to the Antalavia River, ten kilometres down the peninsula. The forested coast is beautiful with numerous deserted beaches and sheltered water rich with coral and sea life. A short distance from the beach are the cascades of the Antalavia River. Refreshingly cool, clear water cascade down into perfect swimming pools, overhung by the lush forest. After a picnic lunch take a short tour of the traditional forest farm of the local Malagasy family, with vanilla, coffee, cloves and many exotic fruits. A rare opportunity to experience true sustainable living in complete harmony with nature. Return by boat to the Masoala Forest Lodge for a swim off the beach, followed by sun-downers and dinner. Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge. (Full Board).

Day 7: After an early breakfast, board the boat for the return voyage to Maroantsetra. Check in for your flight to Antananarivo. Transfer to the Pavillon de L’Emyrne. (B&B)

Day 8: Transfer to airport for outbound flight to Johannesburg

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2010):

• Euro2323