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 Madagascar (30 x 40 km) and has about 40 000 inhabitants. It is commonly known as the 'big Island' as there are numerous smaller surrounding islands. It's tropical climate and classical 'Indian Ocean holiday island' appeal makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination. The average temperature is 25-30C. To make the most of your time on Nosy Be, be sure to visit some of the surrounding islands.

Combining beach and nature means that one gets the opportunity to visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (former Perinet), which is one of Madagascar's well-known wildlife sites. Andasibe is situated 138km to the east of Tana along RN2. Andasibe National Park is the most visited of the protected areas. It actually comprises two parts: The Mantadia Park and the Analamazaotra reserve of Indri, over 12 180 ha surface area. It is a real treasure in terms of fauna as Andasibe hosts 11 species of lemurs of which the biggest, the Indri Indri, which is easily spotted because of its impressive calls. Expect to see Indri, Grey bamboo lemur, Brown lemur, and at night the Eastern woolly lemur, Sportive lemur, Greater dwarf lemur and Rufous mouse lemur. Visit the neighbouring Mantadia National Park for spectacular primary rainforest and rare birds and mammals. The trails are well mapped and the local forest guides will introduce you to many animal and plant oddities.

---

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 or Grace Hotel (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 or Grace Hotel (B&B).

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

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

Prices include
International and internal Malagasy flights (departure from Johannesburg with Air Madagascar), all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated drinks, tips and personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fee.

---

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008; 2009)

upmarket option with Vakona Lodge in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago:

Amarina dinner, bed and breakfast (superior room) ±EUR2000
Corail Noir bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room) USD2400; EUR 1550;
Tsarabanjina Private Island Full Board ±EUR 2900
Vanila Hotel bed and breakfast (air-conditioned, standard room) ±EUR1900

midrange option with Feon'ny Ala in Perinet and below on Nosy Be Archipelago

L'Heure Bleue bed and breakfast USD2300; EUR1500
Chanty Beach bed and breakfast ±EUR1500

Related News:

 IT06-C-Madagascar Nosy Be: Chanty Beach ** - 11-09-08 15:30

 IT06-L-Madagascar Nosy Be: Tsarabanjina Lodge **** (private island) - 11-09-08 14:54

 IT06-B-Madagascar Nosy Be: Boucaniers ** - 11-09-08 10:58

 IT06-M-Madagascar Nosy Be: Vanila Hotel ***+ - 12-08-08 15:30

 IT06-A-Madagascar Nosy Be: Amarina Hotel **** - 16-07-08 13:58

  Nosy Be Info - 04-06-08 12:47

 IT06-F-Madagascar Nosy Be: L'Heure Bleue ** - 21-04-08 15:30

 Madagascar: Vakona Lodge *** - 11-12-07 13:25

 Madagascar: Feon'ny Ala ** - 12-07-07 13:42

 Madagascar: Palissandre Hotel & Spa **** - 20-12-06 13:20

 Madagascar: Relais des Plateaux *** - 12-07-06 14:18