Madagascar – Family Adventure and Beaches

After arriving in Antananarivo (or Tana, as it is known by the locals) late pm, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight Hotel

This morning we will set off to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (previously known as Perinet)  where you will spend 1 ½ days exploring this wonderful environment. En-route we will stop at a farm specialising in Madagascan reptiles and butterflies, before arriving at our hotel. Depending on time of arrival, this afternoon or tomorrow  you will get a chance to stroll around the private island reserve of Vakona Lodge with the opportunity to spot  plenty of lemurs.   This evening, take a twilight/nocturnal walk, looking out for the nocturnal species of lemur by catching their eyes in the torchlight.

Overnight Hotel 

Today you will be able to explore this area including  visiting Analamazaotra (Andasibe NP).

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (formerly known as Perinet) is a 155 square kilometer protected area, about 150 km east of Antananarivo (approx. a three hour drive) consisting principally of primary growth forest.  These are home to the teddy bear-like Indri, the largest of Madagascar’s lemur species, as well 11 lemur species in total and a wide array of bird life too. Listening to the piercing yet melancholy cry of the Indri in the morning is an evocative experience and for those who are prepared to follow them through the thick rainforest, the reward is often a close-up view of these beautiful creatures. This National Park was inscribed in the World Heritage Site in 2007 as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana.

Overnight Hotel 

Today you will transfer back to Tana where you will catch your flight to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).  Upon arrival in Diego you will be met by your new guide and transfer to Montagne des Français, just a short 1 ½ hour by road, but a very different environment.

Overnight – Tree Bungalow

This morning we will explore this reserve.  After lunch we will head to Joffreville, the entrance to the Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Overnight – Hotel

Today we will enjoy a trek in the Montagne d’Ambre National Park.

We will have some lunch and then head South to Ankarana National Park We will stay at a lodge just outside the park.

Overnight – Lodge

Today will be spent exploring this amazing park. The trails are not easy but are feasible for anyone with a moderate level of fitness and we recommend visiting this park in the dry season (May-Nov).    With younger children we can recommend a shorter route in the National park avoiding rope bridges.

Overnight – lodge

This morning we head  to Ankify. After lunch in Ambanja, we will take to our mountain bikes as we explore this area and the Cacao plantation on 2 wheels.  At the end of the cycle we will head to the coast of Ankify (a short hop – approx. 20 minutes from Ambanja).

Overnight – Beach Bungalows

Your driver and guide will leave you this morning as a private boat will take you to Nosy Sakatia. Nosy Sakatia, an island away from an island is a nature’s paradise. Situated on the west coast of Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia boasts unspoiled tropical flora and fauna. There are no roads, only foot paths on this small island of 6.5 km long and 2 km wide at its widest point. It is perfect for one to wonder and explore its beauty and deserted beaches. The island is fringed by spectacular coral reefs to be enjoyed by snorkelers and scuba divers alike.

(We recommend Sakatia Lodge as a laid back beach destination, on an island just off Nosy Be.  There are however many other options if you prefer somewhere with a pool, on Nosy Be or on one of the other nearby islands).

Overnight hotel

Days at leisure  – Full diving facilities are available at this lodge, you can also snorkel from the shore (where sea turtles feed on the sea grass).  There are plenty of excursions you can opt to do, or simply relax on the beach.

Overnight – Hotel

Transfer to airport (Nosy Be) in time for flight home.

NB:

This itinerary is subject to change – arrangements, routes and facilities are subject to variation depending on local conditions. On this particular trip there is a minimum age of 8 and some previous outdoors experience is useful. We can also tailor itineraries to suit your exact requirements including catering for younger children