DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN TANA
Fly into the capital, Antananarivo, called �Tana.� Transfer to the Chez Aina, a cozy bed and breakfast nearby run by Aina and her husband, Vincent. There is time to relax before the afternoon tour and lunch. During the tour, visit the Queen�s Palace on Bleu Hill, home of the first Malagasy monarch. Return to Aina�s in the evening for traditional Malagasy music and a home-cooked meal.
DAY 2 | THE BAY: DIEGO SUAREZ
Take note of the French-inspired cuisine at breakfast. There is time to head back to the capital city for some morning sightseeing. Next, you’ll fly north to the port city of Diego Suarez. Diego Suarez is the second largest bay in the world—after Rio de Janeiro. This coastal area has a mixture of cultures—from China, India, France—but two native tribes, Sakalava and Antakarana have lived in this coastal area for centuries. In Diego Suarez, Baie de Sakalava will be your homebase. Your bungalow by the bay is simple and comfortable with a wonderful view of the water. Lunch here or take a taxi to the Diego town market to absorb the local color. The remains of the afternoon are yours to windsurf, swim, stroll or just lay out on the beach to catch the glorious Malagasy sun. Dine at Baie de Sakalava. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | CAMPING SIMPLY: MONTAGNE D�AMBRE
Breakfast is early so there is time to prepare for upcoming four day, three night camping excursion in the beautiful Montagne d�Ambre Reserve, a national mountain park. Over the next hour, travel a rocky road of paved and unpaved road with a guide to Montagne d�Ambre Reserve. The reserve�s waterfalls of Rousettes�over 100 feet high, are considered sacred in local legend. The botanical gardens, the green lake and lemurs come to life here through your guide�s colorful commentary. This first day of camp is slightly rustic but no less stunning. The lack of modern facilities does not in anyway detract. There are bucket showers to cool you off and the sun is your reading light. It is a simple existence. All meals are cooked at camp using local food stuffs. Fresh fish and rice, fruits and vegetables will be on your dining table. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with advance notice. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | CAMPING ANKARANA: TSINGY AND ANDRAFIABE
The light of day will wake you for breakfast. Then either by bus or car, travel to the massif of Ankarana, site of the Tsingy rock formations. These spiky, jagged rocks were formed by the ocean�s waves thousands of years ago. But below the rocks are numerous caves�the caves of Andrafiabe�dug out by the erosion over time. Here, the chiefs of local tribes continue ceremonies to honor ancestors and in the past, used the caves as hideouts during tribal conflicts. According to local taboo lore or �fady,� some tribes are still forbidden to enter the caves. Enjoy the rest of the day in these cavernous and rocky grounds before heading back to camp and dinner. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | CAMPING ANKARANA: TSINGY AND ANDRAFIABE
The next day is entirely meant to stretch your legs and the natural inquisitive nature. Hike the Tsingy Reserve with its crater lakes and lemurs. Take caution not to get caught between a rock and a hard place here. The shiny deposits on the tips of the rocks are chalk. Look out for elephant�s foot also known as Pachypodium, a common plant in the reserve. Plan on a good six hours to be out and about before heading back to camp in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | THE ISLAND OF NOSY BE
It�s breakfast early in the morning. Then a five-hour, scenic drive past mangroves to the village of Ankify for lunch then a ferry ride to the island of Nosy Be. The landscape on the mostly paved road journey keeps the eye mesmerized. But this is not a straight drive. Detours at Ylang-Ylang (a sweet, fragrant oil used for hair conditioner and an aphrodisiac), cocoa, coffee and pepper plantations, give the drive pace. Nosy Be means �Big Island� but called the �Perfume Island� because of the fragrant vegetation like the ylang-ylang that grows there. It�s a 20-minute ferry ride away. It�s an afternoon of options�from relaxing to engaging. Relax on the sandy shores of Nosy Be. Test the tastebuds at the Ylang-ylang brewery, haggle at the local market or head to the sugar and rum factories. At sunset, there�s a trip to the highest peak on the island, Mont Possot. From here, the aerial view of Nosy Be is breathtaking. When you�ve returned to flat ground, check-in to the well-appointed Marlin Club Hotel. Being on an island means fresh seafood for dinner, of course. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | THE ISLAND OF NOSY ANKAREA
After the variety presented at breakfast, a three-hour boat ride will take you to the sunny and refreshingly salty air of Nosy Ankarea. Your base for the next three nights is Ankoay Lodge, the island�s only luxury-tented lodge. With a restaurant to boot�the day�s catch is straight out of the sea. A huge 229-foot, black basalt hill dominates this small, tropical island in the Mitsio Archipelago. This compact island is ripe for exploration. Snorkeling and scuba diving will take you to the surrounding coral reefs on afternoon swims. But if you�re in need of something less active, lounge by the beach under a Tamarind tree. All meals are at the lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | THE ISLAND OF NOSY ANKAREA
Yes, the island is compact but you�re in the middle of your exploration of it. Take breakfast at Ankoay Lodge then head back out to the beach. Lounge or swim. Snorkel or scuba dive. Return to the lodge in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | THE ISLAND OF NOSY ANKAREA
This is your last day on Nosy Ankarea. Water, water everywhere-scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are on the agenda. Be sure to take your leave of activities during the day to return to Ankoay Lodge for refreshment. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | THE ECOVILLAGE FIHAVANANA OF NOSY BE
From Nosy to Nosy, take your leave of Ankarea and go back to Be. Along the way, you�ll make visits to two smaller islands nearby, Nosy Komba, the island of the Maccaco-Maccaco lemur and the island of Nosy Tanin-Kely, home to a natural aquarium featuring local tropical fish and reef. Take lunch at one of the islands before moving on to Nosy Be in the afternoon. The next drive takes you to the village of Ambatozavavy. The next two night are at the Ecovillage Fihavanana located on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the lake. Walk the stone path to reach the hotel and your comfortable bungalow where bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers will welcome you in. Meals are served in an open-air canopy dining room with views all around. Here is an aside about Ecovillage Fihavanana. Started by a Swiss association, Ecovillage Fihavanana is managed by the village of Ambatozavavy and is set to become a school to introduce students to the hotel industry. Plus, the Fihavanana supports the local community by running small farming projects, a health center, pharmacy and provides educational funds for the village children. SIDEBAR: [It is possible to arrange a village homestay with a local family. Please call for more information.] [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | LOKOBE RESERVE
The morning is spent at Lokobe Reserve after breakfast. Take the well-worn path to the reserve via the sandy mangrove forest, then paddle in a pirok�dugout canoe for the an hour. The village of Ampasipoha will come into view. With lemurs, various reptiles and healing herbal plants, Lokobe is a dry tropical forest. Lunch is shore side today�on the beach. Go back the way you came in a pirok. The hour�s canoe ride is a great way to wind down the day until dinner. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | NOSY BE TO TANA
A morning visit to the village of Ambatozavavy will awaken you. Life continues on the island of Nosy Be. Get to know the people as you stroll the local handicraft markets. Luncheon is served at the Ecovillage Fihavanana. Then, fly back to the capital, Tana to head back to a familiar place, Chez Aina. Remember the dinner and music before? It�s back for the last night in Madagascar. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | DEPART MADAGASCAR
After breakfast, the Nosy islands are just a memory to be relived in your photos and recapture when you come back. Later, transfer to the international airport for the flight home. [B]
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