Beaches & Lemurs

Madagascar Highlights:

• • Nosy Komba – stay on this spectacular volcanic island known for its beautiful landscapes and white sandy beaches. Dotting the ocean just off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Komba is a spectacularly scenic volcanic island sandwiched between Nosy Be Island and the mainland. This popular tourist destination is known for its remarkably beautiful landscapes featuring a rugged coastline covered in forested hills meeting the crystalline waters and interrupted by magnificent white-sand beach beaches hidden in picturesque coves. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities including visiting the friendly black lemurs at the Black Lemur Sanctuary, discovering a host of fishing villages scattered along the shoreline and exploring the dusty streets of Ampangorinana, the main village, where visitors can browse the market stalls for beautifully embroidered goods, intricate wood carvings and woven baskets. Other highlights include: bird watching, whale spotting, diving, and snorkelling.
  • Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – pristine primary forest untouched by humans. Located in eastern Madagascar in the Moramanga District, the small village of Andasibe is surrounded by a belt of protected rainforest and several parks boasting incredible natural scenery and an array of exotic Madagascan wildlife. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds. Visitors can look forward to discovering the natural wonders of the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Analamazaotra Reserve and Perinet Special Reserve. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the unique song of the large indri lemur, explore a network of incredible trails that wind past glistening lakes and magnificent waterfalls and discover the rich biodiversity in the local flora and fauna.
  • Antananarivo – Madagascar’s capital city with a rich history perched on top of a mountain range close to several nature reserves, including Tsingy de Bemaraha, with its fantastical limestone spikes. Founded in 1625, it has a rich historical heritage that is surrounded by scenic landscapes around the city that offer many hiking routes for nature lovers. . Scenic landscapes surround the city offering many hiking routes for nature lovers. The city doesn’t sleep at night and is known its nightlife, with live music played regularly at various clubs, bars and hotels.
  • Ifotaka – Situated in the Amboasary Sud District, Ifotaka a town and a commune on the beautiful island of Madagascar. It is known for its spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and its numerous historical, sacred sites. It is home to the remote Ifotaka Community Forest, which is a wild, secluded sanctuary protected by the local Antandroy people. This off-the-beaten-track destination features abundant spiny forest, ancient hidden tombs, and unspoilt landscape inhabited by an array of endemic wildlife including a variety of lemurs and many bird species, such as the malachite kingfisher, hook-billed vangas, scops owl and many others. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and visit the ombiasy healer.
  • Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin) – Located on the southeastern coast of Madagascar, the city of Tolanaro, formerly known as Fort Dauphin, rests on a scenic peninsula sandwiched between the sparkling sea and spectacular mountains. It was the first French settlement on the island and serves as the capital of the Anosy Region. This port city has an ancient maritime past dating back to the early 16th century. Visitors can use Tolanaro as a central base from which to explore the dramatic and spectacularly scenic hinterland as well as enjoy a relaxing day on the beautiful Libanona Beach, sample mouthwatering Malagasy cuisine, and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. Other popular activities include: shopping, surfing, hiking, windsurfing, sightseeing, quad biking, and lemur tours.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change):

Day 1: Nosy Be – Nosy Komba

Welcome to the Nosy Be Archipelago! On arrival at the airport in Nosy Be you will be met and transferred by car to Hell-Ville where you will continue to Tsara Komba by boat. Spend the next 4 nights on Nosy Komba, the most beautiful island of the Nosy Be archipelago and also known as ‘Lemur Island’.

Stay: Time + Tide Tsara Komba for 4 nights

Situated on the eastern side of Nosy Komba, Tsara Komba Lodge is an 8 room luxury lodge is an ideal getaway for the discerning visitor. Built above its own private beach amongst stunning gardens and with wonderful views, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the island, dive, fish, snorkel or simply relax. All rooms are beautifully spacious with ensuite facilities and private verandas overlooking the ocean. The main area consists of a stylish sitting area, bar and restaurant. The chef produces such delicious French cuisine that guests find themselves returning back year after year. Excursions to the markets and plantations on the mainland are easily arranged, as are trips to visit the Lemur Park on the other side of the island.

Days 2-4: Nosy Komba

Enjoy your days in this eco-paradise, live ‘life in the slow lane’ unwind and relax. If you are more active, you can choose from activities such scuba-diving, snorkelling, guided hikes as well as visits to the local villages (all activities are optional and an additional cost). Equipment for snorkelling, beach volleyball, beach racket ball, badminton, frisbees or canoe trips, reading or parlour games is available free of charge in the main lodge or at the beach.

Optional Activities at Nosy Komba (additional cost):

• Snorkelling at Nosy Tanikely
• Mangrove sunset cruise
• Guided visit to Nosy Iranja
• Guided visit to Sakatia Island

Day 5: Nosy Komba – Antananarivo

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Nosy Be to Antananarivo where you will overnight.  

Stay: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo for 1 night

Day 6: Antananarivo – Andasibe

Today you will head to Andasibe through the green and luxuriant vegetation of the east. Along the way you will see villages of the Merina people scattered throughout the rocky mountainside and stop at the Exotic Park. Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic is situated near Marozevo in eastern Madagascar, this celebrated attraction showcases the island’s unique reptiles and wildlife. Visitors can explore enclosures featuring diverse species of chameleons, geckos, frogs, and butterflies, while guided tours provide insight into Madagascar’s rich biodiversity. The reserve also shelters lemurs rescued from captivity, allowing visitors to experience close interactions with these remarkable primates. Established by naturalist André Peyrieras, the site plays a vital role in conservation and education. With its focus on endemic species, the reserve offers an authentic glimpse into Madagascar’s extraordinary natural heritage and ecological importance.

Continue to Andasibe and visit the  V.O.I.M.M.A Community Reserve. This reserve provides a sustainable way of saving the remaining rainforests in the area by creating a livelihood for the local communities through reforestation projects. Here you will also come across a variety of wildlife, ranging from brown lemurs, indri, chameleons, geckos and birds.

Stay: Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe for 2 nights

Mantadia Lodge is located in Andasibe, on the edge of the Andasibe Natural Park. The lodge features 23 rooms & suites with modern amenities, including air conditioning, satellite television, minibars, kettles, safes and private terraces to admire the sunsets. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy a blend of international cuisine and traditional techniques. Additional amenities and services available to guests include Wi-Fi access, a herbal spa and an outdoor infinity pool.

Day 7: Andasibe

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-4 hour guided visit to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, where you will discover the many species dwelling in the forest. Your guide will search for the Indri, the largest lemurs on the island. This 810 ha reserve is unique with its endemic fauna and flora. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, and endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. The day concludes with a visit to Lemur Island – part of Vakona Lodge’s private reserve, a sanctuary dedicated to rescued lemurs. There are four species to see, including the bamboo lemur, the black and white ruffed lemur, the brown lemur, and one diademed sifaka. Here, you’ll have an up-close encounter with these charismatic primates.

Day 8: Andasibe – Antananarivo

Head back to Antananarivo, stopping at the Reptile & Butterfly farm. The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo is also called the ‘City of Thousands’ and it is where the first King started to unify the different kingdoms of the island. Embark on a short city orientation tour.

Stay: Palissandre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo for 1 night

Day 9: Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin – Ifotaka

After breakfast, transfer to Ivato airport for your 2-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and have lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The 3-hour journey offers a contrast of landscapes ranging from the rice paddies of the eastern seaboard over the lush tropical plateau to the drier arid region of sisal plantations and “spiny forest”.

Upon arrival at the camp, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the breath-taking views across the Mandrare River. Later you will embark on a night walk in either the Forest of Analoalo or Ambovo. This unique experience allows you to witness diurnal lemurs finding their resting spots, while the nocturnal lemurs start to come alive in the otherworldly Spiny Forest. During the walk, you will have the chance to observe sifakas and sleeping white-foot sportive lemurs. As the sun sets, you’ll encounter two species of mouse lemurs, slumbering birds, fascinating chameleons, and active sportive lemurs.

Stay: Mandrare River Camp, Ifotaka for 3 nights

Situated under the Tamarind Trees along the banks of the Mandrare River, three hours drive from Fort Dauphin, is the tented Mandrare River Camp. Set in the grounds of an old colonial sisal plantation, the camp is 3km from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forest of the Antandroy Tribe. The day to day activities include walks to see the endemic wildlife which Madagascar is famous for. The best times for these walks are the mornings and afternoons to escape the heat of the sun. Where suitable night walks will be arranged as this is often the best time to see many reptile species as well as the nocturnal lemur species such as Mouse and Sportive Lemur. Whenever possible and practical, interaction between clients and the local community is encouraged. Mealtimes are a treat. The head chef has perfected the art of producing fresh croissants in the bush! He has also found a reliable source for fresh lobster, local fish and prawns. The Zebu steaks are excellent while other little treats like foie gras are sourced in Antananarivo.

Day 10: Ifotaka / Antandroy Forest

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the banks of the river, before embarking on a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. Lunch will be served at your camp, and there will be time to relax before you depart on an afternoon activity, unless you would prefer to rest at camp and enjoy the serenity of the river.

In the late afternoon, embark on a leisurely stroll through the hallowed spiny forest, which houses the ancestral tombs of the indigenous Antandroy tribe. This remarkable ecosystem is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species found exclusively within the spiny forest. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a knowledgeable tracker from the local community, you will receive an insightful introduction to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Antandroy people. Your visit is followed by sundowners on the Mandrare River banks, as the day winds down and the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of colors, find yourself immersed in a serene and tranquil ambiance as you gather along the picturesque shores of the Mandrare River relishing refreshing beverages as the sun gracefully sets beyond the horizon.

Day 11: Ifotaka / Antandroy Village

Start your morning with tea or coffee before embarking on an early stroll through the spiny forest. Watch as sunlight filters through octopus trees and keep an eye out for unique birds like the crested coua. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast and then explore the local market or visit the fascinating Antandroy village, known for its rich culture. After lunch at the camp, unwind on your tent’s terrace, observing riverside life. At 5pm, venture out for a mesmerizing sundowner experience amidst the baobabs, where you can witness the sun’s descent and the moon’s ascent over the baobab-dotted landscape.

In the evening, there’s a possibility of witnessing enchanting traditional dances by the local village, accompanied by captivating music and singing. This performance offers a glimpse into the core of Antandroy culture, where music and dance are integral to their rituals and daily life.

Day 12: Ifotaka – Fort Dauphin

After breakfast, travel to Fort Dauphin (approximately 2.5 hours) and check in to your hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. This afternoon, visit Nahampoana Reserve, home to endemic flora and fauna, including lemurs, chameleons and native birdlife. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Stay: Talinjoo Hotel, Tolanaro (Fort Dauphin) for 1 night

The Talinjoo Hotel is situated in a quiet location overlooking the sea, adjacent to Libanona beach. The hotel, bar and restaurant are all constructed using local materials and raw timber with simplicity and comfort in mind, integrating perfectly with the surroundings. Each of the 8 rooms with simple and clean design features a private outdoor wooden deck, where you can appreciate the spectacle of sunset

Day 13: Depart Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Depart Madagascar today, your day is at leisure until you transfer to Tana airport, for your departure flight (flight not included).

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