About this trip

Arrive Antananarivo

Arrive into Antananarivo (often abbreviated to Tana) and transfer to your hotel for your first night. Relax after your flight and prepare for your extraordinary journey through Madagascar.

Overnight: Relais des Plateaux

Antananarivo - Anjajavy

Wake early (around 5:00am) and get ready to transfer to the airport for your scheduled charter flight to Anjajavy Private Reserve. Anjajavy Le Lodge can only be reached by charter plane so this is a truly remote experience. Arrive at this 550-hectare private nature reserve which comprises an eclectic mix of landscapes and terrains. From dry deciduous forest made up of palissandre trees, ebony trees and baobabs to the only privately protected mangrove as well as unique limestone rock formations called ‘tsingy’ and even beautiful beaches this region really does have it all. Thanks to these varied habitats, the reserve is home of a range of lemurs, reptiles and other endemic flora and fauna. Settle in to your rosewood bungalow and take in the sights around the lodge. The rest of the day yours to relax around the pool or enjoy some of the many nature based activities available from the lodge.

Overnight: Anjajavy Lodge (B, D)

Anjajavy

There are many activities for you to enjoy in and around Anjajavy Le Lodge over the next few days. Wildlife excursions and nature walks are of course front and centre, so you have the chance to encounter chameleons, iguanas, a number of lemur species and beautiful birds of paradise. Other optional activities include water sports, fishing, boat excursions and visits to the local villages. When not out exploring, you can simply relax by the hotel's fresh water pool and dine on the delicious cuisine at the restaurant which offers a mix of western and Malagasy dishes.

Overnight: Anjajavy Lodge (B, D)

Anjajavy - Masoala

Depart after breakfast on your private charter flight from Anjajavy airstrip to Maroantsetra Airport. On arrival you will be driven to the port for the two hour boat trip across Antongil Bay to the Masoala Peninsula. The boat trip takes you past Nosy Mangabe which is a small uninhabited tropical island covered in thick forest. Between July and September humpbacked whales come into the bay, so if you are lucky you will get to see some of these marine mammals. The afternoon activities include exploring the beaches and coastal forest in the lodge area and maybe enjoying a swim in the sea, before taking a guided walk with your private guide along the coast past Tampolo Point in , with the possibility of spotting white-fronted brown lemurs in the coastal forest. Return to camp for sundowners around the fire on the beach and dinner in the lodge.

Overnight: Masoala Forest Lodge (B, L, D)

Masoala Peninsula

You have a few days to explore this remote national park, where the rainforest meets the reef. The thick rainforest covers the mountains and comes down to golden beaches and turquoise waters. The reserve is the only place in Madagascar where you can see the red ruffed lemur. The forest is also home to a wide array of birds, chameleons, snakes, frogs and other lemurs. Enjoy privately guided walks in the forest or explore along the beach on your own (you cannot go into the forest without a guide). This is one of the few marine reserves in Madagascar. The waters off the beach are teeming with marine life so take a sea kayak and explore along the coast finding quiet little coves and bays! Take to the waters to search for the humpback whales when in season (additional cost).

Overnight: Masoala Forest Lodge (B, L, D)

Masoala Peninsula

Continue exploring this rich environment with your private guide. Set off through the coastal forest trails to the rice fields and farm land of the nearby village of Ambodiforaha for an opportunity to experience the local Betsimisaraka culture and sustainable way of life in the rainforest. Visit their traditional houses and perhaps see baskets, mats or hats being woven as well as vanilla, cloves, coffee or rice being prepared. You can also pop in for a quick visit to the village school, co-funded by the lodge. Explore the waters and rock formations of Tampolo point by sea kayak or boat and stop for a swim on the beach at the “Sacred Island”. After you swim, hop back into your kayak to explore the surrounding mangroves and forested river, with the chance of spotting blue-spotted stingrays in the shallow water or perhaps the lesser bamboo lemurs crossing the river.

Overnight: Masoala Forest Lodge (B, L, D)

Masoala - Diego Antsiranana - Miavana

Enjoy an early breakfast on the sea deck, board the boat for the voyage to Maroantsetra and transfer to the airport in time for your private charter flight to the historical town of Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) (06:00/08:00). On arrival you will be met by a Miavana host and escorted to the helicopter for your 20-30 minute flight to Nosy Ankao. You will be welcomed onto the island by your own electric vehicle and transferred to the main area for a quick introduction to the island and activities available, before being driven to your villa to relax.

Overnight: Miavana (B, L, D)

Miavana - Ankao Private Islands

The next two days are to be spent at leisure. Choose from the variety of activities available including the ‘Blue Safari’: guided water activities that will provide fascinating insights as you explore the aquamarine bays, beaches, lagoons and channels of the archipelago. Complementary activities include: guided lemur trekking (and boat transfers to the mainland adjacent), forest walks, scuba diving around Miavana, snorkelling, cultural visits on Miavana, boat cruises, shore-based fishing and half day fishing trips, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, cycling. Some activities, and all helicopter excursions are payable as extras, please chat with your hosts if you have any questions about activities.

Overnight: Miavana (B, L, D)

Miavana - Depart

Wake early in order to catch your morning helicopter flight back to Diego Suarez (about 20 mins). On arrival you will be assisted with your connecting flight to Antananarivo, either with Air Madagascar or a private charter. If your onward flight isn't until later in the day, you will be met and transferred to Relais des Plateaux Hotel where you can use a day room to relax. Later you will be transferred to the airport to check in for your onward flight.