Talking about Nosy Be Island is talking about the best beach in Madagascar. You will discover this paradise which is a really nice place to relax, ground excursions or sea are unlimited. For those who love Robinson trip can again console with islands … you should not miss the visit of Nosy Tanikely natural aquarium and the myriads of multicolored fishes & Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja …
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• Total discover of the paradisiacal corner of the country anchored on the West
• A paradisiacal corner of Madagascar
• Its beautiful beaches of white sands
• Its cultures of Ylang Ylang, coffee, sugar cane and spices
• Its embroidery in unique Richelieu in Madagascar)
• Festival donia every May for 4 corners of Indian Ocean
• Its sites and its inescapable islands; Nosy Komba and its lemurs; Nosy Tanikely, the natural submarine reserve and its multicolored fishes...
• Nosy Iranja and its 2 islets (Big & small Nosy Iranja)
• Lokobe reserve and its healing and endemic plants
• Tour of the island and the slept of the sun with Mount Passot
• Nosy Sakatia and its blazing, coffee trees, pepper pots (pepper plants) & vanilla
• The Archipelago of Mitsio (Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Tsarabanjina)
• The archipelago of Radama (Nosy Ovy, Nosy Berafia)
• Ambohimanga Kings Palace (UNESCO SITE)
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING
From € 1925 /pax (LUXURY HOTEL OPTION)
From € 1245 /pax (MID-RANGE HOTEL OPTION)
From € 1095 /pax (BUDGET HOTEL OPTION)
The price indicated is per person sharing room (DBL or TWIN), it is based on 2 Persons; if less or more, please contact us and we will send you the final price.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
• Private Meet & greet at Antananarivo international airport
• Return private transfers from/in airport/hotel
• 4WD Private vehicle with a driver English speaking (Gasoline included)
• Accommodations in standard DOUBLE/TWIN room with private sanitary
• The meals as specified
• Entrance Parks/reserve and local guide fees
• The day tour as specified
• The internal flight ticket Antananarivo/Nosy Be/Antananarivo (DECOUVERTE OFFER / LL1)
• Taxes, VAT and the service fees
Exclusions:
• All international flight costs and visa fees or assistance unless otherwise specified.
• Tips; drinks; personal expense and none specified items.
• Travel insurance, it is a condition that all clients travelling with GMT+3 must have appropriate Travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation cover.
07 days/06 nights: From Antananarivo to Antananarivo. This is a tailor-made wildlife safari and can be edited to suit your needs, wants and budget. Talk to our destination specialists to find out more about this trip and to get advice on whether it is the best one you’re your specific requirements and interests.
Day 1: Antananarivo
Meet and greet at Antananarivo airport by GMT+3 staff and then transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo city. Briefing about the program and introducing the timing.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Include TRANSPORATION: Minibus
Day 2: Antananarivo – Nosy Be (1h15 flight)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nosy Be. Meet on arrival and then transfer to your hotel and explore Nosy Be Island by car. After visiting the Dzamandzar SIRAMA sugar refinery (opened since 1920), explore Hell Ville, the capital of Nosy Be, with its colonial buildings and markets which specialise in the island’s famous embroidered tablecloths, spices, crabs, tropical fruits, vegetables etc. Visit the harbour where you will have spare time for some shopping, before driving south to discover banyan trees, coffee trees, pepper plants, all manner of fruit trees, sugar cane and especially Ylang Ylang. After lunch continue to the botanical gardens, the museum and the distillery. Before ending the day, visit Mount Passot, for a fantastic 360° view of the entire island and all its volcanic lakes, while enjoying a cocktail and a sunset deserving of the most beautiful postcards! After the visit, return in the hotel
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & flight
Day 3: Nosy Be (Nosy Komba & Tanikely day tour)
Go aboard our 18 meter wooden sailboat and allow us to take you out for a full day of fun and adventure. Our first stop is Nosy Komba, the second largest island next to Nosy Be. Familiarize yourself with the lemurs who won't hesitate to climb on your shoulders to get a piece of banana. Visit the handicraft village and walk along the stalls of wood sculptures, table-cloths and basketry, meeting smiling and friendly faces. We'll embark again on the sailboat and head for Nosy Tanikely, the protected submarine reserve. We'll have lunch on the beach before exploring this life-size aquarium by snorkeling.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 4: Nosy Be (Nosy Iranja day tour)
Nosy Iranja is located an hour and half away from Nosy be, composed of two islands connected by a white sandbank, covered in high tide. Get to explore this paradise island of turquoise blue and natural green colors. Turtles still come here to lay eggs hence its name, the Turtle Island. We can watch all kinds of birds, there are some herons and sometimes sea eagles too. On the way, discover the virgin coast of the mainland and Nosy Antsoa, another well-preserved island… You'll start feeling like Robinson Crusoe
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 5: Nosy Be (Lokobe reserve day tour)
After breakfast, depart to visit Lokobe reserve, a pleasant place for nice walk in a dense vegetation where various species of animals, notably the grey-backed lepilemur (lepilemur dorsalis), the Macao lemur (Eulemur Macao), some species of chameleons and lizards as well as many birds like the Owl of Madagascar.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & Sail Boat
Day 6: Nosy Be (Nosy Sakatia day tour)
Nosy Sakatia is certainly the most beautiful island of Nosy Be, protected and classified by the Ministry of Environment; it conceals sites very much appreciated by scientists. What you'll see: Blazing flamboyant’s, coffee trees, pepper pots, vanilla, tree of the traveler, pineapple, anacardiers, mangoes, jaquiers, guavas, eucalyptus, raffia, orchids, kapokiers, palm trees, healing plants, and much more. For your pleasure, we have decorated the splendid beach of Ambalia exclusively for our customers. Lunch on the private beach, snorkeling and sea kayaking are all at your disposal.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Included | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 7: Nosy Be - Antananarivo (1h15 flight)
Free morning at the leisure and then airport to the airport for your fight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival; meet and then transfer to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & flight
mm
vv
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle
Day 8: Antananarivo
After breakfast, depart for Ambohimanga Kings Palace which is located at 22 km from Antananarivo, it is the cradle of the Merina dynasty, the Mecca of the Merina Kingdom and the starting point for the unification of Imerina. This ancient royal city was reputed to be a sacred city where no foreigner could enter. There's a lot to admire in this place. From the entrance of the village, the old stone gate-shaped disc in the chamber, the royal box of Andrianampoinimerina, the summer palace of the queens, the Horse Park and sacred ponds. The enclosure is surrounded by a wall consisting mainly of egg whites in place of cement. The door to the east has "Ambatomitsangana" inscribed on it, and is actually a large stone disc 4m in diameter rolled closed every night and open every morning by dozens of men. After the visit, continuation to the Digue market, the place for handcrafts Malagasy that you will be able buy some souvenirs. Drive back to your hotel and have dinner and then transfer to the airport for your international flight home
ACCOMMODATION: On request | LUNCH: Excluded | DINER: Excluded | BREAKFAST: Included TRANSPORATION: Private Vehicle & fligh
WALKING GRADES & FITNESS
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual's own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated medium so everyone can join it. We will usually involve easy walks (2 to 6 hours/day) at low altitudes (below 2000m). Some previous hill walking experience would be beneficial but these walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life.
WE ONLY USE THE MID-RANGE HOTELS FOR THIS TRIP
DAYS
CITY
LUXURY
MID-RANGE
BUDGET
1
Antananarivo
Palissandre
Sakamanga
Niaouly hotel
2
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Sarimanock hotel
Nosy Lodge
3
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Sarimanock hotel
Nosy Lodge
4
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Sarimanock hotel
Nosy Lodge
5
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Sarimanock hotel
Nosy Lodge
6
Nosy Be
Andilana Beach
Sarimanock hotel
Nosy Lodge
7
Antananarivo
Palissandre hotel
Sakamanga hotel
Niaouly hotel
8
Antananarivo
-
-
-
Most of the hotels in Madagascar do not have the standard internationnal level, except some hotels in Antananarivo, Sainte Marie and Nosy Be but GMT+3 guarantees to find you the best hotels and accommodation for your budget. We will supply all of the necessary details for you to prepare your holidays and have a memorable stay in each hotel. Please note that in Madagascar, there is only one 5 star hotel, which is the Carlton Hotel in Antananarivo,. Once you leave the capital, the ranges of hotels are varied.
GMT+3 LUXURY (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
Wherever you stay in Madagascar, we will guarantee to find comfortable hotels, lodges or guesthouses with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. Our hotels have air-conditioning/heating where appropriate and reliable hot and cold water. They generally have a very good level of service and mosthaveadded amenities such as a restaurant, bar, gardens or swimming pool.
These hotels usually have twin or single rooms with en suite facilities. They are generally standard, no-frills hotels with adequate amenities and service standards. Whilst comfort levels are perfectly acceptable to most, please don’t expect too much! These are often small, family-run establishments
GMT+3 BUDGET (hotels/Lodges/guest house/Camping)
These accommodations may be communal or dorm-style, and WC / washing facilities are usually shared. Running hot and cold water may be unreliable or even unavailable. However, these can be the most rewarding and memorable places to stay, despite the comfort levels being low.
SAINTE MARIE
Sainte Marie Island (Nosy Boraha) is situated on the East Coast of Madagascar. The most Beach tourist place after Nosy Be and known by its kilometrical sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, bays and coves protected by coral reefs. Please note that the best beaches are located in the northern; western and in Islet aux Nattes. In the same time, you will like its lush vegetation and animals. In winter (from June to the end of September) the humpback whales (Megaptera) are present around Madagascar but the best place to spot is in Sainte Marie Island …
HOW TO GET THERE ?
Location: You need to return in Antananarivo first and then take the flight from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie or continuation to Tamatave and then to Soanierana Ivongo + speed boat to Sainte Marie. Transportation: by plane; vehicle & Speed boat
NOSY BE
Nosy Be island lying about 5 miles (8 km) off the northwestern shore of Madagascar. The name means “Big Island.” It is 19 miles (30 km) long, 12 miles (19 km) wide, and has an area of about 120 square miles (310 square km). Formed by volcanoes, the island is forested and has numerous craters and crater lakes. Its highest point is Mount Passot (1,079 feet [329 metres]). It has an annual rainfall of 78–118 inches (1,975–3,000 mm). The island’s products, chiefly sugar and oils for perfumery, also include rum, vanilla, black pepper, and bitter oranges. Nosy Be is the top beach destination in Madagascar with its surrounding islands remain paradise in the buff. A lot of activiies are available to make your holidays more Unforgettable .
Area: 594,180 sq km. Population: 24,890,189. Language: French, Malagasy. Religion: Christian, Muslim. Local Time: GMT +3 Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two pin round plug. Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:2,000,00 Madagascar. Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Madagascar, Dervla Murphy: Muddling through Madagascar, G. Durrell: The Aye-aye and I, D. Attenborough: Zoo Quest to Madagascar, I. Sinclair: Birds of the IndianOcean Islands, I. Tattersall: The Primates of Madagascar.
SEASON & CLIMATE
The climate is tropical, but very cold in the highlands (dropping as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo). The dry season is March to October continuing into November in most areas. The southwest area is hot, dry and semi-arid. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed here.
The western coast of Madagascar is much drier than the eastern coast. In general, we can say the climate here is dry tropical. During the dry months between May and November it does not rain at all and the temperatures are pleasant (20 to 25°C on average). Between December and April it can rain torrentially or just a couple of showers, depending on the area and the year. The northern area is greener and indeed considerably wetter than the south. The hottest months are March, April, November and December, when the average temperature is 30° C or even more.
FORMALITIES
VISA REQUIRMENTS:
The visa is always free for an holidays less than month and subject to change. We will confirm you before your arrival. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of return.
All visitors must obtain a tourist visa (maximum duration 3 months). This costs approximately 25.00 Euro per person and can be obtained in any Madagascar Embassy or upon arrival at the international airports of Antananarivo, Diego Suarez, and Nosy Be or in Tamatave (Toamasina). Return International flight tickets.
VACCINATIONS & PROTECTIONS:
Please consult your doctor when planning your journey: Malaria is present in most parts of Madagascar. Some form of anti malarial is recommended. Always use mosquito repellent and avoid being bitten. Vaccinations against tetanus, cholera and yellow fever are recommended. Bring your usual medicines because they may not be available in Madagascar. In top Urgency, GMT+3 works with specialist doctors to assure and assist you before your evacuation.
INSURANCE:
We recommend you to see a Travel insurance to secure your holidays in Madagascar. You must take your policy document with you on tour and it should state in writing that you are the named policyholder and that the cover is valid for your period of travel. Your policy document must also indicate that you have medical expenses and emergency repatriation cover and a 24-hour contact telephone number for your Insurance Company must be shown on your documentation in case of emergency.
MONEY
CREDIT CARDS & TRAVELERS CHEQUES:
Credit cards are still not used widely in Madagascar. However, they are accepted in big cities, international hotels and in the banks of all cities. You will find ATMs in most main cities, where you can withdraw Ariary. VISA and MASTERCARD are most commonly accepted cards. It is also useful to bring some Travelers Cheques or cash in Euros or US dollars. AMERICAN EXPRESS is seldom accepted outside of Antananarivo. Please note that $100 date 1996 bills are not accepted (better from 2006 dated)
TIPPING:
Tips are expected for most services. The size of the tip depends on your satisfaction but 5 to 10 % is an acceptable level. We suggest that you plan on average 10 Euros per person per day for a guide. Remember that wages are very low in Madagascar so be careful not to over tip and create unreasonable expectations for other travelers
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT TO BRING
LUGGAGES:
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company. Please note that 20kg per person is allowed for the internal flight.
CLOTHING:
Given the variations of day and night temperature, and the changes of altitude between the highlands and the coast, we recommend that you dress in layers. Bring light clothes but have additional layers (fleece, pullover, jacket, windbreaker or raincoat). Make sure you have long sleeves and long trousers to protect against mosquitoes in early morning and dusk.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT:
On each tourt a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader. See the list in the General Information Booklet for more information. A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes. Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve. Choose a high factor sun cream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sun block/ lip salve are ideal for facial protection. A head torch is essential for NOCTURNAL visit. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb. Sun screen and insect repellent. Make sure you have enough camera film and spare batteries, as both are difficult to obtain locally. Bring a beach towel and swimming costume.
