Our 12 day Madagascar Wildlife Safari takes you to the bustling city of Antananarivo & to the pristine beaches of Nosy Komba, Mitiso Island & Nosy Ankao.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Northern Islands Madagascar Wildlife Safari
Craving a rugged-refined adventure? Our 12 day Madagascar safari could be what you are after. Sometimes referred to as the 8th continent, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and is home to endemic wildlife and plantlife found nowhere else on earth. Fly into the bustling capital city of Antananarivo and experience a city brimming with Malagasy charm combined with a touch of French tradition. First you will head north to the palm fringed beaches of Nosy Komba, spending your days diving and snorkeling amongst gentle whale sharks, trekking through jungles teeming with lemurs and circling the island’s waters on a traditional pirogue. Next up is the private island Constance Tsarabanjina, located in the Mitsio archipelago. Here you can spot green turtles and bottlenose dolphins while hopping from island to island by boat, or spend the afternoons playing a good old game of boules on the beach – sound like the island life you have always been dreaming of? We thought so. Your last stop takes you to the east of Nosy Ankao on a private charter flight to Miavana. Watch humpback whales migrate to the waters of this private island from the months of July to November and spend the night under the stars with a fully catered sleep-out – you might even be lucky enough to spot sea turtles laying eggs on the island’s shore. This LuxVenture® has been crafted for the seasoned island traveler who is ready to take adventure a little further. Are you ready?
Your 12 day Madagascar safari starts in the colourful, capital city of Antananarivo. Touch down at Ivato International Airport where you’ll be greeted by a Ker & Downey® Africa representative. Jump in your private 4×4 Jeep and make your way through 12kms of bustling streets to Hotel Colbert situated in the heart of the city. The hotel boasts an excellent French restaurant dating back to 1928, a casual cafe with outdoor seating to soak up the buzz of ‘Tana’, a cosy bar to wind down after a long day of traveling, an in house spa, indoor heated swimming pool, gym and international casino. In the evening you can take part in a chocolate cooking workshop at Café du Musée. Sample the world renowned Malagasy chocolate, while Chef Johary teachers you to cook a 3 course meal using this ingredient from starter to dessert.
Wake up and get ready for a exciting day of traveling. Fill up on the hotel’s array of breakfast treats, from french pastries and homemade jams to a hearty English breakfast. Your driver will transfer you to the Ivato International Airport airport where you’ll board your scheduled 90 minute flight to Fascene Airport on Nosy Be. On arrival you will be met by a Ker & Downey® Africa representative who will accompany you to the Hell-Ville Harbour. From there take to the sea and enjoy a 30 minute crossing to Nosy Komba, an island on the Nosy Be archipelago off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The “Lemur Island” boasts lush tropical landscapes, white-sand beaches and an undiscovered coastline. Your home base for the next three nights is the Tsara Komba Luxury Beach and Forest Lodge, an 8 room luxury lodge.
For the next two days you can wake up at your own pace and take your breakfast with an ocean view. Start your Madagascar safari experience by exploring the volcanic island with an expert guide and walk through the forest teeming with friendly black lemurs, colourful chameleons and a plethora of exotic butterflies and birds. Depending on your mood and level of experience you can choose between discovering the island’s surrounding coral reefs on a snorkelling safari or take it up a level and scuba dive alongside gentle whale sharks*, turtles, manta rays and an abundance of tropical fish. After lunch at the lodge, tour the island’s coastline on a traditional pirogue stopping off to visit local fishing villages and markets at Ampangorinana village. Return to the resort and wind down at the spa or enjoy a sunset drink at the bar before dinner.
*To catch the opportunity to swim alongside Whale sharks visit the island from July to September.
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Hell-Ville Harbour and journey onwards to Constance Tsarabanjina, a mere 90 minute crossing by boat. The secluded, private island consists of 25 ecological beach villas camouflaged against the surrounding tropical jungle. The villas are dotted around the island and lead directly to the powder white beaches in the north and south. The island offers a variety of activities to pursue during the day – snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, beach volleyball and boules. In the afternoon you have the option of taking a guided walk around the island to explore further. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sunset drink, followed by a world class 3 course dining experience. Your restaurant for the evening is located in a cove on the beach and serves delicious Malagasy inspired, fresh seafood dishes, so come hungry.
Constance Tsarabanjina is located on a secluded, private island and consists of 25 ecological beach villas camouflaged against the surrounding tropical jungle. The villas are dotted around the island and lead directly to the powder white beaches in the north and south.
Wake up to the sound of crashing waves and island birdlife followed by a breakfast buffet on the beachfront. Feeling adventurous? Explore the largely undiscovered waters of Mitsio archipelago and depart on a deep sea fishing expedition with an experienced guide who will take you through one of the best fishing sites in the region. Dive or snorkel through the unspoilt coral reefs and spot green turtles and bottlenose dolphins while hopping from island to island. After a few hours at sea you will return to Constance Tsarabanjina for a buffet style lunch serving an array of fresh fish and salads. After lunch you can choose to relax on the island or take a tour of a desert island in the archipelago. Wind down after the day and relax in your private hammock or on your deck while taking in the ocean views before dinner at Constance Tsarabanjina’s restaurant.
Constance Tsarabanjina is located on a secluded, private island and consists of 25 ecological beach villas camouflaged against the surrounding tropical jungle. The villas are dotted around the island and lead directly to the powder white beaches in the north and south.
After a hearty breakfast at Constance Tsarabanjina, board a charter flight to Miavana located on the northeastern private island, Nosy Ankao. Part of 15,000 hectares of protected marine space, the island boasts remote beaches and undiscovered waters and coral reefs. Each of the 14 villas on the island has direct beach access and a private pool overlooking the ocean. You can choose from a variety of activities to fill your day, from kite-surfing and whale-watching*, to sailing and paddle boarding. Explore the island at your own pace as you take a guided forest walk to learn more about the island’s unique fauna and flora or choose to reboot after your journey at the main piazza’s infinity pool. The piazza boasts 3 dining spaces, a wine cellar and a rooftop bar where you can catch the sunset before dinner at the restaurant. Here you can expect to be served dishes that are designed daily depending on the ingredients which were sourced during the day. The restaurant works with local providers to create a sustainable supply chain, ensuring that each meal is made with the freshest ingredients available on the island.
*See whales between the months of July to November
Rise early and make your way to breakfast at the main piazza or alternatively you can enjoy your breakfast at your villa this morning. After breakfast, take your Madagascar safari to the water and spend the morning snorkelling through untouched coral reefs or experience a shipwreck scuba dive. After your underwater adventures, return to the island for lunch or refuel with a picnic lunch on your day out. The island offer a variety of activities to pursue during your afternoon – from on shore fly-fishing and cycling through the forests to kayaking around the coast line or witnessing turtles laying eggs on the beach. Spend the night under the stars with a fully catered sleep out experience or wind down at the resort with dinner and a drink at the main piazza.
Today marks the end of your stay at Miavana. After breakfast you will return to the mainland for your transfer to Hotel Colbert. Take in views of the island from the sky as you board your charter flight to Arrachart Airport and continue your journey with a scheduled, 2 hour flight to Ivato International Airport. Your driver will meet you at the airport to transport you back to Hotel Colbert for your final night in Madagascar. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at the hotel or explore the colonial buildings and monuments of the city and wander through the bustling markets to stock up on local trinkets before your journey home. Enjoy dinner in the city or return to the hotel for a french inspired dinner.
Situated in the heart of the city, Hotel Colbert boasts an restaurants dating back to 1928, a casual cafe with outdoor seating to soak up the buzz of ‘Tana’, a cosy bar to wind down after a long day of traveling, an in house spa, indoor heated swimming pool, gym and international casino.
Day 12 marks the end of your Madagascar safari experience. After a hearty breakfast at Hotel Colbert, your driver will transfer you to Ivato International Airport for your onward journey home.
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