Stay : The tour of the must-sees
A direct and no-frills itinerary for those who wish to enjoy the main local tourist attractions without spending long hours on the road. Baobab Alley, Tsingy of Bemaraha, Nosy Be archipelago and Sainte-Marie whales, the magic quartet of Malagasy tourism is easily accessible in less than two weeks thanks to air links.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
13 days
€€€ - Luxury
Where to stay - Tana - Antananarivo ?
The map of your stay - Madagascar
Detail of the stay : The tour of the must-sees - 13 days
Day 1: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Arrival in Tananarive. Stroll on the cobblestones of the upper city from the Independence Square to the Queen's Palace to see the surrounding sacred hills, the Voyron fort, the zoological and botanical park of Tsimbazaza, the Mahamasina stadium or the Anosy and Mandroseza lakes. Night in Tananarive.
Day 2: Baobab Alley
Steps: Morondava
One hour flight to Morondava on the west coast. Transfer of about twenty kilometers by road to the legendary baobab alley. It is the most photographed site of the country with its majestic alignment of three of the seven endemic species that Madagascar has. Do not forget to surprise the two baobabs in love. Return to Morondava after sunset.
Day 3: Bekopaka
Steps: Belo-Sur-Tsiribihina
Departure to the north to reach Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. After three hours of driving, lunch and visit of the local market. There are still 90 kilometres of track to go to Bekopaka, on the other side of the Manambolo River, which is crossed by ferry or canoe. Tsingy National Park is nearby. Night in Bekopaka.
Day 4: De de Bemaraha
Steps: Tsingy De Bemaraha
Morning walk in the labyrinth of the little Tsingy of Bemaraha, nice taste of the big, then descent into canoes in the afternoon in the steep gorges of the river Manambolo. In the evening, walking in the surrounding forest in search and listening to nocturnal animals, including lemurs with green eyes. Night in Bekopaka.
Day 5: Tsingy of Bemaraha
Steps: Morondava
A rather sporty morning hike in the Great Tsingy with ladders, carabiners and harnesses to climb this majestic limestone cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once at the top you will discover one of the most beautiful geological spectacles ever produced by nature. Transfer back in the afternoon to Morondava.
Day 6: Tananarive - Nosy Be
Steps: Hell-Ville - Andoany, Andilana
Flight to Nosy Be (1h30) via Tananarive (1h). Once arrived at the airport of Fascène, you can go to Hell-Ville, the chief town of the archipelago to stroll in particular on the old port, or go directly to Ambatokala or to Andilana to put your suitcase and enjoy the most beautiful beaches of the island.
Day 7: Nosy Be
In Nosy Be, there are the beaches of course, but it is also possible to have a good time by visiting a ylang-ylang distillery (a tree of the Annonaceae family, whose distilled flower is used in perfumery) or by walking in the Lokobe natural reserve, in the south-east of the island, to meet lemurs, chameleons and big reptiles.
Day 8: Nosy Tanikely
Steps: Nosy Tanikely
An hour by boat from Nosy Be is the island of Nosy Tanikely, a sort of giant aquarium for snorkeling or diving. The coral reef is populated with turtles, clown fish, groupers, barracudas and other moray eels frolicking in the bright water. The beaches are an invitation to swim. No lodging on site.
Day 9: Tananarive - Sainte-Marie
Flight back to Tananarive (1h30) before getting back on the plane to Sainte-Marie (1h flight) which is quietly anchored off the east coast. Once landed on the tiny airport located in the south of the island, it is difficult not to fall in love with this small piece of land.
Day 10: Sainte-Marie
The main attraction of Sainte-Marie is the great spectacle of humpback whales that come to reproduce or give birth every year between July and September in the channel that separates the small island from the Big Island. The females will then leave in groups with their calves towards the southern seas, well escorted by the males.
Day 11: Sainte-Marie
Steps: Sainte-Marie
In addition to the inevitable whale watching, Sainte-Marie offers many activities for those who would not like to linger on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Snorkeling, diving, visiting the pirate cemetery, mountain biking... Ile aux Nattes, which can be reached by pirogue from the southern tip, is also an unmissable sight.
Day 12: Tananarive
Steps: Tana - Antananarivo
Flight to Tananarive to avoid the interminable return by boat and then by taxi-brousse which would make you lose the whole day. Once back in the capital, visit the market of Andravoahangy, north-east of the city center, and the covered market ofAnalakely in the lower town to buy souvenirs. Last night in Tananarive.
ANALAKELY
Day 13: Tananarive
Return flight, possibly taking advantage of La Digue's craft market on the way to the airport.
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