Rock My Northern Madagascar Adventure
13 Nights from £3,295*
Tour Overview
Join us for an incredible expedition in the north of Madagascar!
Starting in the capital Antananarivo, or ‘Tana’ for short, we’ll fly to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) where we’ll spend our first few days exploring the Emerald Sea, Sakalava Bay, and Antsiranana city.
We’ll then head to Joffreville and Montagne d’Ambre National Park which has an abundance of wildlife including 8 different types of lemur.
Our next stop is the Ankarana Reserve (which has 11 species of lemur) and the famous Tsingy Rouge where we’ll hike and stay in a beautiful lodge set on a stunning lake.
We’ll visit Madagascar’s most famous cocoa and vanilla plantation on our way to the island of Nosy Komba. From here we’ll explore the Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park.
Our last stop is the beautiful island of Nosy Be where we’ll visit the beautiful Nosy Iranja, swim with whale sharks, and relax!
Jungle Park
Three Bays
Antsiranana
Montagne d’Ambre NP
Ankarana Special Reserve
Tsingy Rouge
Nosy Iranja
Nosy Be
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner in the capital, Antananarivo
- Relax in nature at the unique and beautiful Jungle Park
- Spend a day relaxing and snorkelling on a visit to the Three Bays and the Emerald Sea
- Take an Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) city tour
- Enjoy live music in Antsiranana
- Look for birds, reptiles and mammals (including lemurs) as we explore Montagne d’Ambre National Park
- See the incredible rock formations of the Tsingy Rouge
- Look for lemurs at the Ankarana Special Reserve
- Visit the Millot Plantation, one of Madagascar’s leading cocoa and vanilla plantations that supports local women
- Visit the Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park which is a great place for snorkelling.
- Enjoy sundowners on the beach in Nosy Komba
- Take a tour of Nosy Komba, an island famous for black lemurs
- Visit beautiful Nosy Iranja, also known locally as ‘Turtle Island’, as it’s a breeding ground for both hawksbill and green turtles
- Go on a whale shark excursion where you may have the opportunity to swim with these beautiful creatures (and see humpback whales, dolphins and rays)
- Learn about the Malagasy way of life and the Fady (beliefs – superstitions) that all Malagasy people live by from our amazing female Malagasy guide
What’s Included
- 13 nights accommodation
- 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 11 dinners
- All activities listed above
- Rock My Adventure group leader & local guides
- Comprehensive pre-departure information & support
- All transportation as per the itinerary & included activities (internal flight paid separately)
- Tips for local guides
Tour Dates
- 16 – 29 October 2023 SOLD OUT
Cost
Total – from £3,295 (approx.)*
- Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £2,130 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: €500 (local payment, paid on arrival)
- 4th Payment: $260 (approx. – internal flight – booked and paid separately)
* Total subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates
Notes
- This is a Rock My Adventure ‘Exploratory’ trip, therefore we are limiting places to 8 people MAX.
- This also means that it is a brand new Rock My Adventure trip and/or Helen’s first trip to this particular area (we’ve been to Madagascar before, just not the north) – so, we’ll be discovering it together.
- It may not always be perfect, but it will be an adventure.
- Saying that, our local guides know the area well, so you will be in good hands.
- Madagascar is generally a physically demanding place to travel, so please only sign up for this trip if you can handle the odd crazy journey, love adventure, and won’t stress if we have to change things around a little bit. 😊
- There is one internal flight between Antananarivo and Antsiranana which must be booked separately at a cost of between $160 – $280 – we will give you all the information you need to book this when you book your tour.
- You can fly out of Nosy Be or take a connecting flight back to Antananarivo (in which case you’ll be taking 2 internal flights).
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrive in Antananarivo (‘Tana’ for short) and transfer to your accommodation for the night.
Relax and get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome meal! Your Rock My Northern Madagascar Adventure starts here.
* If you have the time and can arrive earlier, we can organise any other activities you wish to do – this includes city tours, Lemurs’ Park or a Malagasy cooking class. Additional accommodation and activities charged separately.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 2: Antsiranana
Today we’ll fly to Northern Madagascar and the town of Antsiranana (also called Diego Suarez), Madagascar’s 5th largest town.
After dropping the bags off at the hotel, we’ll take a tour and explore the sights of the city.
This includes learning about the history of the area, a visit to the port, and the local market where you’ll be able to try some of the delicious Malagasy street food.
In the evening we’ll catch some live music and those who want to can enjoy the city’s nightlife.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Antsiranana City Tour
Day 3: Antsiranana (Jungle Park)
Today we’ll make an excursion to the Three Bays and the Emerald Sea.
We’ll drive to Ramena Beach which is known for its white sand beach and crystal clear, turquoise water lagoon aka ‘The Emerald Sea’. We’ll go snorkelling, relax on the beach and enjoy lunch prepared by a local chef before we return to our jungle home.
On the way, we’ll visit French Mountain to see the endemic baobab trees and the dry forest. We’ll see Nosy Longo aka ‘the Sugarloaf of Diego Suarez’, and learn about the history of the island.
On the way back to Diego Suarez we’ll visit Three Bays (Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay, and Dunes Bay).
Afterwards, we’ll make the short journey to Jungle Park, a unique eco-lodge where we’ll spend the next couple of nights. Welcome to paradise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Ramena Beach & Three Bays Excursion
Day 4: Antsiranana (Jungle Park)
After breakfast, we’ll visit and explore the famous Tsingy Rouge
A Tsingy is a name given to Madagascar’s unique razor-like limestone rock formations which are found around the country.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Jungle Park to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities.
Here they have a natural swimming pool, waterpark, and spa, plus activities such as birdwatching and mountain biking. You may even spot some lemurs.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Tsingy Rouge
Day 5: Joffreville & Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Today we’ll then make our way overland to Joffreville, where we’ll visit Montagne d’Ambre National Park which is located around 30km south of Antsiranana.
The park was established in 1958 and is known for its unique flora and fauna, waterfalls, and crater lakes. It is one of the most biologically diverse places in all of Madagascar with seventy-five species of birds, fifty-nine species of reptiles and twenty-five species of mammals, including 8 different types of lemurs, the ring-tailed mongoose and the Malagasy civet.
You will have the option to take an afternoon walk or you can relax at the lodge, the choice is yours.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Walk in Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Day 6: Ankarana Special Reserve
In the morning we’ll take a walk in Montagne d’Ambre National Park. Afterward, we’ll head toward Ankarana Special Reserve.
You’ll love our beautiful lodge which has a beautiful pool, and open-air massage facilities, overlooks a huge lake, and has the Ankarana massif as a backdrop, which makes sunset extra special (and it’s great for birding).
In the late afternoon, you will have the option to take a short hike up to Ambatomiloloha’s panoramic viewpoint for sundowners and fabulous views over the camp and lake or take a canoe trip out on the lake.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Walk in Montagne d’Ambre National Park
Day 7: Ankarana Special Reserve
We’ll spend the day exploring Ankarana Special Reserve.
Ankarana is one of the most accessible Tsingy regions in the country and known for its spectacular hiking routes. Amongst the Tsingy you’ll find numerous gorges and rivers and Ankarana has Africa’s largest interconnected cave network with a total of 120 kms.
A unique feature of the park is the perte des riviers, ‘the river hole’, a huge sinkhole in which 3 rivers merge and continue underground.
11 species of lemur live in the dry forest and amongst the Tsingy, including the crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur and the Ankarana sportive lemur.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Ankarana Special Reserve
Day 8: Ankify
We’ll make our way overland to the beautiful town of Ambanja, and the Millot Plantation (est. 1904), which is famous for cocoa and vanilla production as well as spices and essential oils.
The plantation employs over 800 people, most of whom are women and the plantation also supports the local school.
As we tour the plantation, we’ll learn about their production methods and visit the village within the grounds.
We’ll have lunch at the plantation farmhouse which includes dishes prepared with products grown on the farm.
From there, we’ll continue to the town of Ankify, the jumping-off point for the island of Nosy Be.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Millot Plantation
Day 9: Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely
We’ll head over to the island of Nosy Komba where we’ll drop off our bags before taking an excursion to the island of Nosy Tanikely which includes the Nosy Tanikely Marine National Park which is a great place for snorkelling.
Just a few steps from the beach you’ll find crystal-clear water with lots of marine life including coral, starfish, hawksbill sea turtles, lobsters, and plenty of fish.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can make the 30-minute climb up to the 1908 Lighthouse for panoramic views of the island.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Nosy Komba where we can relax and have sundowners on the beach.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Nosy Tanikely
Day 10: Nosy Komba
We’ll spend today exploring Nosy Komba.
During our excursion, we’ll take an island tour and visit a traditional fisherman’s village, visit artists, woodcarvers, weavers, and a local market.
Nosy Komba is also famous for its black lemurs that are very used to humans and there is a lemur sanctuary that you can visit (optional).
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Nosy Komba Tour
Day 11: Nosy Be & Nosy Iranja
We’ll leave Nosy Komba and take a morning boat transfer to Nosy Iranja, also known locally as ‘Turtle Island’.
Nosy Iranja encompasses two main islands that are connected by a fine white sandbank (the picture-perfect image of Madagascar,) which is visible at low tide and covered at high tide.
The island is a breeding ground for both hawksbill and green turtles. On the larger island, you’ll find a lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel who designed the Eiffel Tower.
We’ll have a buffet lunch under the shade of a coconut tree, visit the village of Iranja Be, see the ‘sugar loaf’ rocks, and pass by the small island of Nosy Antsoa on the way.
We’ll then head back to Nosy Be to enjoy the evening at our fabulous hotel and those who want to can sample the local nightlife.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Nosy Iranja
Day 12: Nosy Be & Whale Shark Excursion
Today we’ll head out on an excursion looking for the magnificent whale sharks that migrate to the warm waters of Nosy Be between September and December.
Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world, and despite being sharks, they are completely harmless to humans, only eating plankton, small fish, and shrimps.
Swimming with them is an unforgettable experience and we may even see some turtles, dolphins, humpback whales or Omura’s whales too.
The late afternoon and evening is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy the town.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Whale Shark Excursion
Day 13: Nosy Be
Today is a completely free day to explore Nosy Be or take part in one of the optional (own cost) activities on offer.
Optional activities include a day on the water humpback whale watching as August to November is the peak breeding and birthing season, when humpbacks gather in the warm waters of Nosy Be.
Other options include… a dophin spotting safari, exploring the nearby town or the island, cycling, hiking, horse riding, scuba diving, or visiting the Lokobe Strict reserve, the last primary forest of Nosy Be.
Lokobe is a protected area which known for black lemurs and the beautiful Nosy Be panther chameleon.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 14: Departure Day
Today is always a sad day as we say goodbye to our new friends, but the memories and shared experiences of Madagascar will last a lifetime!
*You can fly out directly from Nosy Be or take a flight back to Tana. If you fly back to Tana, you can either fly home in the evening, or we can arrange an extra hotel room for you that evening.
*You could also fly to the beautiful island of Nosy Boraha (Île Sainte-Marie) to spend a few days (that’s what I will be doing).
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None
- Activities: None
Please bear in mind that the itinerary is subject to minor changes, ‘This is Africa’! But whatever happens, we’ll ensure you have an amazing trip!!
Have a question? Feel free contact us here or take a look at our FAQ’s page.
Testimonials
“I knew it would be good but it exceeded my expectations.“
“This was my second Rock My Adventure tour. It was the trip of a lifetime with a great mix of culture and nature. I knew it would be good but it exceeded my expectations. The safaris were amazing, we saw so much. We saw so many animals up close, just like watching a wildlife programme in real life. I loved travelling in a group. It’s like travelling with friends. I am always apprehensive about meeting new people but everyone has a common interest and it’s not long before you’re enjoying sharing the holiday experience with them. The tour has a very personal touch and Helen really cares about everyone having their best experience. For me Helen’s knowledge, connections, care, attention and commitment to ensure everyone has a great time is exceptional.“
SUE | UK
“Every day after was as impressive as the last.”
“The Rock My Madagascar Adventure was incredible. We saw and experienced so much in such a short space of time. I especially loved Isalo National Park and Ranomafana. Hearing the indris calling in Andasibe was magical too. The trip to Tsingy was a real adventure. The roads are something else, but it was amazing. It was even fun when our car got stuck in a river. Helen was a great group leader, with endless energy and Stella was a wonderful and informative local guide – I feel like we learned a lot about the culture of Madagascar and the all-important ‘Fady’. It was great to travel with a group of like-minded people. Madagascar can be a rough place to travel, but we did it as a team and had SO MUCH FUN. I want to do it all again.”
LAURA | UK
“Definitely the best holiday I have ever been on.”
“Without a doubt the best tour I’ve ever been on. I loved every, single, bloody minute of this trip. From the minute it started in Nairobi I KNEW I was on the right tour. On meeting Helen and that instant connection of a kindred spirit. I even loved how we turned a long day of travel into a raving karaoke bus and had the best bloody day ever…just by having fun. I loved all the included activities and the optional ones too. I felt the itinerary we had was a good mix of everything, ensuring to see the best of the locations. Met my expectations, smashed passed them and blew right into the stratosphere. I wanted a slightly elevated tour, but without missing that connection to the people and the places, and this tour gave me all of that and more. YOU ROCKED MY ADVENTURE!!!”
MICHELLE | AUSTRALIA
Essential Info
Duration: 13 Nights
Dates:
- 16 – 29 October 2023 SOLD OUT
Start: Antananarivo
Finish: Nosy Be
Maximum Group Size: 9 people
Minimum Age: 18
Total Cost: from £3,295*
Dates:
- Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £2,130 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: €500 (local payment, paid on arrival)
- 4th Payment: $260 (approx. – internal flight – booked and paid separately)
* Subject to current USD/Euro to GBP exchange rates
Support
- Rock My Adventure group leader
- Local tour guides
- Comprehensive pre-departure information & planning advice
- Tips for local guides
Meals
- 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 11 dinners
Accommodation
- 13 nights of accommodation in good quality/unique safari camps, hostels, hotels, & guesthouses
Transport
- All transport within Madagascar to and from included excursions and between the main destinations on the tour (includes – taxi, safari vehicle, ferry, tuk tuk, boat, bus & minibus)
Activities
- Three Bays Excursion
- Antsiranana City Tour
- Montagne d’Ambre National Park
- Tsingy Rouge
- Ankarana Special Reserve
- Millot Plantation
- Nosy Tanikely
- Nosy Komba Tour
- Nosy Iranja
- Whale Shark Excursion
- International flights
- Internal flight(s)
- Airport transfers (however we can arrange these for you)
- Visas (if needed)
- Medications, antimalarials or vaccinations
- Travel/health insurance (required)
- Drinks & meals not mentioned
- Optional activities
- Transport for optional activities
You will make 3 payments for this tour:
- Deposit: Paid in GBP upon booking
- Balance: The remainder of the GBP balance (minus the deposit) paid 62 days before your arrival
- Local Payment: Paid on arrival to your tour leader in Africa
The local payment is part of the overall cost of the trip. You pay the local payment to your tour leader in Euros (unless specified otherwise) upon arrival in Africa.
This includes the on-tour expenses that we cannot pay prior to arrival, such as national park entry fees, meals, local transport, and some activities.
The local payment is NOT your spending money.
Travel insurance is essential for ALL Rock My Adventure trips.
Your health and safety when travelling is of the utmost importance, so it is vital that you have travel insurance policy that covers you for your trip to Africa. Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your contract with us and you will not be able to join a trip without it.
You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including cancellation charges, theft, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
Your insurance should also cover you for any adventurous activities that you wish to do – this includes the ‘included’ activities on the tour and any ‘optional’ activities.
Please be aware that some hazardous activities such as (but not limited to) white water rafting on grade 5 rapids, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, safari walks, bungee jumping and sky diving may not be covered by all policies, so you may have to take out a higher level of cover.
Medical care is not free in Africa and even the cost of getting to hospital can be super expensive, so you need to be covered in case of a medical emergency, including air ambulance evacuation and repatriation in the event of accident or illness.
For example, if your appendix bursts whilst on tour, you would need to be evacuated by helicopter/plane to a major city like Nairobi or Johannesburg.
Without insurance, you would need to pay for that out of your own pocket and this could equate to thousands of dollars.
If you are bringing along any electrical equipment such as cameras and laptops, you should also ensure your insurance covers those items too. Some policies only have this as an add-on.
If you are travelling to an area that is subject to foreign office warnings, this may void your travel insurance, so you may need to take out an additional policy for the days you are in the danger zones.
Please always read the small print.
Come to Africa! What are you waiting for?
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CONTACT INFO
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +447809710257
Address: 353 - 355 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EE
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