Hiking and Navigation in Sakalavas Land

Aboard our vehicle, we take the road in the direction of Ankarafantsika National Park. It is the largest park in the northwest of Madagascar and is located about a hundred kilometers from the city of Majunga.

From our arrival, we will discover the natural riches of this mosaic of dense evergreen forest (with persistent foliage) and dry deciduous forest (with deciduous foliage) populated by different species of lemurs, more than 120 species of birds, chameleons, iguanas, freshwater turtles and also Nile crocodiles.

All morning, we continue our exploration of the park.

After lunch, we head towards Antsohihy. We drive through numerous villages, as well as vast stretches of savanna.

We stop in Antsohihy where we spend the night in a local hotel.

We hike from the village towards the interior. Life is everywhere present in this shrubby savanna. Villagers go about their daily activities.

Then, returning to the coast, the Tsingy barrier creates very beautiful coves ideal for swimming.

On the limestone massifs, dense forests shelter colonies of mischievous lemurs and majestic birds.

Another curiosity of these places, a very significant presence of baobabs with reddish trunks. They reign as masters over this peaceful peninsula.

For our second evening, we camp on the beach near the village.

After a hearty breakfast ashore, we return to our dhow. With anchor aweigh, we set course north toward an island with a particular history. Nosy Lava once housed a notorious penal colony on this paradise island. Weather permitting, we will then go ashore to explore this chapter of Madagascar's history. The penal colony has been closed since the early 2000s.

During these sailing passages, we take time to go in the water, to swim, and to discover the abundant marine life in these places. We leave behind to the west, the small island of Nosy Saba. A luxury hotel complex has just been built there. Difficult to spot, it is perfectly integrated into the island's landscape. We make our way to the coast of Grande Terre to establish our evening camp at Maro Antsatsaka or Ampasy Mirehoko, depending on tidal and weather conditions.

Once on board, we raise the heavy cotton sails so the wind carries us north. After a morning of sailing, we reach the south of the Radama archipelago. As we progress further, you will become aware that no road, no land access allows you to reach the coast between northern Majunga and Nosy Be.

Totally preserved and of rare diversity, the Radama Archipelago strings its islands like pearls in the Mozambique Channel. All unique, on foot, we discover them and we will go to meet a quiet world with unsuspected richness. And this evening, yet another dream camp under the starry vault.

We leave the island of Nosy Antany Faly. On the way, we take the opportunity to dive on magnificent coral reefs. The magic is also aquatic, multicolored fish, corals of all kinds.

We land on the large white beach of Ambatofotsy. As we stroll around, we discover the village and its surroundings.

In the cool of the morning, we set out on a hiking expedition to discover a new world.

Throughout our journey, we approach the mangrove and its dense forests of mangrove trees. Freshwater streams with shrimp remind us of the purity of these places. The primary forest is intact, with immense tree-dwelling bats having taken refuge there.

We will also search for high points to embrace with our gaze the magnificent landscape of the Radama. We return to our camp, our routines and the beautiful moments shared together.

The morning winds push us along the coast. The Radama Islands remain behind us and stand out against the horizon, Kalakajoro, Berafia…

The great "Fjord" of Ambariomena now opens before the bow of our dhow. We enter this refuge where, for centuries, boats have made a habit of taking shelter and resting. This very long corridor is dotted with villages, small coves and stretches inland towards the sacred mountain of the Sakalava. The omnipresent primary forest is home to very diverse fauna and birdlife. The mangrove, meanwhile, runs along the dense and difficult-to-penetrate shores. Life is present everywhere, on the water where pirogues and dhows come and go, on the shore where the soft sounds of villages mingle with the songs of animals. At night, the silence of the boats is deafening, while we simply enjoy it.

The dhow sails close to the rocks of the Great Land. The volcanic peaks mark a clear change, we are entering the Nosy Be region. The basalt reefs rise from the water like inaccessible sugar loaves.

Nosy Ankasoberaviny: diving on this coral site is particularly beautiful, it is a must. In recent years, this protected place has regained exceptional marine fauna and flora.

Nosy Be reveals itself to us at the far end of the immense bay. Here, marine life is abundant and can be spotted during well-defined periods. Whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, the rare Omura's whale, a multitude of dolphin species, sea turtles… Nosy Be bay is a unique, fascinating but very fragile ecosystem.

We breathe the final moments of this beautiful journey. The song of the rigging, the golden light of sunset, a breathtaking landscape. Gently pushed by this delightful thermal wind, our heads full of memories of this Sakalava coast and our hearts at peace, we reach Madirokely beach with the setting sun… a magical moment!

Accommodation in Nosy Be: Heure Bleue in a bungalow with feet in the water or similar

Explore freely the Island of Perfumes and its surroundings.

Numerous activities available from the hotel: water sports, fishing, swimming and snorkelling, island tours and sea outings, motorcycle, quad and bicycle rentals, pirogue excursion in the Lokobe Reserve, village visits, a visit to an essential oils distillery at Domaine de Florette, market strolls, to the sacred tree or even to the waterfall…

We recommend a trip to Mont Passot, from which you can enjoy a magnificent sunset.

Your hotel reception will be able to advise and direct you for all these activities.

Activities and visits at your own expense. Possibility to organize excursions and activities on request, please contact us.

Free time in Nosy Be according to your domestic flight schedule.

Transfer to Nosy Be Fascene airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Depending on flight schedules, you will be welcomed at Antananarivo airport by the Détours Madagascar team and will visit the capital.

Evening transfer to the airport, assistance with boarding for your flight to Paris, overnight flight.