Embark on an unforgettable cruise discovering the baobabs of northern Madagascar with Cyrille Cornu
Lemurs & Endemics 10 days Charm & Character

Embark on an unforgettable cruise discovering the baobabs of northern Madagascar with Cyrille Cornu

Navigate to the Secret Baobabs of Northern Madagascar with a Recognized Specialist

From€3,305per person
13 years of local expertise4.93/5 (125 reviews including 72 Google)

Duration

10 days

From

€3,305/pers.

Ideal seasons

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Style

Navigation & Cruises

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends, senior

The spirit of travel

Aboard the catamaran MALOU, the turquoise waters of the northwest coast reveal their best-kept botanical treasures. Between Majunga and Nosy Be, each anchorage unveils populations of baobabs with rare species: the rubrostipa perched on the limestone tsingy of Moramba, the "floated baobabs" of Ambatosira seeming to emerge from the waters at high tide, or the giants of the Mahajamba estuary accessible only by sea.

Cyrille Cornu, explorer and recognized specialist of Malagasy baobabs, guides you on this unique naturalist expedition. His explanations illuminate each discovery: the nocturnal blooming of flowers visited by sphinx moths and nectar-feeding birds, then at dawn by sunbirds with iridescent reflections. The sites of Moramba bay, veritable jewels reminiscent of a miniature version of Halong Bay, harbor exceptional biodiversity where lemurs, fish eagles and parrots evolve between sharp tsingy and lush forests.

This cruise reveals a still little-known natural heritage, that of a secret Madagascar where baobabs tell the geological and cultural history of the Red Island, far from traditional circuits.

The stages of your journey

D1
Majunga
D2
Estuaire de Mahajamba
D3–4
Baie de Moramba
D5
Baie de Narindra
D6–7
Archipel des Radama
D8
Nosy Iranja
D9
Nosy Komba
D10
Nosy Be

Highlights

Expert specialized support
Baobabs accessible only by sea
Private catamaran 4 cabins
Exceptional marine biodiversity
Secret sites west coast
Night Bloom Observation

Day-by-day itinerary

Majunga
D1

Flight to Majunga departing from Antananarivo

Antananarivo - Majunga • Meet at Ivato Antananarivo airport to take the flight to Majunga on the west coast. Flight offered with Madagascar Airlines MD820: departure @ 08:00 - arrival in Majunga @ 09:10* Flight at your expense (but we can include it with an additional agency fee for ticket issuance). Flight times are indicative and subject to change by the Airline • Upon arrival at Philibert Tsiranana airport, airport welcome. We will head to our hotel, the Karibu Lodge, a perfectly located hotel in the residential area of La Corniche with a panoramic view of the seafront.
D2

Visit to the baobabs of Majunga before departing for adventure

Majunga - Mahajamba Estuary • After an early breakfast, we will visit the baobabs in the city of Majunga. Among the most remarkable, the one on the waterfront which measures 22 meters in circumference, one of the most impressive on the island. We will then take a tour of the market to meet the sellers of baobab bark and fruit. • We will board our cruise sailing boat, the MALOU where we will take our cabins before having lunch on board during the navigation that will take us to the Mahajamba estuary. This first navigation will take us to the Mahajamba estuary where superb populations of baobabs live along the banks. We will visit a little-known baobab alley and sleep in the sailing boat offshore.
Baie de Moramba
D3

Moramba Bay, a jewel of Malagasy biodiversity Mahajamba Estuary - Moramba Bay

Mahajamba Estuary - Moramba Bay • Early in the morning, we will weigh anchor, heading to Moramba Bay. Accessible only by sea, Moramba Bay is one of the most beautiful sites in Madagascar. For two days, we will visit the area to admire, as the tides allow, baobabs and paradise-like nature. Sharp tsingy border the creeks of the place. Offshore they form strange islets that recall those of the famous Halong Bay but in miniature version. Lemurs, fish eagles and other parrots live here in perfect harmony. Lush forests occupy the summit of limestone islets with steep relief. Among this vegetation, baobabs of the rubrostipa species stand majestically perched on the rock by the seaside. As evening falls, we will have the chance to witness a spectacle of rare beauty: the blooming of baobab flowers. With a bit of luck, we will be able to observe their nocturnal visitors, among which the sphinx, majestic moths, and the phaneres, discreet lemurs with large curious eyes. Then, at dawn, the sunbirds, small birds with iridescent reflections similar to hummingbirds, as well as bees, will come in turn to feed on the flowers still open, offering a moment of exceptional poetry and natural richness.
Baie de Moramba
D4

Moramba Bay, a jewel of Malagasy biodiversity Mahajamba Estuary - Moramba Bay

Continuation of the exploration of Moramba Bay with observation of biodiversity and rubrostipa baobabs.
D5

The Flooded Baobabs of Ambatosira

• Located at the entrance of Narindra Bay, approximately sixty kilometers north of Moramba Bay, the Ambatosira site is a small marvel! Its name means salt stone. The place is thus locally named because of the presence of large rocky bars whose whiteness is reminiscent of salt. Among the vegetation, baobabs! The local inhabitants call them floating baobabs because they live a few meters from the sea which at high tide gives the impression that they are floating...
Archipel des Radama
D6

The Radama Archipelago

Narindra Bay - Radama Archipelago • Head 80 kilometers North! The Radama archipelago, composed of four coral islets, is a little corner of paradise. Set in turquoise waters and mangroves, some islets are home to baobabs. On the agenda, the southernmost island, Nosy Valiha. Baobabs of the digitata species grow there about ten meters from the sea at the edge of the forest. They may not have been planted by man… We will make a stop along the coast at the level of the village of Anorotsangana where we will go to observe a settlement of baobabs of the madagascariensis species. These should be in flower at the time of our passage…
Archipel des Radama
D7

The Radama Archipelago

Continuation of the exploration of the Radama Archipelago with observation of digitata and madagascariensis baobabs.
D8

Nosy Iranja

Radama Archipelago - Nosy Iranja • No baobabs here, but translucent waters, turquoise green, and a vast beach inviting you to swim. It is also a famous site for its frequentation by sea turtles that come here to nest. With luck, we will be able to witness hatchings. Impossible not to stop to enjoy the beauty of the place!
Nosy Komba
D9

The baobab of Nosy Komba

Nosy Iranja - Nosy Komba • To conclude our journey, we will reach the famous island of Nosy Be. Along the way, we will make a stop on the islet of Nosy Antsoa, a protected nature reserve, home to several species of lemurs and remarkable flora. Then we will head to the island of Nosy Komba where fauna and flora thrive in a natural balance. We will walk between peaceful beaches and lush vegetation, in a calm and preserved atmosphere, to visit a very special baobab of the za species. For our last night at sea, we will anchor off the beautiful island of Nosy Komba.
Nosy Be
D10

Disembarkation at Nosy Be Hell Ville port in the morning

Nosy Komba - Nosy Be • Last breakfast on board our wonderful catamaran before disembarking in Nosy Be Hell-ville. END OF OUR SERVICES. Misaotra betsaka We can arrange additional services if needed, please contact us.

Price per person

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International flights
  • The domestic flight Antananarivo Majunga
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Extra activities
  • Single room supplement = 45 EUR per person
  • Tips, beverages and personal expenses
  • Cancellation insurance, repatriation and emergency medical expenses
  • The stay in Nosy Be at the end of the cruise
  • Airport transfers in Tana

Included

  • Accompaniment by Cyrille Cornu
  • Accommodation in double / twin room with half-board at Karibu Lodge in Majunga
  • The MALOU catamaran > Salina 48 Catamaran, 4 double cabins with private en-suite - 1 deck shower, diving on request, 12V-220V electricity,
  • The crew on board (skipper, cook...)
  • Full board during the cruise, excluding beverages
  • The entrance fees for the visited sites
  • Mandatory local guides in marine and terrestrial parks and reserves
  • Airport/hotel transfer to/from Majunga

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)

  • Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price

  • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.

Your travel documents

  • Your valid passport,

  • Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,

  • Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -

  • Your vaccination record, not mandatory,

  • Your blood group card if possible.

Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory

Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.

This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.

From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!

Choose the plan that best suits you:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complementary Credit Card

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Noro, Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana
13years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Wild West

Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo

For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.

Noro

Deposit funds guarantee Secure payment 7/7 assistance4.93/5