Madagascar

Visa on arrival and airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Fill out the visa form on arrival — free for stays under 30 days. Change money at the airport BICM bureau (better rates than hotels). Pre-arrange hotel transfer — taxi from airport to city center costs 60,000-80,000 MGA

Check into hotel in Haute Ville(1 hour)

Stay in the Haute Ville (upper town) near Analakely for the best access. Hotel Sakamanga is a popular mid-range choice from 100,000 MGA/night with character and good food

Evening walk around Lac Anosy(1 hour)

The lake in central Tana is ringed by jacaranda trees (spectacular when blooming Oct-Nov). Walk carefully — sidewalks are uneven and pickpocketing occurs. Don't carry valuables visibly

Dinner at Hotel Sakamanga restaurant(1.5 hours)

Excellent Malagasy cuisine. Try ravitoto (pork with crushed cassava leaves) or romazava (beef and greens broth). Mains 15,000-30,000 MGA. Live music some evenings

Drive from Tana to Andasibe(3 hours)

Hire a 4x4 with driver (~€50-60/day). The RN2 road is paved and scenic, passing rice paddies and red-earth highlands. Stop at Marozevo for a reptile farm if interested

Check into Vakona Lodge or Feon'ny Ala(30 minutes)

Vakona Lodge (~€80-120/night) is set in the forest. Feon'ny Ala is the budget option (40,000-60,000 MGA) right at the park entrance

Afternoon guided walk in Analamazaotra Reserve(3 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus mandatory guide (~40,000 MGA). The indri's eerie wailing calls carry for 3 km through the forest. You'll also see diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, and chameleons. The guides have incredible eyes for spotting wildlife

Night walk for nocturnal species(1.5 hours)

Separate guided night walk (~30,000 MGA) to spot mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, and tiny brookesia chameleons. Bring a headlamp and good shoes — the forest floor is muddy

Early morning Mantadia hike(3 hours)

The Mantadia section is less visited and more pristine than Analamazaotra. Steeper trails through primary rainforest. Look for black-and-white ruffed lemurs and the sacred waterfall. Entry included in your park ticket if visited the same day

Lunch at park entrance restaurants(1 hour)

Simple Malagasy meals — rice with zebu stew or chicken for 8,000-15,000 MGA. The food is basic but filling

Drive back to Antananarivo(3 hours)

Return via RN2. Stop at a roadside vanilla seller if you see one — vanilla pods from 5,000-10,000 MGA each, far cheaper than in Tana

Dinner at La Varangue(1.5 hours)

Tana's finest restaurant in a colonial-era building. Franco-Malagasy cuisine. Duck breast with vanilla sauce, zebu steak. Mains 30,000-60,000 MGA. Book ahead

Flight from TNR to Morondava(1 hour)

Tsaradia (Air Madagascar domestic) flies this route. Book well in advance — flights are small and fill up. Check-in at Ivato domestic terminal

Check into hotel in Morondava(30 minutes)

Palissandre Cote Ouest is the best option (~€60-100/night) with a pool and beach. Chez Maggie is a popular budget choice (40,000-60,000 MGA)

Afternoon at Morondava Beach(2 hours)

Relax on the wide sandy beach facing the Mozambique Channel. Warm water year-round. Local fishermen bring in the day's catch — you can buy fresh prawns grilled on the spot

Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs(2 hours)

Drive 20 km north on the dirt road to the iconic avenue of 800-year-old Grandidier's baobabs. Arrive 1 hour before sunset for the best light. Free access (locals may request a donation of ~2,000 MGA). One of the most photographed sites in Africa

Sunrise at the Avenue of the Baobabs(1.5 hours)

The sunrise light turns the baobabs golden against a pink sky. Fewer people than sunset. Bring a tripod if you have one

Drive to Kirindy Forest(1.5 hours)

60 km north of Morondava on a rough dirt road. The forest is the best place in Madagascar to spot the elusive fossa (a cat-like predator)

Guided walk in Kirindy(3 hours)

Entry plus guide ~50,000-70,000 MGA. Look for giant jumping rats, red-fronted brown lemurs, and Verreaux's sifakas. The dry deciduous forest is very different from the eastern rainforests

Return to Morondava for sunset dinner(2 hours)

Seafood dinner at Chez Maggie or the hotel. Grilled crayfish and zebu brochettes with the sunset over the channel. Mains 15,000-30,000 MGA

Flight from Morondava to TNR(1 hour)

Return flight on Tsaradia. Afternoon arrival gives you time to explore Tana

Rova of Antananarivo (Queen's Palace)(1.5 hours)

The hilltop royal palace complex is being restored after a 1995 fire. The views over the city are stunning even if the interiors are limited. Entry ~10,000 MGA

Analakely Market(1 hour)

Tana's bustling central market. Spices, vanilla, handicrafts, and raw energy. Keep belongings secure — this is a pickpocket hotspot. Great for photos and souvenir shopping

Farewell dinner at Cafe de la Gare(1.5 hours)

In the old train station. Good Franco-Malagasy menu, live music on weekends. Zebu fillet 25,000-40,000 MGA. Three Horses Beer (THB) is the local brew — 5,000 MGA

Morning souvenir shopping(1.5 hours)

La Route des Epices near the airport has packaged vanilla, spices, and handicrafts at fair prices. Remember: up to 2 kg of vanilla is allowed for personal export. Never buy wildlife products

Last Malagasy meal(1 hour)

One final plate of rice with laoka (accompaniment). Or a romazava if you've fallen in love with it. Madagascar's food is underrated

Airport transfer and departure(1 hour)

Allow 3 hours before international flights at Ivato. The airport is 20 km from the city center — 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Pay departure tax if not included in ticket

Visa on arrival and airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Free visa for stays under 30 days. Change money at airport BICM bureau. Pre-arrange hotel transfer — taxi 60,000-80,000 MGA to city center

Check into Hotel Sakamanga(1 hour)

Popular mid-range choice in Haute Ville from 100,000 MGA/night. Good restaurant and helpful staff for arranging onward travel

Evening walk around Lac Anosy(1 hour)

Lake ringed by jacaranda trees. Walk carefully — keep valuables hidden

Dinner at Hotel Sakamanga(1.5 hours)

Ravitoto (pork with crushed cassava leaves) or romazava. Mains 15,000-30,000 MGA. Live music some evenings

Drive from Tana to Andasibe(3 hours)

Hire 4x4 with driver (~€50-60/day). RN2 is paved. Stop at Marozevo reptile farm if interested

Check into Vakona Lodge(30 minutes)

Set in the forest, ~€80-120/night. Feon'ny Ala is the budget option at the park entrance

Guided walk in Analamazaotra Reserve(3 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide ~40,000 MGA. Spot indri, diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, and chameleons

Night walk(1.5 hours)

Separate guided walk (~30,000 MGA). Mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, tiny brookesia chameleons

Early morning Mantadia hike(4 hours)

Less visited, more pristine. Look for black-and-white ruffed lemurs and the sacred waterfall. Steep trails through primary rainforest

Lunch at park entrance(1 hour)

Simple Malagasy meals — rice with zebu stew 8,000-15,000 MGA

Vakona Private Reserve lemur island(1.5 hours)

The lodge runs boat trips to their lemur island where habituated lemurs will jump on your shoulders. ~30,000 MGA. Touristy but fun

Second night walk(1.5 hours)

Different trail tonight for different species. The forest transforms completely at night

Drive Andasibe to Ranomafana(8 hours)

Via Tana and south on RN7. The road is paved but slow. Stop in Ambositra for lunch — it's the woodcarving capital of Madagascar

Lunch in Ambositra(1 hour)

Browse the Zafimaniry woodcarving workshops (UNESCO intangible heritage). Buy intricate carved boxes or statues from 10,000-50,000 MGA

Arrive at Ranomafana and check in(30 minutes)

Centre ValBio or Hotel Thermal are good options near the park entrance. Budget lodges from 40,000 MGA/night

Evening at the thermal baths(1 hour)

The town is named 'hot water' for its thermal springs. Natural hot pools — a perfect soak after the long drive. Entry ~5,000 MGA

Morning guided rainforest walk(4 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. Look for the rare golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka, and greater bamboo lemur. The forest is damp and hilly — wear waterproof boots

Lunch at park restaurant(1 hour)

Basic but decent meals. Rice with chicken or fish 10,000-15,000 MGA

Afternoon walk to secondary viewpoints(2 hours)

The park has multiple trail circuits. Take the Varibolo trail for a different perspective and a chance to see brown mouse lemurs

Night walk in Ranomafana(1.5 hours)

The park's night walks (~30,000 MGA) reveal mouse lemurs, chameleons, and frogs. Ranomafana has exceptional nocturnal biodiversity

Drive Ranomafana to Ranohira/Isalo(5.5 hours)

Continue south on RN7. The landscape transforms dramatically — lush forest gives way to savanna and sandstone formations. Stop at Anja Community Reserve near Ambalavao to see ring-tailed lemurs (entry 30,000 MGA)

Ring-tailed lemurs at Anja Reserve(1 hour)

Community-run reserve with habituated ring-tailed lemurs climbing on boulders. Much easier to photograph than in the wild. Guides included in entry

Check into Ranohira hotel(30 minutes)

Le Relais de la Reine is the top choice (~€100/night) with pool and Isalo views. Budget options in Ranohira town from 50,000 MGA

Sunset at Isalo's Window(1.5 hours)

Drive to the famous 'Window of Isalo' viewpoint for sunset — the sandstone arch frames the setting sun. Free access. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset

Natural Pool (Piscine Naturelle) hike(4 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. The signature hike follows a canyon to a crystal-clear natural swimming pool fed by a waterfall. Bring swimwear — the water is cool and refreshing after the hot hike

Packed lunch by the pools(1 hour)

Your hotel can prepare a packed lunch. Eat by the natural pool surrounded by pandanus palms and sandstone cliffs

Blue Pool and Namaza Trail(2.5 hours)

Continue to the Blue Pool — deeper and more dramatic than the Natural Pool. The Namaza trail passes through canyon narrows and sacred Bara burial caves

Sundowner back at the hotel(1 hour)

Watch the Isalo massif turn orange and pink in the last light. Three Horses Beer (THB) at the pool

Drive Ranohira to Morondava(8 hours)

Via Sakaraha and RN35. This road is partially unpaved and rough in places — a 4x4 is essential. Carry extra fuel and water. The reward is reaching baobab country

Lunch stop in Sakaraha(1 hour)

Small town with basic restaurants. Rice and zebu for 8,000-12,000 MGA. Stock up on water and snacks

Arrive in Morondava and check in(30 minutes)

Palissandre Cote Ouest (~€60-100/night) or Chez Maggie (40,000-60,000 MGA)

Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs(1.5 hours)

20 km north on a dirt road. 800-year-old Grandidier's baobabs in golden sunset light. Free access (small donation to locals). Madagascar's most iconic image

Sunrise at the Avenue of the Baobabs(1.5 hours)

Golden morning light on the baobabs against pink sky. Fewer people than sunset

Drive to Kirindy Forest(1.5 hours)

60 km north on rough dirt road. Best place in Madagascar for the elusive fossa

Guided walk in Kirindy(3 hours)

Entry plus guide ~50,000-70,000 MGA. Giant jumping rats, red-fronted brown lemurs, Verreaux's sifakas

Return for beach sunset(2 hours)

Seafood dinner on Morondava beach. Grilled crayfish and zebu brochettes 15,000-30,000 MGA

Sleep in and lazy breakfast(2 hours)

After days of early mornings and long drives, sleep until you wake naturally

Morondava town and market walk(1.5 hours)

The local market is colorful and authentic — fruit, spices, dried fish. Buy vanilla pods directly (5,000-10,000 MGA each)

Beach afternoon(3 hours)

Relax on the wide sandy beach. Watch the fishing pirogues come and go. Warm Mozambique Channel water

Sunset drinks and dinner(2 hours)

Fresh grilled prawns from the beach fishermen. Negotiate the price before cooking — 20,000-40,000 MGA for a generous plate

Flight Morondava to TNR(1 hour)

Morning Tsaradia flight. Check luggage through if connecting same day

Connect to Nosy Be flight(1 hour)

Tsaradia or Air Madagascar to Fascene Airport (NOS) on Nosy Be. Flights ~$150-250. The island is off the northwest coast

Transfer to beach hotel(30 minutes)

Stay in Ambatoloaka for budget (~50,000-80,000 MGA/night) or Andilana Beach for luxury (~€150-300). Tuk-tuks and taxis available from the airport

Beach evening and dinner(2 hours)

Settle into island mode. Fresh seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Grilled lobster from 40,000 MGA — a fraction of international prices

Hell-Ville market(1.5 hours)

Nosy Be's main town has a lively market with spices, vanilla, tropical fruit, and local crafts. The name comes from French Governor de Hell, not infernal associations

Lemuria Land (Lokobe approach)(2 hours)

Visit a private reserve near Lokobe to see black lemurs, chameleons, and boas. Entry ~30,000-50,000 MGA with guide. The black lemurs here are habituated and curious

Sacred Crater Lakes(1.5 hours)

Lac Sacre (Sacred Lake) has local fady — don't point at it or swim. Beautiful emerald water in a volcanic crater. A spiritual place for the Sakalava people

Sunset dinner at Chez Loulou(1.5 hours)

Beachfront in Ambatoloaka. The catch of the day grilled with garlic and lime, 25,000-40,000 MGA. Rum arrange (fruit-infused rum) is the island drink

Boat to Nosy Komba(30 minutes)

Organize through your hotel (~80,000-120,000 MGA per person for full day trip including both islands). Traditional outrigger or motorboat

Nosy Komba village and lemurs(2 hours)

Small island with a village of artisans and habituated black lemurs that sit on your head. Buy hand-embroidered tablecloths — the island's specialty

Snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely(2 hours)

Marine reserve entry 25,000 MGA. Excellent coral, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Snorkel gear usually provided. The water clarity is exceptional

Seafood lunch on the beach(1 hour)

The boat crew grills fresh fish and seafood on the beach. Included in most tour prices. Cold THB beer from the cooler

Morning beach swim(1.5 hours)

One last dip in the warm Indian Ocean. The bathtub-temperature water of Andilana Beach is hard to leave

Last souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Vanilla pods, ylang-ylang essential oil, hand-embroidered textiles, and carved wooden lemurs. Remember the 2 kg vanilla export limit

Flight Nosy Be to TNR and international connection(3 hours)

Allow plenty of buffer time for connections at Ivato. Domestic and international terminals are separate but close. Madagascar's airline schedules can shift — confirm the day before

Visa on arrival and airport transfer(1.5 hours)

Free visa for under 30 days. Change money at BICM bureau. Taxi to city center 60,000-80,000 MGA

Check into Hotel Sakamanga(1 hour)

Haute Ville, from 100,000 MGA/night. Central location

Evening walk around Lac Anosy(1 hour)

Jacaranda-ringed lake. Keep valuables hidden

Dinner at Sakamanga restaurant(1.5 hours)

Ravitoto or romazava. Mains 15,000-30,000 MGA

Rova of Antananarivo (Queen's Palace)(1.5 hours)

Hilltop royal palace complex. Views over the city. Entry ~10,000 MGA

Analakely Market(1.5 hours)

Tana's bustling central market — spices, vanilla, handicrafts. Keep belongings secure

Lunch at La Varangue(1.5 hours)

Tana's finest restaurant. Duck with vanilla sauce, zebu steak. Mains 30,000-60,000 MGA

Ambohimanga Royal Hill (UNESCO)(3 hours)

Sacred royal site 21 km north. Entry 10,000 MGA plus guide. The blue palace of King Andrianampoinimerina and sacred fig tree. A profound window into pre-colonial Madagascar

Drive Tana to Andasibe(3 hours)

4x4 with driver ~€50-60/day. Paved RN2 through rice paddies and highlands

Check into Vakona Lodge(30 minutes)

Forest setting, ~€80-120/night

Guided walk in Analamazaotra(3 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. Indri, diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, chameleons

Night walk(1.5 hours)

~30,000 MGA. Mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, brookesia chameleons

Mantadia deep forest hike(4 hours)

Primary rainforest, steeper trails. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs, sacred waterfall

Lunch at park entrance(1 hour)

Rice with zebu stew 8,000-15,000 MGA

Vakona lemur island(1.5 hours)

Boat trip to habituated lemur island. ~30,000 MGA. They jump on your shoulders

Night walk on different trail(1.5 hours)

Different species appear on different trails

Drive Andasibe to Ranomafana(8 hours)

Via Tana and south on RN7. Paved but slow

Lunch in Ambositra(1 hour)

Zafimaniry woodcarving workshops (UNESCO). Carved boxes 10,000-50,000 MGA

Arrive at Ranomafana(30 minutes)

Centre ValBio or Hotel Thermal near park entrance. Budget lodges from 40,000 MGA

Thermal baths(1 hour)

Natural hot springs. Entry ~5,000 MGA. Perfect soak after long drive

Morning rainforest walk(4 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. Golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka. Wear waterproof boots

Lunch at park restaurant(1 hour)

Rice with chicken 10,000-15,000 MGA

Varibolo trail(2 hours)

Different perspective, brown mouse lemurs

Night walk(1.5 hours)

~30,000 MGA. Exceptional nocturnal biodiversity — mouse lemurs, chameleons, frogs

Sleep in and late breakfast(2 hours)

Rest those legs. The hotel terrace overlooking the forest is a perfect reading spot

Ranomafana village walk(1.5 hours)

The small town has a lively market and friendly locals. Buy fresh fruit and vanilla

Tea plantation visit(2 hours)

The Sahambavy tea estate near Fianarantsoa is one of Madagascar's few tea producers. Tours available. Buy fresh tea directly

Thermal baths and evening rest(1.5 hours)

Second soak in the hot springs. You've earned it

Drive to Fianarantsoa(2 hours)

Short drive on RN7. Fianarantsoa ('place of good learning') has a charming old town

Fianarantsoa old town walk(1.5 hours)

The hilltop vieille ville has French colonial buildings, churches, and a seminary. Quiet, atmospheric, and overlooked by tourists

Board the FCE train(1 hour)

The forest railway runs to Manakara on the coast (12+ hours). Departs around 7 AM on scheduled days (check locally — timetable is flexible). First class ~30,000 MGA. The journey crosses 67 bridges and passes through dense forest

Overnight on the train or in Manakara(Evening)

The train arrives late evening or next morning depending on conditions. An authentic and unforgettable Madagascar experience — bring food and water

Manakara beach morning(2 hours)

The Indian Ocean beach is wide and wild — strong currents make swimming risky. Walk and watch the fishermen launch their pirogues

Canal des Pangalanes boat trip(3 hours)

A series of natural and man-made canals running 600 km along the coast. Take a pirogue ride through villages, coconut groves, and mangroves. ~30,000-50,000 MGA

Lunch at a Manakara restaurant(1 hour)

Fresh seafood — grilled shrimp and rice 10,000-20,000 MGA. The east coast cuisine uses more coconut and vanilla than the highlands

Return by road to Ranomafana area(4 hours)

Or stay overnight in Manakara if you prefer. The return drive via RN12 is scenic but rough

Drive to Isalo via Ambalavao(5 hours)

Stop at Anja Community Reserve for ring-tailed lemurs (30,000 MGA entry). Continue through grasslands to Ranohira

Anja Reserve ring-tailed lemurs(1 hour)

Community-run reserve, habituated lemurs on boulders. Easy to photograph

Check into Le Relais de la Reine(30 minutes)

Best hotel near Isalo, ~€100/night with pool and canyon views

Sunset at Isalo's Window(1.5 hours)

The sandstone arch frames the setting sun. Free access. Arrive 30 minutes early

Natural Pool hike(4 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. Canyon trail to crystal-clear swimming pool fed by waterfall. Bring swimwear

Packed lunch by the pools(1 hour)

Hotel packs lunch. Eat surrounded by pandanus palms and sandstone cliffs

Blue Pool and Namaza Trail(2.5 hours)

Deeper canyon, sacred Bara burial caves. More dramatic than Natural Pool

Sundowner at hotel(1 hour)

Watch the Isalo massif turn orange and pink. THB beer by the pool

Drive Ranohira to Morondava(8 hours)

Via Sakaraha and RN35. Partially unpaved, 4x4 essential. Carry extra fuel and water

Lunch stop in Sakaraha(1 hour)

Basic restaurants. Rice and zebu 8,000-12,000 MGA

Arrive Morondava(30 minutes)

Palissandre Cote Ouest (~€60-100/night) or Chez Maggie budget option

Sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs(1.5 hours)

20 km north. 800-year-old Grandidier's baobabs in golden light. Madagascar's most iconic image

Sunrise at Avenue of the Baobabs(1.5 hours)

Golden morning light, fewer people than sunset

Drive to Kirindy Forest(1.5 hours)

60 km north on rough dirt. Best place for the elusive fossa

Guided walk in Kirindy(3 hours)

Entry plus guide ~50,000-70,000 MGA. Giant jumping rats, Verreaux's sifakas, red-fronted lemurs

Beach sunset dinner(2 hours)

Grilled crayfish on Morondava beach. 15,000-30,000 MGA

Sleep in(2 hours)

After days of early mornings, sleep naturally

Morondava market walk(1.5 hours)

Fruit, spices, dried fish. Vanilla pods 5,000-10,000 MGA each

Beach afternoon(3 hours)

Wide sandy beach, warm Mozambique Channel water, fishing pirogues

Fresh grilled prawns(1.5 hours)

From the beach fishermen. 20,000-40,000 MGA for a generous plate

Flight Morondava to TNR(1 hour)

Morning Tsaradia flight

Connect to Nosy Be(1 hour)

Tsaradia to Fascene Airport (NOS). ~$150-250. Off the northwest coast

Transfer to beach hotel(30 minutes)

Ambatoloaka budget (~50,000-80,000 MGA/night) or Andilana luxury (~€150-300)

Beach dinner(2 hours)

Grilled lobster from 40,000 MGA at a beachfront restaurant

Hell-Ville market(1.5 hours)

Spices, vanilla, tropical fruit, crafts. Named after Governor de Hell, not the inferno

Lemuria Land(2 hours)

Private reserve near Lokobe. Black lemurs, chameleons, boas. Entry ~30,000-50,000 MGA

Sacred Crater Lakes(1.5 hours)

Don't point at Lac Sacre or swim. Emerald volcanic crater. Sacred to the Sakalava people

Sunset dinner at Chez Loulou(1.5 hours)

Beachfront Ambatoloaka. Catch of the day with garlic and lime 25,000-40,000 MGA

Boat to Nosy Komba(30 minutes)

~80,000-120,000 MGA per person for full day trip including both islands

Nosy Komba village and lemurs(2 hours)

Artisan village, habituated black lemurs. Hand-embroidered tablecloths are the local specialty

Snorkeling at Nosy Tanikely(2 hours)

Marine reserve entry 25,000 MGA. Coral, sea turtles, tropical fish. Exceptional clarity

Beach seafood lunch(1 hour)

Boat crew grills fresh fish on the beach. Usually included in tour price

Beach morning(3 hours)

Andilana Beach has powder white sand and warm Indian Ocean water. Bring a book and forget the world

Massage on the beach(1.5 hours)

Beach massages available from 30,000-50,000 MGA. The sound of waves is the soundtrack

Afternoon free(2 hours)

Snorkel, swim, or nap in a hammock

Rum arrange tasting and dinner(2 hours)

Fruit-infused rum is the island's signature drink. Try litchi, vanilla, and baobab flavors at any beach bar

Boat to Lokobe(30 minutes)

Motorboat from Ambatoloaka to the park entrance on Nosy Be's southeast coast

Guided Lokobe forest walk(3 hours)

Entry 65,000 MGA plus guide. Primary forest with black lemurs, panther chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, and Nosy Be's endemic species. Muddy trails — wear appropriate shoes

Beach lunch at fishing village(1.5 hours)

The villages near Lokobe serve fresh seafood grilled on the spot. Sit under mango trees

Return and sunset(1.5 hours)

Boat back. Watch the Nosy Be sunset from your hotel beach with a sundowner

Boat to Nosy Iranja(1.5 hours)

~150,000-200,000 MGA per person for full day trip. 1.5-hour boat ride south from Nosy Be. Dolphin sightings possible en route

Explore the sandbar and beaches(3 hours)

At low tide, a 2 km sandbar connects the two islands. Walk across with turquoise water on both sides. The smaller island has a turtle nesting beach (seasonal)

Snorkeling and swimming(2 hours)

Crystal-clear water, coral gardens, and tropical fish. Some of the best snorkeling near Nosy Be

Beach seafood lunch(1 hour)

Grilled lobster, fish, and rice on the beach. Usually included in the excursion

Morning beach swim(1.5 hours)

One last dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Hard to leave

Last souvenir shopping(1 hour)

Vanilla pods, ylang-ylang oil, embroidered textiles, carved lemurs. Remember the 2 kg vanilla export limit

Flight Nosy Be to TNR and international connection(3 hours)

Allow plenty of buffer for connections at Ivato. Confirm schedules the day before — Malagasy airlines can shift