Madagascar
Ylang-ylang plantations, whale sharks, and an unspoiled archipelago in the Indian Ocean
Madagascar
A coastal side of Madagascar, far from the forests and canyons of the rest of the island: Nosy Be, the "perfume island," covered in ylang-ylang plantations, then the unspoiled archipelago of Nosy Iranja and Nosy Tanikely, where whale sharks and green turtles glide through crystal-clear water.
When
Oct to Dec | Apr-May
Price
From 4 200€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
7 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
The first chapter unfolds on Nosy Be, nicknamed the "perfume island" for its vast ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cocoa plantations, whose scent drifts through the air at dusk. Mount Passot's summit looks out over seven crater lakes and the whole archipelago, especially spectacular at sunset.
Day 1
Plantations and fishing village
A visit to an ylang-ylang plantation with a traditional distillation demonstration, then a stop in the fishing village of Dzamandzar to watch outrigger canoes being built.
Day 2
Mount Passot and crater lakes
A late-afternoon ascent of Mount Passot to admire the seven sacred crater lakes and a panoramic sunset over the whole archipelago.
Days 1-2
A boat excursion to Nosy Iranja, two islets linked by a sandbank that appears only at low tide, then to the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve, where green turtles and shoals of tropical fish can be observed snorkelling. From October to December, dedicated outings allow swimming alongside whale sharks, passing through these plankton-rich waters.
Day 1
Nosy Iranja and its sandbank
A boat crossing to Nosy Iranja. A walk across the sandbank connecting the two islets at low tide, with a seafood lunch on the beach.
Day 2
Snorkelling at Nosy Tanikely
A day in the Nosy Tanikely marine reserve, snorkelling among green turtles and shoals of tropical fish, with, in season, a dedicated outing to look for whale sharks.
Other trips built in the same spirit — more to draw inspiration from.
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