8-Day Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip - Madagascar Tours, Adventure
8-Day Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip
A 8-Day Island-hopping Dhow Camping Trip around Nosy Be. Highlights include Nosy Be, whale sharks (in season), Nosy Iranja, Russian Bay, Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba.
Tour Code: Jenm/02
Depart From: Johannesburg
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Duration: 8 Days
Country:
Madagascar
Departures: Weekly
(Selected Saturdays)
Type: Adventure | |
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Tour Description
Explore the exquisite surroundings of the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar. This marine haven, north of Madagascar’s mainland, is waiting to be discovered in a 8 day adventure. Enjoy the island-hopping lifestyle in Jenman’s own exclusive-use dhow and snorkel over the soft corals with their vivid colours.
Camp out on a peaceful island where you won’t find a soul, snorkel with whale sharks, fish for game fish and relax on unspoilt beaches - this is the ultimate paradise.
When you arrive at Nosy Be we meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for the night (included in the trip costs). The following morning you set sail with us on our dhow, for the following 6 nights, camping on the various tropical islands around Nosy Be.
The crew sets up the camp every afternoon and takes it down the following morning, allowing you to thoroughly relax and rejuvenate.
Departures
Departs every Saturday from April to December.
Children
Minimum age for kids to join the Dhow is 8 years.
Group Size
Minimum 6 & maximum 10
Weather
The best time to visit is May to October, as the weather is pretty constant during these months - about 25-35 degrees during the day, cooling down in the evening slightly. From Nov to Mid Jan is also pleasant but more humid with more frequent evening rains.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Madagascar (Nosy Be or Antananarivo)
If you arrive into Nosy Be airport in the afternoon or evening, you will be met by the Skipper, tour guide and captain of the dhow, and transferred to the Bed & Breakfast in Hell-ville, set high up on a hill, with great views. Restaurants and nightlife are there for you to explore at your own leisure and own expense.
If your flights dictate a 1 night stay in Antananarivo on the first evening, you will spend the night in a small guest house in Antananarivo, arriving to Nosy be on the morning of day 2.
Day 2 - 7: Various islands
We board the dhow and set sail for the islands! During the next 7 days (6 nights) we will sail to some of the following islands. Please note these are dependant on weather and tide conditions:
Russian Bay (also known as Ambavatory Bay), is a beautiful and remote place opposite the Nosy Be archipelago. Enjoy the fantastic marine life for snorkeling and fishing and maybe you might spot a whale (in season – from October to December) or a rare Whale shark. The tropical woods harbour abundant birdlife, reptiles and lemurs.
Nosy Iranja (Island of Turtles) – the larger and inhabited of the two islands, Nosy Iranja and Nosy Iranja Kely are connected by a 1.5 km long sand bar, negotiable on foot at low tide. Nosy Iranja is a peaceful and remote island with crystal clear waters, good fishing, wonderful walks and fantastic opportunities to sea kayak and explore on foot. Iranja is a breeding reserve for hawksbill turtles.
Kalakajour – with a dense, impenetrable forest on the south side of the island, Kalakajour has opportunities to spot much wildlife. The waters are beautifully clear and you can explore the waters on sea kayak.
We may use A-frame bungalows on Kalakajour, instead of camping.
Mahalina - we spend time here relaxing in the beautiful surroundings, or kayaking up the mangrove swamps. The area is great for snorkelling, fishing and spear-fishing.
We may use A-frame bungalows on Mahalina, instead of camping.
Lokobie reserve – a protected reserve, Lokobe offers wildlife galore with the likelihood of you spotting several lemur species, colourful chameleons and maybe a snake or two amid the forest!
Nosy Tanikely – a marine reserve teeming with underwater flora and fauna, allowing us the chance for some superb snorkeling in warm waters with great visibility. You are likely to spot an amazing variety of marine life; from coral, starfish and anemones to every colour and shape of fish - and perhaps a turtle if you are lucky!
With a bit of luck, we may be able to spot the ring-tailed Lemurs while stepping on to Terre Firma.
Nosy Komba – a island with quaint villages, craft markets and famed for its habituated Lemurs, who may take a jump onto your shoulders!
Meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: Hell-Ville and end of Dhow experience
Sail back to Hell-Ville port where our dhow adventure comes to an end. Catch your return flight to Antananarivo where you may need to overnight before returning to Johannesburg the following day.
Breakfast included.
Travel Notes
Spending money:
Clients are advised to bring enough money (cash) to cover their beverages (an honesty bar is provided on the boat), the purchase of curios and additional entertainment. Three meals are provided whilst on the dhow, however clients may wish to purchase their own snacks prior to departure.
First Aid:
The guides are trained in basic first aid and the dhow is equipped with a comprehensive medical first aid kit for emergencies. Please bring your own medical supplies for minor ailments (small cuts, bites etc). Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before and during the trip
Insurance:
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country.
Visas:
Please check if your passport is still valid (at least 6 months before expiry date). You can easily obtain a visa at the airport of Antananarivo: it costs 57 € per person (subject to change) with a valid passport and return flight ticket. Please note that, to get a visa at the airport, you do not need to bring photographs.
Clothing and other items:
Due to the hot and humid climate, it is advisable to take appropriate light-weight breathable clothing.
Tour Include
Flights from Johannesburg (excluding airport taxes).
Use of full camping equipment, all sea transport in a fully kitted motorized Dhow, use of sea kayaks on Dhow, all meals on the boat or at camp, one bottle of mineral water per person per day, transfers to and from Nosy Be airport.
Tour Exclude
Airport taxes, all optional excursions mentioned in the program, all personal expenses, travel and medical insurance, tips, drinks, visas, diving, snorkeling and fishing equipment, any meals not mentioned in the itinerary, transfer from Nosy Be to the airport (if clients stay on after the Dhow trip has ended).
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