11-Day Madagascar Vanilla Triangle Natural and Cultural Heritage Tour

Awaken your senses to the exquisite fragrance of spices, vanilla and ylang ylang as you embark for an 11-day adventure off the less traveled route to the North and Northeast of Madagascar! This multi-day trip, which is designed primarily for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offers a perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just reconnect with nature. Spend numerous overnights camping in the forest, get an insight into the rich, vibrant Malagasy culture, trek through the unexplored rainforest, and go search for rare flora and fauna. The time spent amidst lush surroundings and pleasant rivers will always be engraved in your memory. Afterward, spend some time exploring the idyllic Nosy Be and its nearby islets. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sambava

Arrive at Sambava Airport. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out to explore one of the most prosperous cities in the north and visit a vanilla plantation to learn more about vanilla processing from the field to the pod. 

Day 2 - Sambava - Marojejy National Park

Begin your journey through Marojejy National Park, home to numerous endemic flora and fauna. After breakfast, head to the local market to get suppliers for two nights of camping. You will then continue to Manantenina Village, where you will meet your local guide, then journey through the rough path leading to the small village of Mandena. From here, hike towards the campsite, passing through rice fields and lush valleys with a magnificent view of the Marojejy National Park. You will also enjoy a delightful picnic lunch and refreshing swim in a natural pool along the way. 

Day 3 - Marojejy National Park

Hike towards Camp Simpona as you continue through Marojejy National Park, taking in the diverse and notably rich array of flora and animals. Many of Madagascar's most famous furry residents live in the reserve, including the elusive Silky Sifaka (Simpona). After that, stop for lunch at Camp Marojejy before traveling to Camp Simpona, where you will spend the night.

Day 4 - Marojejy National Park - Daraina

Trek back down to Camp Mantella before returning to Sambava and turning north to Vohemar, passing past picturesque, verdant landscapes, small local communities, rivers, and streams. Take a traditional canoe journey on the Ankara and Ankavanana rivers in Antalaha, the vanilla capital. Arrive in Vohemar at lunchtime, then stroll around the picturesque bay and natural harbor. The next challenging part of the route is a dirt road to Daraina. After you arrive, check in and have a stroll through Daraina Reserve in the evening.

Day 5 - Daraina

Spend the entire day in the Daraina Reserve, the starting point of some wonderful excursions through the forest, so nature lovers and trekkers will be delighted. The reserve, one of Madagascar's wealthiest and most ecologically vulnerable regions, is also home to numerous endangered lemur species as well as a sacred waterfall.

Day 6 - Daraina to Ankarana

Drive off-road to Ambilobe, then take the tar road from there to get to Anakarana. The park is an impressive fortress made up of tsingys, deep caves, gorges, and sections of dense tropical jungle. Discover the largest network of underground rivers in Africa as you take on Ankarana’s amazing routes, exceptional and wonderful landscapes, and a variety of fauna.

Day 7 - Ankarana

Take the challenging circuit from Mahamasina, exploring Perte de Riviera, Chauves Souris Call, Petit Tsingy, Ambahibe Cave, panorama point Ambohimalaza, Lac Vert, and Grand Tsingy. The walk is occasionally difficult yet incredibly rewarding. The main attractions in Amboandrinky are Lac Mangily and the Cave of the Crocodiles. The pathways will take you to the stunning ridgetop overlooking hundreds of limestone needles.

Day 8 - Ankarana - Nosy Be

Drive towards Ankify, stopping in the village of Ambilobe before navigating the fertile volcanic land of the north that is home to coffee, cocoa, and ylang ylang plantations. Enjoy the beautiful Tsaratanana Mountain Range with an incredible view of the island's tallest peak in the distance. Continue to Ambanja, where visitors can see the Cyrille Vanilla and Cacao Plantation. Then, take a speedboat ride from Ankify to Hell Ville on the island of Nosy Be and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 9 - Nosy Be

Discover the breathtaking island of Nosy Be. Start by going to Andoany, a city where cultures meet. Pass by mosques, cathedrals, and sacred trees representing all forms of beliefs along the way. See the magnificent 200-year-old Sacred Banyan Tree, the historic Marodaka Village, and the botanical Lemur Land as well as visit the rum and essential oil distillery and museum. Do not miss Andilana, the most stunning beach on Nosy Be with its turquoise waters. End the day with the breathtaking Mont Passot sunset and the views of the sacred lakes as you listen to the fascinating legend associated with the mystical lake.

Day 10 - Nosy Komba - Nosy Tanikely

Check out the small, idyllic islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely! Start with Nosy Kamba, an island with a lush tropical forest. Meet the local community's embroidery masters and visit the small lemur park. Afterwards, take a boat journey to Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve that is protected and has amazing marine life. Be amazed at the island's rich marine ecology making it a spectacular aquarium. Before going back to Nosy Be, check out the lighthouse at the top of the hill and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

Day 11 - Nosy Be

Transfer to Fascene Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 10 Night Full Board Accommodation

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Airport Transfers

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Activities Not Mentioned

• Visas

• Travel and Medical Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

• This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions/destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.