Madagascar Vanilla Coast & Marojejy Park: Tour of SAVA from Sambava

Madagascar Vanilla Coast & Marojejy Park: Tour of SAVA from Sambava

Madagascar is known for its cultivation of the famous vanilla bean pods and has had great economic boom due to the industry. Although the boom has not remained level over the years, the country still holds claim to the best quality of vanilla and it continues to be a source of revenue for many in the country. 

The Marojejy National Park is located on the northeast side of Madagascar between the towns of Andapa and Sambava. The Park is a nature lovers haven and includes a vast array of landscapes, climates, fauna, and flora. The drastically changing landscapes the park located on a mountain are a wonder that cannot be experienced in too many places on Earth. 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sambava Arrival

Today as you arrive in Sambava, you'll be greeted and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation at Hotel Mimi

Day 2: Sambava -Marojejy National Park

This morning after a delicious breakfast, we will depart early, around 7 am, towards the Andapa Road. The journey is about 60 kilometers from Sambava this morning and should take approximately one hour.

We will then arrive at the park reception desk in Manantenina. Next, we will make our way to the village of Mandena, the beginning of our hike today. 

Marojejy National Park is a protected area over 50, 000 hectares in size. The park is situated on a mountain chain that stretches from Northern Madagascar to the southern part of the country. The park offers an incredible range of topography that changes drastically in some areas. There are many different climates and it is one of the few places in the world where such a drastic change in geography can be seen and experienced all within a walking distance. You can be walking in a cloud covered rainforest and into a shrub covered mountain in no time at all.

There are three camps within the park. We will begin the first bout of our trek to the park limits, about 45 minutes of walking initially. After a short break and picnic, we will enter the park and begin our climb to the first camp "Camp Mantella" which is about three hours of walking, and located in a lowland rainforest above the Manantenina River.

As we trek between the park entrance and Camp Mantella there is plenty of flora and fauna available for you to experience. From lemur species such as males with the foreheads and Bamboo Lemurs to many different species of the chameleon over the course of three hours, there is ample opportunity to view some of the endemic wildlife of Madagascar. 

After arriving at Camp Mantella, we will have a short break before visiting the Humber Waterfall.

Late this afternoon, we will return to camp to rest and overnight.

Accommodation in bivouac

Day 3: Camp II - Camp II - Camp Marojejia 

After breakfast today, we will head to Camp II and Marojejia, located on a mountainside over looking incredible rock formations. Here we can view the White Lemur or the Silky Propitheca.

The distance between Camp I and Camp II today is approximately a two-hour walk. Once we arrive we will take a chance to explore the area surrounding Camp II and Camp III and their wildlife, lemurs and the small Brookesia Chameleon. 

We will enjoy lunch today at Camp II, and after a short break begin our walk back to Camp I. 

Accommodation in bivouac

Day 4: Camp I -Sambava

Today after breakfast, we will prepare for our descent and will exit the park returning to Sambava. Once we have arrived back in Sambava you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation at Hotel Mimi

Day 5: Pirogue on the Bemarivo River

Once you've finished breakfast today we will depart around 8 am for Nosiarina. The drive is approximately 15 minutes on the road to Vohemar. 

Here, we will visit the cocoa plantation, green pepper vanilla, and explore the different varieties of fruits in the region. Next, we will travel my metallic pirogue (small canoe) and follow the descent towards the mouth of the river. The Bemarivo River flows all year round into the Indian Ocean. The area around the river is home to many different species of birds, wildlife, and also plant life. We will then enjoy a picnic by the river and after, visit the small village of Antsakajoy to experience their lifestyle before continuing our descent via a small dugout. 

After the small walk of about 15 minutes, we will arrive at the village Antonimpatry. Here, we will take the car back to the coconut plantation of Soavoanio. Afterwards, we still travel by wooden pirogue to cross the town of Sambava.

Accommodation at Hotel Mimi

Day 6: Sambava - Out

Today, after breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Sambava Airport for your flight. 

End of our services.

Included:

- Expenses for all means of travel (dugout canoe, taxi)

- Right of access and guidance in the park

- Guide

- Full board

- One bottle of water per day

- Camping equipment

- Hotels in Sambava

- Airport transfer - hotel - airport

- Tourist stamp