8 Day Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip (JenMa3)

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!

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.