Marojejy : trekking the rainforests

Embark on a 17-day Malagasy adventure: Explore Marojejy National Park with 4x4 excursions, comfortable lodgings, unforgettable hikes, and encounters with endemic wildlife.

Tour highlights

Marojejy, Daraina, Ankarana, Amber Mountain, Diego, Nosy Komba, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Be

The Secrets of Madagascar: Lemurs, Tropical Forests, and Pristine Beaches

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Madagascar, traversing diverse landscapes teeming with unique wildlife. This meticulously crafted itinerary unveils the hidden treasures of the island nation, from the captivating tropical forests of Marojejy National Park to the surreal limestone Tsingy of Ankarana.

Dive into the emerald embrace of Marojejy, navigating through dense foliage to encounter a kaleidoscope of endemic lemurs, including the silky sifaka and the vibrant-plumed flycatcher. Journey into the heart of the Daraina Reserve, a sanctuary for the rare crowned sifaka and a paradise for birdwatchers. Explore the labyrinthine limestone formations of Ankarana and the Anja Reserve, home to the charismatic ring-tailed lemurs.

Relax on the pristine beaches of Nosy Be, a paradise adorned with swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters. Discover vibrant coral reefs bursting with marine life at Nosy Tanikely, truly a snorkeling paradise. Meet playful lemurs on Nosy Komba, offering a unique opportunity for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

This carefully planned itinerary caters to all comfort levels, providing a range of high-end and mid-range accommodation options throughout your journey.

Itineraries

D+1

Antananarivo

Upon arriving at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo (Tana), you will meet an Ortour representative. You’ll then transfer to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay. Options include Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (top choice), or Hotel Chalet des Roses or Chat’O Park (high-midrange), all with bed and breakfast.

D+2

Tana – Sambava – Marojejy

Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sambava. Upon arrival in Sambava, head directly to Marojejy National Park, about 60km away. There, meet your local guide, porters, and cook who will organize your hike. Begin your trek in the village of Mandena. Overnight in a small bungalow at the first campsite with full board.

D+3

Marojejy (hike)

Immerse yourself in the captivating rainforest of Marojejy National Park on this 2-day expedition. Embark on guided treks through the lush foliage, seeking out the park’s diverse endemic lemurs and birds. Spot the silky sifaka, adorned with its silky white fur, or marvel at the vibrant plumage of the paradise bird. Your journey includes comfortable accommodation in rustic bungalows and wholesome meals, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst Madagascar’s natural splendor.

D+4

Marojejy (hike)

Today’s hike takes us to Camp III and Marojejy, a mountainside camp with breathtaking views of dramatic rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Silky Sifaka, or White Lemur, while tackling the trek’s most challenging leg. The reward? Panoramic vistas from the peak of Marojejy. Our adventure concludes at Simpona Camp, where a delicious full-board dinner awaits.

D+5

Marojejy – Sambava

Leave Marojejy for Sambava. Upon arrival in Sambava, we’ll spend a couple of hours visiting the expansive coconut and vanilla plantations. This vast coconut plantation spans 50 sq km, with trees aligned in precise rows stretching into the distance. During the two-hour tour, you’ll witness the germination, seedling growth, and processing of nuts into copra and coconut oil. Overnight stay at the Hotel Orchidéa or similar, including breakfast.

D+6

Sambava – Daraina

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Vohemar (3-hour drive) along the Eastern coast. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Daraina Reserve (4-hour bumpy road journey). Upon arrival, settle into the camp. At sunset, embark on a night walk to search for the rare Aye-aye. Overnight stay at Hotel Lemurien Blanc (midrange) with bed and breakfast included.

D+7

Daraina visit

Breakfast at the camp followed by a day visit to the Daraina Special Reserve. Lunch will be served at the camp.
The Daraina Special Reserve, managed by the Malagasy NGO Fanamby, is the last natural habitat of the Golden-crowned sifaka. This reserve includes deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and degraded grasslands. The forest also houses other lemur species such as the crowned lemur, Daraina sportive lemur, fork-marked lemur, Sandford’s brown lemur, dwarf lemur, and Aye-aye.
Birdwatchers can spot various species including Van Dam’s vanga, sickle-billed vanga, hook-billed vanga, crested coua, Madagascar crested ibis, and Madagascar harrier-hawk.
After the visit, drive to Ankarana to explore the limestone park. Accommodations for the night include Relais d’Ankarana or Kozobe Hotel (Midrange), Ankarana Lodge (Top), or Iharana Camp Bush (Top) with a bed and breakfast (BB) option.

D+8

Ankarana

Explore Ankarana Special Reserve’s rich biodiversity on a morning adventure. Look for crowned lemurs, Sanford’s brown lemurs, and a variety of birdlife amidst the dramatic Tsingy limestone pinnacles. This unique habitat shelters an impressive 50 reptile species, 40 amphibians, 96 birds, and 50 mollusk species, including a vast number of endemic snails. Remarkably, Ankarana’s labyrinthine caves house 14 bat species, representing half of Madagascar’s bat population! Choose from comfortable accommodation options for your overnight stay: Iharana Bush Camp, Ankarana Lodge (top), or Relais d’Ankarana or Kozobe (mid-range), all offering bed and breakfast.

D+9

Ankarana – Amber Mountain

Morning drive to Amber Mountain with a stop at the Tsingy Rouge. Discover Amber Mountain’s diverse wildlife, including 25 mammal species like the ring-tailed mongoose and 8 types of lemurs, such as the Sanford’s brown lemur, crowned lemur, and lesser bamboo lemur. Explore 75 bird species, including the endemic Amber Mountain rock-thrush and Pitta-like ground thrush. The park also features 60 reptile species, like stump-tailed chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, and snakes, along with 35 frogs and 40 butterfly species. Stay overnight at Nature Lodge, Domaine de Fontanay (Top) or Chez Monastere (Midrange), in BB.

D+10

Amber Mountain – Diego

Morning exploration of the park to discover its unique fauna and flora. In the afternoon, drive to Diego and stay overnight. Top options: Grand Hotel or Hotel de la Poste in BB. High-Midrange options: Hotel Victoria or Hotel Jardin Exotique, in BB.

D+11

Diego – Ankify

Morning drive from Diégo to Ankify with a stop at Millot Plantation near Ambanja. Established in 1904, this stunning plantation is a top producer of organic cocoa, spices, and essential oils. A visit here offers a wealth of information and a sensory feast. Overnight stay at Hotel Baobab (high-midrange) with bed and breakfast.

D+12

Ankify – Nosy Be

Leave Ankify early in the morning by boat to Nosy Be, a top tourist destination in Madagascar. Nosy Be is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush vegetation, welcoming population, and abundant sunshine. The island’s underwater world adds to its allure, making it truly deserving of the title “Earthly Paradise.” The island’s climate is exceptionally pleasant, with consistently bright skies perfect for enjoying the sea. Experience the captivating sunset and the soothing sounds of the ocean.
There are numerous activities available, which can be easily arranged through your hotel. Plan for two days of leisure to fully immerse yourself in this paradise.
Accommodation options include the luxury Palm Beach Hotel or Orangea Beach Resort, both offering bed and breakfast, or the high-midrange Hotel Emeraude or Villa Domingo, also with bed and breakfast.

D+13

Nosy Be – Nosy Komba – Nosy Tantely – Nosy Be

Embark on a boat journey to Nosy Komba, a mere dozen kilometers from Nosy Be. Here, you can experience up-close encounters with friendly black and brown lemurs, who might leap onto your shoulders eagerly anticipating bananas. Following your visit, sail onwards to Nosy Tanikely, renowned for its underwater reserve perfect for diving. Armed with just a mask and snorkel, marvel at a spectacular array of marine life, from vibrant fish like moonfish and parrotfish to majestic creatures such as swordfish, barracuda, and turtles. Nosy Tanikely’s marine reserve boasts a spacious sandy beach ideal for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch shaded by lush trees overlooking the ocean.
For accommodation, consider staying overnight at the luxurious Palm Beach Hotel or the esteemed Orangea Beach Resort, both offering bed and breakfast. Alternatively, the high-midrange Emeraude Hotel or Villa Domingo also provide comfortable bed and breakfast options.

D+14 – 15

Relax Nosy Be

Enjoy a two-day leisure stay with accommodation options at the top-rated Palm Beach Hotel or Orangea Beach Resort, both offering bed and breakfast. For a high-midrange option, consider the comfortable Emeraude Hotel or Villa Domingo with bed and breakfast included.

D+16

Nosy Be – Tana

You will be transfered to the airport to take a flight heading back to Tana. Settle in your hotel like Louvre Hotel or Palissandre (top) ; or at the Chalet des Roses or Chat’O Park (high-midrange),in BB.

D+17

Tana – Fly Home

Transfer to the Airport and fly back home.

Rates & conditions

Included

  • A 4WD with driver and tourist guide
  • Fuel
  • Driver and accommodation
  • BB hotel and full board in Marojejy.
  • Mineral water in Marojejy and Daraina
  • Park entrance fees
  • Local guide

Excluded

  • Tip
  • All lunches/dinners not mentioned
  • Internal flight (www.tsaradia.com)
  • Other activities not mentioned

Embark on a 17-day Malagasy adventure: Explore Marojejy National Park with 4x4 excursions, comfortable lodgings, unforgettable hikes, and encounters with endemic wildlife.
Book this tour now

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