4821 Lankershim Blvd. Suite F-479, Los Angeles, CA, 91601
Phone: 818-766-6850
Email: info@1000treks.com
Northern Madagascar - Inland & Islands
Location: Diego Suarez, Joffreville, Ambilobe, Ambanja, Ankarana, Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Sakatia.
***Internal flights (which we book for you) are extremely limited and already selling out. Thus, this trip may close at ANY TIME, so a deposit is recommended ASAP to secure your spot***
UPLIFT FINANCING AVAILABLE
We believe in living our best lives, so we provide Uplift, low-interest travel financing with no effect on credit, to make all your travel dreams a reality.
We will go see the pristine and magical northern Madagascar, home to exotic lemurs, chameleons & reptiles, unique reserves, lush rainforests, tsingy, and more. We will also go on several island excursions to see humpback whales, and swim and snorkel with whale sharks, dolphins, green turtles, and more as we take in not only the inland but the islands and beaches in one of the most incredibly diverse places in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit several national parks and reserves: Amber Mountain (Madagascar’s first national park), comprised of volcanic lakes and waterfalls, and Ankarana, with exceptional limestone tsingy formations as well as several lemurs, Baobabs, chameleons, reptiles, and more than 100 bird species! We will also visit the unique red tsingy nature reserve of the Irodo Valley.
- Explore the top sights in Diego Suarez: the stunning Three Bays, Sakalava Bay, and Ramena Fishing Village.
- Take a domestic flight from the capital to the north to go on expeditions throughout inland north and also excursions by speedboat to multiple islands where we explore and stay, including Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Sakatia.
- Multiple island excursions to swim and snorkel with gentle and beautiful whale sharks, multiple dolphin subspecies, green turtles, and unique northern Madagascar flora and fauna.
- Whale watching expedition to learn about and see the gorgeous humpback whales during their migration.
- Optional scuba diving around Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely.
- Learn about and eat the delicious organic chocolate at the Millot cocoa plantation.
- Enjoy a Madagascar sunset on Mont Passot in Nosy Be.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 – ARRIVAL TO ANTANANARIVO | FREE DAY
Today is arrival day into the capital, Antananarivo. You may explore the city, or just relax and be ready for our domestic flight to the fantastic north in the morning tomorrow.
ACCOMMODATIONS: San Cristobal 3* or similar in Antananarivo.
MEALS: N/A
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 – ANTANANARIVO TO ANTSIRANANA (DIEGO SUAREZ)
DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO DIEGO SUAREZ | THREE BAYS | RAMENA FISHING VILLAGE
This morning we will take an early flight to Antsiranana. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel and have breakfast to energize us for the day ahead. We will then hop into 4WD vehicles and arrive around 10AM to Sakalava Bay, where we will go on a very pleasant trek exploring the stunning Three Bays (Les Trois Baies).White sand, crystal clear blue water, and unique flora await us, as well as a bit of history and incredible views. We will end our day in the lovely fishing village of Ramena.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Grand Hotel 3*or similar in Diego Suarez.
MEALS: Breakfast.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 – DIEGO SUAREZ TO JOFFREVILLE
AMBER MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
This morning we head out to Joffreville, the entrance to the spectacular Amber Mountain National Park. The park, a rainforest comprising six volcanic lakes and three waterfalls, is a paradise for many endemic animals and plants. Located more than 5,000 feet above sea level, the park offers spectacular views. We will hike for about 4 hours in the park, as tropical plants, lemurs, chameleons, and more wildlife await us.
In the afternoon we will explore Joffreville, a quaint and characteristic colonial village, where we will step back in time to the 1960’s. Here you will find old military hangars and beautiful Creole-style villas. Joffreville was the favorite destination for the French military during colonial time.
The evening is at leisure, and we will spend the night at amazing accommodations, set in the heart of nature yet with elevated comfort and style.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nature Lodge or Litchi Tree Hotel or similar in Joffreville.
MEALS: Breakfast.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 – JOFFREVILLE TO AMBILOBE
RED TSINGY NATURE RESERVE | ANKARANA NATIONAL PARK | AMBILOBE
Today we head out around 7AM to reach the next absolutely phenomenal site: Red Tsingy (Tsingy Rouge) of the Irodo River Valley. Unlike the grey Tsingy, which are of limestone, the red Tsingy are of marl and sandstone with a strong presence of laterite, which gives the red color to these natural "cathedrals" formed by soil erosion. Unlike anything else, this will be quite a sight to behold.
Our next stop is the Ankarana National Park. This park is characterized by a complex of limestone rocky pinnacles (Tsingy), formed by the erosion caused by rich waterways, patches of dense tropical jungle, strips of deciduous forest, deep caves and canyons. We expect to arrive here around lunchtime, have a bite, and then head off for a 2-3 hours' hike in the park. Here we will look for northern Madagascar’s Sanford’s lemurs, crowned lemurs, ands dwarf lemurs. It is also a wonderful place for the tsingy formations, Baobabs, chameleons, reptiles, and more than 100 bird species!
After the visit to the park, we continue on to Ambilobe.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Kozobe Hotel 3* or similar in Ambilobe.
MEALS: Breakfast.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 – AMBILOBE TO NOSY BE
COCOA PLANTATION | ANKIFY SPEEDBOAT | MOUNT PASSOT SUNSET
This morning we will head out early to be in Ambanja by about 10:30AM. Near Ambanja, we will visit the famous Cocoa Plantation of Millot. Here we will learn the secret to some of the best organic chocolate in the entire world!
After we indulge our senses with chocolate, we will indulge others as we head to Ankify to board a speedboat to the picturesque island of Nosy Be. In Nosy Be, we will take in another glorious sunset, this time by way of Mont Passot.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ravintsara Wellness Resort 4* or similar in Nosy Be.
MEALS: Breakfast.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 – NOSY BE TO NOSY IRANJA
ISLAND MARINE SAFARI | HUMPBACK WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING | OPTIONAL SCUBA
LUNCH AT NOSY IRANJA BEACH
Now we move on to something truly spectacular, with a spectacle of wildlife to match: 1.5 hours southwest of Nosy Be is an island of incredible beauty, white sand, and breath-taking turquoise sea: Nosy Iranja.
Comprised of two islands, Iranja Be and Iranja Kely, connected by a strip of white sand, the islands are separated for less than two hours before the return of the tide. An incomparable sight! Nosy Iranja is also a famous paradise for green turtles and an important nesting site all year round.
We will spend our morning learning about and observing dolphins and whales, and snorkeling (depending on the conditions and time spent observing marine megafauna). Or, for those who wish, there will be a scuba diving option around phenomenal islands such as Nosy Sakatia & Nosy Tanikely in the morning.
We’ll then have a traditional lunch by the beach and enjoy the afternoon swimming, relaxing, or even heading to the top of the little mountain for panoramic views of the island, before returning to big island Nosy Be to spend the night.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ravintsara Wellness Resort 4* or similar in Nosy Be.
MEALS: Breakfast & lunch.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 – NOSY BE TO NOSY SAKATIA
ISLAND EXCURSION | SWIM AND SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS & GREEN TURTLES
LUNCH AT NOSY SAKATIA BEACH
Today is another day all about sea life! We will spend our morning learning about, observing, and swimming with whale sharks! We are with experts who are able to spot whale sharks 95% of the time! We’ll then have a delicious included traditional lunch on the beach of Nosy Sakatia before going snorkeling on the reef or seagrass to observe the green sea turtles.
We return to Nosy Be around 5PM and will have the evening at leisure.
We may get together for one last dinner before we bid adieu to Madagascar tomorrow.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Ravintsara Wellness Resort 4* or similar in Nosy Be.
MEALS: Breakfast and lunch.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 – NOSY BE
DEPARTURE DAY
It has been a truly wild & once-in-a-lifetime trip. Now we say goodbye until we meet again. Forever remain the memories created during this wonderful journey to mythical Madagascar.
ACCOMMODATIONS: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast.
- Seven (7) nights of accommodations at double-occupancy (please see OCCUPANCY below).
- Seven (7) breakfasts at accommodations, and two (2) lunches.
- Internal domestic flight: Antananarivo to Diego Suarez.
- Entrance to all activities, tours, & locations listed in the itinerary unless otherwise listed as optional.
- English-speaking guide, local activity guides, and 1000 Treks group leader(s) throughout the tour.
- Transportation from Ivato airport to the hotel and from the hotel to Nosy Be airport if you arrive within the guidelines on FLIGHT GUIDELINES below. If you arrive or leave at a different time, you may have to arrange your own transportation.
- All transportation to our scheduled activities as well as to and from accommodations while with the group. If you do your own activity or arrive/leave on a different day, you’ll have to arrange your own transportation.
ACTIVITIES:
- Three Bays hike.
- Visit to Ramena fishing village.
- Guided hike and tour of Amber Mountain National Park.
- Visit to Joffreville.
- Visit to the Red Tsingy Nature Reserve.
- Guided hike and tour of Ankarana National Park.
- Madagascan chocolate workshop at Cocoa Plantation of Millot.
- Speedboat to Nosy Be.
- Visit to and sunset on Mont Passot.
- Nosy Iranja humpback whale excursion and marine safari.
- Nosy Sakatia excursion, swimming with whale sharks and green turtles.
- International flights (see FLIGHTS below).
- Optional activities, or any activity not described in the itinerary.
- Meals other than those specifically stated in the itinerary.
- Tips to guides, drivers, staff, etc.
- Any potential rentals.
- Souvenirs or anything extra you would like to get.
- Double-occupancy: You will be paired up with someone of the same gender as a roommate, unless you have someone that you are already coming with.
- Single supplement (if you want a room for yourself): $995 (subject to availability)
- The last people to RSVP and pay the deposit MAY have to be put in triple-occupancy rooms (if we end up with an odd number of men or women).
International flights are NOT included (the one internal flight TNR-DIE is included). Flights are very easy to book on your own, and as some people choose to do side trips, it is best to allow you flexibility in booking these. Many travelers also use miles or other ways of making their flights free or saving money. So instead of including air, we give guidelines so you may book your own.
For this particular trip, you may want to explore other islands and there are many options for departure flights.
FLIGHT GUIDELINES
- Arrive in Antananarivo at Ivato International Airport (TNR) on Saturday, October 14th by 4PM. Check-in at the hotel is 2:00PM.
- Leave Nosy Be (NOS) on Saturday, October 21st by 4PM. Check-out from the hotel is at 12:00PM. You may book an international flight out of Nosy Be, or you may fly back to the capital (TNR) to then fly home.
- Price: $2,295
- In order to save you money, we don't add the cost of credit card processing to the price of the trip, so this price is for check, bank transfer, or any form of payment that does not incur a fee. We can take the deposit via credit card, but need the remaining balance to be paid by a direct form of payment. If you want to pay for the remaining balance with a credit card, we can accept it, but have to add a 5% fee.
- A deposit of $500.00 (non-refundable, but movable) starts your reservation. Once we receive your deposit, we'll send you a questionnaire and a contract that will need to be returned to us in 72 hours to guarantee your spot. You can read the contract in advance HERE.
- Your spot is not officially reserved until we are able to confirm your internal flight bookings, which we will purchase once we have your deposit and passport.
- Once you return the filled-out questionnaire and signed contract, we will send you an invoice for the remaining amount. You will have until July 14, 2023 (three months before the trip) to finish making your payment.
- Once you are confirmed, your deposit becomes movable. That means, if you need to cancel your participation on the trip for any reason, you may request a credit for 100% of your deposit that can be applied to any 1000 Treks Trip which departs within one year of the departing date of the original trip.
- When you make your deposit, you will be asked for your email. MAKE SURE YOU LIST AN EMAIL YOU CHECK DAILY WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR PAYMENT. THAT'S WHERE YOU'LL RECEIVE YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE, INVOICE, AND ALL THE EMAILS IN REGARDS TO THE TRIP.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT.
- Full payment is only due by July 14, 2023, three months before the trip. You can make payments when and how you prefer so long as you are fully paid by the due date.
- If you make payments or pay in full before the due date, your payments (minus the deposit) are refundable before the due date. After that, all payments are entirely non-refundable.
- All trips are governed by our comprehensive contract. You should familiarize yourself with it prior to signing up for any of our trips. You can access it by clicking HERE or visiting https://www.1000treks.com/contract/. A link to the contract can also be found at the bottom of all our webpages under CONTRACT.
- Travel insurance is REQUIRED. You may purchase insurance with any company you wish, but we require that your policy covers personal injury, death, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and treatment, repatriation, and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of USD $200,000. You will be required to submit proof of insurance no later than (seven) 7 days prior to the start of the trip or you will not be allowed to participate in the Trip and will forfeit all your payments. Although not part of the requirement, we STRONGLY suggest that you get insurance right away (within 15 days of making your deposit), and that you buy a policy that will cover you in case you need to cancel your trip for any reason.
- Because of the adventurous nature of our trips, our itinerary and some locations are subject to change due to weather, tides, road conditions, logistics, and other unforeseen circumstances. It’s not likely, but it could happen. Whenever we make a change in the itinerary, we will do our best to maintain the integrity of the trip.
- A passport is required for all international travel. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date. If you don't have a valid passport, or if your passport expires before 6 months after the date you will arrive back in the U.S., make sure to get started on a new one ASAP. Here's the link for the Department of State Passport section: http://travel.state.gov//content/travel/en.html
- As of the time of this posting all nationalities require a visa for Madagascar. Visas are available upon arrival, and it is recommended to have cash on your person to pay as needed – the 30-day tourist visa is currently 35 Euro or 37 USD. If you would like to apply in advance, you may get information here: https://www.us-madagascar-embassy.org/visa-consular-services. If you have an embassy in your home country you may obtain a visa prior to departure.
- If you need to take care of any those issues, make sure to get on them ASAP so you don't get held up because of some unexpected delay. We've had people miss trips and lose money because they waited too long or had unexpected issues come up and couldn't take care of them before the trip started.
- Having a valid passport and all the required visas is your responsibility. Please make sure you have those, and any other necessary issues are resolved well ahead of time. 1000 Treks is not responsible for any problems resulting from you not taking care of issues ahead of time.
