Live the Journey » Madagascar: Island hopping – St Marie, Ile Aux Nattes, D’Ampanihy

Madagascar: Island hopping – St Marie, Ile Aux Nattes, D’Ampanihy

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Saint Marie is a tropical island along the east coast of Madagascar. It offers palm-fringed beaches, relaxation at a Spa, fishing and wonderful diving opportunities. It is Madagascar’s hidden gem, once a haven for pirates. There are plenty of activities to make this a memorable visit. Fly to St Marie and then board a pirogue to your accommodation on Ile Aux Nattes and then depart on a trip to Bay D’Ampanihy

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Itinerary

Day 1: Depart for Madagascar

Depart from Johannesburg for Antananarive, capital city of Madagascar. Met upon arrival and transfer to Country View B & B

O/N Country View B & B (half board)

Day 2: Depart for St Marie

Transfer to the airport and check-in for your flight to St Marie. Met at the airport and transfer by pirogue (jungle boat) to your accommodation in Ile Aux Nattes. Crossing the water channel takes about 4 minutes.

Rest of the day at leisure.

O/N La Petite Traversee (half board)

Day 3 – 5: Ile Aux Nattes

St Marie and Ile Aux Nattes offer a variety of activities that you can experience within the next few days. Herewith a list of activities and costs where applicable.

~ It is possible to explore St Marie by bicycle or you can rent a motorbike.

~ You can visit the oldest Christian church in Madagascar at Baie des Forbans

~ Visit the pirate cemetery.

~ Visit the old lighthouse on Ile Aux Nattes

~ On a Thursday it is market day in Ambodifotatra, the main town of St Marie

~ There is a military fort that you can visit … you will not be allowed inside.

~ There are numerous hiking trails on the islands to choose from

~ Whale watching cruise (July – Sept) = from 35 Euro per person

~ Fishing ½ day = from 250 Euro per boat, max 4 people

~ Fishing full day = from 400 Euro per boat, max 4 people

~ Fishing per hour = from 50 Euro, min 2 and max 4 people

~ A cruise on a glass bottom boat = from 7 Euro per person

~ The Endemika Zoo on the island hosts species of lemurs and chameleons

~ Book a scuba diving outing at the hotel.

~ Book a day of spa treatments at Betsie Spa on Ill Aux Nattes = from 120 Euro for full day.

O/N La Petite Traversee (half board)

Day 6: Excursion to Bay D’Ampanihy

Leave at about 09:00 from La Petite Traversee. Weather permitting you will stop over at the beautiful Ile Aux Sable for a picnic style lunch. After lunch continue to Bay D’Ampanihy. Stop en route on a huge sandbank, only 0,5 m deep for a fantastic swim.

Arrive at your accommodation.

O/N Hotel D’Ampanihy Paradise

Day 7: Excursion to Bay D’Ampanihy

Take a pirogue trip out into the Bay D’Ampanihy and enjoy the tunnel passages through the mangrove forests. Visit the local cemetery with a stunning view of the deep blue and emerald green see and endless deserted sandy beaches.

Visit the spot, where the coral reef ends which starts at Ile Aux Nattes and then extend for 35 km up the east coast of Sainte Marie.

Return to your hotel.

O/N Hotel D’Ampanihy Paradise

Day 8: Excursion to Bay D’Ampanihy

Start the return journey to Ile Aux Nattes through the mangrove tunnels and eventually into the Bay D’Ampanihy. Stop over at the sandbank for another swim. Continue along the beautiful east coast of Ile Sainte Marie back to Ile Aux Nattes.

O/N La Petite Traversee (dinner)

Day 9: Ile Aux Nattes

Day at leisure.

O/N La Petite Traversee (half board)

Day 10: Depart for Tana

Transfer to the airport to check in for flight to Tana. Arrive and transfer to B&B

O/N Country View B & B (half board)

Day 11: Depart for Johannesburg

Transfer to the airport to check-in for return flight.

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