Madagascar Diving Safari

Your Madagascar adventure begins! You will arrive at Ivato International Airport where you will be meet and .transferred to your hotel for the evening. Get acquainted with Antananarivo, the capital and largest city in Madagascar.  The City founded around the years 1610-1620 by King Andrianjaka, where he decided to build his Rova (Palace) on the highest hill in the city. He assigned 1,000 men in arms to protect it, and the city took its name “the city of the Thousands”. Check out the views of the city from the rooftop of your hotel or enjoy a meal and drink at the restaurant as you prepare for the journey ahead.

After an early breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver-guide who will guide you during your visit of the RAMSAR Site of Tsarasaotra park. A RAMSAR sight is indicated as a wetland of international importance. This distinction gives a huge indication of the wildlife and nature viewing that awaits for your time within the park. The park, located in  the middle of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, is a small green oasis in the north of the town. Its name, Tsarasaotra, means bird ‘s island. You are sure to not be disappointed with the bird watching opportunities within the park. The Park of 0,25 km² size is a refuge for many birds and can easily be photographed – among them are 14 endangered species that can only be found in Madagascar. The Madagascar pond heron (Ardeola idae) finds a home in the reeds as well as the critically endangered Meller’s duck (Anas melleri), the rarely seen Madagascan grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) or the nimble Madagascar kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides). But also, more common bird species such as the cattle egret, squacco heron, night heron, black heron, and reef heron, red-billed teal, white-faced whistling duck, knob-billed duck or the endemic Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus) use this place for fishing, laying eggs and caring for their brood. You will then enjoy a picnic lunch on road, continuing on to Andasibe, a stunning rainforest park, about 5 hours’ drive or so from the city. The Park consists of two protected areas, the Périnet Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. The protected areas themselves are world famous for their population of Indri lemurs, which are the largest living lemur species. Arrival in Andasibe will be late and once you arrive you will settle into your accommodations for the evening. Transfer approximation: driving distance 145km – 5 hour drive

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the 810ha Périnet Analamazaotra Reserve in search of the Indri indri again. With a barely visible tail, black and white markings, and a surprised teddy–bear face, this lemur is one of the few animals in the world that cannot survive in captivity. You will be blessed with the unique opportunity to witness this majestic creature that many will never have the chance to view in their lifetime. There are another 11 species of lemur to spot as you walk through the rainforest. You may find a troop of grey bamboo lemurs, common brown lemur, diademed sifaka and the black and white ruffed lemur. If you’ve watched with animated movie Madagascar, these guys may look familiar to you. Birdwatchers should look out for the velvet asity, the blue coua and the Nuthatch vanga and many more endemic species. Périnet is also home to many reptiles, invertebrates, and some of Madagascar’s over a thousand orchid species. Have an afternoon walk into the VOI reserve, a private park run by local villagers. A few species of lemurs can also be seen there, such as the Indri indri, brown lemurs and diademed sifaka, as well as chameleons and birds. A night walk can be organized in late afternoon.

Early in the morning, take the road back to the Capital. You will then transfer to the airport and be assisted  with boarding your private charter flight to Morondava. Fly over the Tsingy de Bemaraha on the way to take photos. Upon arrival, meet and greet your English-speaking driver and guide. You will  then check-in to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a sunset tour to the Avenue of the Baobabs (~ 1 hour-drive) for a beautiful sunset among the Adansonia grandidieri the largest species of baobabs in Madagascar. Baobabs are a magical tree that is sure to leave you in awe of their beauty. Transfer approximation: 145km – 5 hour drive and  2h20m private charter flight

Travel to Kirindy Reserve. Situated at about 60 km (~1 hour) northeast of Morondava, Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar’s most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests. Kirindy reserve is famous for the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), the giant jumping rat (hibernate during the dry season), but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of endemic reptiles. The flora is equally unusual – there are a number of unique species are found at Kirindy.  Fosa can be seen year-round even though they mate usually beginning in late October. You will be able to enjoy lunch at the reserve. You may  also have the opportunity for a night walk if time permits to spot nocturnal species. At the conclusion of the evening you will then travel back to Morondava.  

Begin your day by enjoying breakfast. You will then transfer  to Morondava airport for your private charter flight to Nosy Be. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel and home away from home for the next few nights.

Begin the diving part of your itinerary with 2 dives per day. Nosy be diving is known as a beautiful underwater ecosystem. There is a great deal of plankton in the area that will attract the majestic whale shark. The dive sights are away from mass tourism and are very well preserved. The conditions are sure to delight any divers.

Enjoy another 2 dives. Explore more dive sights which include wrecks, reefs, and drop offs. There is something to interest every diver.

Continue on with another spectacular two dive day. See if you can spot some giant gorgonian sea fans, nudibranchs, and antennas.

Your last two dives of the trip. See if you are able to catch a view of a scalloped hammerhead or a manta ray.

Free to explore the area – there are loads of day trips to the various islands around Nosy Be, contact us for more details and to discuss the various options. If you would prefer,  simply relax at the lodge before your departure tomorrow.

Enjoy one last breakfast in beautiful Masagascar. Once you have finished breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Your Madagascar adventure has come to an end. We hop you have had an amazing journey exploring this amazing country.