Je commence tout juste à préparer un voyage de 3 semaines à Madagascar en octobre 2011, et je ne sais pas trop vers quelle région m'orienter. La seule chose dont je suis certain, c'est qu'en arrivant, j'irai passer 2 ou 3 jours à Ampefy où j'ai de la famille, mais après ça, je ne sais pas du tout.
Ce que j'aimerai voir et faire :
- plonger (obligatoire, je n'envisage plus un voyage sans plonger)
- voir des lémuriens
- voir des baobabs
- m'immerger autant que possible dans des villages reculés
- voir les tsingy
Pour la plongée, il semblerai qu'il n'y ait que Nosy Be, Sainte Marie et Tulear qui proposent des clubs sérieux et reconnus. Est-ce que vous connaissez d'autres clubs sérieux à Mada ?
Sinon, d'une manière générale, vers quelle coin de Madagascar je devrais m'orienter pour trouver tout ce que j'ai cité sans avoir à perdre trop de temps dans les taxis-brousse ou dans les avions ?
Bonsoir
Si vous passez par sainte-marie je vous conseillerais David qui gère le centre de plongée la baleine, celui-ci vous proposera d' autres découvertes et suggestions marine.
veloma
l'important n'est pas de convaincre, mais de donner à réfléchir
Voilà je suis à peu prés dans votre cas...Qu'en est-il? Quel parcours avez-vous finalement fait? Avez vous plongé à Sainte Marie?
merci de votre réponse.
Mon voyage m'a fait passer par Antananarivo, Ampefy, Andasibe, Brickaville, Tamatave, Mahambo, Sainte Marie et enfin l'Ile aux Nattes. Alors point par point, ça donne :
Tana : Si vous arrivez à Madagascar par Tana un vendredi ou un samedi, je vous conseille vivement d'y rester jusqu'au dimanche et d'assister à la messe du Père Pédro le dimanche matin. D'une manière générale c'est toujours intéressant d'assister à un office religieux (quelque soit la religion) quand on voyage dans un pays culturellement très éloigné de son pays d'origine. Mais en ce qui concerne la messe du Père Pédro, c'est vraiment un GRAND moment de bonheur ! 80% de l'office est en malgache donc on comprend rien, mais c'est pas grave, il y a une telle ambiance qu'on en prend plein la figure et c'est un vrai bonheur. En plus c'est l'occasion de faire un BA en glissant un billet au moment de la quète (oui, il accepte les euros, les dollars US...)
A Tana j'étais à l'hôtel Les Flots Bleus : correct mais sans plus.
Ampefy : Très bel endroit pour un début de séjour à Mada (pour se remettre des heures d'avion avant de partir en brousse) ou une fin de séjour (pour une détente ultime avant de rentrer chez soi) : e n'est qu'à 2 heures de route de Tana. A Ampefy, l'activité principale c'est la randonnée/balade. Il y a plusieurs sites à visiter et qui peuvent faire l'objet d'une randonnée à la journée ou à la demi-journée. Ce que j'ai préféré ça a été les chutes de la Lily. Attention, il parait que certains guides prétendent qu'il n'y a qu'une seule chute : c'est faux. Il y en a une deuxième, mais il faut marcher, crapahuter, et à certains moment il faut déchausser pour traverser la rivière. Très belle balade.
A Ampefy j'ai logé à l'Auberge de la Belle Vue : Bon hôtel, confortable, bungalows sympas et surtout très bon restaurant.
Andasibe : Je suis allé là-bas pour visiter une réserve de lémuriens. Cet endroit est connu pour en abriter plusieurs, mais la plupart ressemblent plus à des zoos qu'à autre chose. Pour ma part je suis passé par Mitsinjo qui est une association qui oeuvre pour la préservation des espèces végétales et animales endémiques à la région et qui propose des visites de leur station forestière pour se financer. On y voit notamment des lémuriens en liberté (donc pour la photo avec le lémurien sur l'épaule de mémère, c'est pas la-bas qu'il faut aller).
A Andasibe j'ai logé au Vakona Forest Lodge : Le bungalow était très bien, à tout point de vue (literie, douche, sanitaires...), par contre on a eut un très mauvais accueil. C'est un hôtel qui a l'habitude de recevoir des groupes, et j'ai l'impression que quand on vient en solo ou en couple, on est vraiment pas les bienvenus. Pareil si le soir vous n'avez pas très faim et que vous commandez juste un plat, vous pourrez attendre très longtemps avant qu'il soit servi. En tout cas c'est ce qui m'est arrivé, si bien qu'on a dû quitter l'hôtel et aller manger à l'extérieur.
Brickaville : Pas grand chose à dire sur Brickaville. La ville ne présente pas un grand attrait. Cette étape n'était pas prévue au programme, elle a été ajoutée au dernier moment. L'accueil a été tellement mauvais à Andasibe qu'on a écourté notre séjour et on a ajouté Brickaville qui était à mi-chemin de l'étape suivante.
A Brickaville, on a logé au Nirvana : Leur restaurant est pas mal du tout et l'accueil est très agréable (à la bonne franquette), par contre les chambres sont vraiment exécrable.
Tamatave : Ville au passé colonial très riche (le passé, pas la ville !). Il y a beaucoup de choses à y voir juste en se baladant à pied ou en taxi. Si vous comptez vous déplacer à Tamatave en taxi, je vous conseille un gars (qui m'a été conseillé et dont j'ai été totalement ravis) honnête et très sympa : il s'appelle Pascal et il faut l'appeler au 00261 32 48 10 329.
A Tamatave on a logé Royal Hotel : Hotel propre, confortable, personnel avenant mais sans charme et dans un quartier un peu excentré et qui peut être dangereux pour un touriste le soir. Voiture obligatoire donc, même pour aller dans les restos à 200 mètre.
Mahambo : Un véritable morceau de paradis. Plage quasi déserte, pas de voiture (ou très peu), habitants agréables... Bref, ça a été la touche idyllique de ce voyage. Pour le farniente et la vie douce, il faut absolument s’arrêter la-bas si vous êtes dans le coin.
A Mahambo j'ai logé à lYlang Ylang : Un coin de paradis dans le morceau de paradis qu'est Mahambo. Bungalows très agréables, bien décorés et soignés, restaurant agréable et de bonne qualité, le jardin devant les bungalows est très joli... ça m'a rappelé un peu les Tuamotu. Seul bémol : électricité (et donc eau chaude) uniquement de 18h00 à 22h00.
Sainte Marie : C'est une île très agréable, mais je n'ai malheureusement pas fait tout ce qu'il y a à y faire, loin de là ! J'étais la-bas pour plonger et c'est ce que j'ai fait tous les jours (plus quelques balades). J'ai plongé avec le Lémurien Palmé. C'est un club de plongée sympa, ils sont bien équipés et ils possèdent les mêmes équipements de sécurité que les clubs français. Sans être un spot exceptionnel, il y a de belles plongées à faire autour de Sainte Marie. 3-4 jours de plongée suffisent pour se faire une bonne idée.
A Sainte Marie j'ai logé au Libertalia : Très bon hôtel, d'un certain standing mais convivial. Si vous réservez la-bas, dites que vous ne voulez surtout pas le bungalow 13 : c'est le seul qui a une vue minable.
Île aux Nattes : Encore un petit morceau de paradis (moins que Mahambo cela-dit). Il n'y a pas grand chose à y faire si ce n'est du farniente et une balade autour de l'île (3-4 heures en prenant son temps). Attention tout de même à l'endroit où vous trempez les pieds. Devant mon hôtel la baignade n'était pas des plus agréables : vous faites 3 pas, vous avez de l'eau jusqu'au chevilles, et au quatrième pas vous avez de l'eau jusqu'aux épaules, avec un fort courant qui vous emmène au large. Risquée donc, mais il y a d'autres coins ou la baignade est nettement mieux à l'Île aux Nattes.
A l'ïle aux Nattes j'ai logé au Coco Lodge : Ce n'est pas un hôtel, c'est une maison que l'on peut louer, soit entièrement, soit juste une chambre. C'est calme (trop ?), confortable et l'employé de la maison est un gars super sympa et serviable. En plus c'est certainement l'hébergement le moins cher de l'ïle aux Nattes.
Voilà mon "petit" résumé sur mon séjour à Madagascar. D'une manière générale je conseille de ne pas faire la même erreur que moi, c'est à dire de ne pas passer moins de 2 nuits par étape. A Madagascar les gens ne sont jamais pressés, et courir d'une ville à l'autre dans cette ambiance ne rime à rien (surtout quand on est en vacances). Il n'est pas vraiment possible de s’imprégner de l'ambiance d'un lieu et de profiter de la douceur de vivre locale en moins de 2, voir 3 nuits. On peut être tenté de multiplier les étapes pour éviter de passer de nombreuses heures d'affilé sur la route, mais je conseille plutôt de perdre une journée en taxi brousse pour se rendre à l'endroit désiré.
Voyager à petits prix › Madagascar / Brésil / Inde · 84 replies
Me mariant l’année prochaine, je commence déjà à réfléchir très sérieusement à notre prochain voyage ... La lune de miel! Le Voyage qui va pouvoir m’ouvrir la…
Au cours de notre voyage à Madagascar, nous allons séjourner deux jours à Ifaty. Etant donné qu'il s'agira de la fin du périple, nous aimerions ne pas être…
Océan Indien Africain › Madagascar / Mali · 22 replies
Alors pour mon prochain voyage je me tate... j'ai besoin de vos conseils! j'hésite entre madagascar et le mali! ca serait environ un voyage de 3 semaines en…
Bonne année 2008 à tous!!!!! Nous voilà presque prêts pour notre voyage à Mada: départ de Marseille le 5 avril, un chauffeur nous attend à l'aèroport et départ…
Has anyone been to this base camp in the Diego area towards the west coast (Mozambique Channel)? The trip starts from Diego Suarez by 4x4 and boat,
with a visit to Nosy Hara and a few nearby islands.
Possible big-game fishing and diving.
Thanks in advance if anyone has info!
Hi everyone, I’m heading to Île aux Nattes in a few weeks and I’d like to know if euros are accepted in the island’s restaurants.
At the hotel where I’ll be staying, they take card payments, but for activities, I can’t find any reliable info.
Could anyone tell me the approximate cost in euros and/or ariary for a week (food outside the hotel) on the island for two people?
Also, has anyone ever exchanged money at the Paris Magenta exchange bureau?
Thanks!
Hello,
After asking questions on the site, here’s a little feedback on our trip in March and April.
Marseille/Antananarivo flight with Ethiopian Airlines was great both ways. I’d recommend it.
Domestic flights with Madagascar Airlines were just as smooth.
We had to change our plans because I was the victim of a snatch-theft attempt at Ivato... patellar fracture... so I ended up with a brace and more rest than hikes.
This let us spend more time in the same areas and make some connections.
We loved Tulear. Stayed with Alain—excellent value for money.
Mangily, where we stayed for 15 days. Hotel Bella Dona due to my little handicap. The pool replaced sea swims.
Mangily gets a bad rap for being very touristy. True, you get approached a lot on the beach—you have to play along and buy some trinkets, but after that, you get royal peace and lots of exchanges with locals. The village and its lively street are nice too. Don’t hesitate to eat with fishermen or at local bars.
Anakao, a big favorite. Just the journey there is worth it. Watching dozens of pirogues set off between 5 and 6 AM is a magical moment.
Stayed at Peter Pan’s place. Lots of chats with Dario since we were the only guests.
Planned a 4-day Antananarivo–Soniara–Ivango road trip with a driver.
Cut to 2 days because the boat to Sainte Marie was moved up due to weather. I don’t remember the company’s name, but it wasn’t great for safety—plus, we brought back fleas.
Visited Andasibe Park along the way. Quick tip: go in the morning.
A little over 2 weeks on Sainte Marie at Hôtel Mantis Soanambo—total luxury negotiated at a price that defied all competition because it was low season.
Meals were at little local eateries nearby.
We chose not to sleep on Île aux Nattes but went there several times during the day (crossing: 4000 ariary for 2).
You have to take a pirogue tour—it’s like stepping into a postcard.
Sainte Marie is a special place. A tropical island that feels like the Caribbean ones we’ve lived on. No security issues at all. We rented a scooter because we found tuk-tuk prices a bit steep. You can leave the scooter with helmet and keys and come back 4 hours later.
More amazing encounters here too.
Last part of our trip in Ampefy, a beautiful volcanic region with a very welcoming population.
Stayed with a friend of our driver.
Hotels in Ivato are plentiful and vary a lot in quality.
Les 12 Collines is a bit out of the way but only 21 € per night.
La Chato... very expensive for what you get.
I tried to keep it short.
Madagascar is a wonderful island with so many facets. Always so many emotions when I think back on this trip.
The extreme poverty... don’t hesitate to buy food for the kids on the beach, for example. It doesn’t cost much, but it means a lot to them.
The kindness of the people and, above all, those SMILES.
We’re hooked—we’re going back in November for 6 months... because yes, you can buy a 3-month visa at the airport (a question I’d asked), and you can extend it for another 3 months... if you apply in time at a police station.
We didn’t take Malarone either. We’d brought some, but there were few mosquitoes, and "Insect Écran" worked really well.
Hi everyone, we’re planning a trip to Réunion for 6 nights and Mauritius for 7 nights in March 2027. I’m starting to look into it now. We’re not hikers, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Should we book flights and small hotels separately, or go for a flight-and-stay package? We don’t want to blow our budget (around 2800 € per person). Thanks!
Gigi
Hello,
We’ll be on vacation in the Seychelles in July and will visit La Digue, Praslin, and then Mahé in that order. Our 21-year-old daughter will have to leave earlier than us while we’re still on Praslin.
We’re hesitating between the following options for her return:
Option 1:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 2:00 PM – arrives in Mahé at 3:15 PM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- The connection is very tight, leaving a 1- to 2-hour safety margin in case the ferry is delayed.
Option 2:
- July 9: ferry from Praslin at 8:00 AM – arrives in Mahé at 9:15 AM.
- International flight departing at 7:30 PM.
- This is safer than Option 1, but it means she’d lose the whole day, spending it alone. We’d pay for a day pass giving her access to a hotel pool to kill time.
From experience, what do you think? Are significant ferry delays (2 hours or more) common, especially in July with the swell, making Option 1 too risky?
Or is even Option 2 too risky, and should our daughter take a ferry the day before (though that would mean missing a lot of time with us)?
Or should she take an Air Seychelles flight the same day instead of the ferry? Is that safer than the ferry? But it’s much more expensive…
I know no one can give me certainty on this, but I’d just love to hear your gut feeling from those who have experience with inter-island transfers in the Seychelles.
Thanks so much in advance!
Christophe
Hello,
Our trip is taking shape.
We’re leaving on February 28th. We’ll start by flying to Tulear, then make our way up to Tana at a relaxed pace before catching another flight to Diego Suarez.
We’d love to end our stay on Sainte Marie Island.
Is there a way to make the trip by land? By sea?
Just to clarify, we’re not pressed for time.
Thanks!
Hello everyone,
Thanks for this amazing forum—I’ve spent hours browsing through it.
I’m reaching out to ask for your help as we’re looking for a destination for our honeymoon.
We never travel outside Europe, so we’re total newbies, but we want to treat ourselves for this special occasion.
Dates: June 23 → July 8 (possibly until July 12)
Duration: 2 to 3 weeks
Budget: Not really an issue for this trip
Our plan:
- A seaside destination first and foremost, with beautiful beaches
- We’d like to do some hiking or at least go on walks with scenic viewpoints
- A relaxing trip with sunshine, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes
- A safe destination
Our thoughts so far:
- New Zealand: our dream, but it seems like the wrong time of year weather-wise ++
- Azores: ruled out due to unpredictable weather—what do you think?
- Mauritius/Reunion combo: vetoed by my future wife ^^
- Seychelles: seems like it could work, but I’ve read about a few downsides (no shops to buy food, snorkeling not always amazing, occasional weather/tide issues making swimming tricky)
Other options:
- French Polynesia: we’re really dreaming of it, but is 2 weeks too short for such a long trip?
- Hawaii: same question—too far?
- Sardinia?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great weekend!
Every year, we love escaping the autumn season—I really can’t stand it—by heading somewhere sunny during the All Saints' holiday.
This year, we were thinking of Mauritius... We’d found a place to stay, but after digging deeper, I realized it’s 40% cheaper in July. And the flights with Emirates aren’t more expensive in the summer, even though it’s peak season for them, compared to October.
Yet, after checking a bunch of sites, I don’t get the impression the weather is bad there in July—maybe just a *tiny* bit less hot than in October, but nothing major...
So we’re tempted to go this summer after all.
This big price jump for All Saints' compared to summer is a mystery to me... Did I miss something?
If you’ve got any firsthand experience traveling to Mauritius in July or early August, I’d love to hear about it.
Hi! Recently, the domestic-flight terminal at Ivato has been moved to the old "international" airport, complete with its own scanner. On October 13th, I checked my luggage (which I had inspected before leaving my hotel in Tana) for a flight to Sambava. It wasn’t until I arrived at my accommodation in Antalaha and opened it that I discovered it had been searched (normal before boarding a plane), but to my surprise, the case containing my GPS fishfinder had been opened—likely mistaken for a laptop due to the scanner’s open access to all kinds of theft—and three SD cards were stolen. Luckily, two of the SD cards had their micro SDs inserted into the device, so I still had the Navionics micro card (300 €) essential for fishing. Of course, I’m not asking for compensation, just urging caution with checked luggage on "domestic" flights. (This is a copy-paste of my post on *Le Routard*.)
Hello,
I’m continuing the Antalaha–Maroantsetra discussion but for some info in the other direction, specifically about hiking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha.
In mid-December, I plan to take it easy from Tamatave to Antalaha. I’m thinking of making a few stops, like Nosy Atafana—has anyone snorkeled there? Is it nice? Can you find bush taxis on the Soniera–Ivongo / Maroantsetra stretch?
After that, I’m considering walking from Maroantsetra to Antalaha and figuring things out as I go, since the path seems well-used, so I’m not planning on a guide. Good idea or totally foolish? Should I bring a tent and some camping gear, or, as I’ve read multiple times, are there several villages with lodging and food options along the way? Any spots worth stopping at or nothing special to see?
In Antalaha, I saw the recommendation for Villa Malaza in the previous discussion, so I’m keeping that in mind. If there’s space, I’ll plan to stay there. In Antalaha itself, are there any places to visit, things to see, or activities you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance to everyone for any tips—they’ll be really helpful!
Well, I still feel a bit lonely about this destination—no requests for info, no travel journals, or trip reports since I last posted over a year ago. A little disheartening.
That said, I did cross paths with slightly more tourists this time. Not a ton, but enough to notice compared to my last stay. Beyond that, not much has changed—the people are just as lovely, and every interaction, whether at the market, in the medinas, in town, or in the countryside, was positive. It was so pleasant; my "alert meter" stayed at zero the whole time (which is pretty different from some other places I visit now and then). The roads outside the cities remain dangerous, and the accident rate seems high. Best to drive during the day and take it easy (on some rough stretches, you don’t really have a choice anyway). The scattered plastic and metal waste hasn’t magically disappeared, and it’s still pretty discouraging to see the most beautiful beaches surrounded by empty bottles, straws, diapers, and rusted carcasses of an old Xantia or a skeletal Espace. When it’s not on the beach itself (since those are cleaned), it’s just a few meters away. Usually, there’s not much in the water or close to shore—the seabeds are gorgeous, with coral and a wide variety of scaly friends... But stepping back onto the hardened lava, you dodge a chip bag or a shriveled battery. Such a paradox. Honestly, it’s like this almost everywhere except on hotel beaches or those far from human settlements. But otherwise, in places like Chomoni, Bouni, Itsandra, Moya, and Domoni (on Anjouan), Nioumachoua (on Mohéli, and even on the nearby islets), it’s hard to ignore. And it unfortunately tarnishes the beauty of these otherwise stunning spots.
That said, you can still find secluded micro-bays, protected and remote, where this isn’t an issue. And where there are hotels—like in Petite Itsandra in Moroni, in front of Laka Lodge in Nioumachoua, Trou du Prophète, or even Chomoni (though the surrounding areas are so littered...)—the beaches are cleaned, so...
So why go? Why still love it despite all this?
Well, first, the Comorians themselves—that’s already essential and probably the main reason.
Then there’s the breathtaking topography: the imposing Karthala, the dizzying peaks and cliffs of Anjouan, vast ravines, a tortured geology covered in lush nature, and Mohéli, much more serene and gentle, blanketed in spice plants and trees with names that make you dream, like an open-air spice market.
The flora across the islands—the fields, trees, scents: clove trees, cinnamon trees, lychee, mango, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut palms, banana trees, coffee plants, cocoa... A profusion of green dotted with red, white, and yellow berries and flowers...
The seabeds are stunning in many places, and there are some beautiful beaches/oceanfront spots, especially near Trou du Prophète (but not only there).
The history and culture—between traditional festivals, but especially the medinas with their staircases, covered passages, palaces, and mosques that create Escher-like constructions. I love wandering through them for hours, stumbling upon an unlikely shop, a more or less philosophical saying like "pain is a warning," "a promise is a debt," or the less original "little by little, the bird makes its nest." A grocery store, women negotiating freshly caught fish (usually tuna, immediately cut and ready to sell), kids playing, old men playing checkers, a call to prayer... In Moroni, Mutsamudu, and Domoni, I spent most of my "urban" time.
If anyone’s interested—though given the hype about Comoros on the forum, I doubt it—but if you need info on accommodation across the three islands, some restaurants, or sites to visit, don’t hesitate to ask.
This message is another message in a bottle (one more, if I dare...) for the Comoros destination.
I’ll be in Antalaha in October and need to get to Maroantsetra.
I’ve heard it’s possible by boat, but I can’t find any info about it.
So I’m wondering if I’ll have to arrange something with local fishing boats or something else, and whether it’s a risky trip since the sea can get rough on Madagascar’s east coast.
Has anyone done this before, or just know anything about it?
What do you think?
Hello, we’re heading to Mauritius for two weeks at the end of October. We’ll be staying in Trou aux Biches. We’d like to explore the island by bus if possible, so if you have any tips, we’d love to hear them. We’re on half-board, so we’ll also be checking out some nice, typical little restaurants and snack spots. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi, is it possible to find out? How can I stay for 3 consecutive months in Madagascar, based on a fixed-date flight ticket? In short, how do I get a visa stamped at the airport??
Does anyone know if there’s maritime transport from the southern tip of Africa to a port in MADAGASCAR?
CHEAPER THAN A FLIGHT, see you soon, fellow traveler!!
Hi there,
We’ve booked accommodation at Digwa Beach Chalet on La Digue. We’ll be arriving and leaving by ferry.
We’re only a 20-minute walk from our rental.
I was wondering if anyone has stayed at this place before and knows if they pick you up from the ferry? Is it free? How much does it cost?
My husband has reduced mobility and with the luggage, it’s not going to be easy. I’ve sent a message to the accommodation but haven’t heard back yet... Thanks so much for your help!
hi, does anyone have any recent info on the condition of this RN6 route? roadworks? maintenance?
and of course, about the two river crossings at Gué between Ambanja and Ambilobe on the Ifatsy and Mahavavy rivers (at the entrance to Ambilobe)
condition of the ferries, possible start of work on the bridges (with the addition of Bailey bridges)
any info after the rainy season, meaning after April 2025
thanks
Can you tell me how long (on average...) the Tana to Tamatave trip takes with local minibus transport?
Which reliable company do you recommend for booking?
Hi there,
We’re thinking of doing the train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara again. Is the train still running? After that, we’re planning to go from Manakara to Fort Dauphin by 4x4. Thanks for any tips you can share!
Hello,
After over 40 years of traveling, I’ve never used a driver-guide before.
Given my age, this time I’d like to avoid being squeezed into a bush taxi. I’ve never rented a 4x4 but usually go for sedans.
So, for my upcoming trip to Madagascar, I decided to hire a 4x4 with a driver. I contacted about ten agencies and guides listed in the GR, LP, and travel forums. The quotes I got for 20 days range from 6000 € to 1300 €, with or without fuel included. Most ask for either a full bank transfer upfront or a mobile wallet payment (30%, etc.) from France.
Personally, I’d prefer to see the vehicle and the driver before making any payment.
Also, I’d rather pay at the end of my trip.
Is it possible to find a provider in Tana upon arrival for around 50 or 60 € per day, including fuel, with short notice, some flexibility in my itinerary, and without being forced to accept the dictates of agencies or drivers recommended on certain forums?
Thanks for your replies.
My wife and I (Quebecers, 63 years old, retired, celebrating our 45 years together this year, including 20 years of marriage) have chosen to mark the occasion with a trip to Dubai, Réunion, and Mauritius (4 days in Dubai, then 24 days on the islands).
We have a lot of experience planning road trips (scouting routes, visits, hotels, and restaurants of interest), but we travel without reservations to keep the freedom to follow our instincts and tips we get on the spot. We’re moderately active physically and prefer the countryside and beaches over big cities. Our only fixed dates: arrival in Réunion on October 5th and departure from Mauritius on October 29th.
After lots of reading and with the help of an AI (super useful for drafting a first outline!), here’s a possible itinerary framework. Nothing is set in stone—I’d love your suggestions, comments, and thoughts on what’s worth adding or avoiding. Are the proposed bases optimal? Also, if you have recommendations for hotels (mid-range budget of 100–200 euros per night), restaurants, etc., I’m all ears! ;-)
Thanks! 😊
🌴 Réunion (October 5–13, 9 days)
Base 1 – Saint-Gilles / L’Hermitage (October 5–8, 3 nights)
Oct 5 (Sun): Settle in, relax at L’Hermitage beach.
Oct 6 (Mon): Saint-Paul market (morning), beach + sunset at Boucan Canot.
Oct 7 (Tue): Excursion to Maïdo (view of Mafate), return via Saint-Leu (Stella Matutina).
Oct 8 (Wed): Beach + dolphin/whale-watching boat trip.
Base 2 – Cilaos (October 8–10, 2 nights)
Oct 9 (Thu): Route des 400 virages, stroll through the village and Roche Merveilleuse.
Oct 10 (Fri): Hike to Bras Rouge (3–4h) or the Chapelle canyon. Creole inn evening.
Base 3 – Plaine des Cafres / Bourg-Murat (October 10–13, 3 nights)
Oct 11 (Sat): Road to the volcano → Plaine des Sables → Piton de la Fournaise.
Oct 12 (Sun): Wild south coast at Cap Méchant, lava flows, Jardin Parfums, Grande Anse beach.
Oct 13 (Mon): Relaxed morning, flight from Réunion to Mauritius.
🏝️ Mauritius (October 13–29, 16 days)
Base 1 – Grand Baie / Pereybère (October 13–18, 5 nights)
Oct 13 (Mon): Settle in, swim at Mont Choisy.
Oct 14 (Tue): Boat excursion to Île Plate & Coin de Mire.
Oct 15 (Wed): Pamplemousses Garden + L’Aventure du Sucre. Evening in Grand Baie.
Oct 16 (Thu): Trou aux Biches beach, snorkeling.
Oct 17 (Fri): Free day, relaxation/shopping.
Base 2 – Flic-en-Flac / Tamarin (October 18–23, 5 nights)
Oct 18 (Sat): Drive to the west, settle in, beach.
Oct 19 (Sun): Dolphin excursion in Tamarin, relax in the afternoon.
Oct 20 (Mon): Chamarel: Terres 7 Couleurs + rum distillery.
Oct 21 (Tue): Black River Gorges (hike + waterfalls).
Oct 22 (Wed): Snorkeling + sunset.
Base 3 – Belle Mare / Trou d’Eau Douce (October 23–26, 3 nights)
Oct 23 (Thu): Settle in, Belle Mare beach.
Oct 24 (Fri): Catamaran excursion to Île aux Cerfs.
Oct 25 (Sat): Flacq market (morning), beach in the afternoon.
Base 4 – Mahébourg / Blue Bay (October 26–29, 3 nights)
Oct 26 (Sun): Settle in, snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park.
Oct 27 (Mon): Pointe d’Esny + Île aux Aigrettes.
Oct 28 (Tue): Free beach day + Mahébourg village.
Oct 29 (Wed): Morning swim, return flight at 4 PM (airport is 15 min away).
Hey there,
I’m moving to Réunion Island in September and I’d love to hear about your experiences there. What’s there to do and what should I avoid?
Do you have any great tips for budget-friendly accommodation or places to stay?
Any advice on how to save money while I’m there?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are heading to Madagascar in March, and we were wondering if it’s possible to bring some cash and top up once we’re there (specifically in Tana).
Is it worth exchanging money if euros are accepted everywhere?
Thanks for your always super helpful tips on VF!
Hi there,
How do you get from Tamatave or Foulpointe to Sainte Marie Island? We’re heading to Madagascar from July 16 to 29, 2025.
How many days should we stay to explore the area?
What’s there to do in Tamatave, Foulpointe, or Sainte Marie Island?
What should we visit?
Thanks everyone!
Hi,
I’m taking the Cotisse bus soon to go to Antsohihy, so the route is Tana-Majunga with a stop at Antanambaza.
How long does it take to get to Antanambaza? Should I leave at 6:30 PM or 7:00 AM?
Considering I’ll probably need to find a hotel while waiting for a *taxi be* to Antsohihy, I’d rather not arrive in the middle of the night.
And since I’m asking—does anyone have a hotel recommendation in Antanambaza?
Also, can you find a seat on a *taxi be* mid-route?
