Nous préparons activement notre prochain séjour à Madagascar.
Pour cette 1ère visite, nous projetons de faire : Tana à Tulear, en nous arretant probablement à : Antsirabe, Ambositra, Fianarantsoa, Isalo, Tulear et Anakao (ou Ifaty)
Auriez-vous des conseils ou simplement des remarques à nous donner ?
Hotel, resto, coin à ne pas louper...
Pour un premier voyage, tu as choisi "la classique". Attention, prépare les pulls, il fait froid sur les hauts plateaux à cette époque.
A ne pas rater : le train de Fianarantsoa à Manakara, ensuite tu remontes soit par le train dans l'autre sens, soit par la route.
Pour les hôtels, ça dépend du prix que tu souhaites dépenser. Regarde les posts sur le sujet.
bonjour,
ci joint le programme que nous avons réalisé à mada.
Un conseil préférer Anakao à Ifaty (beaucoup moins de touristes)
LEXIQUE
THB = bière locale
2 modèles grand modèle = GM
petit modèle = PM
idem pour le coca
le prix indiqué est celui de la THB GM
pour le coca compter un peu plus cher
les plats sont copieux, surtout en riz pratiquement dans tous les plats
Au départ de Tuléar prévoir des jerricans supplémentaires (au moins 50 litres de gasoïl) pour la route du sud. Prévoir un stock d’eau en bouteilles et à manger pour plusieurs repas)
Location du 4X4 : 450 000 fmg par jour plus le gasoil plus une journée (forfait pour remonter de Fort Dauphin à Tana)
Quand vous voyez des baobabs sur la route en allant vers Tuléar (après ILLIAKAKA), il faut les photographier car c’est le seul endroit sur la route ou il y en a.
Pour les guides pour visiter les parcs :
la première chose à faire lorsque l’on arrive la veille au soir c’est de trouver le guide, de discuter le prix avec lui et de convenir de l’heure de départ pour la visite du parc le lendemain matin
la deuxième est d’acheter le nécessaire pour le pique-nique dans le parc et surtout l’eau
1er JOUR 31/07/2003 TANANARIVE
Taxi : de l’aéroport vers Tana : compter environ 80.000
Dans Tana : entre 6 et 8.000
VISITES
Ville Haute
Palais présidentiel
Rue Ratsimiulaho
Place de l’indépendance
Marché petite vitesse (dans la rue a gauche de la gare quand on est en face et marché artisanal Pochart (a droite de la gare)
HOTELS
Hôtel FJKM Faravohitra en face de la résidence du président de la république à Tana
pour le taxi demander : Lycée Jules Ferry ou Eglise Catholique
bungalow en dur à 50 000 avec douche chaude et W-C commun à l’extérieur
ou chambre avec douche et W-C communs à l’intérieur à 60 000
propre, agréable
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Le Royal palissandre
Très chic
Repas environ 50.000
2ème JOUR 01/08/2003 TANANARIVE
VISITES
Palais de la reine et tombeaux des 4 rois et des 3 reines
Eglise Andohalo
Musée Andafianaratia
Palais du gouvernement
Marché koma
3ème JOUR 02/08/2003 ANTSIRABE
VISITES
ANTSIRABE Visite des lacs Andraikiba et Tritiva
Aperçu des thermes
Attention l’hôtel DERA est fermé
Départ pour AMBOSITRA
Couchage AMBOSITRA
4ème JOUR 03/08/2003 AMBOSITRA
VISITES
Visite des villages Zafimaniry Antoetra et Ifasina
Tombeau des ancêtres sur la route des lacs
Artisanat du bois à Antoetra. (4 fois moins cher qu’à Tana)
Pour les villages demander directement à l’hôtel le guide Jonathan
Couchage AMBOSITRA
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant l’oasis à Ambositra
canard à 17 500
brochette à 12 500
THB 10000
(c’est comme dans le Routard : le cuisinier met sa veste blanche quand arrive un client)
bon, copieux, sympa
hotely sariaka lot VD 16 est
Vinany Ambositra
Zébu 6 000
Mi sao 6000
Menu 35000
Déco Kitch. Propre.
5ème JOUR 04/08/2003 AMBOSITRA
VISITES
AMBOSITRA : visite du rova et du musée attenant (intéressant)
Marché
HOTELS
Ambositra Hôtel Prestige
contrairement à ce que dit le routard : ne fait plus restaurant
chambre 5 personnes 120 000 avec douche chaude
agréable
petit déjeuner classique à 8 500
petit déj malgache à 7 500
Départ pour RANOMAFANA
Couchage RANOMAFANA
6ème JOUR 05/08/2003 RANOMAFANA (eaux chaudes)
VISITES
PARC National :
Départ pour le parc à 7H00
Foret secondaire
Foret primaire
Visite de nuit
Vu 8 sortes de Lémurien : Happalemur Simus, Lemur doré, Lemur Laineux, Sifaka, Lemur Fauve (fulvus), Varecia, Lémur à ventre roux, Microcebus
Visite du centre de l’environnement : on peut s’en passer
Visite (rapide) des thermes
Couchage à RANOMAFANA
HOTELS
hôtel Manja à Ranomafana
bungalow 2 personnes 60 000
douches chaudes communes et W-C communs
propre
avec moustiquaire
agréable, personnel sympa
très bon restaurant :
écrevisses sauce à 10 000 (copieux)
bœuf à 7 500
THB 6 500
RESTAURANTS
Hôtel restaurant MANJA
Petit déjeuner 10 000
Poulet grille frite 17000
Bœuf frites 13 000
Thb GM 6500
Guide pour le parc 150.000 de 7 à 19 h : forêt secondaire, forêt primaire, et balade de nuit : demander le guide Rudy
7ème JOUR 06/08/2003 FIANARANTSOA
Départ le matin pour FIANARANTSOA
VISITES
Ville Haute
Visite du Rova et de la grotte de la reine
Marché
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Cotsoyannis à Fianarantsoa
chic
carpaccio de zébu à 25 000
pizza 30 500
THB 10 000
Départ pour AMBALAVAO
Couchage à AMBALAVAO
HOTELS
Hôtel Restaurant Les Bougainvillées
chambre/bungalow 2 personnes 106 000
tout confort, bien, mais cher : monopole oblige
restaurant :
poulet frites à 25 000
soupe chinoise à 12 500
THB 8000
Le guide du routard dit qu’il est possible de faire l’aller retour Ranomafana/ Fianarantsoa dans la journée c’est Impossible.
8ème JOUR 07/08/2003 PARC ANDRINGITRA
VISITES
Visite du parc : parcours des extra-terrestres
Piscine naturelle
Cascades mâle et femelle
Guides recommandés : Napoléon, Ruffin ou Fidelis. Coût 35 000.
Couchage à AMBALAVAO
9ème JOUR 08/08/2003 FIANARANTSOA
VISITES
Hôpital FIANARANTSOA
Plantation de Thé
Train de Manakara
Marché de FIANARANTSOA
Couchage FIANARANTSOA
HOTELS
Hôtel Moderne Chez Papillon
En face de la gare
Chambre 2 ou 3 personnes à 70 000
Chambre 4 personnes à 100 000
Douche avec eau chaude
Correct
RESTAURANTS
Tsara guest House fiana
super restaurant (anniversaire jojo)
poisson plat du jour à 19 500
filet de zébu à 34 500
THB à 10 500
Punch à 10 000
Hotely à coté de chez Papillon
La première rue à gauche (Quand on est dos à la gare) sur la place après l’hôtel Papillon.
Plats malgaches à 5 000
10ème JOUR 09/08/2003 AMBALAVAO
Départ pour AMBALAVAO
VISITES
Visite de la cave Thonon
Visite de la fabrique de papier ANTEMORO dans l’hôtel Bougainvilliers
Réserve ANJA
Départ pour IHOSY (visite du marché) puis ISALO
11ème JOUR 10/08/2003 PARC ISALO (eau des lémuriens)‘
VISITES
Visite canyon des Makis (la douche du roi)
Visite canyon des Rats
Visite de la piscine naturelle
Couchage ISALO
HOTELS
MOMO trek Hôtel restaurant RANOHIRA ISALO
Chambres 61 000 et 46000
Sans eau douches froides communes et WC communs
Petits dej 12500
THB 8000
Cher
Guidage hors de prix. 215 000 par personne à partir de 4 personnes pour coucher sous la tente près de la piscine naturelle. Allez négocier avec les guides au bureau de l’ANGAP.
Guide Jérôme correct.
RESTAURANTS
RANOHIRA
Hôtel RAMIRANDAVA (petit restaurant gazy. La rue en face du bureau des guides. Sur la gauche de la rue)
Accueil très sympa. Repas bon
Zébu Haricot 10 000
Porc aux carottes 6000
Bœuf sauce 5000
THB 7000
Petit déjeuner 6000
12ème JOUR 11/08/2003 PARC ISALO
VISITES
Visite Cascade des nymphes (Jacques)
Petite ballade (les autres)
Musée du parc
Fenêtre d’ISALO
La Reine d’ISALO
Départ pour TULEAR
Quand vous voyez des baobabs sur la route en allant vers Tuléar (après ILLIAKAKA), il faut les photographier car c’est le seul endroit sur la route ou il y en a.
Passage par ILLIAKAKA (ville des saphirs) puis SAKARAHA (surtout ne pas s’arrêter dans ces deux villes (genre Far West ruée vers l’or))
Couchage TULEAR
HOTELS
Hôtel le Palmier TULEAR
Chambre 65 000 pour deux 80 000 pour trois
Dans un état lamentable
Draps douteux
Bruyant de la musique toute la nuit
A éviter
13ème JOUR 12/08/2003 TULEAR
VISITES
Marché artisanal (coquillages, ….)
Départ pour St Augustin en 4X4.
Ballade sur la rivière de l’embouchure à la source (piscine naturelle)
Départ en Bateau pour ANAKAO (par la route compter la journée).
Deux départs par jour le matin vers 8 heures, un l’après midi vers 15 heures
Transfert en bateau depuis Saint Augustin vers Anakao
Compagnie du sud (mec de Paimpol)
75 000 par personne
½ h à fond avec 2 moteurs 40 cv
Couchage ANAKAO
RESTAURANTS
Chez Glover à St Augustin très bonne langouste à 25 000
HOTELS
arrivée directement sur la plage de l'hôtel chez Stoic
THB 9000
Petit dej 7000
Restaurant calamar 25 000
Bungalow sur la plage 90 000
Pas d’eau courante. WC commun Pas d’électricité
Vue Superbe
14ème JOUR 13/08/2003 ANAKAO
VISITES
Plage et visite du village
Couchage ANAKAO
RESTAURANTS
déjeuner dans un hotely au village près du marché
dîner chez Clovis : 1 langouste/personne 35000
15ème JOUR 14/08/2003 ANAKAO
VISITES
Visite de NOSY VE : Paille en queue
Plongée
Couchage ANAKAO
RESTAURANTS
pique nique sur nosy ve
dîner dans une hotely près du marché : attention a l’arnaque bien négocier le prix et fixer précisément le menu
16ème JOUR 15/08/2003 BEHELOKA
VISITES
Départ le matin
Visite de la forêt sèche
Couchage BEHELOKA
HOTELS
hôtel chez Bernard complet.
Hôtel gazy dans le village. Pas d’eau courante. Seaux rares. WC sur la plage moyens.
Dîner à hôtel
17ème JOUR 16/08/2003 ITAMPOLO
Départ le matin
VISITES
Visite de la réserve du lac TSIMANAMPETSOA
Route des tombeaux
Couchage ITAMPOLO
HOTELS et RESTAURANTS
Camping Sud Sud Itampolo (fait partie de la « chaîne » Chez Alain)
petit dej 18 000
Poisson 25 000
Calmar 15000
Viande Chèvre Grillée 30 000
THB 12000
Hôtel complet àLocation de tente 15000 la tente pour 2 ou 3
+ accès aux douches chaudes et WC (15 000)
gérant très sympa
18ème JOUR 17/08/2003 ITAMPOLO
VISITES
Visite de la Forêt sèche et du gouffre à Maki
Pêche sous-marine pour Jacques
Couchage ITAMPOLO
19ème JOUR 18/08/2003 LAVANONO
Transfert : La journée pour aller de ITAMPOLO à LAVANOLO : Attention les pistes ne sont pas indiquées. S’assurer que le chauffeur a déjà fait la route. Si possible partir à plusieurs 4x4.Trajet possible uniquement pendant la saison sèche (passage de rivières à gué).
Couchage LAVANOLO
HOTELS
hotel sorona
arnaque très cher
tenu par un vazaha qui fait croire que c’est un hôtel tenu par les villageois.
Des petits mots partout du genre sur les W-C « halte aux chauffeurs »
Insultes en malgache (pour les vazaha supposés ne pas comprendre) des que l’on demande quelque chose.
A éviter si possible (dur dur après 10 heures de 4x4 )
20ème JOUR 19/08/2003 CAP Ste MARIE et FAUX CAP
Départ le Matin
VISITES
Visite de la réserve du cap Ste Marie
Couchage FAUX CAP
HOTELS et RESTAURANTS
Faux Cap
Hôtel Le Cactus
Tenu par l’institutrice du village
Bungalows en bois à 50 000 par 2 personnes
Douche au seau et W-C dans la cour
Pas d’électricité
Plat à 12 500
THB à 10 000
Petit déj à 12 500
21ème JOUR 20/08/2003 FAUX CAP
Départ vers Midi
Passage Par TSIHOMBE
VISITES
Tombeaux
Couchage à AMBOVOMBE
HOTELS
AMBOVOMBE Hôtel L’OASIS sur la route en venant de Tsihombe a gauche en face de la gendarmerie
Chambre 50 000 pour deux
Petit déjeuner 10 000. Négocier auparavant
THB 6000
Steak de zébu salade 15000
RESTAURANTS
A TSIHOMBE
Restaurant Escale sur la place
Poulet sauce 5000 copieux
Thb GM 5000
22ème JOUR 21/08/2003 ANDOHAHELA
Départ le Matin pour ANDOHAHELA
VISITES
Visite du parc ANDOHAHELA
Couchage dans le 4X4 parc andohahela dans un village (donner 25000 au chef)
23ème JOUR 22/08/2003 FORT DAUPHIN
Départ le Matin pour FORT DAUPHIN
VISITES
Visite de la ville et tour de la presqu’île.
Couchage FORT DAUPHIN
HOTELS
Attention le restaurant le Saloon est fermé.
hôtel belle vue en face de la banque BOA
chambre vue mer avec petit balcon pour 2 personnes à 60 000 (50 000 côté rue)
salle de bain individuelle avec eau chaude
propre et spacieux
personnel sympa
petit déjeuner entre 5 et 7 000
on peut dîner c’est bon
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Le Tournesol : très bon mais tous les plats de la carte ne sont pas disponibles.
Steak zébu 20 000, crevette 17 000, THB 7 000
Restaurant le calypso (vers le Tournesol) : pizza entre 20 000 et 30 000. Prix des hôtesses inconnus (non testées).
24ème JOUR 23/08/2003 FORT DAUPHIN
VISITES
Visite de la réserve parc nahampaona
prendre un taxi (125000) plutôt que le bus de la réserve 50 000 par personne
Couchage FORT DAUPHIN
25ème JOUR 24/08/2003 FORT DAUPHIN
VISITES
Visite du Marché
Départ pour ANTANANARIVO le Matin
avion fort dauphin – tana : 1.050.000
avec le livret de famille : réduction de 30 % si 4 personnes
HOTELS
Couchage ANTANANARIVO FJKM
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant à Tana Chez Sucett’s 23 rue Raveloary – Isoraka (à côté de l’ambassade du Japon)
Super restaurant ‘ Chic ‘, copieux
Service super, serveurs très sympas
Foie gras à 29 000 (en entrée 1 part pour 2 suffit)
Carpaccio de zébu à 28 500
26ème JOUR 25/08/2003 ANDASIBE
Départ pour MORAMANGA puis ANDASIBE
taxi brousse Kofimanga taxi brousse Moramanga – Tana : 10 000 par personne environ 3 H
pour Moranga – Andasibe : 5 000 par personne environ 1 h
VISITES
Visite nocturne du parc INDRI INDRI
Couchage ANDASIBE
HOTELS et RESTAURANTS
Hôtel ORCHIDEE
Dans le village
2 chambres 2 personnes à 50 000 chacune
repas à hôtel Ramahazo Paul
soupe chinoise à 6 500
THB 7000
27ème JOUR 26/08/2003 ANDASIBE
VISITES
Visite du parc INDRI INDRI
Départ pour MORAMANGA puis ANTANANARIVO
Couchage ANTANANARIVO
HOTELS
Hôtel FJKM à Tana
bungalow en dur à 50 000 avec douche chaude et W-C commun à l’extérieur
ou chambre avec douche et W-C communs à l’intérieur à 60 000
propre, agréable
28ème JOUR 27/08/2003 ANTANANARIVO
VISITES
Marché ANDRAVOHAHANGY
Marché de la Digue
Marché petite vitesse
Marché artisanal
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant à Tana Chez Sucett’s 23 rue Raveloary – Isoraka (à côté de l’ambassade du Japon)
toujours aussi bien
Foie gras à 29 000
Chauve-souris (avec l’aile) à 35 000
Filet zébu 33 000
Piments farcis 26 000
mais qu'est ce que tu racontes je fais cette route 10 fois par an et je mets 2h15 en R12 (mm pas avec un 4x4) pour faire l'aller.
aprés tu manges un bout, tu visites le parc, tu te baigne un coup dans la piscine de l'ancien therme et hop tu reviens à fianar
y a pas grand chose à faire de +
attention si vs tombez ds un resto avec les prix en euros FUYEZ (autour du parc), c'est de l'arnaque (entre 4 et 6 euros le plat contre 2 euros ailleurs pour meilleur en +), préférez les resto du centre de ranomafana
Si vs pouvez, visitez la centrale de la Jirama (EDF)
Nous partons 3 semaines fin aout pour Madagascar et à la lecture de tous vos commentaires et de nos guides voici ca que nous aimerions faire: 29: arrivée Tana…
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Activités aquatiques en voyage › Madagascar · 24 replies
Je souhaite descendre le Manambolo et visite des Tsingy tout début juillet. Je suis seul. Avez vous des informations sur la facilité pour trouver directement…
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Sur le chemin du tout étatiser à Madagascar maintenant le carburant pétrolier et demain lequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!... "article de l'express de Madagascar de ce…
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?
I'm heading to Nosy Be (Madagascar) this coming October. This is my very first visit to this part of the Indian Ocean. I'd like to know if it's better to bring my bank card and withdraw cash from ATMs there, or if it would be preferable to bring cash in euros or dollars and exchange it for the local currency upon arrival.
Thanks!
/D