Pourriez-vous me donner de judicieuses infos pour organiser un voyage à Madagascar qui devrait durer environ 24 jours.
je pars avec mon époux et nous souhaitons réaliser un voyage "privatif". Est-il sécurisant et facile de partir sans le recours à une agence ? Une formule déjà expérimentée ailleurs qui nous plait (mais onéreuse) : Avec un chauffeur/accompagnateur et/ou guide pour un circuit composé par nous-même avec la collaboration d'une agence. Avez-vous une ou plusieurs bonnes références ? Quant au circuit :nous voulons essentiellement privilégier l'observation de la nature, les visites de réserves (lesquelles" méritent le détour" ?) en allant dans le sud - côte ouest et est et laisser "tomber" le nord. Est-ce une bonne formule ? Est-ce que la descente du fleuve Tsiribihina est vraiment intéressante ou trop touristique ? la faire en pirogue ou bateau à moteur (comme une agence nous le propose) ? Quelles sont les réelles difficultés à excursionner dans les Grands Tsingy ? Un grand merci d'avance à toutes celles et ceux qui auront la gentillesse de me répondre.
Vanderjoc
Bonjour,
Je suis un chauffeur guide te je peux organisirer votre voyage.En 24 jours, vous aurez le temps de faire Le Sud Ouest et Est mais pas le Nord ou vous pouvez faire egalement que le Nord.voilà un exemple de circuit que je vous propose:
jour : 01 : Tananarive--Antsirabe : En passant à Ambatolampy, on s’arrête pour visiter la fabrique de marmite en aluminium de façon traditionnelle, puis , continuer vers Antsirabe, installation à l’hôtel .Visite de la ville, eau thermale, visite de quelques ateliers d’art Malagasy ; possibilité de faire une balade nocturne à volonté
02 : Antsirabe--Miandrivazo : Visite des lacs volcaniques Tritriva et Andraikiba, taillerie des pierres précieuses autours du lac Andraikiba. Puis cap vers Miandrivazo
03-04-05 : descente sur le fleuve de Tsiribihina : visite de quelques villages au bord de la rivière, nuit dans des tentes(02 nuits) au bord et vous serez en pension complète durant la descente.
06 : Belo sur Tsiribihina --Bekopaka :, cap vers les Tsingy.
07 : visite des Tsingy : roches gigantesques en formes pointus, pont suspendu, grottes, lémures oiseaux ect
08 : Bekopaka--Morondava : avant d’arriver à Morondava, on s’arrête sur le fameux allée des baobab et ce serai parfait si on y observe le couché du soleil. Cap vers Morondava ; installation à l’hôtel avec possibilité de faire une balade nocturne.
09:Morondava-- Antsirabe: on reprend la RN7
10 :Antsirabe--Ambositra :En arrivant à Ambositra visite des sculpteurs en plaine action, tissage, maroquinerie ;installation à l’hôtel puis cap vers Antoetra , c’est ici que commence un petit trek pour visiter le village Zafimaniry(village authentique) de l’Ifasina ;retour à la ville d’Ambositra pour la nuit.
11 : Ambositra--Fianarantsoa : on passe par à Sahambavy pour visiter la plantation et transformation du thé de Sahambavy puis cap directe à Fianarantsoa, monter sur la place de belle vu pour voire la ville en un seul coût d’œil, puis visite du marché, ville. Possibilité de faire une balade nocturne selon vos envies
12 : Fianarantsoa--Manakara : en train (Mardi, jeudi, Samedi) : prendre le train tôt le matin ; explorer les paysages vertes tout le long du parcours tout en s’arrêtant dans les petites villages à chaque arrêt, le voyage dure toute la journée donc installation à l’hôtel.
13 : Manakara : balade en pirogue sur le canal des pangalanes, en faisant de pique nique sur un petit île ; visite des village des pêcheurs
14 : Manakara -- Ranomafana-- Fianarantsoa : Partir tôt le matin pour aller faire la visite du parc national de Ranomafana : foret primaire et secondaire, chute d’eau, lémures, oiseaux ect. Continuation vers Fianarantsoa pour la nuit. Possibilité de faire une ballade nocturne.
15 : Fianarantsoa -- Ranohira : En passant à Ambalavao, on s’arrête pour visiter la fabrique du papier Antemoro (papier en écorce d’arbre) puis continuer vers la sortie de la ville d’Ambalavao pour effectuer une visite de la réserve spéciale Anja : lémures oiseaux grottes ancestrales. Continuer vers Ranohira pour y passer la nuit.
16: Visite du parc national de l’Isalo : cascade des nymphes, lémures oiseaux, canyon, piscines naturels bleu et noir ect.
17:Ranohira-- Ifaty :Explorer en marchant les tombeaux de tribu Mahafaly, tombeaux gigantesques décorés des Aloalos, explorer également la variation des baobab bordant la route .Bref arrêt pour visite la fabrique de « toaka gasy » ou rhum à la façon Malagasy(dégustation à volonté) puis cap vers Ifaty, relaxe sur la plage
18-19-20-21 : Ifaty : visite de la foret de baobabs en charrette de zébu, plage et divertissement .Possibilité de faire des sorties en mer avec des pirogues des pêcheurs.
22 : Ifaty--Fianarantsoa : On commence à reprendre le chemin pour le retour. ; Arrêt à volonté pour les photos de souvenir
23:Fianarantsoa-- Tananarive: transfert à l’hôtel,
24:Achat de souvenir, transfert à l'aéroport, fin de service
Coût du circuit : 2500 euros pour 02 personnes (un couple)
Inclus :
- Une voiture de plaisir avec carburant durant le circuit classique
-Une véhicule 4x4 dès la fin de la descente du fleuve jusqu'à Morondava
- Coût de la descente du fleuve en pension complète (03 jours, nuit dans des tentes)
- Hébergement en une chambre double avec sanitaires privés et bien propres durant le circuit(Sauf durant la descente 02 nuits en tente et à Bekopaka 02 nuits en tente)
- Coût de toutes les visites mentionnées dans le circuit
- Service d’un chauffeur et guide avec tout ce qui les concerne.
Information : le coût du restauration moyens varie de 1.5 à 03 euros le plat bien correcte ; l’eau minérale à 0,8 euros et les boissons hygiéniques et la bière grand modèle un peu moins de 01 euro
NB : Si vous ne disposerez pas assez de jours, le circuit est modifiable tout en gardant les passages ainsi que les visites ci mentionnées
Au plaisir de vous lire
Cordialement
William
bonsoir,
pour les tarifs boissons et restauration, il vaut mieux compter en moyenne :
pour les boissons 1€ l'eau plate fraiche en 1,5l de même pour la bierre GM "THB",
pour la restauration 5€ le plat hors boisson.
Cinq euros le repas à Mada!: Tu vas que dans les restos de "luxe" ! Et quand il n'y en a pas? Dans la brousse tu fais comment? Dans la gargote locale le repas est autour d'un euro.
Je connais bien Mada.Pour sur , la compagnie d un guide chauffeur est très fortement conseillé.(Insécurité importante).
Le programme proposé me parait pas cher, complet .2500 24 jrs pr 2 , aucune hésitation .Le seul point délicat est que si vous n'accrochez pas avec votre guide ( c est rare ), vous en avez pour 24 jours ...
Mada est un pays à problèmes , mais le tourisme bien encadré vaut le coup .
Vous occupez pas trop des détails comme le prix d un repas ou d une bouteille d eau , allez y , profitez un max.
MERCI ! je vais "analyser" votre programme. A première vue : trop de visites d'ateliers, entreprises .... Nous voulons privilégier notre observation de la nature, les animaux ... et nous écarter des sentiers battus, trop touristiques.
Bien à vous,
Vanderjoc
MERCI ! je vais "analyser" votre programme. A première vue : trop de visites d'ateliers, entreprises .... Nous voulons privilégier notre observation de la nature, les animaux ... et nous écarter des sentiers battus, trop touristiques.
Bien à vous,
Vanderjoc
S'écarter des sentiers battus... formule magique utilisée, lors de la préparation du voyage, pour finir par faire les plus grands classiques tels que la nationale 7, la descente de la Tsiribihina par exemple ou Nosy Be ou encore Sainte Marie.
Sortir des sentiers battus à Madagascar, c'est en fait en faire peu, choisir un endroit et trouver un guide local, qui vous fera découvrir, en plusieurs jours, à vélo, à pied, en pirogue, ce que la grande majorité des touristes ne voient pas.
Ce qui implique de dormir sous la tente et de se contenter de repas locaux.
Sortir des sentiers battus, ça peut être aussi organiser un parcours à vélo ou à moto, sur des pistes difficilement praticables, comme certains le font sur ce site.
Le seul problème c'est que ça demande une connaissance et une habitude de Madagascar. Dans le cas contraire vous devrez vous contenter.......des sentiers battus.
Quand aux animaux, en dehors des parcs, je doute un peu que vous en observiez beaucoup.
Cordialement.
bonsoir,
pour les tarifs boissons et restauration, il vaut mieux compter en moyenne :
pour les boissons 1€ l'eau plate fraiche en 1,5l de même pour la bierre GM "THB",
pour la restauration 5€ le plat hors boisson.
bonne préparation
boisson eau vive 1800/2000 ar thb 3000/4000 ar coca 3000/4000 ar plat viande ou poisson avec légumes prix moyen 6000ar
Sortir des sentiers battus à Madagascar, c'est en fait en faire peu, choisir un endroit et trouver un guide local, qui vous fera découvrir, en plusieurs jours, à vélo, à pied, en pirogue, ce que la grande majorité des touristes ne voient pas.
Tout à fait d'accord! Et quitte à faire en voiture ou en 4x4 avec chauffeur ce que tout le monde fait autant se déplacer en taxi brousse ça reviendra 6 fois moins cher!!
Tout à fait d'accord! Et quitte à faire en voiture ou en 4x4 avec chauffeur ce que tout le monde fait autant se déplacer en taxi brousse ça reviendra 6 fois moins cher!!
Oui et alors? Pas très futé comme remarque!
Pas de morts sur nos routes? et pas non plus de morts en voiture avec chauffeur?
T'as pas aussi des infos sur les meurtres et les assassinats de touristes à Mada? Pourtant ils sont très nombreux pas vrai?
Sortir des sentiers battus à Madagascar, c'est en fait en faire peu, choisir un endroit et trouver un guide local, qui vous fera découvrir, en plusieurs jours, à vélo, à pied, en pirogue, ce que la grande majorité des touristes ne voient pas.
Tout à fait d'accord! Et quitte à faire en voiture ou en 4x4 avec chauffeur ce que tout le monde fait autant se déplacer en taxi brousse ça reviendra 6 fois moins cher!!
Sauf qu'en taxi brousse faut pas avoir un temps contraint et mal au dos! Mais ça a son charme. Ou faire comme je fais, réserver une banquette entière ou 2 ou 3 places!
Oui et alors? Pas très futé comme remarque!
Pas de morts sur nos routes? et pas non plus de morts en voiture avec chauffeur?
T'as pas aussi des infos sur les meurtres et les assassinats de touristes à Mada? Pourtant ils sont très nombreux pas vrai?
Les bus en france chargé de passager ne font pas la course mais , c'est souvent le cas a mada 🤪
Les bus en france chargé de passager ne font pas la course mais , c'est souvent le cas a mada
🤪
Je suis allé à 4 ou 5 reprises à Mada et je n'ai jamais eu affaire à un taxi brousse qui faisait la course.. On peut mourir n'importe où sur une route mais en terme de dangerosité j'ai connu des pays bien plus dangereux ( Bolivie, Colombie, Pakistan Népal etc..)
Les bus en france chargé de passager ne font pas la course mais , c'est souvent le cas a mada
🤪
Je suis allé à 4 ou 5 reprises à Mada et je n'ai jamais eu affaire à un taxi brousse qui faisait la course.. On peut mourir n'importe où sur une route mais en terme de dangerosité j'ai connu des pays bien plus dangereux ( Bolivie, Colombie, Pakistan Népal etc..)
Vous avez eu de la chance car c'est courant , tout comme rouler à fond sous les pluies d'orage avec des pneus lisses , les explosions de pneus usagés ou devoir pomper pour freiner . J'ai même voyagé avec un cercueil & son macchabée sur la galerie (bakchich à tous les contrôles ) .( Mais tout cela n'est rien comparé à l'époque des camions brousses ou le rhum coulait à flots entre Tana & Tuléar (cela doit encore exister pour fort Dauphin)
On est un couple et souhaitons organiser un voyage a Madagascar fin Septembre de 10 jours. Nous sommes passionnés de plongée sous marine et voulons donc être 3…
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Voyager avec des enfants › Madagascar · 11 replies
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Ce forum est vaste et très riche en informations, mais je n'ai pas beaucoup de temps pour le parcourir comme je le voudrais. Je dois préparer en peu de temps…
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
