Madagascar expedition
Our exclusive Madagascar expedition is the quintessential rock star trip. It involves some hardcore adventure, made possible by services and logistics that one would normally associate with a luxury private island. This luxury expedition is part of a week-long stay at Nosy Ankao, an island off Madagascar’s north east coast.
Our hosted multi-sport program features an off-island expedition trek or run in addition to the many on-island adventures offered. The itinerary includes activities that range from diving, snorkelling and fishing to quad biking, kayaking and yoga sessions. Above all, the trip offers a balance of organised activity and free time to enjoy the resort at your leisure.
2-day trek
Our signature activity is a supported trek or trail run starting on the north eastern coast of Madagascar. Over two days, guests run or hike an uncharted wilderness route for a distance of approximately 60km (37 miles).
Helicopters drop a butler and camp requirements at a designated overnight location within the Analamerana Special Reserve. This is set up and waiting for your arrival at the end of the first day of the trek, where you spend the night under the stars, enjoying fine food and beverages. The second day of the trek ends at Black Lemur Camp in the Andrafiamena protected area. Once again, your butler meets you on arrival and prepares for your overnight stay at the camp. Before you depart the following morning, head out on a trek into the forest to find the critically endangered Perrier’s sifaka.
Tsingy
In addition to the many on-island activities available post the expedition, we offer an optional off-island excursion to the Ankarana National Park. This is one of the most-visited sites in northern Madagascar and offers an abundance of wildlife. Moreover, the limestone formations on show include massive cave systems and sharply eroded fortresses called tsingy. Following a helicopter transfer to the park, spend the morning exploring the forests, caves and tsingy. This is a fantastic excursion for those interested in seeing some of Madagascar’s unique wildlife close up.
Highlights
Experiences
-
HOTELS
This program is based at Time + Tide Miavana, a luxury resort on Nosy Ankao.
Guests are accommodated in 15 exquisite private, ocean-facing villas, with one, two or three bedrooms.
During the 2-day trek, your overnight stop will be a wild camp, provisioned by the resort via helicopter, with a butler on hand to assist you.
At the end of the trek, you will spend one night at Black Lemur Camp. Again your butler will be available, with embellishments to make your night just that little more comfortable.
-
INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE
Accommodation for 7 nights
Helicopter transfer to the start of the trek
Helicopter transfer back to the island after the trek
All trekking logistics, personnel and fees
Park fees
All meals, drinks and snacks
All on-island activities (boat and shore diving, snorkelling, fishing, quad biking, jet skis, all non-motorised water sports, lemur tracking, cultural experiences)
-
EXCLUDED FROM THE TRIP PRICE
Helicopter transfers to and from Nosy Ankao
($800 pp ex Nosy Be / $400 pp ex Diego Suarez – one way)
Excursion to Ankarana National Park (from $800 pp)
-
TRIP PRICE
From xxx per person
Please note that this cost is based on 6 people. This is the maximum capacity of the helicopters, with an Active Africa trip host and a local guide accompanying the group.
The overall price will be adjusted for fewer guests.
NON-EXPEDITION guests are welcome! Please contact us fora price for partners or family members who wish to join you on the island without joining the expedition.
-
YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Nosy Ankao is a remote island and access to the island is solely by helicopter
- The closest hospital to the island is at Diego Suarez, 30 mins by helicopter from the island. However, there is a medical professional based on the island at all times, who is available to treat guests if required.
- Madagascar is a malaria-endemic area. While malaria is not encountered on the island, we will recommend the use of prophylactics given that two nights are spent on the mainland.
- This trip is graded Moderate to Hard. The trekking/running can be demanding, as the terrain is rough and there are few trails to follow. The distance (25 – 30km/15 – 19 miles) per day, require a good level of walking or running fitness. Participants should be physically prepared to maximise the experience.
- The trekking/running activities on this programme take place in a remote habitat and participants should be aware of the associated risks
- This programme is not suitable for children under the age of 16.
- We cannot control the weather – this is an outdoor, nature based itinerary and indoor alternatives are not available. Come prepared to be take on the elements if the weather is not playing fair.
-
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Miavana is open year-round and different seasons offer better conditions for certain actitivities:
Diving, snorkelling and turtle nesting/hatching: Best between November and April
Humpback whale migration: July – October
Windsurfing /kitesurfing: May to October
Boat fishing: Best from October through April
Dry season (10mm-40mm rain per month) runs from May through November
The wet season (150mm – 260mm per month) runs December through April
This program is operated in March/ April, which offers the best overall conditions for the trek and other island activities.
