Wakacje Madagascar - holidays and trips

The land at the end of the world - this is how Madagascar is called by its citizens. Unforgettable views, sandy beaches, crystal-clear Indian Ocean, palms and unique nature are just a prelude to the magic world of the Red Island. We invite you for a journey of the lifetime to the country where the life moves on “mora mora” - with no rush and no stress.

Madagascar
Madagascar, island country and the fourth largest island in the world, located approx. 400 km from the south-east coast of Africa. Due to characteristic color of the ground it is called the Red Island. It has approx. 25 million citizens, who speak Malagasy; the second language is French. Madagascar is inhabited by Madagascar people, the native inhabitants are Malagasy people. Out of 200 thousand of animal species living on the island, as many as 150 thousand live only in Madagascar. There are about 1000 orchid species on the island.

A large island of paradise beaches
Nosy Be, is located approx. 8 km to the north-west from Madagascar, its name means simply Large Island. Thanks to fairytale beaches and amazing nature it is loved by enthusiasts of tropical holidays. Exclusive hotels are located here, you can dive, snorkel, visit nearby islands, or simply enjoy the sun and the ocean. The full of life Hell-Ville with cafes and shops is the island's capital. Nosy Be’s treasure are amazing, tropical beaches. The most known are Ambatoloaka, Madirokely and Andilana. During the ocean high tides, which repeat daily, the water may cover the beaches for a few hours. Deeper in on the island, you can smell the plantations of coffee, vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, ylang-ylang and spices, since the second name of Nosy Be is Perfume Island.

Beautiful Nosy
Madagascar includes also islands of various sizes (in Malagasy: Nosy), surrounded by coral reefs. The most famous of them is Nosy Be in the north-west Madagascar, with luxurious hotel and beautiful beaches. From here you can go to unpopulated islet Nosy Tanikely with beautiful coral reef and a lot of colorful fish of various sizes and shapes - a wonderful place for diving and snorkeling. It is worth visiting Nosy Komba - the Lemurs Island, the furry inhabitants of which await to be offered a banana. Nosy Iranja invites for wonderful views and meeting with turtles.

Rice and vanilla
The basis of Madagascar cuisine is rice, in the south also manioc and sweet potatoes, and in the north - coconut. They eat both meat and seafood here. A popular dish is ravitoto - chopped manioc leaves with nuts and beef. A popular dessert are fruits seasoned with vanilla: mango, papayas, lychee, bananas and many more.

Let’s raise a toast
With rum? This is a national alcohol of Madagascar. Toaka gasy – a local rum made of sugar cane can be flavoured with, for example, cinnamon or vanilla. Lychee liqueur is slightly softer, also a palm wine trembo is popular. Beer is a luxury for Madagascar inhabitants and they drink it only on special occasions.

At the king Julien’s court
In Madagascar, lemur is more than a cute animal. This is a symbol and mascot of the island. Apparently, the series of “Madagascar” movies significantly contributed to the increase of the interest in the Red Island. The island is inhabited by more than 50 species of lemurs: from small gray mouse lemurs weighing approx. 50 g through ruffed lemur, which weighs approx. 5 kg, to indris and sifaka reaching up to 10 kg. They look like a mixture of dog, cat and squirrel, they can dance, make amazing noises, perform extraordinary stunts and trick out bananas from tourists - since lemurs are vegetarians. Lemurs, which are believed to hold the spirits of the ancestors, are fady - which means a taboo. They cannot be killed, scared, chased away, but they can be fed (with bananas).

Baobabs - upside down trees
This is another symbol of Madagascar. Their unique shape is explained by a Malagasy legend. When God created the world, baobabs grew up so much that they took away the sunlight from other plants. As a punishment, He ripped them out and planted them upside down. Out of eight species of baobabs, up to six of them grow only in Madagascar, they reach up to even 30 m in height and 10 m in diameter. It is called a tree of life and it is a source of many valuable vitamins, it also has a lot of applications.

Souvenirs from Madagascar
It is worth to buy beautiful products made of wood: sculptures, car miniatures, as well as beautiful fabrics: batiks, embroidered tablecloths and curtains, pareo, traditional Malagasy clothes, products coming from recycling, as well as notes, carton boxes, cards made of hand-made paper. Also spices will be a great gift: vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and essential oils, for example the famous ylang-ylang.

Three islands — the journey starts from Nosy Komba, called the “lemur island”. A visit to Lemur Park, where in addition to the Madagascar's most famous animals, also boas, chameleons and turtles live. Then, Ampagorina village with shops offering products of artistic craftsmanship, where you can buy souvenirs from Madagascar. Then, Nosy Tanikely, which means “small island” which since 2010 is a national park and a marine reserve. Stopover on one of the paradise beaches, time for snorkeling in the crystal clear Indian Ocean and relax. Further on to Nosy Sakatia, an island famous for emerald color of the ocean. Lunch prepared of fish and seafood. Return to hotel late in the afternoon. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 75 EUR, children up to 12 y.o. - approx. 35 EUR (includes lunch).

Nosy Iranja — a trip to the island located approx. 50 km from Nosy Be. Nosy Iranja are two parts connected by 2-kilometer long sandy causeway. The island is a nature reserve, sea turtles and coconut crabs live here. It is surrounded by a paradise beach, and the ocean takes colors from light blue to cobalt blue. Time for relaxation on the beach and a bath in the ocean. Later, lunch in Malagasy style. Return to the hotel in the evening. Day trip. Price - approx. 78 EUR, children up to 12 y.o. - approx. 39 EUR (includes lunch).

Nosy Fanihy — one of the most mysterious islands of the archipelago, it is considered by Malagasy people to be the cemetery of kings from Sakalava family. Surrounded by a crystal-clean ocean, it has beaches with powder-soft sand and it is a perfect place for snorkeling and relaxing. It will be an unforgettable experience to take a bath in the natural Antana Be pools, where you will have a chance to swim with large green turtles. Return to hotel in the afternoon. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 40 EUR, children up to 12 years old - approx. 20 EUR.

Island Tour — a perfect way to see the most important places in Nosy Be. The programme includes the Malagasy Sacred Tree - a place of prayers, revered in animistic culture. A drive to Hell-Ville town, A walk through the narrow streets, a visit to the city market, free time for shopping. Then, a Zoo - Lemuria Land, where the most interesting animals of Madagascar live: lemurs, turtles, snakes, chameleons, geckos and many more. Lunch in a local restaurant. Relaxation on one of the most famous beaches of the island - Andilana Beach. At the end, a drive to the highest mountain of Nosy Be - Mont Passot, from where you can admire the panorama of the island. Day trip. Price - approx. 80 EUR, children up to 12 y.o. - approx. 40 EUR (includes lunch).

Quad tour — a great way to explore the interesting places of the island of Nosy Be. Adrenaline and perfect fun in the surrounding of palms and baobabs as well as an opportunity to see villages and beautiful beaches of Madagascar. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 80 EUR.

Trekking on Mont Passot — a programme for enthusiasts of mountain trips. Trekking (approx. 2 hours) to the highest peak of Nosy Be - Mont Passot. After reaching the peak you can admire a beautiful panorama of the island. Return to hotel in the afternoon. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 40 EUR, children up to 12 years old - approx. 20 EUR.

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.