Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip
An 8-Day Island-hopping Dhow Camping Trip Around Nosy Be.
Highlights: Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia, Whale Sharks, Nosy Iranja, Russian Bay, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Komba
Group Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 10
Includes: Use of full camping equipment, all sea transport in a fully kitted motorized Dhow, transfer from airport to Bed & Breakfast in Ambatoloaka.
Excludes:
All Optional excursions mentioned in the program all personal expenses,
insurance for luggage, tips, drinks, and laundry. Snorkelling, diving
and fishing equipment. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.Price: USD
590 per person Please click here for the detailed itinerary. Meal KeyB:
Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Day 1 Arrive Nosy Be. You will be met by the Skipper, tour guide and
captain of the dhow, and transferred to the Bed & Breakfast in the
tiny fishing village of Ambatoloaka, set on a long beach with spectacular
views, overlooking the sea. Restaurants and nightlife.
Day 2 Nosy Sakatia and Whale Sharks. After breakfast, board our 35 ft
motorized dhow and motor sail to Nosy Sakatia (about one and a half
hours), travelling north up the west side of Nosy Be. We stay at John's
camp overlooking a private beach and you have the option of simply camping
or upgrading to en suite bathrooms. There is dive school on the next
beach, so scuba diving is an option. You are likely to see clown fish,
barracuda, turtles and perhaps dolphins and whale sharks.
Day 3 Camp at Russian Bay. An early start for the crossing to Russian Bay (also known as Ambavatory Bay), a hurricane hole in a cyclone season with a lovely beach to set up camp. There is good snorkeling on the way (about a 4 hour trip).
Day 4-5 Nosy Iranja and Ankazoberevina. Sail 14 miles to Nosy Iranja
(Island of Turtles) which lies south west of Nosy Be and consists of
two islands, the larger and inhabited Nosy Iranje Be and the smaller
Nosy Iranje Kely. The islands are connected by a 1.5 km long sand bar,
negotiable on foot at low tide. On the way to Nosy Iranje, there is
excellent snorkeling, swimming and fishing, at the island of Ankazoberevina.
We camp, with the option of upgrading to a hotel on the other end of
the island.
Day 6 Russian Bay. Sail back to Russian Bay, named after the Russian Navy that landed there in 1904, with a chance to go snorkeling at a few places along the way.
Day 7 Nosy Tanikely and Nosy Komba. Sail 14 miles to Nosy Tanikely (located
at only a few miles south of Nosy Be), where there is a marine reserve
teeming with underwater flora and fauna and the chance for some great
snorkeling or scuba diving. Head (6 miles)on to Nosy Komba, a small
volcanic island, for the night. If time is running out, head back to
Hellville port and back home. There are quaint beach restaurants here,
and we either camp or use bungalows.
Day 8 Hellville and end of trip. Sail back to Hellville port (5miles).
Return to Bed and Breakfast in Ambatoloaka. We suggest spending a few
days relaxing here. Hire a motorbike or bicycle and explore the intoxicating
island of Nosy Be with its exotic spices, sunny cafes and quaint boutiques,
before heading back home a few days later.
