Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
The South,The East
100% customisable for you
Board your evening overnight flight to Johannesburg. The flight will take around 11 hours and your bags will be checked straight through to Madagascar.
An early start for your short onward flight (around one hour 45 minutes) to Fort Dauphin in the south of the island. A delightful three-hour drive, first taking in velvety-lush paddy fields, blossoming native flowers and swaying palm trees and then through the contrasting desert-like landscape of sisal plantations beyond the plateau, brings you to your luxury tented home for the next three nights at Mandrare River Camp. With four-poster beds in spacious, airy tents, each with its own veranda overlooking the river, you'll be more than comfortable, lulled to sleep by the gentle sounds of nature and awoken by the scent of fresh pastries and steaming hot coffee.
Today, leave Mandrare for the three-hour drive back to Fort Dauphin for lunch before continuing eastwards, through captivating scenery and charming villages to Manafiafy, a further two-and-a-half hours away on the coast. Staying at the incomparable Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge for the next three nights, immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of beach barbecues and hammock swinging; look for lemurs and chameleons on rainforest walks; head underwater with a snorkel and explore the mangroves in a motorboat or canoe. Unwind with a soothing massage in the dedicated massage pavilion by the sea; spot humpback whales (in season) from the lookout tower and dip your toes in the sandy shallows of the Indian Ocean.
Individual thatched cottages with lustrous timber floors and private verandas overlooking the sea provide a magical home from home while beautifully presented, gastronomic delights are served in the large open-sided dining lodge or on the beach beneath the stars. Simply blissful.
Today's early start is definitely worth it, with a 15-minute transfer to the airport and a short flight over the sea to the paradise (yes, really) island of Nosy Boraha (otherwise known as Île Sainte Marie). A palm tree-clad, white-fringed strip of tropical gorgeousness, surrounded by crystal clear, aquamarine waters, this is a genuinely breath-taking haven and it's yours to savour for the next four nights. In true Crusoe style, your airport transfer is not by car but by ox and cart - a far more authentic way to arrive at the stunning Princesse Bora Lodge and settle into your luxurious thatched bungalow, its bifold doors thrown open to welcome the gentle sea breeze.
With a top-class restaurant serving the most exquisite blend of Creole, French and local (Malagasy) cuisine, an idyllic pool, powder-soft sandy beaches and warm waters just begging to be explored, this is the ultimate luxury retreat.
Your days are completely free for you to plan as you please, with a range of additional activities on offer for those itching to explore, including quad-biking to see a nearby pirate graveyard, cycling, snorkelling, diving and whale watching (in season) as well as splendidly calming African-themed treatments in the spa to complete your rejuvenation.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
