Pirates and Whales

Days 1 & 2. Depart London for Antananarivo

Days 3 & 4. Andasibe [B, D]

Drive to the rainforests of Andasibe and two nights at Vakona Lodge, giving time to explore the Analamazaotra Reserve, home of the largest of Madagascar's lemurs, the Indri.

Days 5 & 6. Akanin'ny Nofy [B, D]

By road to Manambato and then by boat to Akanin'ny Nofy, for Les Pangalanes. Constructed by French colonialists, this canal is a transport artery for villagers living along its banks. Vanilla beans, cinnamon trees and coconut palms grow along the shore, whilst pirogues heaped with produce ply the waters.

Day 7. Tamatave by boat. [B, D]

Days 8 to 14. Ile Sainte Marie [B (Day 8 only)]

Ile Sainte Marie, once a pirate hide-out and Madagascar's third scuba diving venue, is your home for the next seven nights. Its coral-fringed coast offers secluded coves, relaxed islanders and a balmy ambience that contributes to the island's magic.

Diving is diverse, with wrecks and large coral formations around the small island of Ile Aux Nattes. La Crique further north has some excellent snorkelling, and a variety of coral formations and pelagic fish. Even further north, there is diving on granitic rocks, where Barracuda and the wreck of a fishing boat can be found. July to September sees the arrival of Humpback Whales, to mate and give birth.

There are a several hotels available including the Boraha Village. For something special, we recommend the Princesse Bora Lodge, where, during the whale-watching season, a resident scientist offers guided tours and evening lectures.

Day 15 & 16. Homeward

Depart Ile St. Marie and fly to Tana and onwards to the UK.