8-day Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip

Explore the exquisite surroundings of the island of Nosy Be. This marine haven, north of Madagascar's mainland, is waiting to be discovered in an 8-day adventure. Enjoy the slandhopping lifestyle in our own exclusive-use dhow and snorkel over the soft corals with their vivid colours. Camp out on a peaceful island where you won't find a soul, snorkel with whale sharks, fish for game fish and relax on unspoilt beaches- this is the ultimate paradise.

When you arrive on Nosy Be we meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for the night (included in the trip costs). The following morning you set sail with us on our dhow, for the following 6 nights, camping on the various tropical islands around Nosy Be. The crew sets up the camp every afternoon and takes it down the following morning, allowing you to thoroughly relax and rejuvenate.

Highlights: Nosy Be, Whale Sharks (In Season), Nosy Iranja, Russian Bay, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Komba
Group Size: Minimum 6, Maximum 10

2010 Price:

• Adult Rate: USD$740 per person sharing*
• Child Rate:  USD$665 per person sharing*

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.

Day 1 - Arrival 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 Madirokely, set on a long beach with spectacular views, overlooking the sea. Restaurants and nightlife for you to explore at your own leisure and own expense.

Day 2 - Ankazoberevina and Camp at Russian Bay
An early start prepares us for the crossing to Russian Bay (also known as Ambavatory Bay). We leave the port of Hell-Ville stopping off for lunch on the island of Ankazoberevina. Snorkeling over the soft corals with their vivid colours, proves to be an awe-inspiring experience around this little island. With a bit of luck, we may be able to spot the ring-tailed Lemurs while stepping on to Terre Firma. Moving on to Russian Bay, a fine shelter for boats in the cyclone season, we set up camp on some vast and desolate beach. [BLD]

Days 3 and 4 - Nosy Iranja
Sail 14 miles to Nosy Iranja (Island of Turtles) which lies south west of Nosy Be consisting of two islands, the larger and inhabited Nosy Iranja Be and the smaller Nosy Iranja Kely. The islands are connected by a 1.5 km long sand bar, negotiable on foot at low tide. We set up camp and enjoy the last of dusk from pristine white sands for the next two evenings after 2 enjoyable days of sailing, snorkeling and fishing. [BLD, BLD]

Day 5 - Kismani/ Nosy Tanikely
We turn our bow around early this morning, ensuring adequate time to head for Tanikely (The Small Island). Depending upon the prevailing winds and tide, our aim is to camp on this tiny island, alternatively anchoring off Kismani, should conditions not allow. Nature?s call. [BLD]

Day 6 - Nosy Tanikely, Lokobe
We set sail to Nosy Tanikely (located only a few miles south of Nosy Be), a marine reserve teeming with underwater flora and fauna, allowing us the chance for some superb snorkeling in warm waters with great visibility. After lunch, we leisurely make our way to a deserted beach encompassed by the Lokobe reserve where we set camp for the next 2 nights. [BLD]

Day 7 - Lokobe, Nosy Komba
After an easy morning and a hearty breakfast, we set sail for a day excursion to Nosy Komba. Boots on, laces up, it's time to explore some of the numerous tracks connecting the villages in the interior of the island in the pursuit of the semi-tame black Lemurs. The afternoon is spent snorkeling around the islets off Nosy Komba such as Nosy Verona where you may encounter turtles, pipefish, angelfish, grouper or parrotfish amongst others. We return to our camp on Lokobe. [BLD]

Day 8 - Hell-Ville and end of Dhow experience
Sail back to Hell-Ville port where our dhow adventure comes to an end Catch your return flight home or we suggest spending a few days leisure on the island. 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. [B]