Island Country Exploration for Two

The couple were met at the airport by a friendly guide who assisted with a private transfer to the hotel Au Bois Vert, where they spent two nights.

After an early breakfast and check out, Charles and Tania were transferred to Tana airport for their flight to Fort Dauphin.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed and transferred by vehicle to Berenty Reserve, stopping on the way to see an endemic palm (triangular palm) and nepenthes pitcher plant. They drove through sisal plantations in Mandrare Valley before reaching Berenty reserve, where they enjoyed two nights at Berenty Lodge. The lodge is in the heart of the dry and spiny forest in a private estate, a real sanctuary of nature with a restaurant, bar and cafeteria at the couple’s disposal. The city of Tolanaro was the first French settlement on the island and has an ancient maritime past dating back to the early 16th century. The pair explored the dramatic surrounding hinterland, sunbathing on beautiful Libanona Beach, sampling mouthwatering Malagasy cuisine, and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife during their stay. They could also choose shopping, surfing, hiking, windsurfing, sightseeing, quad biking, and lemur tours to make the most of their stay.

On day five the couple visited an Antandroy village featuring a common tradition museum (everyday life tools, musical instruments and divinatory items), allowing them to discover and understand the local culture. After a hearty lunch at the lodge they drove towards Fort Dauphin in the afternoon for one night at Talinjoo hotel, which is situated in a peaceful spot facing the sea. The hotel features contemporary architecture mixing rough-cut work and local materials, towards a total integration to the setting. Each room with simple design has a private wooden terrace in the outside, where everyone can take in stunning sunsets on Libanona Beach.

After a wonderful stay, Tania and Charles flew to Antananarivo, visiting the park of Tsarasaotra. A private family park, it is the only private RAMSAR site in the world. One night at Maison Gallieni has four rooms and shared spaces intended for well-being and relaxation. With a keen commitment to environmental protection, the use of brick, wood and stone calm the spirit.

The pair met their guide after a good breakfast, driving east towards Andasibe National Park towards the steep slope of Mandraka where the forest corridor starts along the east part of Madagascar. They took in an evening walk at Mitsinjo Community Reserve before heading back to their accommodation for two nights at Manjarano Lodge & Spa. They explored the local forest with a guide, spotting creepers, bamboos, palm trees, dalbergias and giant ferns, not to mention the forest’s more than 100 varieties of orchids, 14 types of lemurs and over a hundred species of birds! A second night walk along the main road offered a last chance to spot some of the island’s noctural creatures.

Day nine saw Tania and Charles trekking through Mantadia National Park with the help of a guide, who pointed out several species of medicinal plants and unusual wildlife. Later the couple sailed on the Pangalanes Channel to Ankanin’ny Nofy Reserve, checking in for two nights at the Palmarium Hotel.

The following day they visited Palmarium Reserve, devoting the morning to discovering Malagasy fauna. In the late afternoon, they pair joined other guests on a speed boat drive to Akoholahy island, to spot the area’s strangest creature ever: the Aye Aye.

Charles and Tania rounded off their stay with a final Malagasy breakfast and a full day in Tana to roam the city, finally departing for their flight home.