Africa Safari Blog

Wednesday, 30 April, Johannesburg – Antananarivo:
In the morning, our entire group met in the international departures lounge at Oliver Tambo International Airport where we boarded our SA Airlink flight to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar…

After a comfortable 3 hour flight and some magnificent aerial views of Madagascar we landed at ‘Tana’ airport. After a 20 minute drive we arrived at the IC Hotel and were met by the friendly staff and a thirst quenching welcome drink. After a short site inspection, we had the rest of the afternoon free and decided to head off into the village near the hotel – with cameras in hand and a string of happy and inquisitive village children in tow!

Thursday, 01 May, Antananarivo – Nosy Be:
The one hour flight with Air Madagascar took us from Tana to Nosy Be – what stunning aerial views, wow! On arrival at Nosy Be airport we were met by Cendra and her driver, both from Escapades. As we boarded the vehicle we were each given a beautiful lay and very welcome bottle of cold water. The drive past amongst others coffee and ylang ylang plants took us 45 minutes before we arrived at the Vanila Hotel which lies on the west side of the island, we then went on our afternoon lunch excursion to a private beach on Sakatia Island. We spend our time tasting local treats such as fish in banana leaves, coconut & paw paw salad, swimming, canoeing and simply just relaxing and enjoying the warm water and nice beach.

Friday, 02 May, Dhow Trip
We had all been waiting for the ‘famous’ dhow trip and boarded our transfer vehicle with excitement. Before we knew it we were comfortably seated on the Salama Tsara and heading for Tanikely Island which took us an hour. Needless to say we were blown away by the beauty. Clear warm water, untouched corals, plenty of fishes, turtles, you name it. On the island itself we took a walk up to the lighthouse, saw Lemur, birds, plants …there was still lots to see and places to go so we had lunch aboard the Salam Tsara and took another 3 hour ride to Mahalina Beach where we camped for the night. Everyone agreed that dinner on the island was the best on the entire trip consisting of prawn & kingfish kebabs, mud crabs in tomato sauce, carrot, cucumber and cabbage salad and pancakes for desert – it doesn’t get better than that!

Saturday. 03 May, Sakatia Towers:
By sunrise we had boarded the Salama Tsara once more and headed back to Nosy Be via Tanikely (we had to get in another quick snorkel). Once back at the harbor, we said goodbye to Mohamed and his friendly and efficient crew. At this point Angelot deserves a special mention. He had joined the crew as a new member 2 weeks before and is an absolute asset, being friendly, warm, spontaneous, humorous and courteous. We left the Salama Tsara knowing that this won’t be the last she had seen of us – another trip is definitely on the cards!! We were met by Anatol and his brother and taken by taxi to Chanty Beach for our boat transfer to Sakatia Towers. En route we stopped off to visit a local market and do some shopping.

Sunday, 04 May, Sakatia Towers – Iranja Lodge:
… with visions of the Top Billing program in mind, Iranja Lodge did not disappoint us … After Anatol and his brother dropped us of at Madirokely Beach, we were met by Ceasar from Legend Lodges and transferred by speed boat. 2 hours later we reached Iranja Lodge feeling refreshed and exhilarated. Lying in the hammock on the terrace of the verandah was heaven and so was the sunset!!

Monday, 05 May, Iranja Lodge – Nosy Be – Tana:
After a relaxing morning and delicious lunch we boarded the speed boat once more and returned to Madirokely Beach from where we were transferred to Nosy Be airport by Legend Lodges Dinner was had at the Art Café, almost right next to the Lapasoa and can be highly recommended. After being spoilt with ‘typical hotel food’, the burgers and beers went down very well. The music was not too bad either … Apparently the Lapasoa’s restaurant is very popular amongst locals.

Tuesday, 06 May, Tana – Andasibe NP:
After an early start we made our way east to Andasibe National Park (4 hour drive). En route we stopped at the Mazorevo National Park where we saw various different species of geko, frogs, chameleon and butterflies – I even got a python slung around my neck – eeek!! After a delicious lunch, some of us had ginger chicken (another popular spice grown on the island), we carried on to Andasibe National Park and a SI of the Facona Forest Lodge – very nice for upmarket guests. The lodge lies 7km from the Feon’ny Ala Hotel where we stayed. On the way back to our hotel we stopped off at Lemur Island which is part of the lodge, i.e. on the lodge’s property. Here we saw various lemur in very close proximity and these intriguing creatures are every bit as fascinating and funny as seen in the movie. We also took a canoe ride through the park – not the best place to find out that my canoeing skills need some honing. Before dinner we were taken on a night walk along the road between the hotel and the entrance to the National Park.

Wednesday, 07 May, Andasibe NP – Tana:
We are due to head back to Tana, but not before we went in search of the elusive Indri Indri in the Andasibe National Park. Our pleasant and friendly guide Sauli took us for an interesting and educational circuit through a small part of the park, and alas, no Indri Indri to be found – but we did hear that haunting, beautiful call and get to see some very rare orchids and other interesting plants. Talk about being teased … On arrival in Tana the mutual decision was to have a farewell lunch instead of dinner as Zo was very keen to go to the Villa Vanila, a very upmarket but traditional restaurant. We each had a vanilla based cocktail, meat soup and a delicious desert. Fat as ticks, we continued on to the market to spend our last few Ariary which were burning holes in our wallets.

Thursday, 08 May, Tana – Johannesburg:
We departed for the airport with very heavy hearts but great memories and friendships… Air Madagascar brought us safely back to Johannesburg!

Thank you JAS for sending me on this awesome educational!