Site icon The Vanilla Islands of the Indian Ocean

From the Moon Islands to Paradise Island /17 day

SUMMARY

The Comoros Archipelago is a unique destination. Its variety of fauna and flora, its idyllic, deserted beaches and the heady scents are what make this first stage of your trip to the Vanilla Islands so authentic. In this archipelago nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, land and sea are as one. Discover both exuberant and peaceful nature. Discover the natural wonders : Mount Karthala, Lac Salé as well as observing a turtle egg-laying site, roam the alleys in Moroni towards its medina and be amazed by the kindness of the Comorian people.

In Madagascar, try traditional gastronomy. Dive into the heart of the Andasibe forest which is home to many lemur species including the indri-indri, the largest on the island. Then visit the Vohimana community reserve and its native biodiversity. Get acquainted with the mysterious aye-aye lemur and enjoy the peaceful banks of Lake Ampitabe, where the village of Akanin’ny Nofy (“the nest of dreams”) is located. Then head to Sainte-Marie, Madagascar’s paradise island where you will find fine, sandy beaches, historic heritage and natural riches (whales, signs of pirate activity, etc.).

17
DAYS

16
NIGHTS

From
€2350
inc. tax*
per person
(Based on party of 4 people)

Getting in touch with nature 4/5
Meeting the locals 4/5
Eco-responsibility 4/5
Comfort 4/5
Accessibility 4/5

A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY

Learning about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it

Environmentally-friendly ecolodges – all of their profits go to the local population

Hiking and outdoor activities

Interactions with local people and associations

COMBINED ITINERARY

The tours, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of the participants and local constraints.
Day 1 : Paris – Moroni

From Paris to Moroni. Dinner provided on the flight.


Day 2 : Moroni

On arrival, you will head to the Jardin de la Paix Hotel. In the street, you will already be able to smell the heady scent of essential oils. The day will continue with a visit to the Medina before dinner at the hotel.


Day 3 : Mount Karthala

A tasty breakfast is available at the hotel. You will then go to a ylang-ylang distillery to learn the secrets of how this flower essence is made. You will then visit the legendary Karthala volcano. After dark, have dinner and get plenty of rest in the bivouac.


Day 4 : Mount Karthala

Early in the morning, a nice walk is on the menu in the fresh air of Mount Karthala before you start the descent. After lunch, you will have the afternoon free to explore the island and learn about its inhabitants. A traditional massage with essential oils is provided to help you relax. Dinner and overnight stay at Laka Lodge.


Day 5 : Mitsamiouli 

Breakfast is served at the lodge before your return flight to Moroni. Once you get there, enjoy a swim and meet with an environmental protection organisation.  A barbecue lunch in the village chalets will whet your palate before going to Mitsamiouli. Once you get there, you will visit Lac Salé, the bottom of the crater and turtle island. Domaine du Lac will be the last destination of the evening.


Day 6 : Moroni-Antananarivo

After breakfast, take your flight to Madagascar. Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, a team will take care of your transfer to the Lapasoa hotel, where you will receive a welcome cocktail. After a short briefing about your stay, you can settle in before dinner.


Day 7 : Antananarivo

After breakfast, explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga. You will have lunch in a restaurant at the foot of this Merina monarchy site. In the evening, take part in a cooking class and make your own dinner before heading back to the hotel.

Day 8 : Antananarivo – Andasibe

Head to Andasibe after your breakfast at Lapasoa Hotel. On arrival, your lunch will be provided by women from the Kanto Association. Go hiking with the association to discover the village’s natural, cultural and historic heritage. There will be a short detour in Moramanga where you will visit the historic gendarmerie museum before reaching the Vakana Forest Lodge Hotel, where full-board accommodation is provided.


Day 9 : Andasibe

Visit the Andasibe National Park during the day and admire its native fauna and flora. Classic dinner and overnight stay in the Vakona Forest Lodge.


Day 10 : Andasibe – Vohimana 

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Vohimana community reserve which is managed by the NGO Man and the Environment (L’Homme et l’Environnement). When you arrive, you will be amazed by the beauty of the orchids. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay in an ecolodge.


Day 11 : Vohimana – Akanin’ny Nofy

An excellent breakfast will be provided before you leave Vohimana to head to Akanin’ny Nofy. After dark, head off to meet the mysterious aye-aye lemur in the private reserve of the Palmarium Hotel, full-board accommodation provided.


Day 12 : The Pangalanes Canal

After a light and early breakfast, take a trip in a traditional canoe on the Pangalanes Canal. You will return to the hotel after this long day for a night of relaxation.


Day 13 : Akanin’ny Nofy – Mahambo

Breakfast at the hotel before departure for Toamasina and Mahambo. Full-board accommodation will be provided at La Pirogue Hotel.


Day 14 : Mahambo – Sainte Marie

From Mahambo, cross over to Sainte-Marie by boat. Full-board accommodation will be provided at the Princesse Bora Hotel.

Day 15 to J16 : Sainte Marie

A busy day awaits : depending on the season, you may be able to go on a whale watching trip on the island of Sainte Marie. Also visit the island’s historic sites, such as the famous pirate cemeteries. Head back to the hotel for dinner.


Day 17 : Sainte Marie – La Réunion-Paris

This is the end of your stay. After breakfast, you will head to the airport. You will have a stopover at Réunion before continuing on to Paris.

EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

COMOROS

Accommodation in eco-responsible establishments
Immersion in the country’s history and interaction with the local population (Medina, ylang-ylang distillery)
Brand new experience trekking in a natural and protected reserve (Karthala)
Discover local flora and fauna and the importance of protecting nature and biodiversity (Chomoni beach)

MADAGASCAR

Meeting with the Kanto Association which promotes the conservation of natural heritage and culture of the Central-Eastern Region of Madagascar
Overnight stays in an ecolodge
Lunch with the villagers of Anjiro
Cooking workshop in the capital’s historic Hauteville area
Traditional pirogue ride on the Pangalanes Canal
Whale watching off Sainte Marie

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Flights

Paris – Moroni
Moroni – Antananarivo
Antananarivo – Paris

Insurance

Madagascar and Comoros : Don’t forget travel/health insurance which includes repatriation and medical care.

Tips

Comoros and Madagascar : Tips and the amount is at the customer’s discretion (check with the driver if need be)

Time difference (from UK)

Madagascar and Comoros
Summer : one hour later than France
Winter : two hours later than France

Trip management in both countries

Comoros : Driver and guide depending on the programme and activities

Madagascar
Driver guide for Antananarivo to Manambato
Pier in Akanin’ny Nofy

Bank cards

All bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted at ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) located in the big cities and the medium-sized towns. Shops do not usually accept them.

Meals and drinks

Comoros
Lunch and dinner depending on the programme and activities
Drinks at an additional charge

Madagascar
Full-board accommodation
Drinks at an additional charge

What to bring with you

Comoros : Walking shoes, sun cream and mosquito repellent (compliant with environmental standards)
If possible : clothes and books to give to the inhabitants

Madagascar : Walking shoes, sun cream and mosquito repellent (compliant with environmental standards)

Useful information
Documentation

Comoros : A visa is required to enter Comoros. It is issued on arrival at Moroni airport and costs about 30 euros. French nationals travelling abroad must have a return plane ticket, cash provisions of €30/day and the address of where they are staying.

Madagascar : French nationals travelling to Madagascar must have a passport which is valid for at least six months. A visa will be issued at the airport. You will need two ID photos. For a stay of less than 30 days, the cost is €35, payable in person and in cash upon presentation of a passport.

Health

Comoros : It is strongly recommended that you take out a travel assistance contract or insurance to cover all medical and repatriation costs. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination centre for a health assessment, if necessary, and get healthcare recommendations, in particular about vaccinations.

Madagascar : No vaccinations are required. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended.

Transports

Comoros
Airport – Accomodation : 30 minutes to 1 hour
Transfer to site : 30 min to 1 hour 30 minutes
Mistamiouli Tour : 2 hours

Madagascar
Antananarivo – Ambohimanga : 2-hour drive
Antananarivo – Moramanga : 3-hour drive
Moramanga – Anjiro : 1-hour drive
Moramanga – Andasibe : 30-minute drive
Andasibe – Vohimana : 30-minute drive and 20-minute walk to reach the community reserve
Vohimana – Akanin’ny Nofy : 2-3-hour drive then 1-hour crossing from Manambato to Akanin’ny Nofy
Akanin’ny Nofy – Toamasina : two to three hours on the Pangalanes Canal
Toamasina – Mahambo : 2-hour drive
Mahambo – Sainte Marie : 3-hour sea crossing

Accommodation

Comoros
Grande Comore
– Jardin de la Paix Hotel
– Chalet at Domaine du Lac
Mohéli
– Community bungalow in Itsamia,
– Laka Lodge (Ecolodge)

Madagascar
Antananarivo : hotel located in the historic part of the city
Andasibe and Vohimana : Ecolodge
Akanin’ny Nofy, Mahambo and Sainte Marie : hotels

TARIF

Price per person
€2350

Plane ticket not included

Airfares – indicative and subject to change

Paris Charles de Gaulle – Moroni return ticket : from €800
Moroni – Antananarivo : from €320

This price includes

Accommodation – private room
The meals stated (excluding drinks)
The guided tours and excursions stated
Airport transfers
Tourist taxes

This price does not include

Visa and insurance (can be provided at an additional charge)
International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
Drinks and personal spending
Any other expenses not mentioned above

This price includes

Transfers throughout the trip
Full-board accommodation
Entrance fees for sites and parks
Cooking workshop in the capital

This price does not include

A visa for Madagascar
Drinks and tips
Mandatory guide’s fees in parks and sites
Travel and health insurance
All activities in Sainte-Marie
Personal spending

*Full board and accommodation with varying levels of comfort €340 supplement for a private room in Madagascar

CONTACT

COMORES

Name : Alawiya Idriss Farid
Tel : +269 322 62 13
Email : contact@ylangtour.com

MADAGSCAR

Name : MORA TRAVEL
Tel : +261 20 22 020 12
Email : info@moratravel.com

THE VANILLA ISLANDS

info@vanilla-islands.org
www.vanilla-islands.org

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