The Best of SAVA

Sambava - Marojejy - Andapa - Vohémar - Daraina - Antalaha

Duration

10 Days / 09 Nights

Type

Cultural discovery, nature & wildlife, adventure, and gastronomic immersion.

Level

Moderate to challenging - suitable for travelers with good fitness

Ideal for

Adventure seekers, cultural travelers, photographers, small groups, solo travelers, couples.

This 10-day expedition offers an unforgettable journey through the four districts of SAVA: Sambava, Andapa, Vohémar, and Antalaha, each contributing uniquely to the cultural and natural wealth of Madagascar's northeast.

From rainforest treks and rare lemur encounters to coastal vanilla estates and traditional communities, this itinerary blends adventure, discovery, and immersion, culminating in a deep understanding of the iconic vanilla trade and local life.

🌞 Best time to travel: April to November (dry season, ideal for outdoor activities) W h a t to bring: #

🌡️ Average temperatures: 22-30°C, tropical climate

🎒 What to bring: comfortable walking / trekking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent

👕 Recommended clothing: lightweight, breathable, and long-sleeved for plantation visits

Day 1 : Antananarivo - Sambava

Arrival and reception at the airport, followed by a private transfer to Soaland Appart’s.
Welcome briefing upon arrival.
Lunch at Soaland Appart’s in a relaxed, local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, guided tour of Sambava town and a scenic stop at Ampandrozonana beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Appart’s Sambava.

Day 2 : Sambava - Marojejy

Departure from Sambava at 6:00 a.m., with arrival at the Manantenina park office around 7:00 a.m.
A short transfer brings you to the village of Mandena, where your trek begins at approximately 7:30 a.m.
You will hike through lush rainforest trails toward Camp I Mantella, arriving between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
After a picnic lunch, enjoy a visit to the beautiful Humbert Waterfall, and take time to swim or explore the surroundings in search of Bamboo lemurs, often seen near the camp.
In the early afternoon, continue your trek for about one hour to reach Camp II Marojejy nestled deeper in the forest. This area is home to one of Madagascar’s rarest and most iconic primates, the Silky Sifaka (Propithecus candidus), known locally as the “Simpona”, with its unique snow-white fur found only in this region.
Dinner and overnight at Camp II.

Day 3 : Marojejy

After breakfast around 7:30 a.m., enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Marojejya Camp II before continuing your trek deeper into the forest.
The hike to Simpona Camp III takes about three hours, along a trail rich in biodiversity. With some luck, you may again spot the iconic Silky Sifaka (Simpona), one of the rarest lemurs in the world, known for its striking white fur and found only in this region.
Arrive at Camp III in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a short walk to the belvedere, located at 1,250 meters altitude, for breathtaking views over the rainforest canopy and rugged mountain terrain.
By late afternoon, return to Camp II for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 : Marojejy - Andapa

After a leisurely breakfast around 7:00 a.m., enjoy a final moment of rest at Marojejya Camp II.
Lunch is served at 11:00 a.m., followed by the descent at around 12:00 p.m.
The walk to the village of Mandena takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Andapa (approximately 1 hour by car).
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Chalet Andapa.

Day 5 : Andapa - Sambava

After breakfast, depart around 8:00 a.m. for a visit to the Andapa Basin, a fertile region known for its vast rice fields stretching over thousands of hectares.
You’ll also visit the Beanatsomanga fish farm, where your guide will introduce you to the farm’s operations, sustainable practices, and the challenges faced in local fish farming.
For lunch, enjoy a meal prepared in the traditional Beanatsomanga culinary style, using local ingredients and flavors.
In the early afternoon, begin the 3-hour drive back to Sambava.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Appart’s Sambava.

Day 6 : Sambava - Vohemar

After breakfast, depart around 6:00 a.m. for Vohémar (approx. 3.5-hour drive).
Begin with a visit to Plaideau Village, also known by its Malagasy name Andripatra. Founded in the early 21st century, this rural community was established to support sustainable farming and livestock development.
As you explore, take in a remarkably diverse landscape unique to the SAVA region: green dunes, mangroves, canyons, and even the striking Red Tsingy.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, visit the Green Lake (Andranotsara Sacred Lake), located 7 km south of Vohémar. Beyond its serene beauty, the lake is steeped in local legend, your guide will share the story behind its mysterious green color and cultural significance.
Dinner and overnight stay at Square de Vohémar.

Day 7 : Vohemar - Daraina - Antalaha

After breakfast, depart for Daraina, a remote village located 50 km north of Vohémar along the Diégo-Suarez road.
Historically known as a gold prospectors’ village, Daraina offers a glimpse into traditional artisanal gold mining, which you may observe during a walk through the nearby forests.
Your visit includes an exploration of the Loky-Manambato protected area, home to the rare and endangered Tattersalli sifaka, also known as the Golden-Crowned Lemur — a remarkable species found only in this part of Madagascar.
Return to Vohémar for lunch, then continue the journey south to Antalaha.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Orchids Antalaha.

Day 8 : Antalaha - Ambohimanitra

After breakfast, depart for a guided city tour of Antalaha.
Once a small fishing village, Antalaha is now renowned as the vanilla capital of the world. Beyond vanilla, the town is also known for its traditional craftsmanship, especially the construction of wooden dhows still practiced today.
Continue by road (approx. 35 minutes) to the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.
There, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Ambohimanitra Estate (60 hectares), including its vanilla plantations, nurseries of local varieties, and several types of vanilla plants. The visit explains in detail the planting, fertilization, and hand-pollination of the vanilla flower, as well as all stages of the transformation from flower to pod.
To complete your vanilla immersion, enjoy a vanilla-scented lunch served on a terrace with panoramic views.
In the afternoon, relax and unwind on the private beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.

Day 9 : Ambohimanitra - Sambava

After breakfast around 9:00 a.m., depart for Sambava with a stop at the Edmond Albius Museum.
There, you'll dive into the fascinating history of vanilla, from its ancient origins to its global influence, a truly tactile and olfactory journey through the terroirs that have made Malagasy vanilla world-famous.
Lunch will be served at Soaland Appart’s.
In the early afternoon, visit a vanilla export store, where you’ll discover the entire vanilla preparation process, from harvesting, scalding, and sorting, to grading and measuring. Gain insights into the methods that define the quality and value of this iconic spice.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Appart’s Sambava.

Day 10 : Sambava - Antananarivo

Departure Day, Farewell from the Vanilla Coast
Enjoy breakfast and a light lunch at the Soaland Appart’s before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo.

Included:

Accommodation : Accommodation for 1 to 8 people with full board as mentioned in the program
Transfers : Transfers as mentioned in the program
Visits : Visits as mentioned in the program
Guide : An Italian-speaking guide throughout the stay
Car with driver : 4WD car rental with fuel and driver included throughout the stay

Excluded:

Airline tickets : International and Domestic flights
Miscellaneous expenses : Free activities and services, Drinks, tips and extras
Insurance : Multi-risk insurance

A personalized quote will be provided on request, the services being flexible according to needs and circumstances (flights, actual place of departure, length of stay, other services etc.)

The Best of SAVA

Overview

Practical Information

Itinerary

Included/Excluded

Notes

Booking Form

Download Brochure

Discover our tours