Spices Route

Antalaha - Bemarivo - Sambava

Duration

06 Days / 05 Nights

Type

Cultural discovery, nature-based exploration, gastronomic, and soft adventure.

Level

Easy to moderate - accessible to most travelers; light walking

Ideal for

Couples, solo travelers, families, small groups. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic local experiences, light adventure, and agricultural tourism.

This unforgettable 6-day itinerary takes you along Madagascar's scenic Spice Route, from coastal villages and tropical rivers to rich plantations and biodiversity hotspots.

Discover the island's iconic vanilla, coffee, and clove heritage through immersive experiences that blend adventure, culture, and comfort, while staying in carefully selected accommodations across Sambava and Antalaha.

🌞 Best time to travel: April to November (dry season, ideal for outdoor activities)

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

🎒 What to bring: comfortable walking 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 - Bemarivo - Antalaha

After breakfast, departure around 8:00 a.m. to Nosiarina, located 15 km from Sambava.
Canoe descent on the Bemarivo River. Glide through stunning landscapes, explore traditional vanilla and coffee plantations, and observe daily local life.
Picnic lunch along a peaceful river bend. In the afternoon, walk along a coconut grove leading back to Sambava.
Around 3:00 p.m., transfer to Antalaha.
Dinner and overnight at Soaland Orchid’s Antalaha.

Day 3 : Antalaha - Macolline - Ambohimanitra

Departure after breakfast at 8:00 a.m. for a guided visit to Macolline, just 10 km from Antalaha, a 10-hectare arboretum dedicated to preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
Known as a “mini Masoala,” Macolline offers an immersive walk-through endemic flora and fauna, followed by a tranquil canoe ride along the Ankavanana River.
Picnic lunch at the scenic viewpoint overlooking the river mouth or at Bellerose, depending on the weather.
Return around 5:00 p.m. to Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.

Day 4 : Domaine d’Ambohimanitra

After breakfast around 9:00 a.m., enjoy a guided tour of the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra (60 hectares), where you'll explore lush vanilla plantations and nurseries featuring various local vanilla varieties.
Discover the fascinating lifecycle of the vanilla plant — from handpollination to the transformation of the flower into an aromatic pod.
To enhance your immersion, a vanilla-inspired lunch will be served on the estate’s panoramic terrace.
In the afternoon, unwind on the estate’s private beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra.

Day 5 : Ambohimanitra - Vanilleraie - Sambava

After breakfast, around 9:00 a.m., return to Sambava with a stop at the Edmond Albius Museum.
Dive into the captivating history of vanilla, from its origins to its worldwide journey, through a unique sensory experience that blends sight, touch, and scent.
Enjoy lunch at Soaland Appart’s.
In the early afternoon, visit a professional vanilla processing facility to discover each step of the journey from harvest to export: scalding, drying, sorting, grading, and measuring. Learn the secrets behind Madagascar’s globally renowned vanilla.
Dinner and overnight stay at Soaland Appart’s.

Day 6 : Sambava - Antananarivo

Departure Day, Farewell from the Vanilla Coast
Enjoy breakfast and a light lunch at 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.)

Spices Route

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