Madagascar's Vanilla Coast is a place for adventure, encounters, and unique experiences that you likely won't find anywhere else in the world.
On the flip side, day trips along the Vanilla Coast also come with various physical challenges that can sometimes push you to your limits.
If you prefer to spend your holiday in Madagascar in a more classic way, with plenty of luxurious elements and a certain level of comfort, then you should consider choosing one of our other offers.
This tour is designed for travelers with a great sense of adventure who want to explore the wild side of Madagascar far from a traditional hotel vacation.
The tour starts in Ambilobe and ends either in Antalaha or Sambava.
Physical exertion will accompany you due to the specific itinerary. Therefore, you should only book this individual trip to Madagascar if you have a certain level of physical fitness.
However, what you will see on this trip, for example in Marojejy National Park, will more than compensate for all the hardships on this journey through Madagascar.
Detailed Tour Information
Below, we want to help you get a better overview of the tour from Ambilobe to Sambava. Therefore, we provide you with a detailed daily itinerary to help you familiarize yourself with the various stops on this journey.
If you do not like a particular point in this list or would like to suggest an alternative, please feel free to contact us directly.
As with every tour from our extensive range of theme and individual trips, there is also the possibility of individual customization on this trip.
Logistics services
Accompaniment by an experienced English-speaking guide
Off-road vehicle or minibus including driver and diesel
All specified accommodations
Breakfast included
Lunch, dinner, and drinks
Optional local guides
Flights
Tips
Day 1: From Ambilobe to Camp TattersalliOn the first day of your Madagascar adventure, you will get a first impression as you set off from Ambilobe towards Camp Tattersalli early in the morning around seven o'clock. You will cover a total of about 130 kilometers to Daraina on the challenging track before arriving at the camp before lunch. After a hearty meal, you can visit the Bekaroaka Reserve, where you can either meet the gold miners or embark on the Baobab Trail as an adventurous traveler. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at Camp Tattersalli. |
 |
Day 2: Explore Vohémar and SambavaAfter a hearty breakfast on the second day of your Madagascar journey, the car will take you to the Bay of Iharana near Vohémar. There, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the bay and take in the breathtaking views. Next, you will head south towards Sambava, located about 180 kilometers away. Along the way, there will be a quick stop at the green Lake of Andranotsara. The fascinating color of this lake will captivate you with its mystical allure. The lake, with its impressive color play resulting from the mix of fresh and saltwater, is home to numerous crocodiles. These crocodiles are considered sacred animals by the locals, as they are believed to be reincarnations of ancestors in the traditional belief. Some rich offerings, such as zebu cattle, are sometimes presented to the crocodiles. After the drive, you will arrive in Sambava and check into your accommodation at the Hotel Orchidea Beach or the Soaland Apartments. |
 |
Day 3: Heading to Marojejy National ParkOn the third day of your journey, the long-awaited adventure is right at your doorstep. You will start early in the morning by car, heading up to the mountains to Mandena where the entrance to Marojejy National Park is located. This park is one of the most impressive and less explored protected areas on the island, showcasing a unique rainforest that is rare to find on Earth today. Despite the damages caused by logging and poaching in recent years, the spectacle of the dense, green foliage is still spectacular and breathtaking. However, hiking through the park requires a certain level of physical fitness, as the trails are wet and slippery, and the high humidity adds an extra challenge. It is recommended to wear rain gear for this trip as it almost constantly drizzles in Marojejy National Park. The journey into the unique natural paradise of Marojejy begins around 8:30 AM and it is uphill from the start. The first goal is to reach the first of the three camps you will visit in the next few days. You will arrive at Camp Mantelle just in time for lunch. After a hearty meal, a visit to the Cascade d’Humbert is planned. There is a legend about a giant man-eating eel living in the basin, but you are unlikely to encounter it on your tour. Next, you will continue to Camp Marojejia. It will take about three hours to navigate through relatively challenging terrain until you reach the camp. There, you will have dinner and stay in simple bunk bed shelters. |
 |
Day 4: More Adventures in Marojejy National Park.Day 4 of your journey holds a lot of challenges for you. After a hearty breakfast, you will continue your trek uphill until you reach Camp Simpona. Located at an altitude of 1,250 meters, this camp will provide you with a short respite. Next, you will ascend even higher to reach the highest point of the National Park, the Summit Mountain. At an altitude of over 2,100 meters, you will marvel at the surrounding landscape and experience an uplifting atmosphere that you will never forget. Afterwards, you will return to Camp Marojejia for another night's rest. |
 |
Day 5: Farewell to Marojejy National ParkToday, you will be spending your last few hours in Marojejy National Park. After breakfast, you will set off and make your way back to Camp Mantella, where a delicious lunch awaits you. Following that, you will descend into the valley and then drive back to Sambava. For your overnight stay, you can choose between the Hotel Orchidea Beach or the Soaland Apartments once again. |
 |
Day 6: Day trip to AntalahaStart your day with a delicious breakfast before driving towards Antalaha. On the way, make a stop at a vanilla and spice plantation to learn why this part of Madagascar is known as the Vanilla Coast. Once in Antalaha, you have the afternoon free to spend as you wish until dinner. We recommend a visit to a project for former leprosy patients, which is both educational and impactful. Tonight, enjoy dinner and stay at the beautiful Ocean Momo Hotel, located right by the sea. |
 |
Day 7: A Kayak Tour on the Ankavia RiverThe highlight of today's itinerary is a six-hour kayak tour on a river called Ankavia. This adventurous tour will provide you with amazing views of the landscape and a truly immersive nature experience. A picnic will be provided during the tour to keep you energized. Afterwards, you can choose to be driven back to Samabava to stay at either the Hotel Orchidea Beach or the Soaland Apartments, or you can opt to stay in Antalaha at the Hotel Ocean Momo. |
 |
Day 8: The Journey Comes to an EndAfter a restful night, the eighth day marks the end of this tour. You will either return to Antananarivo and begin your flight back to Europe from there, or with our assistance, you can book another tour to see even more of the island of Madagascar. This tour can be seamlessly combined with the northern part of Madagascar, Nosy Be, and many other tours. |
 |
“Embark on an 8-day adventure from Ambilobe to Sambava along Madagascar’s unique Vanilla Coast. This tour, filled with physical challenges, offers encounters with the wild side of Madagascar, notably Marojejy National Park. Ideal for travelers with a significant level of fitness seeking non-traditional exploration. Customizable itinerary available for a personalized journey.”
Download the offer in PDF