From emeralds to rubies, quartz crystals, gold, garnet, hambergite, phenakite, rose quartz, spinel, titanite, topaz, and tourmalines in all colors, countless precious and semi-precious stones, as well as many other important and exciting mineral discoveries, can be found on this island.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, various research expeditions have focused on the diverse mineral resources that can be found in Madagascar, and are still present today.
It can be observed that, even today, a limited part of what is possible in terms of mineral resources in Madagascar has been discovered, a hundred years later.
However, the countless mineral resources of Madagascar are not only of interest to researchers: The local population in some areas of the island is fully dedicated to mining the different mineral resources.
Unfortunately, this is not always done according to regulated guidelines, and all too often, mining has drastic consequences for the original nature of the island. Therefore, it is important that you experience a tour of Madagascar focused on mineralogy, which in a way provides a counterpoint to the widespread destructive mining practices.
This is where we have been committed for years. Your vacation in Madagascar can become a mineralogical adventure, allowing you to make a small contribution to the protection of nature in Madagascar.
Many mines and mining areas are located in remote regions, making the journey there quite spectacular in itself.
However, in most cases, this also means that without an experienced guide, you may not make much progress and often endure additional hardships.
For quite some time now, we have been conducting tours in Madagascar that are specifically tailored to the needs and interests of mineralogists.
This means that we can show you the most interesting places and mining areas for you. We not only work with the most experienced guides, but also have established strong connections with mine owners and traders for years.
We can also assist you with permits for purchasing minerals or exporting your own finds. This ensures that you can actually reap the rewards of your work and take them home with you.
If you have already taken a more or less detailed look at the various offerings on our site, you should be well aware that for your trip to Madagascar, we not only focus intensively on the preparations but also on meeting your needs during the trip.
The following proposed itinerary is therefore an initial inspiration for your specific vacation planning and serves as a starting point for your mineralogy-focused trip.
This is a mineral tour that we conducted in 2011 with a group of researchers and private individuals interested in minerals. The tour follows the route from Antsirabe to Ambatofilhandrana to Ilakaka and focuses on important mineral sites in Madagascar.
Additionally, a few days of stay directly by the Indian Ocean are included. If you wish, you can book the presented tour directly as a package for your vacation in Madagascar with us.
Alternatively, we can make various changes according to your preferences. You just need to let us know.
What's included:
A botanical guide throughout the entire journey;
A vehicle and driver throughout the entire journey;
Accommodation as indicated in the program;
Meals as indicated in the program;
Entrance fees to the specified parks and locations;
Local guides in the parks;
All transfers.
What's not included:
International and domestic flights;
Meals not specified in the program;
Tips and drinks;
Your personal insurances.
Visa fee: +/- €20.
Day 1: Arrival in AntananarivoThe travel participants arrived in Madagascar through the airport in Antananarivo and were picked up by a driver and taken to a nearby hotel. Since flights from Europe usually land in Madagascar at night, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can fulfill any personal requests regarding food and drinks you would like to have after your arrival. |
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Day 2: Antananarivo and Drive to AntsirabeOn the second day, after breakfast, the journey continued southward. Upon arriving in Antsirabe, there were already opportunities to see minerals. The local mineral market, which takes place daily, was the next highlight on the participants' itinerary, where red tourmalines and quartz specimens were purchased. During this visit, travelers were able to learn about various gemstone deposits in Madagascar and, if desired, make some mineral purchases. On the exemplary trip in 2011, a blue topaz crystal, formed as a perfect single crystal, was acquired. Overnight stay at Hotel Chambres du Voyageur. |
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Day 3: Trip to IbityOn the third day of the trip, some particularly exciting experiences were on the agenda, as participants could search and collect minerals themselves for the first time. Tourmalines were especially sought after by the participants. Afterwards, red tourmaline crystals, epidote specimens, and various rose quartz pieces could be purchased from villagers and other miners. The rose quartz pieces were particularly impressive, as they were simply found along the roadside, where they had been piled up for construction purposes. |
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Day 4: Visit to Quartz Discovery SiteOn the fourth day, tour participants had the opportunity to enjoy a particularly beautiful discovery site, surrounded by gorgeous plants and flowers: they visited a quartz discovery site near Antsirabe, where endless discovery opportunities awaited the travelers. This discovery site is highly recommended for families as well. |
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Day 5: Continuing the journey to Ambositra and AmbatofinandrahanaOn the fifth day, travelers bid farewell to Antsirabe and continued their journey to Ambositra. There, they were treated to an excellent Malagasy meal and had the opportunity to purchase some charming and world-renowned wood carvings. Next, they headed to Ambatofinandrahana, where they were welcomed at a cozy guesthouse with delicious cuisine. |
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Day 6: Visit to the Tourmaline MineThe tourmaline mine was the adventurous highlight on the sixth day. First, we traveled on a very poorly maintained road to the mine, where numerous discoveries awaited. In addition, there were also numerous, sometimes still unprocessed quartz bands available for purchase at incredibly low prices right at the mine. Experience has shown that this day is one of the absolute highlights of the trip. |
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Day 7: Continuing the Journey towards AmbalavaoAt the beginning of the day, the participants were focused on shopping for the finest quartz specimens at very reasonable prices in Ambatofinandrahana. All purchases were securely packed for safe transportation, ensuring that even the large specimens were well protected. Afterwards, the travelers bid farewell to Ambatofinandrahana and set off on their journey to Ambalavao. Leaving the beautiful highland landscape behind, the excursionists drove through Fianarantsoa towards Ambalavao. For those planning their own itinerary, a visit to the bustling Zebu market or a tour of one of the renowned paper factories in Ambalavao could be arranged. The art of silk production is also highly valued in this town. Interested travelers could find a variety of activities to engage in while exploring the area. Accommodations for the night were in cozy bungalows, where they enjoyed a delicious meal. |
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Day 8: Excursion to the Quartz Discovery SiteOn this day, the tourists first visited a quartz discovery site in the vicinity of Ambalavao. However, it turned out to be less spectacular than expected. Nevertheless, the stunning hike through the breathtaking nature of the surroundings made up for it. Additionally, the excursion participants encountered a group of children washing gold in the rice fields. Meeting the villagers also provided the opportunity to capture many fantastic moments with the camera for eternity. |
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Day 9: Visit to an Abandoned Aquamarine MineThe ninth day of the journey through Madagascar was marked by a relatively spontaneous action, as a local who had heard about the travelers' search for minerals showed up and offered various crystals such as star sapphires, rubies, and smokey quartz for sale. Since the quality seemed more than reasonable for the price, some of the participants in the trip purchased a few of the specimens. The man then accompanied the participants to an abandoned aquamarine mine, where they were able to still find some valuable pieces. |
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Day 10: Visit to Anja Park and onward journey to RanohiraOn Day 10, we started by visiting the market in Ambalavao, where we purchased a suitcase to store the various treasures collected during the trip. Next, we visited the nearby ANJA Park. In this private park, travelers had the opportunity to observe numerous ring-tailed lemurs and other animals up close before continuing their journey to Ranohira. |
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Day 11: Visit to IlakakaIn a way, Ilakaka resembles a town from the Wild West. While back then the population was struck by gold fever, in Ilakaka it's the sapphires that people are after. The visit to a sapphire mine in Ilakaka is the highlight of the day. Watching the local workers, who are mostly poorly paid day laborers, toil forward without protection is not always easy, but still a spectacular experience. |
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Days 12 and 13: Relaxation at the Mozambique ChannelTo conclude the trip, we headed to a small beach town called Sarondrano, located on the Mozambique Channel, passing through Tulear. In this beach town, participants could relax on the beach, snorkel, or engage in various other activities for a few days before flying back to Antananarivo and then on to Europe. As mentioned before detailing the travel itinerary, this is an exemplary trip that we organized, accompanied, and conducted in 2011. For your individual vacation in Madagascar, other tours are also possible. Feel free to contact us and together we can plan a journey through Madagascar that fulfills all your wishes. |
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Day 14- Domestic Flight from Tulear to AntananarivoAfter breakfast, we bid farewell to Sarondrano and drive back to Tulear Airport. There, we board a plane and fly one hour up to Antananarivo, the capital where the journey began. If the flight arrives in the morning, we have the opportunity to explore Antananarivo and its surroundings. If the flight arrives late, we will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Dinner will be served there or at a special restaurant. Overnight stay at Villa Sibylle. |
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Day 15 - Antananarivo and SurroundingsToday is yours to design according to your personal wishes. Explore the city or take a trip to the surroundings of Antananarivo, where all kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown on large plantations. We highly recommend a visit to the Lemurs Park where you can get up close to the quirky primates. In the evening, make sure to indulge in the culinary delights of the island. We are happy to advise you and provide you with relevant addresses. |
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Day 16 - Return FlightEnjoy a day at leisure at Sibylle before being transferred to the airport in time for your return flight. We will take care of the export permits for the stones if it involves small quantities. |
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“Embark on a ‘Mineralogical Journey through Madagascar’ to discover a treasure trove of emeralds, rubies, precious stones and more. Our guided tours are tailor-made for mineralogists, with access to remote mining areas and connections with mine owners. Enjoy the spectacular landscape while contributing to nature’s protection. Make your Madagascar vacation a mineralogical adventure!”
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