Madagascar· 13 days · Tailor-made
In the Heart of Sakalava
▲▲▲▲▲Easy
Let yourself be carried by the tranquillity of the waves to discover the culture and traditions of the Sakalava people. This 13-day cruise sails the north-west coast of Madagascar. You navigate among pristine beaches and lush vegetation around the Bay of the Russians and Baramamahy, spotting dolphins, whale sharks and lemurs in their natural habitats. Between the large sea turtles of Nosy Sakatia, the multicoloured fish of Nosy Tanikely, the magnificent waterfall of Nosy Mamoko and the fine white sands of Nosy Iranja, this exceptional trip immerses you in an untouched, dream-like world aboard a catamaran.
About this trip
A trip we'd happily do again next month
Let yourself be carried by the tranquillity of the waves to discover the culture and traditions of the Sakalava people. This 13-day cruise sails the north-west coast of Madagascar. You navigate among pristine beaches and lush vegetation around the Bay of the Russians and Baramamahy, spotting dolphins, whale sharks and lemurs in their natural habitats. Between the large sea turtles of Nosy Sakatia, the multicoloured fish of Nosy Tanikely, the magnificent waterfall of Nosy Mamoko and the fine white sands of Nosy Iranja, this exceptional trip immerses you in an untouched, dream-like world aboard a catamaran.
This is one of our signature tailor-made journeys in Madagascar. We've walked it many times — alone, with friends, with our own families — and we've shaped it into something we're genuinely proud of.
You'll be in a small group, led by a local guide who knows the trails, the families along the way, and the best place to stop for lunch. Nothing rushed. Nothing generic.
Glimpses of the trip
Photos from the trail
Day by day
Your 13-day itinerary
A draft of how the trip flows — every itinerary is fine-tuned around your group, fitness and pace before we book anything.
- 01+
Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, where your cruise into the heart of the Sakalava land begins.
Arrival in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, where your cruise into the heart of the Sakalava land begins.
- 02+
Antananarivo - Nosy Be
Transfer to Nosy Be to board the catamaran for your 13-day cruise along the north-west coast of Madagascar, discovering the culture and tradition of the Sakalava people.
Transfer to Nosy Be to board the catamaran for your 13-day cruise along the north-west coast of Madagascar, discovering the culture and tradition of the Sakalava people.
- 03+
Bay of the Russians
Navigate among the pristine beaches and lush vegetation around the Bay of the Russians, where dolphins, whale sharks and charming lemurs can be seen in their natural habitats.
Navigate among the pristine beaches and lush vegetation around the Bay of the Russians, where dolphins, whale sharks and charming lemurs can be seen in their natural habitats.
- 04+
Baramamahy
Continue along the coast around Baramamahy, immersing yourself in an untouched world straight out of a dream.
Continue along the coast around Baramamahy, immersing yourself in an untouched world straight out of a dream.
- 05+
Nosy Sakatia
Discovery of Sakatia Island and its traditional village, home to large marine turtles.
Discovery of Sakatia Island and its traditional village, home to large marine turtles.
- 06+
Nosy Tanikely
Discovery of the spectacular underwater world of Nosy Tanikely with its multicolored fish.
Discovery of the spectacular underwater world of Nosy Tanikely with its multicolored fish.
- 07+
Nosy Komba
Exploration of the lemur island, Nosy Komba, and its welcoming inhabitants.
Exploration of the lemur island, Nosy Komba, and its welcoming inhabitants.
- 08+
Nosy Mamoko
Discovery of Nosy Mamoko with its tropical forest, magnificent waterfall, giant tortoises and lemurs.
Discovery of Nosy Mamoko with its tropical forest, magnificent waterfall, giant tortoises and lemurs.
- 09+
Traditional Villages
Visit of traditional villages with authentic decor, where the inhabitants share their way of life.
Visit of traditional villages with authentic decor, where the inhabitants share their way of life.
- 10+
Nosy Iranja
Discovery of Nosy Iranja, the island of turtles, with its fine white sands.
Discovery of Nosy Iranja, the island of turtles, with its fine white sands.
- 11+
Nosy Iranja - Nosy Be
Return from the islands toward Nosy Be after unique nights spent on board the catamaran.
Return from the islands toward Nosy Be after unique nights spent on board the catamaran.
- 12+
Nosy Be
Free day on Nosy Be to relax on its beaches and enjoy the surrounding islands.
Free day on Nosy Be to relax on its beaches and enjoy the surrounding islands.
- 13+
Nosy Be - Antananarivo - Departure
Transfer back to Antananarivo for your departure, ending this exceptional Sakalava cruise.
Transfer back to Antananarivo for your departure, ending this exceptional Sakalava cruise.
Like the look of it?
Tell us when you're thinking of coming — we'll send you a draft within 24 hours.
What's included
Everything that's covered
- ✓Local guide throughout
- ✓All accommodation in selected guesthouses & hotels
- ✓Daily breakfast and most dinners
- ✓Luggage transfers between stages
- ✓All ground transport during the trip
- ✓Detailed route notes and maps
Not included
What you'll arrange yourself
- —International flights to/from Madagascar
- —Madagascar visa (€35 on arrival)
- —Travel insurance
- —Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Request this trip
Tell us a little, we'll send you a draft
Roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like — that's all we need. We'll reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and a price. No payment until you're happy with the plan.
Or WhatsApp us directly: +261 32 40 607 07
13 days · Tailor-made
In the Heart of Sakalava