Combination trip – Diving in Madagascar & roundtrip through Ethiopia
Combine tropical diving days on Nosy Be in Madagascar with an impressive tour of Ethiopia. From colorful reefs and lemurs to ancient churches and spectacular mountain landscapes, this trip is full of variety and adventure.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Madagascar & Ethiopia: a unique journey in Africa
From tropical diving days in Madagascar to ancient culture and impressive mountain landscapes in Ethiopia, this combination trip brings together two completely different worlds in one special journey. You start on the coast of Nosy Be, a tropical island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, where relaxing days, colorful reefs and a warm atmosphere take center stage. Then you travel on to Ethiopia, a country full of history, religious traditions and spectacular nature.
On Nosy Be you will stay at the cozy Maison Ylang, a small and charming accommodation right by the sea. During the diving days you will discover the marine life around Nosy Be, known for colorful corals, reef fish, turtles and with some luck even mantas or whale sharks, depending on the season. You will also take a day trip to Lokobe National Park, where you will learn about Madagascar’s unique nature and look for lemurs, chameleons and unusual bird species.
After a week of island life, you exchange the Indian Ocean for the highlands of Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, you’ll get acquainted with the vibrant capital, after which the journey continues to Bahir Dar and the Blue Nile. Then you will discover Gondar, once the royal capital of Ethiopia, with its impressive castles and rich history. From there you travel to the Simien Mountains, one of Africa’s most beautiful mountain regions, where spectacular views and extraordinary wildlife await you. The trip ends in Lalibela, famous for its rock-hewn churches that are among the most extraordinary religious structures in the world.
A trip full of contrasts, nature, culture and adventure, in which diving and exploration come together seamlessly.
Best travel time for a diving trip to Madagascar & Ethiopia
For the best weather and optimal sea conditions, a visit between mid March and December are recommended. In August and September, humpback whales migrate past Nosy Be. Then, in October and November, whale sharks migrate past the islands. Between January and mid-March is the rainy season and it is not recommended to go here.
The best travel time for Ethiopia is from October through March. The country is lushly green after the rainy season (June-September), temperatures are mild and precipitation is low. September and October are perfect for green landscapes and festivals.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Nosy Be, Madagascar
The water temperature is actually always pleasant in Nosy Be. We recommend you bring a 3mm or a 5mm wetsuit.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Nosy Be
Today the adventure to Madagascar begins. Flights to Nosy Be depart from Brussels, where the best connection is to Nosy Be. Via a short transfer you will fly to this tropical archipelago in about 15 hours. On day 2 you arrive at the airport of Nosy Be around 3 p.m.
At the airport the transfer is already waiting to take you to Maison Ylang, a beautiful boutique hotel. The drive of about 22 kilometers takes you right along the daily life of the island, a fine first introduction to Madagascar. The hotel is located on the quiet southwest coast, right on the beach and in the middle of a tropical garden. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax, unpack your diving gear and enjoy your first dinner on Nosy Be.
Day 3 to 7 | Diving around Nosy Be
The next 5 days are entirely devoted to diving in one of the most versatile areas of the Indian Ocean. Nosy Be and the surrounding islands are known for their warm waters, excellent visibility and a huge variety of underwater life. You will dive here on colorful coral reefs, along lava beds and over sand flats full of small life.
For macro lovers, Nosy Be is a dream: dozens of species of nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, seahorses and other critters hide among the reef. At the same time, there is plenty of big life. Sea turtles, reef sharks, large schools of fish, manta rays and even whale sharks are regularly seen here. It is this combination of small and large that makes diving around Nosy Be so special.
The program includes 2 boat dives per day as standard. Additional dives, such as an afternoon or night dive, are possible in consultation with the diving school, depending on weather and conditions.
Day 8 | Day trip to Lokobe National Park
Day 9 | Departure to Ethiopia
Today you will travel on to Ethiopia, where you will travel around for another week. Most flights in this region pass through Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and a major aviation hub in Africa. A stop here is therefore very common and offers a great opportunity to explore the country in advance. The flight from Nosy Be to Addis Ababa takes about 4 hours.
After arriving in Addis Ababa, you will be warmly welcomed by the local representative. A transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can relax and recover from the trip. Addis Ababa is a lively city and is for many travelers the starting point of a journey through Ethiopia. You will stay here for the next two nights, giving you time to get to know the city well and acclimatize. At this hotel you can safely leave your diving equipment throughout the week, so you don’t have to carry it with you all the time during your tour.
Day 10 | Discovering Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will set out to explore Addis Ababa. You start on the Entoto Hills, at about 2,900 meters above sea level, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Here you will also visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, one of the oldest churches in the country.
Next, dive deeper into the culture and history of Ethiopia with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Next on the program is the National Museum, where you will come face to face with “Lucy,” one of the oldest human fossils ever found.
You’ll end the day at the colorful Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Here the daily life of Addis Ababa really comes alive among the smells of spices, the buzz of traders and a warren of stalls.
Day 11 | To Bahir Dar and the Blue Nile
Today you fly to Bahir Dar, a relaxed city on the shores of Lake Tana. Upon arrival, drive to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Abay which means “great smoke. A short walk along the river will allow you to admire the falls from different perspectives. Depending on the season, the water power may vary, but the scenery remains impressive.
After lunch you will take a boat ride on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. You will sail to the peninsula where the ancient Ura Kidane Mehret church is located, known for its colorful and detailed murals. In Bahir Dar you will stay one night.
Day 12 | Gondar, the royal capital of Ethiopia
After breakfast, travel on to Gondar, once the royal capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon you will explore this historic city, known for its extraordinary castle complex. The various palaces and buildings give a good idea of the country’s rich history.
You will also visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its ceiling full of angelic faces and vibrant biblical paintings. Finally, you will visit the bath of Fasiledes, an atmospheric place that still plays an important role during religious festivities. You will stay two nights in Gondar.
Day 13 | To the roof of Africa: Simien Mountains
Today you will make an impressive excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful natural areas in Africa. After a drive of about two hours you will reach this rugged mountain landscape, which is not for nothing known as the “roof of Africa.
While hiking, you will enjoy spectacular views of deep valleys and steep cliffs. With a little luck you will encounter the unusual gelada baboons, found only in Ethiopia. At the end of the day you will return to Gondar.
Day 14 & 15 | Lalibela, the religious heart
Today you fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary destinations. After arrival and lunch, you will begin exploring the famous rock churches, which are completely carved out of the rock.
You will visit Bete Maryam, with its richly painted interior, and Bete Medhane Alem, the largest rock-hewn church in the world, among others. You will also see the iconic Bete Giyorgis, built in the shape of a cross and beautifully situated in a sunken setting. In Lalibela you will stay two nights.
The next day you will explore the surroundings of Lalibela. You will visit the Na’akuto La’ab monastery, where water trickles in from the rocks and is considered sacred. Ancient religious artifacts are also kept here.
Then you will drive to Asheton Maryam, a secluded church with a special location and an impressive view of the surroundings. The tranquility and spirituality make this place extra special.
Day 16 & 17 | Return to Addis Ababa and departure home
In the morning visit some of Lalibela’s lesser-known rock churches, each with its own unique architectural style and details.
You will then fly back to Addis Ababa. Here you will have another opportunity to freshen up and end the trip relaxed with a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner, complete with music and dancing. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. You will arrive again the next morning.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Madagascar & Ethiopia?
Diving in Nosy Be
Around Nosy Be you dive in warm, clear waters where the reef comes alive immediately as soon as you descend. Turtles rest among the coral, reef sharks disappear along the edge of visibility and, with a little luck, a whale shark slowly passes in the blue. The dives feel relaxing but never boring, as each reef has a different structure and density of life. Between the islands, sheltered bays and open sea alternate, giving each dive day a different character without having to travel far.
The roof of Africa
The rock churches of Lalibela
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
Maison Ylang
Maison Ylang is a charming boutique hotel located in Ambatoloaka, one of Nosy Be’s most atmospheric spots, right on the beach and close to local restaurants, bars and stores. The hotel offers a perfect blend of tranquility, comfort and tropical ambiance, ideal for a diving vacation or a relaxing island experience.
The hotel has 11 comfortable rooms, ranging from standard rooms with garden or sea views to spacious deluxe options. All rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace to enjoy garden, pool or Indian Ocean views.
At Maison Ylang you will also find a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and a relaxing lounge environment. The hotel operates in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner, respecting nature and the local community. With direct access to the beach and its own dive center, as a guest of Maison Ylang you are all set for an unforgettable vacation.
The diving school
The diving school and facilities
Ylang Dive Center
The Ylang Dive Center, located at Maison Ylang, is a modern and professional PADI and SSI certified dive center. Whether you are a beginner or advanced diver, the center offers a wide range of diving experiences: from introductory dives and training to recreational boat dives to the most beautiful dive sites around Nosy Be, such as Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Iranja and the Radama Islands.
The dive center works with small groups for optimal personal guidance and safety. The modern boats are equipped with showers, toilets and snacks on board, making each diving day comfortable. Nitrox is available for certified divers.
At Ylang Dive Center, a safe, personal and unforgettable diving experience is paramount, guided by experienced instructors who know the local waters inside out. This way you will discover the colorful underwater world of Nosy Be in the best possible way.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is € 3.645 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from € 3.645 p.p.
- Nosy Be
- 10 nights in a Standard Room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Excursion to Lokobe Forest
- Ethiopia
- 7 nights in different hotels
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Unlimited bottled water
- Private transfer throughout the week
- All admission fees as listed in the program
- Professional guide in English
- Listed domestic flights
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Nosy Be from € 1.300 p.p.
- Visa for Madagascar (wpcs_price value=10])
- Visa for Ethiopia (wpcs_price value=60])
- Dive and travel insurance
- Lunch and dinners during tour Ethiopia
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment, incl computer € 18 per day
- Third dive
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Frequently asked questions about this trip
Diving general
Boat Dives
These range from 10–40 min driving
There are standard 2 dives per day in the program. Want to take more dives? This is possible depending on the weather. This dive you have to settle locally with the diving school.
Yes, the diving school is affiliated with both PADI and SSI.
Diving equipment
Standard diving is done with DIN, but they can supply adapters for INT controllers
Yes, this is free for certified divers.
Yes. € 18 per day.
Other activities & excursions
No. For this, you have to do day trips.
Round trip
Of course you can, you can make the trip exactly the way you want.
The distances between places are great and the roads are not always good. This makes the best route, whichever one you do, best done with domestic flights. You can leave your diving suitcase at the hotel in Addis Ababa, so you don’t have to bring it with you on every flight.
Flights from Brussels to Nosy Be always have a stopover in the capital of Ethiopia. So you then have the chance to discover this special country!
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