Combination trip Madagascar – Diving on Nosy Sakatia & roundtrip through eastern & central Madagascar
Madagascar is an island full of contrasts and unique nature. During this trip you will get to know dense rainforests, vibrant highlands and warm valleys, where lemurs, chameleons and exotic birds make their home. The highlight of the trip is a few days diving around Nosy Sakatia, a pristine tropical island with stunning reefs and rich marine life.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Tour of east Madgaskar and diving at Nosy Sakatia
Madagascar is one of the largest islands in the world and is known for its unique flora and fauna. The country has 19 national parks, 2 marine parks, 5 natural parks and 21 reserves. During this trip you will explore the eastern rainforest area and the central highlands, ending on the northwest coast at Nosy Sakatia.
In the rainforests of Andasibe and Mantadia, the insistent call of the indri, the island’s largest lemur, can be heard. Madagascar is the only place in the world where lemurs are found in the wild. Hiking trails lead you through dense forest, where chameleons, tree frogs and numerous bird species show themselves among ferns and orchids.
You then explore Ranomafana National Park, known for its hot springs and cloud forests full of life. Along the way, you pass the highlands around Antsirabe, with vast terraced fields and picturesque villages.
The trip ends on Nosy Sakatia, where rainforest and tropical coast meet and you will have beautiful dives. Nosy Sakatia is the smallest and quietest of the nearby islands. For many, it is also the hardest to leave again. With no roads, only a handful of visitors and surrounded by nature, it is the perfect place to get away from it all. The reefs are rich in macro life and colorful corals, while larger species such as manta rays, dolphins and eagle rays are regularly spotted. In the right season, you may even encounter humpback whales and whale sharks.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Madagascar
For the best weather and optimal sea conditions, a visit between mid March and December are recommended. Keep in mind that whale shark season falls in October and November, while humpback whale season occurs in August and September. Between January and mid-March is the rainy season and it is not recommended to go here.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Nosy Sakatia, Madagascar
We recommend a shorty or 3mm here. If you get cold really quickly you can consider a 5mm between July and September.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Trip to Madagascar
Today begins the journey to Madagascar! The flight goes to Antananarivo, the capital city. Count on being on the road for about 12 to 14 hours and often having a transfer, arriving the next day. Upon arrival at the airport that the transfer is waiting for you and you go to the first hotel, in the center of Antananarivo.
This evening you can enjoy dinner at the hotel and explore the city center itself. You will find a lot of culture and history. In the Haute-Ville, the old town, there are many colonial buildings. So it is definitely worth exploring in advance!
Day 3 | Wildlife expedition in Andasibe
Today the real adventure begins! After breakfast you will drive to the eastern part of Madagascar: to Andasibe or Perinet. You will take all your belongings with you, because tonight you will sleep in a new hotel for the next 2 nights.
The drive takes about 4 hours, with stops along the way to experience the local culture and enjoy the views and scenery. Around lunchtime you will reach Andasibe, where you will visit Vakona’s private park in the afternoon. Here your wildlife expedition begins and you will have the chance to spot lemurs, birds, crocodiles and many more animals. After sunset you will take an evening walk to spot animals that are active at night.
Day 4 | Mantadia National Park
After breakfast, you will set out again and go on a full-day expedition to the Mantadia section of the national park. With a picnic lunch in your backpack, you will search for unique species such as the Diadeemsifaka, the Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemur and the Black and White Ruffed Lemur. After a day full of discoveries, you will return to the lodge for a short break. In the evening you will take another evening walk where you may encounter animals such as the Brookesia, Leaf tailed Gecko and Parson’s chameleon. You then return for a final night at the lodge.
Day 5 | Indri spotting in Analamazaotra National Park
A new day, a new national park! After breakfast, check out of the lodge and depart for the Analamazaotra National Park. This park is home to the Indri, the largest life lemur known for its haunting call.
The indri (Indri indri) is the largest of all lemurs and is found exclusively in the rain forests of eastern Madagascar, such as Analamazaotra. Adult indri grow to 60-70 cm tall (excluding tail) and weigh 6-9 kg. They have black and white fur, large ears and prominent eyes. Also special: they have a very short tail.
Indri live in small family groups of 2-6 animals and are active during the day. Their distinctive, loud call can be heard from afar and is often produced in the early morning. Although they can hide well in dense vegetation, they are often visible during the day to visitors who patiently walk in their habitat.
After the expedition, drive on to the southern part of Madagascar to reach Antsirabe . It is the third largest city in the country and is known for its cooler climate and the abundance of rickshaws, a kind of bicycle cabs. You check into a new hotel here, where you can also dine very richly.
Day 6 | Further south
Today you go even further arid to the south. The landscape changes slowly and you leave the highlands behind. A nice stop on the route is in Ambositra, a town famous for its extraordinary carvings and art. You will take a short tour of the town and visit some woodcarving stores. A perfect time to buy souvenirs! After lunch in Ambositra, you will continue to the southeast.
Later in the afternoon you will arrive in the village of Ranomafana, a quaint town on the edge of Ranomafana National Park. This park is one of the most renowned rainforest parks in the country. Today’s journey ends with a quiet evening at the Thermal hotel or similar accommodation. While enjoying a delicious dinner, you can look forward to the next day and the exciting discoveries that await you in Ranomafana National Park.
Day 7 | Rainforest Ranomafana National Park
In the morning you will make your first expedition in one of the most important and beautiful wildlife locations on the island: Ranomafana National Park. It is a rainforest where you have the chance to discover a rich diversity of endemic species. You will look for the Golden Bamboemaki, a species long thought to be extinct. There are also other lemur species, such as the wide-nosed bamboo lemur, the black and white vari and the Milne Edwards sifaka. While hiking in the forest, you can also spot several species of birds, such as the Blue Coua, Pitta-like ground roller, Velvet Asity and several species of Vangas. The forest is also home to many species of invertebrates and medicinal plants. The guide will no doubt tell you more about all these special animals and plants.
After the expedition, you will return to the hotel for a rest. Before dinner you can take a short evening walk along the edge of the forest to spot mouse lemurs, chameleons and frogs. After this hike you will return for dinner and another night at the same hotel.
Day 8 & 9 | Return to Antananarivo & to Nosy Sakatia
The next 2 days are travel days and you will be on the road a lot. You start with a drive of about 8 hours back to capital Antananarivo. You will arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon or early evening. You then have time to stretch your legs again and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
The next morning you will leave for the airport for the flight to Nosy Be. It is a short flight of 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at the airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to Nosy Sakatia. It is a shorter ride followed by a 15-30 minute crossing. You will stay at Sakatia Lodge, located on the beach and with its own diving school.
Nosy Sakatia is also known as the “island of turtles.” It is a small, unspoiled island on the west coast of Nosy Be. With an area of about 6 km², it offers a peaceful escape from the liveliness of the nearby main island. Around Nosy Sakatia you will find vast coral reefs, clear blue waters and an impressive underwater world. Especially the sea turtles that regularly appear here on the seagrass beds make the island famous among divers and snorkelers.
Day 10 to 14 | Diving around Nosy Sakatia & Nosy Be
For the next 5 days you will dive around Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Be, with two dives daily. The area offers more than 20 different dive sites, from pristine coral reefs to small drop-offs and caves, giving you something new to discover every day.
The water is clear, with an average visibility of 15-30 meters, and the current is generally mild, ideal for both novice and experienced divers. Underwater you will encounter a huge variety of life: colorful coral fish, schools of snappers and fusiliers, lionfish frogs, turtles and the smaller macro life such as lionfish creepers, shrimp and lionfish.
For those who are lucky, larger species such as manta rays, eagle rays, dolphins and even whale sharks or humpback whales can also be spotted in the right season. Thus, Nosy Sakatia & Nosy Be offers a perfect mix of macro and big life, making it easy to fill your days with diving.
Day 15 | Explore Nosy Sakatia overwater
Today is your last day on paradisiacal Nosy Sakatia. Because your flight is scheduled, there are no more dives scheduled today, but there are plenty of ways to experience the island in another way.
Various wildlife excursions are available for nature lovers. You can take another look at the colorful birds, chameleons and other special animals, or take a short hike inland to discover the island’s flora up close.
Those who prefer to see some of the local culture can take a guided walking tour. So you get a unique glimpse into the daily life of the island, see how the residents interact with nature and experience the special ecosystem of Nosy Sakatia up close.
For a true paradise ending, a day trip to Nosy Iranja is highly recommended. This island is known for its snow-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful sandbanks that become visible at low tide. It is a perfect place to hike, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking views.
Day 16 & 17 | Return home
After a wonderful journey through Madagascar, it is now time to go home. You will return home via Nosy Be and capital Antananarivo. You will arrive at the airport of your final destination the next day.
Would you rather see a different part of Madagascar? Of course you can. The country is very large and has a lot of special nature. You can tell us your wishes, so we can create a complete customized trip for you.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from nature in Madagascar?
Sea turtles of Nosy Sakatia
Around Nosy Sakatia live many green sea turtles, which can be seen here throughout the year. They mainly descend on the extensive seagrass beds along the coast, which are an important source of food. The shallow, sheltered bays also provide a safe environment from currents and predators. Thanks to these conditions, Nosy Sakatia is a permanent home for both juvenile and adult turtles, making it one of the best places in Madagascar to observe them.
Seeing lemurs in the wild
Madagascar is the only place in the world where lemurs are found in the wild. They range from the small, agile mouse lemur to the impressive, loudly calling indri. On this trip, you’ll discover their habitat: dense rainforests, vast highlands and warm valleys in east-central Madagascar. Hiking trails and guided excursions give you the chance to observe them up close as they jump, climb and play. This is how you experience the island’s unique biodiversity in action.
Unique flora & fauna
Madagascar is home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The rainforests of Andasibe and Mantadia are home to colorful chameleons, tree frogs and more than 100 species of birds, while ferns, orchids and the iconic baobab trees characterize the landscape. On hikes through the eastern forests and central highlands, you will continually encounter surprises. This island offers a unique ecosystem where each trail reveals new species and spectacular wildlife experiences.
The accommodations
The stay and the diving school
Accommodations during the tour
During your tour of Madagascar, you will stay in several carefully selected accommodations. The final lodges or hotels may differ from the examples in this itinerary, but they always offer a similar level of comfort and amenities. All stays are on a full board basis, so you don’t have to worry about anything and can fully enjoy the local cuisine and fresh meals. You will stay in double rooms, giving you plenty of privacy and comfort during the trip. This way you can fully relax and immerse yourself in the extraordinary nature, culture and experiences Madagascar has to offer.
Sakatia lodge
Sakatia Lodge is a small-scale, family-run accommodation on Nosy Sakatia, accessible by boat from Nosy Be. The lodge offers 9 comfortable bungalows and 4 glamping tents, all equipped with private terrace, hot shower, fan, mosquito net and free Wi-Fi (1 GB per day).
You can enjoy the open-air restaurant with a daily three-course dinner, a beachfront bar, a game room and a spa for massages under the palms. Sakatia Lodge does not have a swimming pool. However, the lodge is right on the beach, where the warm water (between 26°C and 30°C) invites you to swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach.
The dive center
The diving school and facilities
Sakatia Lodge Diving
Sakatia lodge has its own diving school, which is affiliated with NAUI. It is a small but professional diving school. A nice detail is the diving school’s extensive library, where after the dive you can look up exactly the nudibranch you encountered during the dive.
Only boat dives are conducted, with the crew making sure all your equipment is on the boat and rinsed and stowed at the end of the day. Nitrox is also available for those who want it. The team consists of 3 skippers, 2 dive instructors and 1 dive guide. In addition, the dive guide is also a marine biologist, which is an incredibly interesting addition to diving in this area.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Madagascar is available from US$ 5.633 per person based on two people in one room. This trip is an example, you can customize as you wish: expand with additional excursions or longer or shorter dives. 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 this diving vacation and tour of Madagascar? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 5.633 p.p.
- 7 nights in various accommodations during the tour on full board basis
- All parks and hikes listed
- Driver during the tour
- English-speaking guide
- One bottle of water per person per day
- 7 nights at Sakatia Lodge in the Mango Bungalow on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dive package of 10 dives
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Antananarivo from US$ 809 p.p.
- Flight to Nosy Be from US$ 404 p.p.
- Drinks during the round trip (except the bottle of water)
- Tourist tax Nosy Sakatia (€4.50 p.p.)
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ 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
- Dinner at Sakatia lodge (€26 p.p. per day)
- Night dive (€69)
- Fluorescent Night Dive (€89)
- Nitrox (€17 per tank)
- 15L tank (€15)
- Diving equipment (€10 per day)
Email this diving holiday
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
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Frequently asked questions about Madagascar
Diving general
Only boat dives will be conducted.
There are more than 20 different dive sites. The distance varies from 2 to 40 minutes of boating.
The dives of this trip are suitable for all levels. You can also go here for try dives.
2 dives per day
Yes, it is possible to do night dives. There are also fluorescent dives, where special lights and filters are used and light up the reef in a way you don’t often see.
Yes, the diving school offers NAUI courses.
Yes, the diving school is part of the lodge and is on the same property.
Diving equipment
Standard diving is done with DIN, but they can supply adapters for INT controllers
Yes, you pay €15 per tank.
Yes, the cost is €17 per tank for a 10L and 12L tank. For 15L, you pay €20.
Yes. US$ 12 per day. You can also rent a dive computer separately for €10 per day.
Other activities & excursions
Yes, you can definitely snorkel well here. The lodge is right on the beach and you can just go into the water from there.
There are lots of excursions available. From the reception everything can be arranged. See our suggestions in the day description, at day 14.
We are EWDR
