3-week roadtrip to discover Malagasy vanilla

You love the smell of Vanilla and want to learn about the history of this famous Malagasy spice ? You have 3 weeks of vacation to plan ? Well come on then !

From South to West, explore the Vanilla coast through beaches but most of all nature and vanilla plantations, learn every detail about the famous spice of the Red Island.

For your information, driving in Madagascar might be quite different from what you are used to, especially in the South ! The state of the roads is not the best and the way the Malagasy drive can be quite surprising if you are not used to it. During the rainy season, secondary roads can be quite difficult to access due to floods. It is also not advised to drive at night. More information here. However, do not worry, the local rental car agencies usually rent cars with a driver.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this itinerary :

• Relax in the splendid Antisiranana’s bays
• Admire the impressive Tsingys in Ankaranana Park
• Explore the surroundings of the wonderful Green Lake in Vohémar
• Taste the delicious local vanilla and coconut in Sambava
• Discover the various vanilla, rice and lychee plantations in Andapa and observe the local fauna in its Natural Reserves
• Embark on a dugout and cruise along the rice fields of Macolline, listed at UNESCO

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

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Itinerary for the 3-weeks road trip to discover Malagasy vanilla

 

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For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

Need a road map to prepare your road trip ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The best period to do this road trip to Madagascar is between july and september. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there is less rain and the temperature of the ocean is perfect to swim. More information here.

Do not leave Madagascar before tasting its 2 national dishes. First there is the romazava, a delicious broth of vegetables, meats and spices. The second one is ravitoto, the perfect mix of cassava leaves, garlic, and pork meat, usually served with rice on the side.

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The itinerary : step by step

 

What to do in Antisiranana ?

Antisiranana previously called Diego-Suarez will most certainly make you fall for her. 

• Appreciate the Pain-de-Sucre Bay, an heavenly landscape.
• Rent an old yellow car (4L), now also Malagasy taxis, and feel like you are 50 years back in time.
• Have lunch in one of the cheap and traditional restaurants on the beach of Ramena and get to taste local dishes.
• About 30 min away, your dreams will come true ! White sand beaches, translucent and warm water give a unique character to Sakalava Bay. Athletes, be sure to go kitesurfing and enjoy the refreshing wind. Do not leave without going to Pigeon Bay and Dune Bay, a natural aquarium !

 

Where to sleep in Antisiranana ?

 

• Mid-range : well located in the city center and 7min away from the beach, Belle aventure Hotel is perfect for your first nights on the island.
• High-end : the Ocean Lodge Kite & Windsurf is located in Sakalava’s bay, very close to the water. Rooms are very comfortable, food is excellent, this accommodation checks all the boxes for the perfect stay !

 

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On the way to Ambilobe, stop by Joffreville. Nature lovers, you will absolutely want to go to the mountain park of Amber and admire the wildlife and abundant flora (thanks to frequent rain), meet wild Lemurs, chameleon and even mongooses if you get lucky ! Have you ever heard of Tsingys ? These are limestone formations, with unusual shapes. They are quite impressive so make sure you don’t forget your camera !  Last stop on the way to Ambilobe,  Ankaranana Park. Discover other tsingys, canyons and panoramic views of the endless forests. Very nice hikes in perspective !

What to do in Ambilobe ?

Ambilobe, a crossroad where you’ll be amazed by the busy atmosphere : a blend of tourists traveling in minibuses and local workers.

• Discover the rural and authentic city of Ambilobe, meet the locals, and discover their daily activities. This experience within the local daily life will surely become one of your most memorable moment of this road trip in Northern Madagascar
• Near the city you will find sugar cane plantations. Visiting them is a must ! There, you will surely be able to try the local rum.

 

Where to sleep in Ambilobe ?

 

There are very few accommodation options in Ambilobe, but here are the ones we recommend.

• Mid-range : sleep in the heart of the city, at the hotel national d’Ambilobe, and enjoy the view from the room’s balcony !
• High-end : the Iharana Bush Camp is located in a wonderful environment ! You will sleep in huts inspired by the traditional Malagasy architecture, facing Tsingys  from Ankaranana Reserve and Lake Anjajavy.

 

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What to do in Vohémar ?

You are brave and love fishing ? Get on board and sail to Vohémar !

• Wander along the endless beaches of the city’s bay and you’ll get to what feel like the edge of the world !
• Go fishing like the locals.
• Do not miss the green lake of Vohémar surrounded by vanilla plantations, less than 10km / 6.2 miles away from Vohémar. The best moment to go there is in the morning, you’ll get to see the lake at its best : the light of the rising sun making the green even more vibrant.

 

Where to sleep in Vohémar ?

 

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What to do in Sambava ?

This is THE city of vanilla, this is where most of your vanilla (whether it is in your soap or food !) comes from ! 

• Buy an extra fresh vanilla bean, straight out of the plantation.
• Discover the second famous produce of the region : coconut !
• On Sunday afternoons, join the locals and watch the national sport : Morengy a type of boxing.
• 60 km / 37 miles away, be sure to check out Marojejy park. To get to the top of this national park (over 2000m / 6562 ft high !) put on your gym shoes and hike up this steep but beautiful trail and when you feel like giving up, just think of the view you’ll get from the top. Lemurs, reptiles or amphibians will be supporting you on your way up through this wild rainforest.

 

Where to sleep in Sambava ?

 

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What to do in Andapa ?

Discover Andapa, a city where you will be able to discover and learn more about the various cultivations of the island.

• Roam through the impressive rice, vanilla or lychee plantations when visiting the city.
• Surrounding the city, you will find several parks and reserves where you can observe the local fauna. Among them, do not miss Antanetiambo Reserve  or the impressive Anjanaharibe-South Special Reserve, however, be aware that the road to access this last one can be quite difficult.

 

Where to sleep in Andapa ?

 

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What to do in Antalaha ?

Originally a small fishermen’s town, Antalaha has now become popular for its vanilla plantations. 

• Cruise through the rice fields on a canoe or by foot through the vegetation of Macolline, a hill with hectares of forest (UNESCO site). You will also be able to have a picnic and taste the fruits collected in the park ! If you want to help the planet and help preserving this forest you can even plant your own rice plant ! A small action that will surely help this forest that has been going through deforestation for years.
• During your stay, take the time to stroll around the city, where the streets smell like vanilla. If you observe well enough, you will see the beautiful and often big mansions of plantation’s owners, with their colonial architectural style.

 

Where to sleep in Antalaha ?

 

• Mid-range : Stay at Villa-Malaza where you get the best of both worlds : cheap rooms near the ocean. The place is great !

 

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What to do in Sambava ?

Here you are back in Sambava before getting back to real life. Enjoy these last few days to do everything you didn’t have time to last time you were here.

• Buy an extra fresh vanilla bean, straight out of the plantation.
• Discover the second famous produce of the region : coconut !
• On Sunday afternoons, join the locals and watch the national sport : Morengy a type of boxing.
• 60 km / 37 miles away, be sure to check out Marojejy park. To get to the top of this national park (over 2000m / 6562 ft high !) put on your gym shoes and hike up this steep but beautiful trail and when you feel like giving up, just think of the view you’ll get from the top. Lemurs, reptiles or amphibians will be supporting you on your way up through this wild rainforest.

 

Where to sleep in Sambava ?

 

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Learn more…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance : we recommend you this one !

 

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures !

 

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If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !