Vanilla Madagascar: Discover the Island’s Aromatic Heritage

Welcome to Madagascar! Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to your hotel where you’ll be briefed and begin to settle into the rhythm of this island of contrasts. Take the rest of the afternoon to stroll in the capital’s hills, soak in its energy, and taste your first Malagasy dish.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Le Louvre Hôtel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-centre comfort. 
• Hôtel & Spa Palissandre (★★★★) – Boutique charm with panoramic city views.

Rova Manjakamiadana with ANTANANARIVO sign Antananarivo

Today you’ll fly to Sambava (coastal east). Arrive in Sambava, check in, and spend the evening by the coast, breathing in the humid air scented with vanilla.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Melrose Hotel (★★★) – Comfortable, friendly lodging in Sambava.
• Soaland Appart’s (★★★) – Local guest-house with character and warmth.

Spend a full day exploring the vanilla plantations surrounding Sambava. Visit working farms, watch how vanilla vines are pollinated and dried, and meet the farmer families whose livelihood revolves around this precious orchid. This immersive experience gives you the “behind-the-scenes” of Madagascar’s vanilla industry.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Melrose Hotel (★★★) – Comfortable, friendly lodging in Sambava.
• Soaland Appart’s (★★★) – Local guest-house with character and warmth.

Vanilla beans tied with raffia

A scenic drive along Madagascar’s north-east coast brings you to Antalaha, a town famous for both vanilla and traditional boat-making. Visit artisan workshops, wander vanilla stores and enjoy the rhythm of an island town.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Hôtel Hazovôla (★★★) – Authentic coastal stay.
• Belle Rose Beach (★★★) – Beachfront comfort in Antalaha.

Spend the morning at the Domaine d’Ambohimanitra: 60 ha of vanilla vines, guided tours, a special vanilla-themed lunch on a terrace overlooking the plantation, and free time on the estate’s private beach. A restful, immersive day.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Domaine d’Ambohimanitra Lodge (★★★) – Suites amidst vanilla plantation.
• Melrose Hotel (★★★) – Comfortable, friendly lodging in Sambava.

After a leisurely breakfast, return to Sambava. Visit the Musée Edmond Albius, learn the story of vanilla’s global rise, stop at a vanilla processing factory, then enjoy the afternoon at your pace: beach walk, local market or simply unwind.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Melrose Hotel (★★★) – Comfortable, friendly lodging in Sambava.
• Soaland Appart’s (★★★) – Local guest-house with character and warmth.

Drive into the highlands to Andapa. Along the way you’ll pass expansive rice basins, stop with farmers, learn about tilapia fish-farming and village recycling systems. Arrive in Andapa by afternoon and enjoy a warm highland evening.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Vatosoa Hôtel (★★★) – Simple, green surroundings in Andapa.
• Beanana Hôtel (★★★) – Lodge with local feel.

Begin early and transfer to the magnificent rainforest of Marojejy National Park. Trek towards Camp II where you’ll watch for silky sifaka lemurs and enjoy panoramic views of this remote forest. A true nature adventure!

Accommodation (Half board)
• Camp Mantella (Eco-Lodge) (★★★) – Immersive forest lodge experience.

After your rainforest hike, return to Sambava. Enjoy an afternoon of rest at your seaside hotel, take a walk along the beach, reflect on your journey through forest, village and sea.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Melrose Hotel (★★★) – Comfortable, friendly lodging in Sambava.
• Soaland Appart’s (★★★) – Local guest-house with character and warmth.

Transfer to Sambava airport for your single domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Arrive in the capital and enjoy a farewell dinner, celebrating everything you have discovered—vanilla fields, highland villages, rainforest echoes and ocean breezes.

Accommodation (Half board)
• Le Louvre Hôtel & Spa (★★★★) – Elegant city-centre comfort. 
• Hôtel & Spa Palissandre (★★★★) – Boutique charm with panoramic city views.