From 30 January, Airlink will resume its flights between South Africa and Madagascar, followling the lift of a three-year ban. This is the perfect time to book some ofDiscover Africa's most exciting Madagascan iternieraries and explore every corner of the beautiful African island. See below for further information.
AIRLINK TO RESTART SCHEDULED FLIGHTS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR
THE TIME IS NOW TO TICK MADAGASCAR OFF THE BUCKET LIST
WITH DISCOVER AFRICA
On 30 January 2023, Airlink will restart scheduled services between South Africa and Madagascar for the first time in three years, following the lifting of Madagascar’s COVID-19 travel restrictions
World-renowned for its unique wildlife and biodiversity, Madagascar is home to lemurs, chameleons, orchids, and towering baobab trees which are endemic to the country and more than 2,800 years old
Below, Discover Africa shares some of their top Madagascan itineraries for 2023
January 2023: On 30 January 2023, Airlink will restart scheduled services between South Africa and Madagascar for the first time in three years following the lifting of Madagascar’s COVID-19 travel restrictions and its subsequent ban on air services to and from South Africa.
The Johannesburg to Antananarivo service will recommence on 30 January 2023, with a single weekly flight on Mondays, increasing to three flights weekly from 14 February, with the intention of reinstating daily services as demand increases.
The world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar, is situated just off the east coast of Africa and is home to a wealth of unique flora and fauna. Few countries on the planet can match Madagascar’s biodiversity – over 70% of the 250,000 wildlife species on the island are found nowhere else in the world, and it’s estimated that 90% of the plant-life on the island is also native to the country. Madagascar’s tropical climate, pristine beaches, friendly locals, and diversity of wildlife make it a must-visit destination for travellers.
Upon arrival in Madagascar’s vibrant capital, Antananarivo, travellers will check into Maison Gallieni. Located on the hillside in the historic district of Antananarivo, Maison Gallieni offers spectacular views over the city. Built in 1879 as the headquarters of the largest bank based in Madagascar, Maison Gallieni is now the official residence of the Consul of Monaco. There are only four bedrooms – each decorated differently and with their own charm.
Travellers will also visit Ranomafana National Park as part of the itinerary – situated in central Madagascar and surrounded by rice paddies, the pretty town of Ambositra is considered to be the heart of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. Local houses featuring ornately carved wooden balconies and shutters, along with architectural marvel, Benedictine Chapel, make it no surprise the Zafimaniry people’s art is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Whilst here, guests will embark on a night walk through the Ranomafana National Park. Spanning more than 41,000 hectares of tropical rain forest and home to an array of rare and exotic fauna and flora, the World Heritage Site is home to twelve different species of lemur – one of which is the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur.
Later, travellers leave the highlands of Madagascar and enter a new microclimate: the dry bush and semi-desert of southern Madagascar. After three nights, guests will head to the Isalo National Park where they’ll hike through the canyons and oases of Isalo and its lunar landscape to reach breath-taking waterfalls and swim in the natural pools. During the hike, travellers will see different species of lemurs, including the world-famous ring-tailed lemur.
Finally, guests will arrive back in Antananarivo for one last night in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Madagascar’s capital.
For those looking to experience Madagascar’s striking east coast, this is the itinerary to choose. The trip of a lifetime will begin in the chaotic capital of Antananarivo before journeying to the lush and charming village of Andasibe to explore the Perinet Reserve and the larger Parc National de Mantadia in search of Brown and Bamboo lemurs, as well as the largest of the lemur species, Indri. Mantadia Park spans over 15,000 hectares and is home to 108 species of bird, as well as 14 species of lemur, and countless reptiles including the snake, Boa Manditra, which is endemic to the island of Madagascar.
Extending down the eastern coast of Madagascar along the Indian Ocean, the Pangalanes Canal is a series of natural rivers, lakes and manmade waters where unspoiled beaches and small villages serving fresh coconuts from the roadside await.
The next stop will be the paradise island of Sainte Marie, just off Madagascar’s northeast coast. A notorious pirate hideout in the late seventeenth century, it’s believed the tropical islet once provided shelter for almost 1,000 marauders. Here, guests will stay at Princesse Bora Lodge where waters are endowed with significant coralline growth and offer first-class diving. Or, for those who prefer to be ‘onboard’, there is the option to take a traditional pirogue ride in the calm bays – from July you can even witness the migration of humpback whales.
North Madagascar Diego Suarez & Nosy Be Beach Tour
Upon arrival in Antananarivo, travellers will check into Maison Gallieni for one night before flying to Diego Suarez – the northern tip of Madagascar – the following morning. Here, travellers will discover the three bays of Diego Suarez and their turquoise waters – The Bay of Sakalava, the Bay of Pigeons, and Bay of Dunes. En route to Diego Suarez, guests will enjoy the landscape with the French Mountain (Montagne des Francais) and the red baobabs.
Accompanied by experienced sailors and fishermen, guests will take a boat off the Bay of Diego to reach the Emerald Sea which is located in one of the three enclosed bays. The bay comprises several pristine and empty beaches with almost no tourist development. Guests will spend the day relaxing and snorkelling in the clear water while the fishermen prepare food with their daily catch. Later, guests will be driven 45km north through the mountains to reach Joffreville – the gateway to the Amber Mountain National Park which is a magnificent rain forest home to lemurs, birds, and chameleons, as well as many beautiful waterfalls and lakes.
Next will be a drive to the heterogeneous landscapes of the Ankarana country towards The Red Tsingy. Here, guests will take a short walk to see a unique geological phenomenon – erosion of red sandstone resulted in the formation of ephemeral structures carved at the whim of the wind and rain. Guests will also have a full day to explore Ankarana National Park – walking through the limestone pinnacles populated by dry deciduous trees such as baobabs and the elephant foot plant.
Driving through plantations of coffee, cocoa and ylang ylang, guests will travel through a volcanic zone and the most fertile region of Madagascar. Arriving in Ankify – a small harbour – guests will embark on a private boat to Nosy Be Hell-ville Harbour and then catch a speedboat to one of the islets of the Mitsio Archipelago in the north western part of Madagascar. Here, guests will spend a few days in paradise surrounded by unspoilt wild landscape before journeying home.
