Whale watching end of September + must sees?

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katia1982
katia1982

Hi fellow travellers,

I hope some of you can help me with following issues/questions. My boyfriend and me are going to Madagascar from 17th of September until 11th of October.

We are facing following dilemma’s:

  1. We would really really like to go whale watching. We realize that the end of September is kinda late for this, so we wonder were we could go best for this time of the month. Maroantsetra, Sainte-Marie or Fort Dauphin?
  2. Is it expensive, whale watching? Because some organizations are offering whale watching tours on the internet but the prices are crazy!
  3. We were stupid enough to book via Air France, which means we don’t get the 50% discount and internal flights seem to be also very pricey too, which is a big disappointment actually... . Anyway, which places in Madagascar are must sees? And doable in three weeks.. . We can afford 1 internal flight. We are interested in wildlife, nature, hiking/trekking. And I would like see tortoises, too!

All suggestions are very welcome!

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rashaja
rashaja

Since the whale watching season ends late September, I would advise you to do it first.
Maybe fly to Sainte Marie right away ( that's your single domestic flight). You could spend a few days there. 3 days is plenty ( 1 day of whale watching, 1 day at Iles aux Nattes and 1 extra day to go around the island or diving maybe ?).
For sure, things get expensive if you choose high end accomodations. I can recommend you some good budget hotels.
Then from Sainte Marie, you can have a transfer ( boat + bus ) to Toamasina, see the Ivoloina reserve, continue towards Ankanin'Nofy if you want ( requires another boat transfer) , spend a couple of days there.
Afterwards, you continue your trip towards Andasibe, visit the Mantadia + Analamazaotra reserve, that's another 2-3 days, easy.
After that, continue your trip towards the highlands, Antananarivo, take the RN7 ( National Road 7), a great classic towards Ambalavao, the Anja reserve, Isalo, ect...
You could opt to come back to Antananarivo by air ( if you still have some budget left)

If you do that, I think it would have filled your 3 weeks.

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anneholiday
anneholiday

Hello,
St Marie is hotspot of whale watching but in spite of the season nearly finished on September, I want suggest you to start your tour there.
I agree with rashaja but I would like to suggest you drive from Tana to Sonierana Ivongo where you will catch the boat to St Marie if you haven’t more budget for domestic flight, it will take 2 days driving from Tana to St Marie then back same way and don’t skip off Pangalane channel, this tour will offer you the best place for relaxation with its beautiful beaches, from here continue your trip to Andasibe where you will find the largest lemur called “Indri Indri” and others species.
From here extends your tour to the south, this tour will offer you the largest wildlife itinerary with the culture don’t forget to pay your visit at Ranomafana park , Anja reserve, Isalo then after long journey you could relax at Anakao beach then back to Tana by car or by flight .
Have good luck!!!!!
Anne

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