Tonga sao! That's how you say "Welcome" in Malagasy. Malagasy is the local dialect of one of Africa's most spectacular tropical islands, Madagascar. The island is the ideal destination for sun-worshippers and watersport enthusiasts. The warm, crystal clear azure oceans of Madagascar teeming with colourful fish and bottlenose dolphins beckon to be explored. Madagascar - she awaits your presence.
Malgasians navigated the oceans for years on their hand-carved wooden fishing boats called dhows and to this day, it's still their preferred mode of transport. Madagascar Island Safaris believes that the pristine islands of Madagascar should be explored the way the locals itended it to be - via a dhow. Ross Murray, owner of Madagascar Island Safaris, together with his business partner Mohammed (based in Madagascar) have built a dhow using traditional methods and added a few essentials like an engine, toilet and galley. This is the dhow they use for their Madagascar dhow adventures. Ross uses his own beach camps on the island which have basic facilities and even mosquito nets. The adventure safaris to Madagascar are all owner run and managed. There's no middleman with Ross's tours!
Clambering aboard a dhow is a far more adventurous way of absorbing the Malagasian way of life than staying at a five star resort, where local customs are often dismissed in favour of a more westernized, luxurious lifestyle. Sailing on a dhow certainly affords more opportunity to navigate unchartered waters and explore outer lying islands off the tourist route. Just you, Flipper the dolphin and Nemo playing endlessly in tranquil tropical waters!
So, what can you expect from a dhow safari? Expect days spent sailing from island to island with overnight stays in rustic tented beach camps (with mosquito nets). You never have to worry about food because Ross ensures that all hungry tummies are fed. When you're not lazing around in a hammock on a palm-fringed beach you can grab a kayak, go snorkelling or play some beach football. A Madagascar adventure dhow safari is fun. And if you don't trust my opinion, then read what South Africa's leading travel magazine, Getaway has to say about Madagascar Island Safaris.
A rough itinerary of your 8 day dhow safari to Madagascar:
Cost: From R9 615 (flights from JHB are included, taxes exlcuded)
Food and transfers are included.
Cost: From R9 615 (flights from JHB are included, taxes exlcuded)
Food and transfers are included.
• When you arrive in Nosy Be you will be met at the airport and taken you to your hotel for the night (included in the trip cost).
• The following morning you set sail on the dhow, Salama Djema or Salama Tsara, for the following 6 nights of island hopping and sleeping on the island.
• Night 1: Nosy Be Hotel
• Night 2 & 3: Russian Bay (Bungalows)
• Night 4: Mahalinia (Bungalows)
• Nights 5, 6 & 7: Lokobie (Permanent tented camp)
This trip gives you plenty of time for snorkelling, fishing, seeing lemurs, visiting local markets and relaxing. There is not too much dhow time and almost all of your island activities can be fitted into a week long holiday.
This is YOUR opportunity to break away from the city life and indulge in a momentary holiday that nurtures your soul. Madagascar Island Safaris offers the dhow adventure of a lifetime and can tailor-make their trips to suit any group. From keen kayakers to avid snorkellers and families, Madagascar Island Safaris is adaptable and flexible to their clients' needs.
Island holidays should be about getting back to basics. Leave the city behind and soak up the true spirit of paradise. What are you waiting for? Get on board and enjoy your 8 day dhow adventure!
Contact: Madagascar Island Safaris
Tel: 0027 (0) 21 783 3536
Email Ross Murray: ross@madagascarislandsafaris.co.za
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