Northern Madagascar
Constance Tsarabanjina
The only island in the Mitsio archipelago where it’s possible to stay, beautiful Tsarabanjina was uninhabited when used for Joanna Lumley’s Castaway television programme in 1994. Now there is a luxury boutique resort set within its 22 hectares of naturally wooded hillocks edged by white-sand beaches and fringing reefs. The surrounding water is crystal clear, offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving directly from the beach or at various other island sites in the archipelago.
Otherwise uninhabited except by a few small fishing camps, Mitsio is a collection of small islands 40 nautical miles north east of Nosy Be affording excellent diving and snorkelling on vibrant fringing coral reefs. Each island has a unique character: La Grande Mitsio is known for its huge basalt columns (the Organ Pipes); sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit Les Quatre Frères (the Four Brothers), islands of silver basalt containing huge caves with impressive overhangs and nesting seabirds such as northern gannets, white-tailed tropicbirds, and frigatebirds. The snorkelling or diving is different on each island, with stunning coral gardens, canyons and drop offs.
A number of activities are included during your stay – snorkelling, beach tennis, sailing, kayaks, volley ball, morning aqua gym in the sea, guided walks on the island. For an additional fee scuba diving, sport fishing and excursions to nearby islands can be arranged. There is also a massage room with various treatments available.
Facilities
Restaurant and bar, full PADI dive centre, sea kayaks, catamarans, volleyball court, snorkelling equipment, gym, massage room.
Local Wildlife
Seabirds such as northern gannets, white-tailed tropicbirds, and frigate birds, and turtles, corals and other abundant marine life.
Optional Activities
Various non-motorised water sports, aqua-exercise classes, boat trips, diving, snorkelling, fishing.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
A climb up the highest hill on Nosy Ankarea (219m), passing many interesting succulents en route, reveals spectacular views over the entire archipelago. Snorkelling is best at Tsarabanjina straight off the northern beach. Tsarabanjina is unsuitable for young children.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Loved it all! 17 species of lemurs, loads of reptiles and endemic birds. Did masses of photography. Highlights included male giraffe necked weevil, witnessing an indri howling and Verreauxs sifakas jumping through the trees in gorgeous early morning light. [Our guide] was great as were local guides. Very happy with the itinerary. We wanted it to be a wildlife holiday as that is our primary interest, but found the landscape variety and tribal dimensions very rewarding too.