SUMMARY
With its fragrant plantations, Réunion is the ultimate Vanilla Island. This island is the birthplace of Edmond Albius, the first person to hand-fertilise a vanilla pod, and is rich in human and natural diversity. A subtle mix of spices and flavours from Asia and Madagascar, Réunion, the “Intense Island,” is your next stop in the Vanilla Islands. But before that, throb to the heartbeat of the young Piton de la Fournaise.
Madagascar, land of the lemurs. The island has incredible endemic wildlife. The island-continent, la Grande Isle, is a vast land of contrasts, with rare and amazing biodiversity. Discover a wild and protected landscape.
21
DAYS
18
NIGHTS
From
€3 300
incl. VAT*
per person
(Based on 6 people)
| Getting in touch with nature | 5/5 |
|
| Meeting the locals | 3/5 |
|
| Eco-responsibility | 4/5 |
|
| Comfort | 3/5 |
|
| Accessibility | 3/5 |
A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY
Learning about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
Traditional farms and local craft products
Diversity and the blending of cultures
Hiking and outdoor activities in the midst of nature
Interactions with local people and associations
Historical and cultural tours
COMBINED ITINERARY
The tours, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of the speakers and local constraints.
Day 1 : Paris – La Réunion
Flight to Réunion. Dinner served on board.
Day 2 : Cirque de Salazie
After landing, you will go immediately to Cirque de Salazie. You will get a close look at the vanilla growing in the midst of the countryside. Next, you will have the opportunity to sample the local Creole cuisine at a traditional Hell-Bourg restaurant. A guide will take you to Maison Folio, a historic monument, before dinner at the four-star Diana Déa Lodge.
Day 3 : The Piton de la Fournaise and the forest of Bélouve
After breakfast, go on an excursion to the heart of the legendary Piton de la Fournaise. A small stopover at the Gite de Bérico is a must for lunch. Head off with a specialist for a stroll through the primary forest in the heart of the National Park. Then it’s back to the Lodge for dinner.
Day 4 : The Wild South, the lava flows
You can enjoy a good breakfast before heading to L’Entre-Deux. On the way, you can admire the wild south and especially the lava stream of 2007, before a fixed-price lunch. Then, a guide will take you to the Garden of Scents and Spices before heading to Hotel Le Dimitile, which promises relaxation and comfort.
Day 5 : Cirque de Cilaos
Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cilaos to meet a lentil planter. Lunch at a guest house on Cirque de Cilaos, before returning to the three-star Hotel Le Dimitile and its welcoming staff.
Day 6 : Entre-Deux
Kakouk, a herbal tea blender and heir to a long family tradition, will surprise you at lunch. See how coffee is produced using permaculture and agroforestry practices. Spend the night at the three-star Relais de l’Hermitage in Saint-Gilles, where you will also have dinner.
Day 7 : Piton Maido and Etang de St Paul
After breakfast, go on an excursion to Piton Maido. Meet at lunchtime for a demonstration of traditional culinary art and to taste the local specialities, Bonbons Lontan. An environment warden will take you to a geranium distillery and the Etang de St Paul Nature Reserve. Return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 8 : Hermitage Lagoon
Breakfast served. Enjoy a trip in a transparent kayak with a professional guide on the Hermitage Lagoon. A family-owned restaurant will serve you a good, tasty lunch. Then, enjoy the underwater experience on the Hermitage Trail before returning to the hotel.
Day 9 : Réunion – Antananarivo
Leave Réunion for Antananarivo. On arrival, our team will take you to the hotel, and dinner will be included.
Day 10 : Antananarivo – Sambava
After breakfast, return to the airport to go to Sambava in the north-eastern region of Madagascar. Then visit one of the world’s largest coconut groves: the Soavoanio. Return for lunch before starting a tour of Parc Privé de Ranoal, a nursery that grows trees typical of the region. Dinner and night at the hotel.
Day 11 : Sambava – Ambodimanga- Andapa
Once your appetite is satisfied, head off for Andapa. On arrival at Ambodimanga, the village women will perform a dance for you. Andapa is the region’s rice granary. You will have the opportunity to see the dam that irrigates the Andapa basin before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 12 : Andapa – Marojejy
Breakfast at dawn before heading off to the Marojejy nature reserve. Go hiking to Camp Mantella, 450 m above sea level, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 13 : Parc Marojejy – Sambava – Vohemar
You’ll set off on foot to the village of Mandena. You will then leave the park and head to Sambava for lunch. In Vohemar, discover the ancient lighthouse and the garden of Anjoaty. You will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Baie d’Iharana Hotel.
Day 14 : Marojejy Park
After a solid breakfast, get ready for an energetic walk to Camp Marojejy. The Marojejy National Park is the perfect place to discover some of the primary lowland rainforest. You will get to encounter reptiles and amphibians such as climbing mantella frogs, boophis tree frogs and Madagascar tree boas… Go to the gite for dinner and spend the night there.
Day 15 : Vohemar – Lac Vert – Bobangira
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading off for a day of discovery. Admire the large green lake, the lake sacred to crocodiles and the Bobangira estate. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 16 : Bobangira Estate – Antalaha
After breakfast, you will learn all about vanilla by discovering the large vanilla plantation in the Ambohimanitra estate. Your dinner will be flavoured with vanilla pods. Head to Antalaha for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 17 : Antalaha – Sambava
Macolline, a nature reserve for the conservation of Madagascar’s biodiversity, awaits you after breakfast. Lunch is served as a picnic and dinner is served in the Sambava restaurant.
Day 18 : Bemarivo River
Enjoy breakfast before a pirogue trip on the Bemarivo River. Enjoy an unusual picnic among cocoa, cloves and green pepper plantations. In the evening, return to the hotel.
Day 19 : Sambava — Antananarivo
After breakfast, you will fly to Antananarivo. Enjoy a warm welcome at the hotel before heading to Lemurs Park. Then enjoy a good dinner and a relaxing night at the hotel.
Day 20 : Antanarivo – Réunion – Paris
Discover the capital and its markets after breakfast. You will get the opportunity to explore the city to round off your memorable holiday.
EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
REUNION
• Discovering the local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
• Discovering the local historical heritage : Hell-Bourg and Entre-Deux
• Showcasing Creole culture : craftsmanship and plantations
• Walks in the national park and around Piton de la Fournaise and Etang de Saint-Paul
• Accommodation in three and four-star hotels
MADAGASCAR
• Discover the secrets of vanilla and other Madagascar spices
• Exceptional biodiversity due to its endemic flora and fauna
• History, culture and conservation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tips
Réunion and Madagascar : Tipping is at the customer’s discretion
Meals and drinks
In both countries : As per the schedule (drinks extra)
Transports
REUNION : In air-conditioned cars with driver
Madagascar : By off-road car
Insurance
Réunion/Madagascar : Optional insurance can be provided for an additional charge
Flights
• Paris – Réunion
• Réunion – Antananarivo
• Antananarivo – Réunion
• Réunion – Paris
Bank cards
Réunion and Madagascar : All cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted at ATMs in big cities and medium-sized towns.
Time difference (from UK)
Réunion
• UTC +4 (BST +3) in summer
• UTC +4 (GMT +4) in winter
Madagascar
• UTC +3 (BST +2) in summer
• UTC +3 (GMT +3) in winter
Don’t forget to pack
Réunion : Suitable footwear, sunscreen and mosquito repellent, wind and rainproof jacket
Madagascar : Walking shoes ; suntan lotion and mosquito repellent ; raincoat, pack cool clothes between June and August.
Health
Réunion : As Réunion is part of France, European tourists will be aware of the rescue and assistance services available. It has a healthcare infrastructure that meets the same standards as mainland France.
Madagascar : Vaccines against hepatitis A & B, and typhoid are recommended if you have recently (in the past 3 months) stayed in continental Africa.
Encadrement
Réunion
• A driver-guide will accompany you on the entire tour
• Specialist activity guides
Madagascar
• A driver-guide will accompany you on the entire tour
• Local guides take over during trips
Accommodation
Réunion
• Half board at Diana Déa Lodge, a four-star hotel at a height of 650 m, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the whole of the east coast of the island.
• Half board at the luxury Dimitile
• Half board at the three-star Relais de l’Hermitage, ideally located on the lagoon, with a nature reserve and one of the island’s most beautiful seaside locations.
Madagascar
• Charming hotels
• Guesthouses
Practical information
Documentation
Réunion : National identity card or valid passport for European Union citizens. Passport for Swiss citizens. No visa for European or Swiss citizens.
Madagascar : French nationals travelling to Mauritius must have a passport or identity card (valid for at least 6 months after their return date). An entry visa is required, issued on arrival at the airport. For a stay of less than 30 days the cost is €35, payable in person and in cash, upon presentation of passport.
TARIF
Price per person
€3,300*
(airfare not included)
Air fares, which are indicative only, and subject to change
• CDG-RUN return from €550
• RUN-TAN return from €350
• Madagascar Internal flight (return) :
This price includes
• Double rooms in hotels with half board
• The meals stated (excluding drinks)
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Airport-hotel-airport transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (can be provided for an additional charge)
• International and inter-island flights
• Drinks and personal spending
• Bank charges
• Any other expenses not mentioned in this schedule
This price includes
• Half board accommodation
• The dinners mentioned
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Local guides and transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• International flights
• Meals that are not stated
• Drinks and personal spending
• Personal insurance
*Single room supplement : €408 for Réunion
CONTACT
LA RÉUNION
Name : COMPAGNIE DES ILES VANILLE
Tel : +262 (0) 262 38 93 89
Email : contact@compagniedesilesvanille.com
MADAGASCAR
Name : JACARANDA DE MADAGASCAR
Tel : +261 3311 02525
Email : jacarand@moov.mg
THE VANILLA ISLANDS
info@vanilla-islands.org
www.vanilla-islands.org
