Africa Getaways

LE PETIT TRAVERSEE  -  ILE AUX NATTES

If you have a picture in mind of what Paradise looks like – erase it! Hotel La Petite Traversee is an exotic beach lodge located in what many guests have described as “the most beautiful place on earth”.

Hotel La Petite Traversee is situated on Ile Aux Nattes, a beautiful little island off the southern tip of Ile Sainte Marie and is separated from the latter by a narrow channel crossed by pirogue. With its crystal clear waters and soft white sand, the island is an absolute paradise of tranquillity. The hotel serves a Malagasy/South African menu and offers a well stocked local and international bar. The spotless en-suite bungalows are typical Malagasy “island-style” and are luxurious with imported South African mattresses etc yet, extremely affordable. Your host, Okkie, will make sure you get a good farm house English breakfast to start your day. Depending on Okkie’s supply you may even enjoy some Boerewors sausage with your breakfast ! Your host has his own South African built deep sea fishing boat and would love to take you out into the deep blue fishing grounds. Over night fishing trips are also offered by prior arrangement. No roads, no cars, total peace & tranquillity on a laid back Paradise island – what more could you ask for?

The main island of St Marie’s vegetation, is characterized by the many orchids, mango trees, strongly fragranced badamiers and deserted pristine beaches overhung by coconut palms, conjuring images of the Garden of Eden. Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the island, sight-see, swim, snorkel, or visit the world’s only Pirate Cemetery. Divers can explore the eight wrecks which surround St Marie or one can sit and watch the whales which make their way to St Marie during July and September to mate and calf.

Le Petite Traversee

Included:

Return flights to Antannariva,Madagascar
Return Transfers Airport / Hotel
2 nights at COUNTRY VIEW GUESTHOUSE – Breakfast & Dinner
5 nights at LE PETITE TRAVERSEE – Dinner Bed and Breakfast.

COST FOR THIS BEACH HOLIDAY: R9 200 per person sharing.  Valid to End December 2010.

Contact Stephanie: 031 769 1305   info@africagetaways.co.za   to book this amazing beach holiday.

Ile Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha)
A 57 km-long island off Madagascar’s east coast, is an authentic tropical island with lush vegetation interspersed with many small villages. This island is beautiful, offering the ultimate escape from civilisation. The hotels along its coast range from basic to classy establishments with all necessary modern facilities. The lush surroundings bring to mind images of an enormous tropical garden. It’s ideal for honeymoon couples or anybody with a romantic flair. Ile Sainte Marie boasts numerous white sandy beaches and secluded coves, fringed with coconut palms. The coral reefs offshore offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. In August and September, hump-backed and other types of whales migrate here and are a huge attraction. The roads beckon mountain bikers and most hotels hire bicycles and snorkelling gear

Itinerary 7 nights

Day 1: fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to Palissandre Hotel & Spa. (B&B)

Day 2: Transfer to the airport and fly to Ile Sainte Marie. A representative of the hotel will meet you on arrival.

 Transfer to the PRINCESSE BORA LODGE where you will be staying for six nights- Dinner Bed and Breakfast.
 A short transfer from the airport by traditional oxcart (cars or rickshaws are available for the less adventurous!) The hotel offers an excellent restaurant specialising in seafood and French cuisine.
 All 20 rooms have a safe, private veranda and the bungalows are tastefully decorated and spacious with en-suite bathrooms. The nine Comfort Villas (35m2) are for one couple and only have a fan. No twin or additional beds for children or adults.

 There are six Luxury Villas (55m2) that have a fan and air-conditioning and accommodate up to two adults and two children (one large, suspended double bed, two small single beds in a mezzanine). 
   

 Princesse Bora Lodge has five Executive Beach Villas (90m2) with large bedrooms and king-size beds, large bathrooms, a sunken bath, shower and air-conditioning. All villas have private beach access with private verandas. Maximum one child can share the Executive Beach Villa with two adults.
 

 Hotel facilities include a bar and the restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine. There is a dive centre and fishing boats and equipment is available. Whale safaris are offered by boat. Scientists studying whales stay at Princesse Bora Lodge during the whale season and offer guests a chance to participate in their research, which can be a thrilling highlight.
 Swimming in the sea from the beach only possible at high tide but there is a magnificent rim flow pool to relax in and from the wooden, spacious jetty with loungers you will be able to swim even at low tide.
 The newly opened Jungle Spa offers a variety of relaxing and stimulating massages with Malagasy essential oils. Located in a tropical setting it has a traditional feel with Malagasy pirogues used as baths.

 Free activities: snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking and the Olympic size pool (25 metres).
 
Day 8: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. Make your way to the international departure lounge and check in for your flight out..

Price includes
International flights and internal Malagasy flights from Johannesburg, 
hotel accommodation and meals as indicated – Comfort Villas accommodation,
airport-hotel return transfers.

Price excludes
Any meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes, optional excursions, and visa fees which are payable in cash on arrival at Antananarivo (Ivato airport).

Please note
All rates are subject to hotel/flight availability and currency fluctuations on a daily basis. Terms and Conditions www.africagetaways.co.za

Specials

• Whale excursion special: Minimum stay is three nights. From 1 Aug to 30 Sep the rates include two free whale expeditions per person per stay. These excursions are part of the research team and you may be asked to assist the team.

Valid: 10th July – 30th September 2010   *take note of the Whale watching excursions
Cost of package: R16 700 per person sharing
                           R  1 900 airport taxes MAY change

Valid: 1st October – 31st October 2010
Cost of package: R14 100 per person sharing
                           R  1 900 airport taxes MAY change

Please contact Stephanie info@africagetaways.co.za  031 769 1305 for an accurate quotation

Madagascar VISA

When visiting Madagascar it is essential to decide how best you want to utilize your time here – Bumming around the beaches and enjoying watersports – hiking pristine rainforests in search of Lemurs – Climbin bizarre rock formations or canoeing down a river. You’re spoilt for choice here. MAYBE ENJOY A BIT OF ALL – SEE THE PLACE !!!!!!! Madagascar is so large, it experiences several different climates simultaneously. The best time to travel in most areas is APRIL and OCTOBER / NOVEMBER. The time to avoid Madagascar is January to March when heavy rain can make most roads muddy and impassable, and when there is a high risk of cyclones in the East and Northeast.

CURRENCY: Madagascar Ariary MGA

International and Domestic FLIGHTS come into Ivato Airport just north of ANTANANARIVO. The airports in Mahajanga and Toamasina both handle flights from Reunion, Mauritius and the Comoros.