Madagascar 5-Day Cacao Plantations, Lemurs and Culture Tour from Nosy Be

Introduced by the French colonial masters in the 19th century, Madagascar's cocoa is now considered one of the best available in the world. The eighth continent offers the best preconditions to cultivate cocoa, wherein throughout the year, the trees bear countless, relatively inconspicuous flowers, resulting in a bi-yearly harvest. The cocoa beans are generally exported as raw materials to well-known manufacturers in Europe and the United States.

Learn these and more on this 5-day cacao plantation tour, with side trips to Madagascar's breathtaking beaches, waterfalls, and parks to meet some lemurs.

Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time, you may already start trying the delectable chocolate bars that are locally produced.

Day 2: Today is a good day to visit some of the most famous cacao-growing regions in the country. Travel north to Sambirano Valley and Bemainty Area, known for their incredibly fruity cacao and aromatic herbs & spices. Over the last three decades, many plantations have popped up in the areas to supply cacao to chocolate makers around the world, as well as some of the world's most valuable botanicals including vanilla, ylang-ylang, and essential oil extracts. We will also stop by the plantations in Ambanja by the rivers of Sambirano and Ramena, the key growing areas in the northwest part of Madagascar. Throughout the day, you'll have ample time for learning and negotiating, in case you're looking for suppliers for future business ventures. You'll then spend the night in Ambanja.

Day 3: Spend the morning visiting some more cacao plantations and learning about the culture in the area. Then, you'll head to Nosy Iranja, a slice of paradise south of Nosy Be where powdery white sands and inviting azure waters await. Aside from the scenery, you'll also be amazed by the rich biodiversity of the island where you'll discover luxuriant tropical forests and exceptional marine and land flora and fauna.

Day 4: Today, you'll get to see the famous lemurs of Madagascar, the most diverse group of primates in the world. These animals are unique to the island and are known for their interesting behaviors such as singing like a whale, sashaying across the sand like a ballet dancer, and more. Continue to Hell-Ville, the old and busy town packed with ancient Renault taxis and local stalls selling everything from chili peppers to mangrove crabs. You'll also visit a waterfall at Diego Hely, Andilana Beach, and Mont Passot Viewpoint that has the best restaurant in all of Madagascar.

Day 5: Transfer back to the airport.

Includes

• Accommodation for 4 nights (Villa Orchidee for 3 nights and Ambanja Cacao Area Guesthouse for 1 night or similar)
• Cacao tour and other excursions mentioned
• Private transfers during the tour
• Airport transfers
• Entrance fees (if any)
• Professional tour guide

Excludes

• Visa
• Meals and beverages
• Travel and medical insurance
• Personal expenses