Madagascar Nosy Be: Sakatia Lodge ***

Nosy Sakatia, the second largest of the islands within the immediate vicinity of Nosy Be. There are no roads, cars or bicycles on this island – a small natures paradise with the typical unspoilt tropical fauna and flora of this area. Sakatia Lodge is situated on the east side of the island in a protected bay. It is run by a wonderful couple, Jose and Isabelle, who have a natural flare for good food and making one feel pampered. The lodge consists of eight brick and thatched bungalows with en suite bathrooms. Four of these bungalows are ocean facing and are larger than the rest with hot and cold water showers. The other four garden bungalows are smaller with cold water showers only and cater for the more budget conscious traveller. There is also one room suitable for the elderly or guests in wheelchairs with easy access from the beach. No air conditioning but all the rooms have fans. The Lodge also offers a beautiful lounge/bar area and separate restaurant all overlooking the ocean and fringed by the sacred forest of Sakatia.

Sakatia Lodge has its very own NAUI approved dive centre, affiliated to DAN SA, and caters for beginners and advanced divers. The numerous dive sites around Sakatia vary in depth from six meters to fifty meters, consisting of walls, drops, coral reefs, sand and pinnacles. During boat rides, encounters with dolphins and whales are not uncommon. The lodge offers superb diving and snorkelling, fishing, canoeing, scenic walks, quad biking, and birding. It is suited to families, couples, divers and honeymooners.
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Itinerary: 9 nights
DAY 1: Fly to Antananarivo (Tana), the lively Malagasy capital in the Central Highlands. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Nosy Be Island. A representative of the hotel will meet you on arrival. Transfer to the Sakatia Lodge by car and boat where you will be staying for 9 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 10: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo. Make your way to the international departure lounge and check in for your flight to Johannesburg
Prices include:

International (ex Johannesburg) and internal Malagasy flights, all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and driver, guides in the reserves, entry permits and all airport-hotel transfers

Prices Do Not include:
Meals not indicated, drinks, tips to guides, porters etc., any personal expenses, travel insurance, internet access, airport taxes and visa fees.
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Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2007):

US$ 1505 Euro 1144 (Ocean Bungalow, dinner, bed and breakfast)