Below we offer an idea of some of St Marie holiday hotels and costs.  These figures are offered as a guide only. 

An accurate tour costing can only be established on receipt of your enquiry and this will be subject to
length of stay, number of travellers, seasons, flight availability, currency fluctuations etc

Since the cost of your flights is a constant - longer stays will be more economical.

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Princesse Bora: ***+

Princess Bora Hotel is only a short transfer from the airport by traditional oxcart (cars are available for the less adventurous!) The hotel offers an excellent restaurant specialising in seafood and French cuisine. The bungalows are tastefully decorated and spacious with private bathrooms. 6 deluxe bungalows, which accommodate up to 4 people and 9 comfort bungalows for one couple. All rooms have a safe, fan and private veranda.

Vani Vola : ***

Vani Vola hotel is a family hotel with great charm set in lush tropical gardens on the paradise island of Sainte Marie. The comfortable, air-conditioned bungalows with private terrace are right on the beach and the spacious upstairs rooms (with fans) and large private terraces overlook the rim-flow swimming pool and the Indian Ocean. The French owners go out of their way to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive and offer a superb dining experience as well as nightly entertainment.  Relax in the bar, sip cocktails on the terrace or watch a movie in the cosy lounge. There are a number of optional excursions available from the hotel ranging from full day boat trips to the nearby idyllic island of Ile Aux Nattes with its white sands and turquoise waters offering excellent snorkelling, deep sea fishing, seasonal whale watching or jungle trekking across the island to name but a few.

Relax in the evening while enjoying live music and entertainment.
 

La Petite Traversee: ** - Island of Ile aux Nattes

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.   

 

Sainte Marie Excursions:

There are many wild sandy shores on Sainte Marie Island, which are accessible by boat. En route stop off for a refreshing swim and take some memorable photos of the breathtaking scenery!

Ile Aux Nattes:

Departures enquire at your hotel

You will be collected by a traditional pirogue from the hotel. 30 minute transfer through the crystal clear lagoon to Ile Aux Nattes. Your guide will take you on a tour of the small island introducing you to the endemic flora and fauna. Visit the small villages in the interior and climb to the summit of the island to the old Blévec lighthouse. On your return you will walk along the beaches on the west coast and stop for a picnic or lunch at a local restaurant. Swim and snorkel and walk back to the northern point of the island from where you will be transferred to the hotel by pirogue. Back at the hotel around 16h30.

The Eastern trail to Ampanihy: Day excursion with lunch

Departures enquire at your hotel

Leave the hotel early and drive by 4x4 to Anafiafy. 30 minute walk to Ampanihy from where we will embark by pirogue through mangroves to the magnificent Ampanihy peninsula. This peninsula is completely virgin territory and the beaches are untouched. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Seafood picnic on the beach. Drive back to your hotel on the southeast road and visit the vanilla, pepper, cinnamon and clove plantations. Back at the hotel around 18h00 in time for sunset.

Ilots Aux Sables: Day excursion with lunch

Departures enquire at your hotel

Leave by speedboat around 09h00 and arrive an hour later at the sandy atoll surrounded by crystal water, full of shells and coral reefs. A paradise for those who like snorkelling and photography. Umbrellas will be set up and you are free to snorkel around the magnificent reef. Picnic on the sand bank. Charter fishing possible but at extra costs. Back at the hotel around 15h00.

Pirate Cemetery, ½ day excursion without lunch.

Departures enquire at your hotel

Drive to the capital of Sainte Marie Island, Ambodifotatra and hike along the lagoon for 20 minutes to the Pirate Cemetery. At high tide the transfer will be done by pirogue. Back in Ambodifotatra visit the former French colonial governor’s house on the small island Ilot Madame and the first Catholic church of Madagascar, which was constructed in 1837, on the outskirts of the town. Short city tour and transfer back to the hotel.
 

Your Freedom - Hire a motor bike or automatic scooter for the day.  Explore the little town, Pirate Graves, Botanical Gardens and Zoo or just head off to some quiet and secluded beach and take your time exploring.  Most hotels will arrange a picnic lunch for you.

"Your Tour, Your Time"

Approx 30 Euros a day

Excursions  - Suggested items to bring :

Please bring light walking shoes, a Back-Pack is ideal to carry all your personal bits - a bottle of water, sunglasses, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, hat, T-shirt for snorkelling, camera, local money for drinks and souvenirs.  It is forbidden to purchase any coral and shells from the vendors!
 

We invite you to visit our guest book and read what clients have to say about our excellent  tour designs and great service at
http://www.selftours.co.za/guestbook2.htm