Nosy Be, Madagascar, July 2023

In August 2023, during my holiday in Europe, I fulfilled one of my deepest dreams—I had the incredible opportunity to visit Madagascar, and even better, I could share this experience with my mum. It was her first time in Africa, and I was overjoyed to introduce her to this beautiful continent, especially Madagascar, which I had always longed to visit.

The Journey to Nosy Be – A Smooth and Pleasant Start

We flew to Nosy Be, a stunning island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, with a direct flight from Warsaw on a charter flight. The flight was comfortable, and it was such a pleasant surprise to see so many Polish travellers with us. My mum especially appreciated the chance to speak Polish with fellow passengers. The excitement was building as we approached our destination, a place neither of us had ever seen before.

Upon landing, we were greeted by a friendly team who took us by minibus to Madirokely, a peaceful and picturesque area on the island where we would be staying. The hotel was stunning, nestled near an amazing beach, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blue sea. The colours of the ocean and the landscape were simply breathtaking, and it was a moment of pure joy to share this with Mum.

Madirokely – Our Home in Madagascar

Our time in Madirokely was nothing short of magical. We were welcomed by the warmest of people, and the vibrancy of the local culture was immediately evident. Here, we met Musa, a young guide who became our friend and whose family we continue to support. Musa’s hospitality and kindness made our stay even more special. We spent time chatting with him about the culture, the history of Madagascar, and of course, the wonders of the island.

Exploring the Island – A Journey Through Nature and Culture

During our stay, we had the chance to explore some of the most incredible places in Madagascar:
• Andoany: We started by visiting Andoany, a town near Nosy Be, where we experienced local markets, tasted traditional Malagasy food, and learned about the local way of life. The blend of African and Asian influences was apparent in the food, architecture, and culture.
• Ambanoro: Mum and I had a blast traveling in a tuk-tuk through Ambanoro, a charming village where we interacted with the local community and witnessed their simple yet vibrant lifestyle. The tuk-tuk ride through the narrow roads, surrounded by lush greenery, was an unforgettable experience.
• Andonday: We visited Musa’s family house in Andonday and spent time learning about the traditional Malagasy lifestyle. The warmth of his family left a lasting impression on us, and we felt like part of their community.
• Ampangorinana: Known for its amazing wildlife, we had the chance to see lemurs in their natural habitat. The forest around Ampangorinana was full of life—everything from colourful birds to small reptiles and, of course, the playful and curious lemurs.
• Nosy Iranja: This place truly felt like paradise. We visited Nosy Iranja, which offered the most amazing beach we had ever seen. The pristine white sands, the clear turquoise waters, and the gentle waves made it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Madagascar.
• Djamandjary: After Nosy Iranja, we continued our exploration to Djamandjary, where we were introduced to the local culture and traditions. This was another chance to witness how community and nature are intertwined in Malagasy life.
• Dystrict Ambanja: Here, we had the chance to visit a local market that was bustling with life and colors. The market was full of fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods—giving us a true taste of Madagascar’s local economy.
• A Local Chocolate Farm: One of the highlights of our visit to Ambanja was the chance to tour a chocolate farm. Madagascar is known for producing some of the best cocoa beans in the world, and it was fascinating to learn about the chocolate-making process, from harvesting the beans to crafting the finished product. The experience included a delicious tasting session, and we even brought some local chocolate home with us.
• Baobab Forest: We also visited the famous Baobab Forest near District Ambanja, where the iconic Baobab trees towered above us, their massive trunks and outstretched branches creating a surreal landscape. The Baobab trees are often referred to as the “upside-down trees” due to their unique appearance, and the forest was a mystical and awe-inspiring place to explore.

A Magical Experience in Madagascar

Visiting Madagascar was a life-changing experience, and sharing it with my mum made it even more special. From the amazing wildlife to the warm-hearted people, and the unbelievable landscapes, the island exceeded all our expectations. The trip allowed us to connect not only with the culture but also with the natural beauty of a place that feels like a world apart from anywhere else.

As we said our goodbyes and headed back to Warsaw, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the adventure we had shared. It was a trip full of memories, experiences, and moments of connection that will stay with us forever.

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