Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Waterberg Safari
Explore Marataba’s private game reserve in search of lions, leopards, elephants and more
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Madagascan Islands and South African Safari
Explore the wildlife-packed landscape that surrounds Marataba Safari Lodge – a beautiful, intimate tented camp in South Africa‘s dramatic Waterberg region. Then fly directly from Johannesburg to Nosy Be for a week on the idyllic Madagascan island of Nosy Komba, staying at the relaxed Tsara Komba.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Beautiful Landscapes
Discover this beautiful wilderness, with its spectacular red-rock cliffs.
3
Island Escape
Escape to the desert-island retreat of Tsara Komba.
4
Sea Turtles
Swim and snorkel above sea grass, looking for the sea turtles that feed here
Why we like it
This journey delivers both desert-island vistas and phenomenal big game viewing. Thanks to direct flights between Nosy Be and Johannesburg, these two destinations can be combined with relatively little hassle. Idyllic Tsara Komba is the perfect island escape, whilst Marataba brings a safari experience that is personal and unrushed, yet superbly accessible.
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Day 1
Johannesburg - Marataba
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Day 2 - 4
Marataba
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Day 5
Marataba - Johannesburg - Nosy Be - Tsara Komba
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Day 6 -11
Tsara Komba
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Day 12
Tsara Komba - Nosy Be
Day 1
Johannesburg - Marataba
Beautiful Landscapes
Discover this beautiful wilderness, with its spectacular red-rock cliffs.
Day 2 - 4
Marataba
Waterberg Safari
Explore Marataba’s private game reserve in search of lions, leopards, elephants and more
Day 5
Marataba - Johannesburg - Nosy Be - Tsara Komba
Island Escape
Escape to the desert-island retreat of Tsara Komba.
Day 6 -11
Tsara Komba
Sea Turtles
Swim and snorkel above sea grass, looking for the sea turtles that feed here
Day 12
Tsara Komba - Nosy Be
More details
South African Safari
Marataba Safari Lodge sits at the heart of a private reserve. The lodge’s spacious tented suites blend into the magnificent surroundings, offering views of red-rock bluffs that rise above the wooded valley floor.
Explore this fantastic reserve by 4×4 and on foot, venturing deep into the unspoilt African bush that is dotted with yellowwood and cedar trees. Although quiet and secluded, this reserve teems with big game.
Spot elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and buffaloes, as well as a spectacular array of bird species. Between 600 and 800 pairs of Cape vultures are said to breed here – the largest colony in the world.
Madagascan Island Retreat
Spend a peaceful week on the idyllic island retreat of Tsara Komba. This intimate beachside escape blends into a jungle-strewn hillside that overflows with bougainvillaea. Just a 20-minute boat ride away from Nosy Be harbour, the lodge sits on the tiny island from which it takes its name, Nosy Komba.
Relax and explore amidst these beautiful tropical surroundings, taking advantage of the unspoilt, tranquil location. Spend time wandering the beach and gardens, making use of the provided pirogues and sailing canoes to take to the sea. Or just lie back in the shade and read a book to the sound of the waves brushing Nozy Komba’s white sands.
Explore Further Afield
An array of optional activities can also be booked at Tsara Komba, allowing for exploration further afield. Take hikes on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, set out by boat to visit neighbouring islands, explore local villages, climb the impressive Mont Passot or dive the rich waters of the Indian Ocean.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,750 Per person
When to travel
Madagascar in January
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
Madagascar in February
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
Madagascar in March
January, February and March are cyclone season. Many places are closed and roads can become impassable. Travel is not advised at this time
Madagascar in April
The rains start to abate, but there is still a chance of heavy downpours. The countryside is lush and green, and it is a quiet time of year to visit.
Madagascar in May
Rainfall drops significantly, as the winter brings mainly dry weather to many areas. A great time to visit as you will have the choice of your preferred accommodation and the landscapes are beautiful with flora and fauna flourishing.
Madagascar in June
A fantastic time to get out into the highlands and go trekking, with less rainfall and still relatively warm temperatures. It is still outside of the peak season so you can still have your pick of the accommodation, and it is an excellent time to spot lemurs.
Madagascar in July
Humpback whales start arriving in Ile St Marie, having migrated from the Antarctic. The weather is at its coolest and driest, making it an ideal time to explore the naturally humid rainforests. This is peak season so expect to book well in advance.
Madagascar in August
The best time to see a humpback whale, and it is highly likely you will if you visit Ile St Marie. The busiest time of year, with European school holidays, so you will need to reserve well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.
Madagascar in September
Temperatures increase, without much more rainfall. It is a fantastic time to visit, with the chance to still see humpback whales before they return to the Antarctic, lower visitor number, and ideal conditions for relaxing on the beach. The birds and lemurs are also breeding, so there is lots to see.
Madagascar in October
The country continues to warm as summer approaches. The jacarandas bloom, making it a colourful time of year to visit. As little birds and baby lemurs appear, it is also ideal conditions for snorkelling or just enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Madagascar in November
A quieter time of year, with plenty of lemurs, birds and other wildlife able to be seen. Still a great time to travel, with no species hibernating and warmer weather.
Madagascar in December
The start of the wet season, and the hottest time of year. If you are travelling at this time, it is best to head to go at the start of the month, to the south and west of the country where it is cooler and drier.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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