Joining a GVI program not only allows you to collaborate with communities or work toward preserving unique ecosystems – but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area or travel further to see what other parts of the region have to offer over weekends.
Field staff are a great source of advice and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. You can choose to travel before or after your experience with GVI (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships you’ve established on the program. Please note that the below options are not included in the program fee, and would be up to you to arrange at your own expense.
Weekend Trips
Cafes and markets
You can spend time in the village and visit a local market, café or restaurant, and soak in the laid-back lifestyle and interesting culture. Alt...
Mount Passot
Mont Passot is the highest point on Nosy Be island, at 329 metres above sea level. It’s surrounded by eight crater lakes that are considered sacred, where you will often spot cr...
Whale watching
June to September is humpback whale-watching season. During this season you can book a tour with a responsible, ethical tour provider. If you’re lucky, you might spot some whale...
Diving
Book a recreational dive to experience the exceptional variety of Indian Ocean marine life up close. Among the vibrant corals, you can spot a vast array of colourful tropical fi...
Beaches
Visit one of Nosy Be’s many palm-lined stretches of golden beach, such as Andilana, Ambondrona, Madirokely and Ambatoloaka, and enjoy a relaxing day swimming in the warm waters ...
The Sacred Tree
Visit the Sacred Tree, located close to Mahatsinjo village, on the western side of Nosy Be island. This huge banyan tree was planted by the queen of the Sakalava people in 1836,...
Lokobe National Park
We’re based right on the edge of Lokobe National Park which holds the last remaining preserved primitive forest on the island of Nosy Be. The forest is bordered by a beach and i...
Further Travels
South Africa
South Africa is a mere three-and-a-half-hour flight from Madagascar. Fly to Johannesburg and book a safari tour through the famous Kruger National Park or experience the beauty ...
Seychelles
This breathtaking archipelago of islands is home to pristine beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as the giant Aldabra tortoise. From the main isl...
Mainland Madagascar
Visit the mainland to see a greater variety of species and experience other distinct cultures of Madagascar. See ring-tailed lemurs in Isalo National Park, hike the stone forest...
Neighbouring islands
Madagascar is surrounded by many islands and islets. From our location on Nosy Be island, you can visit the neighbouring island of Nosy Sakatia, where you might be able to spot ...