FAQ – Kite & Wingfoil Holiday in Madagascar | Sakalava Lodge

How to get to Sakalava Lodge for a kitesurfing holiday in Madagascar?

Sakalava Lodge is located on Sakalava Bay, near Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), in northern Madagascar — one of the best kitesurfing and wingfoil spots in the Indian Ocean.

Recommended route (simplest):

• International flight to Antananarivo (Tana)
• Domestic flight Tana → Diego Suarez (≈ 2h)
• Transfer to the lodge: approximately 40 minutes

Domestic flights cost on average €250–€350 return, depending on the season. We help our clients book the best times to optimize their arrival in relation to wind and connecting flights.

Alternative option via Nosy Be:

It is also possible to arrive via Nosy Be, an island very well served from Europe (numerous seasonal direct flights). Then:

• Speed ​​boatNosy ​​Be → north coast (Ankify)
• Then drive to Diego Suarez and Sakalava Bay (approximately 4 hours)

This option is interesting for combining a kiteboarding holiday + exploring Nosy Be, but it is longer than the connection via Antananarivo + domestic flight.

We can advise you on the best route depending on your country of departure, the season and the flights available.

Sakalava Bay, in northern Madagascar, is recognized as one of the best kitesurfing and wingfoil spots in the Indian Ocean.

Ideal conditions:

• Regular and reliable wind from May to November
• large, open and unobstructed bay window
• Shallow lagoon — perfect for learning
• Hot water all year round
• very large navigation area
• little current
• natural safety of the body of water

The spot is suitable for all levels of practice:

• beginner — safe learning
• progression — flat & coaching
• Confirmed — Freeride & Downwind
• Wingfoil — very good conditions at high tide
• Waves accessible behind the reef for advanced riders

It is this combination of wind + safety + space + hot water that gives Sakalava its international reputation.

Yes — Sakalava Lodge is specifically designed for learning kitesurfing and wingfoiling in Madagascar, with an on-site school and professional supervision.

We propose :

• 100% private kitesurfing lessons
• IKO certified instructors
• Personalized coaching from beginner to advanced
• recent equipment adapted to your level
• Boat assistance and safety on the water
• Unlimited progression depending on the chosen plan

The Sakalava lagoon is shallow, warm and clear, which greatly facilitates learning and reduces the stress of the first sessions.

Students generally progress faster than in deep or irregular spots, with continuous supervision directly from the lodge.

Yes — Sakalava Lodge specializes in all-inclusive kitesurfing and wingfoil holidays in Madagascar. Our packages are designed to allow you to make the most of the wind and the spot without worrying about the logistics.

All-inclusive packages may include:

• beachfront bungalow
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Open bar depending on the package
• kiteboarding and/or wingfoil lessons
• Private coaching with an IKO certified instructor
• recent equipment included
• Assistance and safety on the water
• Direct access to the spot
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• Access to fitness and cross-training room
• paddleboarding and related activities

These packages are suitable for beginners, progressing riders and experienced riders, with personalized programs.

Can families come to Sakalava Lodge for a kitesurfing holiday?

Yes — Sakalava Lodge is particularly well-suited for family kitesurfing and wingfoil holidays in Madagascar. The lodge is run with a family atmosphere, and its facilities and organization are designed to welcome both parents and children.

We propose :

• Spacious family bungalows by the sea
• calm and secure environment
• Shallow lagoon ideal for beginners
• Kiteboarding lessons for adults and teenagers
• Flexible scheduling to adapt to the children's rhythm
• Full on-site catering
• friendly atmosphere between riders and families

For non-kiters and children, several activities are available: paddleboarding, beach, nature excursions, fitness & cross-training room, pickleball court and discovery outings.

It is a well-known destination for combining sports holidays with a successful family stay.

Can you come to Sakalava Lodge as a self-sufficient rider with your own equipment?

Yes — Sakalava Lodge also welcomes independent kitesurfers and wingfoilers who travel with their own equipment.

Specific packages are offered for independent practitioners, with full access to the spot and the lodge's services.

You get:

• Direct access to the Sakalava spot
• large and secure navigation area
• Water assistance and monitoring
• takeoff and landing assistance
• equipment storage
• Advice on wind and tide conditions
• possibility of downwind sailing and guided outings
• Optional advanced coaching

This formula is ideal for experienced riders who want to combine freedom of navigation and safety, in one of the best kite & wingfoil spots in Madagascar.

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Is there a gym and fitness equipment at Sakalava Lodge?

Yes — Sakalava Lodge has a large gym and fitness & cross-training area, considered the most complete in Sakalava Bay.

The equipment is available to lodge guests to complement kite and wingfoil sessions or simply to maintain fitness during their stay.

You will find :

• complete weight training area
• cross-training area
• free weights and kettlebells
• functional reinforcement
• mobility and recovery
• Additional kite & wingfoil training

The lodge also features a pickleball court and outdoor training areas.

This is a real plus for riders who want to progress physically, but also for non-kiteboarding companions who wish to remain active during their stay.

Practical information for your stay at Sakalava Lodge (visa, electricity, health, payments)

Here is the essential practical information to prepare your kitesurfing or wingfoil stay at Sakalava Lodge, in Sakalava Bay, in northern Madagascar.

Madagascar Visa:

• Tourist visa required
• issued upon arrival at the airport
• simple and quick procedure
• Valid passport required
Conditions and prices may change — check with official sources before departure

Electricity & equipment:

• 220V electricity
• sockets identical to European standards
• No adapter needed for European travelers
• Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi available at the lodge
• Good mobile network coverage on the bay

health:

• No specific mandatory vaccination
• Up-to-date routine vaccinations
• Mild antimalarial treatment is recommended
• Pharmacies available in Diego Suarez
• Assistance/repatriation insurance recommended

Money & payments:

• ATMs available in town
• easy exchange Euro → Ariary
• Bank card withdrawals possible
• Payments at the lodge are possible by bank transfer or cash (euros) according to agreement

Transfers & access:

• Sakalava Lodge is located approximately 40 minutes from Diego Suarez Airport
• Transfers can be arranged upon request
• Taxis available day and night

If needed, our team will guide you before departure to ensure your arrival is simple and stress-free.

The best time for a kitesurfing and wingfoil holiday at Sakalava Lodge, in Sakalava Bay in northern Madagascar, is from April to the end of November.

It's the trade wind season: the wind is regular, stable and side-shore, ideal for kiteboarding and wingfoiling.

Key points :

• thermal wind + trade wind
• great regularity
• secure body of water
• warm air & water temperatures
• very high navigation rate

This is the benchmark period for both beginner and experienced riders.

Kite sizes indicated for a 75kg rider on a twin-tip.

Wind in Sakalava in April

• average wind: 20–25 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 10-12m²
• days with wind: ≈ 70%
• transition month
• Good sessions possible in wingfoil / big wings
• low attendance

Wind in Sakalava in May

• average wind: 25–32 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 8m²
• days with wind: ≈ 80%
• reliable start to the kite season
• very good for progression
• already regular conditions

Wind in Sakalava in June

• average wind: 30-35 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 7m²
• days with wind: ≈ 90%
• season well underway
• very good kite + wingfoil
• clean body of water

Wind in Sakalava in July

• average wind: 30-35 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 7m²
• days with wind: ≈ 95%
• peak season
• very high regularity
• Ideal for all levels

Wind in Sakalava in August

• average wind: 30-35 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 7m²
• days with wind: ≈ 95%
• windiest month
• perfect for regular riders
• excellent wingfoil

Wind in Sakalava in September

• average wind: 30-35 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 7m²
• days with wind: ≈ 95%
• very stable conditions
• very hot water
• high navigability

Wind in Sakalava in October

• average wind: 25–32 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 8m²
• days with wind: ≈ 80-85%
• another very good month
• comfortable conditions
• good compromise between wind and heat

Wind in Sakalava in November

• average wind: 20–25 knots
• Most commonly used kite: 10-12m²
• days with wind: ≈ 70%
• transition month
• Good sessions possible in wingfoil / big wings
• low attendance

Yes — our kite packages include all equipment according to the package chosen.

• recent wings
• boards adapted to the level
• harness
• Helmet & Safety
• Regular renewal of equipment
• appropriate equipment for the day's wind

Ideal for making progress without logistical constraints.

Yes — Sakalava Lodge offers recent wingfoil equipment for beginners and experienced riders.

• wings of different sizes
• foils adapted for progression
• beginner → advanced boards
• custom settings
• Coaching available

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How to book a kiteboarding or wingfoiling holiday at Sakalava Lodge?

The reservation is made directly with us, without any intermediaries.

• Contact via website or WhatsApp
• direct exchange with the team
• personalized program
• Confirmation after dates have been validated
• no agency or tour operator

We prefer direct booking for better customer service.