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WMN destination photo
SVB destination photo

WMNSVB

Which side of the plane to sit from Maroantsetra Airport (Maroantsetra) to Sambava Airport (Sambava)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an unparalleled view of Madagascar's densest primary rainforests and the rugged interior mountains of the Masoala Peninsula.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌳

Masoala National Park

Aerial view of Madagascar's largest protected area, featuring dense primary rainforest that stretches to the coast.

🏔️

Marojejy Massif

Distant, dramatic views of jagged granite peaks and high-altitude rainforests to the northwest.

🛶

Antainambalana River

The winding river delta near Maroantsetra, showing the transition from mangrove swamps to inland jungle.

🌿

SAVA Vanilla Fields

Lush green agricultural patches as you approach Sambava, the global capital of vanilla production.

Sit on the left for the best view of the inland biodiversity. Early morning flights (06:00-09:00) are highly recommended to avoid the convective cloud cover that typically forms over the rainforest by midday. Keep an eye out for the unique 'mountain-to-sea' transitions where the canopy meets the sand.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Antongil Bay

The largest bay in Madagascar, known for its deep blue waters and significance as a whale breeding ground.

🏝️

Nosy Mangabe

A small, forested island reserve visible shortly after takeoff, famous for its biodiversity.

🏖️

Pristine Coastline

Stunning stretches of uninhabited white sand beaches where the jungle literally touches the Indian Ocean.

🐋

Whale Watching

Between July and September, look for the splashes of humpback whales migrating through the coastal waters.

The right side is superior for coastal photography. Polarized sunglasses will help you spot the turquoise coral reefs and sandbars against the deep blue of the Indian Ocean. During winter months, pay close attention to the water surface for whale activity in Antongil Bay shortly after departure from WMN.

Top Activities in Sambava
Route Information

Distance: 139 km (86 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 14 min

Departure: WMN (-15.436699867248535, 49.68830108642578)

Arrival: SVB (-14.278599739074709, 50.17470169067383)

Route Type: Domestic

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