Info
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Throughout the year
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Guided
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Available
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Breakfast and Dinner
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English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian,
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Available
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15
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85
From the capital to the beaches of Sainte-Marie: Nature and Malagasy discoveries
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through eastern Madagascar, an itinerary that takes you from the vibrant capital Antananarivo to the paradise island of Sainte-Marie. Explore national parks rich in biodiversity, enjoy a unique experience on the Canal des Pangalanes at Akanin’ny Nofy, and end your journey in style on the pristine beaches of Sainte-Marie. Between cultural encounters, lush landscapes and moments of relaxation, this tour is the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
Highlights
- Meet the Indri-Indri: Discover Madagascar's largest lemur in Andasibe National Park.
- Palmarium experience: Visit a reserve where lemurs and endemic flora coexist harmoniously.
- Navigation on the Pangalanes Canal: A peaceful crossing through unspoilt tropical landscapes.
- Historical immersion in Sainte-Marie: Explore the pirate cemetery and learn about the island's fascinating history.
- Escape to Île aux Nattes: Enjoy the idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters of this tropical gem.
Itinerary
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a briefing about your upcoming adventure. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the bustling streets of Madagascar’s capital. Overnight in Antananarivo.
Depart early for Andasibe, a lush rainforest located 140 km east of the capital. Along the way, stop at the Madagascar Exotic (Peyrieras Reserve), home to an array of chameleons, frogs, geckos, and butterflies. Continue to Andasibe and check into your lodge.
In the evening, take a guided night walk to spot nocturnal animals, including the elusive mouse lemurs and tree frogs. Overnight in Andasibe.
Spend the day exploring the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and the Indri-Indri, the largest species of lemur. Wander through the dense rainforest, where you can also encounter sifakas, bamboo lemurs, and a rich variety of birds and orchids. Learn about the park’s efforts to conserve its unique ecosystem. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, drive towards Manambato, a picturesque village on the edge of Lake Rasoabe. Upon arrival, board a boat to Ankanin’ny Nofy (meaning “Nest of Dreams”), a tranquil retreat located along the Pangalanes Canal. Check into your eco-lodge and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the area or simply relaxing by the lakeside. Overnight in Ankanin’ny Nofy.
Today, visit the Palmarium Reserve, famous for its exceptional flora and fauna. Walk through the lush vegetation to see lemurs, including the rare Aye-Aye, in their natural habitat. Marvel at exotic plants like carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids, and unique palm species. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Overnight in Ankanin’ny Nofy.
Drive along the coastal road to Mahambo, a charming beachside village known for its pristine shores and laid-back vibe. Upon arrival, check into your bungalow and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the village. Overnight in Mahambo.
In the morning, board a ferry to Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha), a tropical paradise off Madagascar’s east coast. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take the afternoon to unwind on the idyllic beaches. Sainte-Marie is famous for its lush vegetation, turquoise waters, and rich history. Overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Spend the day exploring the island’s highlights. Visit the historic pirate cemetery, enjoy a traditional pirogue ride in the calm lagoons, or snorkel in the coral reefs teeming with marine life. If traveling between July and September, you may even spot humpback whales during their migration. Overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Continue your exploration of Sainte-Marie at your own pace. Discover hidden coves, interact with the friendly locals, or take a bicycle tour to explore the island’s lush interior. This day is yours to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Sainte-Marie. Overnight in Sainte-Marie.
Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your journey through Madagascar. Overnight in Antananarivo.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour or souvenir shopping. Transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Madagascar.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Lodging in hotels or bungalows as per the itinerary (based on availability).
- Camping equipment and facilities where applicable.
- Private vehicle with a professional driver for the entire circuit.
- Boat transfers from Manambato to Ankanin’ny Nofy and from Mahambo to Sainte-Marie.
- Ferry fees where applicable.
- Entrance fees to all parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary (Andasibe National Park, Palmarium Reserve, etc.).
- Guided tours with professional local guides at each destination.
- Night and day walks for wildlife observation in Andasibe and Palmarium.
- A 1-liter bottle of mineral water per person per day
Cost Excludes
- Flights to/from Madagascar and the domestic flight from Sainte-Marie to Antananarivo.
- Lunches and dinners unless specified in the program.
- Comprehensive travel insurance and medical coverage.
- Tips, beverages, and personal extras.
- Costs for non-included activities or excursions.
- Madagascar visa fees.
FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
You will stay in a mix of hotels, lodges, and bungalows, depending on the location. At Andasibe, accommodations are typically eco-lodges near the park for easy access to nature. In Ankanin’ny Nofy, you’ll enjoy bungalows overlooking the lake or river. Sainte-Marie offers beachside accommodations to help you relax. All lodging is selected for comfort and authenticity, ensuring an immersive experience.
This circuit offers excellent opportunities to see Madagascar’s diverse wildlife.
- In Andasibe: You can spot the famous Indri-Indri, the largest lemur, as well as chameleons, tree frogs, and endemic birds during guided day and night walks.
- In Palmarium Reserve: You’ll encounter playful lemurs, including the rare aye-aye, along with a variety of reptiles and lush plant life.
- In Sainte-Marie: If traveling between June and September, you might witness humpback whales during their migration.
Daily breakfasts are included in the package. For lunches and dinners, you’ll have the flexibility to explore local restaurants or choose dining options at your accommodations. This allows you to sample Malagasy cuisine and fresh seafood, especially on Sainte-Marie Island.
The circuit is designed to be moderate and family-friendly. Most activities involve light hiking or walking, such as exploring the Andasibe rainforest or strolling through the Palmarium Reserve. Boat transfers and scenic drives are comfortable and accessible for all age groups. However, participants should be prepared for some travel days that involve long drives between destinations.
You’ll need:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warmer layers for cooler evenings in Andasibe.
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring parks and reserves.
- A rain jacket or poncho, as the eastern region experiences occasional rainfall.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent for protection during outdoor activities.
- A sleeping bag if camping or if staying in eco-lodges that require it.
- Swimwear for the beaches at Sainte-Marie and any potential boat excursions.
The best time for this circuit is during the dry season, which runs from February to November. Wildlife is more active, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. If you want to see humpback whales near Sainte-Marie, plan your trip between June and September, as this is the peak migration season.
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