PRIVATE WILDLIFE & ISLAND ADVENTURE
TOUR OVERVIEW
A 12-day journey combining rainforest wildlife, the Pangalanes Canal and Sainte-MarieDiscover the lush landscapes of eastern Madagascar on a private 12-day journey combining rainforest wildlife, peaceful waterways and tropical island beaches.
Travel from Antananarivo to Andasibe, one of Madagascar’s best-known rainforest destinations, where the unforgettable calls of the indri echo through the forest. Explore the national park in search of lemurs, chameleons, birds and other endemic wildlife.
Continue east towards Manambato and travel by boat along the Pangalanes Canal to Ankanin’ny Nofy, the « Nest of Dreams ». Discover the Palmarium Reserve and experience the peaceful landscapes and local life found along this extraordinary network of lakes and waterways.
Your journey then continues through Toamasina and Mahambo before reaching Sainte-Marie, a tropical island known for its beaches, history and relaxed atmosphere. During the whale season, the waters surrounding the island also offer opportunities to observe humpback whales.
With time for wildlife, exploration and relaxation, this private journey offers a wonderful introduction to the natural diversity of eastern Madagascar and can be tailored to your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Tour availability: Year-round
Recommended travel period: May to November
Whale-watching season: Typically July to September
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Search for indris and endemic wildlife in Andasibe National Park
- Discover chameleons, reptiles and other Malagasy wildlife along the eastern route
- Travel by boat through the beautiful lakes and waterways of the Pangalanes Canal
- Explore Ankanin’ny Nofy, the peaceful « Nest of Dreams »
- Meet lemurs and discover tropical vegetation in Palmarium Reserve
- Experience the landscapes and daily life of communities along the Pangalanes Canal
- Discover Toamasina, Madagascar’s main port city on the east coast
- Relax on the tropical beaches of Sainte-Marie
- Explore Île aux Nattes and its turquoise lagoon
- Enjoy the opportunity to observe humpback whales around Sainte-Marie during the whale season
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe
Day 3: Andasibe National Park
Day 4: Andasibe – Manambato – Ankanin’ny Nofy
Day 5: Palmarium Reserve & Ankanin’ny Nofy
Day 6: Ankanin’ny Nofy – Toamasina – Mahambo
Day 7: Mahambo – Sainte-Marie
Day 8: Sainte-Marie
Day 9: Île aux Nattes
Day 10: Sainte-Marie
Day 11: Sainte-Marie – Antananarivo
Day 12: Antananarivo – Departure
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Antananrivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your journey through eastern Madagascar.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 2
Antananarivo – Andasibe
After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and travel east towards Andasibe through the green landscapes of Madagascar’s eastern highlands.
Along the way, a stop can be made at Peyrieras Reserve, where you can discover some of Madagascar’s remarkable reptiles and amphibians, including chameleons, geckos and frogs.
Continue to Andasibe and settle into your hotel surrounded by lush rainforest.
Depending on your arrival time and local conditions, an optional evening walk may be arranged to discover some of the forest’s nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Hotel in Andasibe
DAY 3
Andasibe National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the rainforests of Andasibe, one of Madagascar’s most famous wildlife destinations.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk through the forest in search of the indri, the largest living lemur and one of Madagascar’s most iconic species. Its powerful calls echo through the rainforest and make a visit to Andasibe unforgettable.
During the walk, you may also encounter other lemur species, endemic birds, chameleons, frogs and a remarkable variety of tropical plants.
The length and difficulty of the walk can be adapted to your interests and physical condition.
Overnight: Hotel in Andasibe
DAY 4
Andasibe – Manambato – Ankanin’ny Nofy
After breakfast, leave Andasibe and continue east towards Manambato.
From Manambato, board a boat and begin your journey along the lakes and waterways connected to the Pangalanes Canal.
Travel through peaceful tropical landscapes before reaching Ankanin’ny Nofy, meaning « Nest of Dreams », a beautiful natural setting between forest and water.
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight: Lodge in Ankanin’ny Nofy
DAY 5
Palmarium Reserve & Ankanin’ny Nofy
Spend the day discovering Palmarium Reserve and the natural surroundings of Ankanin’ny Nofy.
Explore the reserve with a local guide and look for several species of lemurs living among the lush vegetation. The area also offers opportunities to discover endemic plants, reptiles and the peaceful landscapes surrounding Lake Ampitabe.
Enjoy time to relax and experience the unique atmosphere of this remote region, accessible mainly by water.
Depending on local conditions and availability, an evening excursion may also be possible to search for the elusive aye-aye.
Overnight: Lodge in Ankanin’ny Nofy
DAY 6
Ankanin’ny Nofy – Toamasina – Mahambo
After breakfast, continue your journey by boat along the Pangalanes Canal towards Toamasina.
Along the way, admire tropical vegetation, fishing villages and scenes of daily life along one of Madagascar’s most distinctive waterways.
Upon arrival in Toamasina, continue north by road towards Mahambo, a peaceful coastal village surrounded by tropical vegetation and beaches.
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Madagascar’s east coast.
Overnight: Hotel in Mahambo
DAY 7
Mahambo – Sainte-Marie
After breakfast, transfer for your journey to Sainte-Marie, one of Madagascar’s most beautiful tropical islands.
Depending on operating conditions and the selected transport arrangement, travel by boat to Sainte-Marie and enjoy views of Madagascar’s eastern coastline along the way.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in.
The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the beach and discover the peaceful atmosphere of the island.
Overnight: Hotel in Sainte-Marie
DAY 8
Sainte-Marie
Spend the day discovering Sainte-Marie, an island known for its tropical scenery, history and relaxed way of life.
Explore traditional villages, coastal landscapes and some of the island’s beautiful beaches. Depending on your interests, the day can include cultural visits, nature walks or simply time to enjoy the Indian Ocean.
Sainte-Marie offers a very different atmosphere from mainland Madagascar and is an ideal place to slow down after your journey through the eastern rainforests.
Overnight: Hotel in Sainte-Marie
DAY 9
Île aux Nattes
Today, discover Île aux Nattes, a small tropical island located just south of Sainte-Marie.
Cross to the island and enjoy its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoon, coconut palms and peaceful village atmosphere.
Spend time walking around the island, swimming, relaxing on the beach or exploring the surrounding lagoon.
Return to Sainte-Marie later in the day.
Overnight: Hotel in Sainte-Marie
DAY 10
Sainte-Marie
Enjoy another full day on Sainte-Marie, with activities adapted to the season and your interests.
Between approximately July and September, the waters around Sainte-Marie are well known for humpback whale watching as the whales migrate to Madagascar’s warm coastal waters.
Outside the whale-watching season, the day can be dedicated to island exploration, beaches, snorkelling, cycling or simply relaxing beside the Indian Ocean.
This flexible day allows you to enjoy Sainte-Marie at your own pace before returning to Antananarivo.
Overnight: Hotel in Sainte-Marie
DAY 11
Sainte-Marie – Antananarivo
Enjoy your final moments on Sainte-Marie according to your domestic flight schedule.
Transfer to Sainte-Marie Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival in the capital, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on the flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Antananarivo.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 12
Antananarivo – Departure
Enjoy your final day in Madagascar according to your international flight schedule.
If time allows, you may explore Antananarivo, visit a local craft market or enjoy some last-minute shopping for Malagasy handicrafts and souvenirs.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Madagascar journey.
