Madagascar is one of the best destinations on earth for discovering exotic wildlife. We encounter endangered lemurs in the forests of Andasibe, search for rare frogs and chameleons on night walks and scan the Indian Ocean coastline for migrating whales. We also visit traditional villages to learn about local life and relax on the tropical island of Sainte Marie.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Antananarivo
The heart of the capital Antananarivo or ‘Tana’ is an almost medieval looking labyrinth of flagstone streets and red brick houses. The city enjoys a pleasant climate in the Malagasy highlands and the highest point at the old Queen’s palace is 1468m. The city’s name translates as the ‘City of the Thousand’, apparently on account of the 1000 warriors who protected it from invasion. This afternoon we plan a visit to a nearby crocodile farm where there is a breeding population of mature crocodiles. At the Reptile Park will be able to see a large variety of chameleon and leaf tailed geckos along with butterflies and some caged fosa. There will also be some sifaka and common brown lemurs roamly freely in the grounds.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Swimming available
Day 2:
Drive to Andasibe
This morning we will drive north of Tana to Andasibe and check into our hotel. The afternoon will be free for you to relax. This evening we will have our first nocturanl walk in Mitsinjo forest to search for mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woollly lemur, chameleons and frogs.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
AM Visit Mantadia NP; PM Optional activities
This morning we will take a drive to Mantadia National Park which is a great example of primary rain forest. Here we will take a walk in the park where we have a chance to see black and white ruffled lemur, diademe sifaka and indri indri lemurs. This afternoon there are options to visit the local village of Andasibe, the orchid garden or the private lemur reserve of Vakona Lodge where it is possible to see the lemurs at close quarters.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
AM Visit Analamazoatra reserve; PM Optional activities
This morning we will have a nature walk in the nearby Analamazoatra reserve in search of lemurs, birds, snakes and chameleons. The afternoon is free for you to choose one of the optional activities not experienced yesterday
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Drive to Manambato; boat to Ampitabe Lake
Leaving Andasibe after an early breakfast we drive to Manambato. The majority of the journey will follow the main road before turning off onto a sandy track for the last few kilometres to the village of Manambato. Here we will take a short boat journey to our hotel for this evening which is situated in a nature reserve in a quiet location beside Ampitabe Lake.This afternoon is free for you to explore the reserve where there are many species of lemur.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Visit the Palmarium Reserve: optional walks
This morning we visit the Palmarium Reserve which consists of 50 hectares of palm tree forests We will follow some of the well maintained trails in search of Coquerels sifaka and some tame black and white ruffed lemurs, amongst others.This afternoon is free for you to walk to some local villages or enjoy some time on the beach.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Boat ride through the Pangalene canal area; PM Flight to Ile Sainte Marie
This morning we have a boat journey through the Pangalene canal of approximately three hours. The canal passes several peaceful fishing villages where we can see locals travelling in their dugout canoes. On arrival in Toamasina we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Ile Sainte Marie. On arrival In sainte Marie we will transfer to our hotel. (Please note that schedules can change regularly so if necessary will will spend the night at Taomasina)
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
Day 8 to 10:
On Ile Sainte Marie
For the next three days we will have some free time on Ile Sainte Marie to take advantage of some optional activities. Between July to September there are whale watching trips when pods of Humpbacked whales from Antarctica come to Malagasy waters to give birth and mate. Alternatively you may opt for an excursion to visit the pirate cemetery, the wild north of the island, or take a trek across Sainte Marie to the relatively deserted east coast. There is also an opportunity to visit the Isle aux Natte with it's lighthouse, snorkelling, and fishing trips, or relax on the palm fringed beaches.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
Day 11:
Fly to Tana
Today we will fly back to the capital of Tana. The timings of this will be depndent on flight schedules. Your Tour leader will advise on arrival.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
Day 12:
AM Visit the Lemur park; PM Free
Today we will visit the Lemur Park which is located approximately 25km outside Tana. Nine species of lemurs coming from different regions of Madagascar wander freely in this botanical garden covering an area of five hectares of small forest situated by the Katsoaka River. The park also contains many species of the flora of Madagascar. In the afternoon you will have chance for some last minute sightseeing or shopping in Tana before our final night of the tour.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
Day 13:
Tour ends Antananarivo
This morning our tour ends in Tana.
Included meals: Breakfast
