Verdant rainforests, dramatic coastal landscapes and tropical islands are all part of this trekking adventure in Madagascar. Gettting off the beaten track we explore some of the lesser known reserves, searching for wildlife including lemurs and tree frogs. Trekking through the rainforest we visit local communities and learn about their culture. We also catch a ferry to the exotic island of Sainte Marie and hope to see whales in the Indian Ocean.
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+)
Day 2:
Train to Andasibe
Leaving the capital behind today we head north to Andasibe. Depending on availability we hope to take this journey by the Michelin train. This is an iconic journey in carriages built in the 1930's which resemble an old fashioned bus on rubber wheels, run on narrow gauge railway tracks. This train is the only working example of this style of train other than one's in French museums; so a chance for a unique experience. On arrival our luggage will be transported to the hotel whilst we will take the opportunity to stretch our legs on a short stroll to our hotel. After lunch we will visit the Analamazoatra reserve to view some of the local wildlife and we will have our first nocturanl walk in Mitsinjo forest this evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
AM walk in Analamazoatra reserve : PM walk to Iaroka reserve
This morning we will have a further walk in the Analamazoatra reserve in search of lemurs before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we will take a 6km walk south of the main road passing some small villages en route to the Iaroka Reserve. This is a new reserve managed by the local wildlife guide association and comprises of an area of rain forest to the south of the main Andasibe reserve. Here we set up our basic campsite on the edge of the forest.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4:
Full day trek in Iaroka
Today we have a full day trek of around 20kms through the rainforest. The challenging terrain will be very hilly within thick forest, but you wll be rewarded with great views from the top of the park ridges. There are numerous streams to cross and the chance of meeting groups of lemurs. An easier, less strenous option will be available should weather conditions be poor and sustained rain has made the rivers crossings impossible. Towards the end of the trek we will join the main road to the east and then follow a path besides the railway line to get to the Vohimana project site where we stay for the next two nights.
Overnight Lodge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Full day of walking around Vohimana
Today we are able to explore the area around Vohimana visiting local villages and agricultural land, and also utilise the opportunity to see some local wildlife. There is also a chance to see the traditional stills used to produce essential oils from a variety of local plants. We will get a taste of the everyday life in this region.
Overnight Lodge (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Drive to Fenerive Est
Today we have a long drive to the north east of the country. We will make a quick lunch stop in Toamasina before we continue north on the main road to the town of Fenerive Est where we stop for the night.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7:
Walk or take a boat through the Pangalene canal area; PM walk to camp
This morning we have a short drive to the starting point of our trek in Soanierana Ivongo. From here you have the option of either walking about 11 kms along the sandy main road following the coast, or taking a ride in a motorised boat through the Pangalene canals. The group will then meet up at Andragazaha from where there is a further 10 kms trek to the campsite in a clearing of the coastal forest. From the campsite we are treated to views out over the Indian Ocean towards the island of Ile Sainte Marie. This is in part of a reserve managed by the Missouri Botanical gardens and if we are lucky we may see lemurs in this area.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Walk to Manompana
After breakfast we will take a nature walk in the forest and along the beach to the village of Fandrazana. Here we will join the main road to continue our walk to the town of Manompana. Tonight we will camp by the beach at Manompana.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Walk to Ambodiriana Reserve
Today we make our way to the reserve of Ambodiriana with a mix of walking through the rice paddies and rides in dugout canoes if the conditions are very wet. On arrival we can enjoy a visit to the forest and a nocturnal walk. We will set up camp in the reserve for the night.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
AM Nature walk; return to Manompana.
This morning we will take a nature walk in the reserve before re-tracing our steps to Manompana where we will camp for the night.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Boat to Ile Sainte Marie; PM free
This morning we will transfer by boat to Sainte Marie. The crossing will take 1 to 2 hours depending on weather conditions. During the whale season of July to mid September we include an hour of whale watching to look out for the humpback whale which migrate through the narrow channel between Ile Sainte Marie and the mainland. On arrival we will walk up to our hotel next to the beach. The afternoon is free for you to wander and enjoy the surroundings.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12:
Free day on Ile Sainte Marie
Today is a free day for you to relax and unwind or take the various optional activities available. If you are feeling energetic you may consider trekking across the island to the relatively deserted east coast, or alternatively snorkelling and diving, or perhaps a trip to Ile aux Nattes - a beautiful tropical island off the southern most tip of Ile Sainte Marie.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13:
Fly Antananarivo
Today we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to the capital of Antananarivo
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
Treks to local villages around Tana
We drive a short distance outside the capital to start our day walks in the Malagasy countryside. We will pass highland villages with red mud and brick houses, brick kilns and tombs and walk beside the rice paddies. The trek visits one of the 12 sacred hill of Antananarivo at Ambohidrabiby. We will also have the opportunity to try a typical Malagasy lunch and savour the great views back over the city and surrounding highlands.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15:
Tour ends Antananarivo
Included meals: Breakfast
