Madagascar · Wildlife

12-Day Madagascar Wildlife and Beach Tour with Sainte Marie Escape

12 Days Round trip from Antananarivo Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and observe endemic lemurs and other wildlife
02 Experience close encounters with lemurs at Palmarium Reserve and Vakona Reserve
03 Travel along the Pangalanes Canal with scenic boat transfers through lush landscapes
04 Relax on the beaches of Foulpointe and Sainte Marie Island
05 Discover Malagasy culture at Ambohimanga Royal Hill and in Antananarivo
06 Observe unique flora and fauna across rainforest, coastal, and island ecosystems

Explore Madagascar on a 12-day journey through Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Akanin'ny Nofy, Foulpointe, and Sainte Marie Island. This tour combines close encounters with lemurs, rainforest exploration, scenic boat transfers along the Pangalanes Canal, and relaxing time on pristine beaches. Along the way, discover diverse ecosystems ranging from lush forests to coastal landscapes and islands, and round off the experience with cultural visits to historic royal sites in and around Antananarivo.

This tour combines close encounters with lemurs, rainforest exploration, scenic boat transfers along the Pangalanes Canal, and relaxing time on pristine beaches.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antananarivo, Toamasina, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Sainte-Marie

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo and meet the local representative at the airport.
Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in.
Rest after the international flight.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 02

Scenic Drive to Andasibe via Peyrieras Reserve

Drive east toward Andasibe through scenic landscapes.
Visit Peyrieras Exotic Reserve and observe reptiles and insects.
Continue the journey to Andasibe.
Check into the lodge and relax.
Visit Vakona Reserve and observe lemurs and crocodiles.

Day 03

Rainforest Exploration in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Drive to Mantadia National Park.
Explore the dense rainforest and observe endemic flora.
Spot lemurs, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Return to the lodge after exploration.

Enjoy dinner and rest.

Day 04

Indri Lemurs and Boat Transfer to Akanin'ny Nofy

Visit Analamazaotra Reserve and observe Indri lemurs.
Continue driving toward Manambato.
Board a motorized boat across the Pangalanes Canal.
Arrive at Akanin'ny Nofy and check into the lodge.
Relax with views of the surrounding nature.

Day 05

Palmarium Reserve and Aye-aye Excursion

Visit Palmarium Reserve and observe multiple lemur species.
Explore lush vegetation and wildlife.
Take a boat excursion to a local fishermen's village.
Visit the private island and observe Aye-aye lemurs.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06

Pangalanes Canal Journey to Toamasina and Foulpointe

Travel by boat along the Pangalanes Canal to Toamasina.
Explore the port city and observe local life.
Continue driving to Foulpointe.
Arrive at the coastal resort and check in.
Relax by the beach.

Day 07

Transfer to Sainte Marie Island

Drive to Mahambo.
Board a boat to Sainte Marie Island.
Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Check in and relax by the beach.

Day 08

Leisure Time on Sainte Marie

Relax on pristine beaches.
Explore the island at your own pace.
Enjoy optional water or cultural activities.

Day 09

Another Leisure Day on Sainte Marie

Continue relaxing on the island.
Explore nearby villages or coastal areas.
Enjoy the peaceful island environment.

Day 10

Flight Back to Antananarivo

Spend free time in the morning.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo.
Arrive and transfer to the hotel.

Relax and enjoy dinner.

Day 11

Ambohimanga Royal Hill and Antananarivo City Tour

Visit Ambohimanga Royal Hill and explore historical sites.
Learn about Malagasy culture and monarchy.
Return to the city for a guided tour.
Visit the Queen's Palace and local markets.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 12

Departure from Antananarivo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for international departure.
Conclude the Madagascar journey.

Where this trip takes you

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park rainforest, Palmarium Reserve lemur encounters, Pangalanes Canal boat transfers, Sainte-Marie beaches

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Antananarivo 4 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a half-board basis in Antananarivo on Day 1, Day 10, and Day 11.
Accommodation on a half-board basis during the tour from Day 2 to Day 6.
Breakfast only on Day 12.
All transfers as mentioned in the program.
Collective boat transfer from Manambato to Ankanin'ny Nofy to Toamasina.
Collective boat transfer from Mahambo to Sainte Marie.
Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with a French-speaking driver and driver allowances, including a 4WD during the tour and a bus for the city tour and transfers.
Fuel charges for all transfers and tours.
All entrance fees and local guide fees at parks and tourist sites mentioned in the program.
One tour leader free of charge in a single room for every 10 paying guests, excluding domestic and international flights and full-board supplements.
One bottle of mineral water per person per day during the tour in the vehicle.
Civil and professional liability insurance.
Transport insurance covering passengers and driver.
Local bed taxes.
VAT.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights are not included.
Lunches are not included.
Christmas dinner and New Year's Eve dinner are not included where applicable.
Beverages and drinks are not included.
English-speaking tour guide services are not included.
Services not mentioned in the program are not included.
Services in Sainte Marie, including transfers, accommodation, meals, and excursions, are not included.
Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
Visa fees, approximately EUR 35 per person for stays under 30 days, are not included and are payable on arrival.
Travel insurance covering accidents, repatriation, cancellations, and baggage loss is not included.

What to bring

Warm clothing
Waterproof clothing
Flashlight
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Rain jacket
Trekking shoes
Hat
Sunglasses

Know before you go

Explore endemic flora and fauna across Madagascar's diverse ecosystems.
Travel from Antananarivo in the Central Highlands to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.
Observe the Indri lemur, the largest lemur species native to Madagascar.
Cruise along the Pangalanes Canal through lush vegetation and interconnected lakes.
Discover traditional fishing villages and observe local culture along the canal.
Visit Sainte Marie Island, a natural sanctuary with forests, waterfalls, and coral reefs.
Observe humpback whales migrating to warm waters between July and September.
Discover unique orchid species blooming between July and December.
Experience optional diving excursions in coral-rich coastal waters.
Travel during the best season from May, June, September, to December.
Plan whale watching between mid-June and mid-September.
Expect heavy rainfall on the East Coast during February and March.
Experience lighter rainfall in April and May, and scattered showers from June to August.
Prefer travel between September and December for optimal weather conditions.
Prepare for long but rewarding navigation along the Pangalanes Canal.
Stay in carefully selected accommodations offering comfort throughout the tour.
Expect modest accommodations in remote canal regions due to limited infrastructure.
Experience an easy itinerary with no significant physical difficulty.
Follow health precautions and consider anti-malarial measures.
Pack warm and waterproof clothing, a flashlight, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a rain jacket, trekking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.
Experience Austral Summer from November to March, with temperatures between 27°C and 35°C and frequent rainfall.
Experience Austral Winter from April to October, with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C.