5-Day Andasibe and Palmarium Tour with Aye-Aye Night Excursion

Andasibe is a small village in eastern Madagascar, about 130-140 km east of Antananarivo, serving as the main gateway to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and its famous indri lemurs. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a roughly 155 km2 protected rainforest area, created in 1989 and managed by Madagascar National Parks. It consists of two main parts: the smaller, easily accessible Analamazaotra Reserve near Andasibe village, and the larger, wilder Mantadia National Park farther north.

• Accommodation: Andasibe Cyperus Hotel

• Meal plan: Breakfast

• Drive: From Antananarivo, travel to Andasibe village for approximately 4 hours.

• Activity: Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and have time to enjoy its facilities, such as the pool, spa, and bar, at your leisure.

• Activity: At 6:00 PM, embark on a night safari in the community reserve to observe nocturnal species, including mouse lemurs and endemic reptiles such as chameleons.

Analamazaotra Forest (Analamazaotra National Park) is a small but highly accessible mid-altitude rainforest reserve near Andasibe. It is Madagascar's best-known site for seeing and hearing the indri indri, the island's largest lemur, and also hosts several other lemur species, many birds, chameleons, orchids, and typical montane rainforest flora.

• Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel (mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve)

• Meal plan: Breakfast

• Activity: At 7:30 AM, visit Analamazaotra Rainforest, home to over five lemur species, including the indri, whose loud calls can be heard 4-5 km away.

• Drive: You will drive for about 4 hours on RN2 to the village of Manambato. From there, you'll take an off-road route to the riverside and board a boat on the Pangalane River channel.

• Boat trip: Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Pangalane canals, passing Rasoabe and Rasoa Kely Lakes, while observing local farming and fishing life.

Palmarium Reserve is a protected coastal forest and wildlife sanctuary on the Pangalanes coast, best known for its habituated black-and-white ruffed lemurs and rich birdlife. It combines guided forest walks with cultural visits and nocturnal excursions, offering one of Madagascar's most accessible and immersive wildlife experiences outside the capital region.

• Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel (mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve)

• Meal plan: Breakfast

• Activity (Morning): Embark on a 2-3 hour guided walk through Palmarium's lush, biodiverse forest with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll explore trails that reveal the reserve's hidden wonders, including diverse plant life, endemic birds, and its famous free-ranging lemurs in their natural habitat.

• Activity (Afternoon): Visit a traditional fisherman's village to experience local daily life along the Pangalanes, observing fishing techniques, lakeside farming, and community routines shaped by the canals and lagoons.

• Activity (Evening, from 5:30 PM): Join a shared one-hour night boat excursion under the stars to spot the elusive aye-aye lemur in its natural habitat. This area offers one of the best chances to see these rare nocturnal primates up close, immersing you in the magical atmosphere of the reserve after dark.

Today you will depart Palmarium by motorboat, return to Manambato, and head back toward Andasibe via National Route No. 2. Along the way, you can stop at Madagascar Exotic Park, a privately run reserve at Marozevo between Manjakandriana and Moramanga. This popular tourist spot offers close-up views of diverse reptiles, butterflies, moths, insects, and other endemic species, making it a memorable highlight of the drive.

• Accommodation: Mantasoa Lodge (mid-range lodge located at Lake Mantasoa)

• Meal plan: Breakfast

• Activity (Morning): After breakfast, take the motorboat back to Manambato and begin your road transfer toward Andasibe/Mantasoa via RN2.

• Activity (Midday): Optional stop at Madagascar Exotic Park (Marozevo) to explore its well-maintained trails and animal enclosures, ideal for photography and learning about Madagascar's herpetofauna and invertebrates.

• Activity (Afternoon/Evening): Continue driving and cross to Mantasoa village, set amid hills and forests around Lake Mantasoa. Check in at Mantasoa Lodge and enjoy the natural surroundings of the lake and forested highlands as you settle in for the night.

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful motorboat ride across Lake Mantasoa to Nosy Soa Park, a small island reserve known for its habituated lemurs, including ring-tailed lemurs, and reptiles. Here you'll have the chance to interact with lemurs in a natural setting before returning to the lakeside for lunch.

• Accommodation: No accommodation (end of tour)

• Meal plan: Breakfast (lunch and dinner not included); drinks not included

• Activity (Morning): Motorboat crossing to Nosy Soa Park for a guided visit, with opportunities to see and interact with lemurs and observe local reptile species.

• Activity (Afternoon): Drive back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, visit the historic Queen's Palace (Rova of Antananarivo) for panoramic views and insight into Merina history, then explore the lively Analakely Market for local crafts, spices, and everyday Malagasy life.

• Transfer: After the visits, you will be transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo or to the airport, marking the end of your tour.