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The journey
Discover Madagascar's extraordinary wildlife and island life on this 11-day journey from Antananarivo to the rainforests of Andasibe and the tranquil shores of Sainte Marie. With your Malagasy guide, venture into lush reserves by day and join a thrilling night forest walk to spot nocturnal creatures like chameleons and owls alongside the island's famous lemurs. Travel by boat along the Pangalanes to Palmarium Reserve for an unforgettable Aye Aye search, then slow the pace on Sainte Marie with several leisure days to relax by turquoise waters or opt for snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs. The tour ends back in the capital with a city visit to the historic King's Palace at the Rova of Antananarivo.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrival: Welcome to the bustling capital city, Antananarivo!
Transfer: On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Malagasy guide and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar (rooms with en-suite bathroom and veranda)
Meal: B
Drive: After breakfast, we drive to Andasibe, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Activity: Later, as evening falls, we set out on a night walk through the forest.
Wildlife: Led by experienced guides, we have the opportunity to spot lemurs, chameleons, and owls, offering a unique and immersive forest experience.
Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms and veranda)
Meal: B
Activity: Today's adventure takes us to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, where we'll have the chance to encounter a variety of lemur species amidst the lush greenery.
Activity: In the afternoon, our journey continues to the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve.
Visit: Here, we'll witness firsthand the efforts to preserve the rainforests through sustainable practices, such as reforestation projects that provide livelihoods for local communities.
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms and veranda)
Meal: B
Drive: After breakfast, we continue to Le Manambato and embark on a scenic boat transfer along the Pangalanes to reach the Palmarium Reserve.
Meal: B
Activity: The next morning, we visit the Palmarium Reserve, where we can encounter six species of lemurs in their natural habitat.
Visit: In the afternoon, we visit a nearby village to immerse ourselves in local culture.
Activity: Later, we embark on an early evening excursion in search of the elusive Aye Aye lemurs, with the guidance of experienced trackers.
Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel, Ankanin'Nofy or similar (bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)
Meals: B,D
Transfer: Starting with the first light of morning, we embark on a boat trip along the Pangalanes Canal to Tamatave.
Experience: The journey offers serene views of Madagascar's lush landscapes and the chance to witness the daily rhythms of life along the canal.
Transfer: Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to the idyllic island of Sainte Marie.
Transfer: After landing, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind amid tropical surroundings and let the island's peaceful charm set the tone for your stay.
Distance: 105 km
Accommodation: Natiora Green Lodge or similar (Superior bungalow with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and outdoor terrace)
Meals: B,D
Leisure: Your day can be spent soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere, with optional snorkeling excursions offering a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world.
Activity: Explore shimmering coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or simply relax by the turquoise waters and enjoy the gentle rhythm of island life on Sainte Marie.
Accommodation: Natiora Green Lodge or similar (Superior bungalow with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and outdoor terrace)
Meals: B,D
Leisure: Your day can be spent soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere, with optional snorkeling excursions offering a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world.
Activity: Explore shimmering coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or simply relax by the turquoise waters and enjoy the gentle rhythm of island life on Sainte Marie.
Accommodation: Natiora Green Lodge or similar (Superior bungalow with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and outdoor terrace)
Meals: B,D
Leisure: Your day can be spent soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere, with optional snorkeling excursions offering a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world.
Activity: Explore shimmering coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or simply relax by the turquoise waters and enjoy the gentle rhythm of island life on Sainte Marie.
Accommodation: Natiora Green Lodge or similar (Superior bungalow with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, and outdoor terrace)
Meal: B
Flight: Departing from Sainte Marie Island, catch a flight to Antananarivo.
Tour: Upon arrival, delve into the city's charm with a guided tour, including a visit to the historic King's Palace on Blue Hill.
Visit: Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from its elevated position and explore its cultural significance.
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar (rooms with en-suite bathroom and veranda)
Meal: B
Transfer: After breakfast, it's time to head to the airport for your onward flight from Antananarivo.
Flight: From there, you'll catch your connecting flight home.
The route
The fine print
Accommodation: 10 nights in designated lodges and hotels, ranging from rustic rainforest eco-lodges to beachfront mid-range hotels.
Meals: Daily breakfast is standard. Some remote rainforest eco-lodges, such as the Palmarium Reserve, include dinners.
Private Transportation: Dedicated 4x4 or private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local driver-guide throughout the mainland stages.
Water Transit: Scheduled boat transfers along the Pangalanes Canal and the ferry or speedboat crossing to Sainte Marie Island.
Airport Transfers: Meet-and-greet services plus round-trip transfers at Ivato International Airport on Day 1 and Day 11.
Park Admissions: Pre-paid entrance fees to all parks on the route, including Andasibe-Mantadia, Peyreras Reptile Reserve, and Palmarium.
Local Specialist Guides: Mandatory park rangers and specialized wildlife trackers inside the national reserves.
Flights: International airfare to and from Antananarivo and the required one-way domestic flight from Sainte Marie back to the capital.
Most Meals & Drinks: Lunches, dinners (except where specified), bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
Optional Island Activities: Whale-watching boat excursions, scuba diving, and boat rentals to Île aux Nattes.
Entry Visa: The Malagasy tourist visa, which is payable in cash upon arrival at Ivato International Airport.
Tipping: Gratuities for your main driver-guide, local park trackers, boat captains, and hotel staff.
Sturdy hiking shoes: Waterproof or water-resistant trail shoes with good grip for muddy rainforest paths.
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts: Essential for protecting your skin against mosquitoes, leeches, and sharp foliage in the jungle.
Breathable hiking pants: Avoid heavy denim; choose quick-dry materials.
Light rain jacket or poncho: The Andasibe rainforest experiences downpours year-round.
Swimwear and beachwear: Light clothing, shorts, and sandals/flip-flops for Sainte Marie Island.
Warm layers: A fleece or light jacket for cool evenings in the highlands (Antananarivo and Andasibe).
Malaria prophylaxis: Consult your doctor before traveling; this route passes through high-risk malaria zones.
DEET-based insect repellent: Crucial for warding off mosquitoes during jungle treks and evening boat rides.
High-SPF sunscreen and sun hat: The tropical sun on Sainte Marie is exceptionally strong.
Personal medical kit: Pack anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, pain relievers, band-aids, and motion sickness pills for bumpy roads and boat crossings.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Very helpful for road travel and remote park stops where running water is unavailable.
Departure
When arriving in Antananarivo on the morning of day 1 of the tour, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your lodge for your overnight stay. The next morning, you will embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre-tour accommodation can be arranged for you, and you would then be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day 1. Pick-up time will be confirmed on arrival.
Accommodation
Please note that Madagascar is a country that is still in its infancy when it comes to tourism. Accommodation is limited, so all the above-mentioned accommodation is subject to availability, and we reserve the right to change it to similar accommodation of the same standard.
Transport
Transport will depend on the size of the group:
A small car for 2-3 people
A minivan for 4-6-8 people
A bus for 10 people or more
Visa
A visa is required to enter Madagascar and can easily be obtained upon arrival at Antananarivo Airport, with a validity of up to 60 days.
Logistics
Your 11 days finish where they began, in Antananarivo.
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