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The journey
Discover Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity and warm island spirit on this 11-day journey combining rainforest wildlife encounters with laid-back beach time. After arriving in Antananarivo, travel to Andasibe for guided walks by day and night to search for lemurs, chameleons, and other nocturnal forest life, then continue into community-run conservation areas to learn about local reforestation and sustainable livelihoods.
Next, cruise along the Pangalanes Canal to the Palmarium Reserve for close-up lemur viewing and an evening expedition to spot the elusive Aye Aye, before flying to the tropical island of Sainte Marie for several days of relaxation, optional snorkeling, and reef-fringed coastal beauty. Finish back in the capital with a city tour and a visit to the Kings Palace on Blue Hill before departure.
At a glance
Day by day
Arrival: 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 & 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. 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 & 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. 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 & 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.
Distance: 250 km
Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel, Ankanin'Nofy or similar (bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)
Meal: B
Activity: The next morning, we visit the Palmarium Reserve, where we can encounter six species of lemurs in their natural habitat.
Activity: 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.
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. 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.
Arrival: 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 days 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 days 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 days 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 Kings Palace on Blue Hill.
Activity: 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 & veranda)
Meal: B
Transfer: After breakfast, it's time to head to the airport for your onward flight.
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, will 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/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.
Clothing & Footwear
Hiking Shoes: Waterproof or water-resistant trail shoes with excellent grip for muddy terrain.
Long-Sleeved Shirts: Lightweight tops to protect your skin from insects and thick foliage.
Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, breathable fabrics rather than heavy denim.
Rain Jacket: A durable waterproof shell or poncho for year-round rainforest downpours.
Beachwear: Shorts, T-shirts, swimwear, and sandals for your time on Sainte Marie Island.
Fleece Layer: A warm jacket for cool evening temperatures in the central highlands.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Prescription medication recommended by your doctor for high-risk zones.
Insect Repellent: A high-strength, DEET-based repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
Medical Kit: Anti-diarrheal pills, rehydration salts, painkillers, bandages, and motion sickness tablets.
Hygiene Items: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wet wipes for remote road travel.
Headlamp: A strong flashlight with extra batteries for mandatory nocturnal wildlife walks.
Power Bank: A high-capacity external battery to charge devices during overnight lodge power cuts.
Plug Adapters: Type C and E European-style two-pin adapters for 220V sockets.
Zoom Camera: A camera equipped with a telephoto lens to capture lemurs high in the canopy.
Dry Bag: A waterproof dry sack to safeguard electronics during open-boat river transfers.
Departure
When arriving in Antananarivo in 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, we can arrange pre-tour accommodation 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. Tourists staying for less than one month can purchase a visa for 181,000 Ariary (around 35 EUR). Paying with the exact amount or small currency is advised. No photographs are required; however, please ensure that passports are valid for at least 6 months after the return date. Kindly note that for the visa on arrival, a valid return ticket is required. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa for a duration of less than 15 days at a cost of only EUR 30.
The E-visa website is fully operational, allowing individuals to apply for the E-visa and make payment using a credit card. Once the application is approved, a PDF file will be issued, which can be presented upon arrival in exchange for a visa stamp in the passport.
Travel Insurance
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman Madagascar Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage, and loss of personal items including, but not limited to, camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and loss of luggage. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance.
Logistics
Your 11 days finish where they began, in Antananarivo.
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