11-Day Madagascar East Tour with Andasibe, Rianila and Sainte-Marie

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Day 01

Arrival in Antananarivo

• Welcome and pickup at the airport, then transfer and check-in at the hotel.

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Day 02

Antananarivo to Andasibe

• Your guide will pick you up, and then you will depart for Andasibe, the village near the national park, for about three and a half hours by car on National Road 2. You will visit a small private park in Pereyras, then check in at the hotel. This is a nocturnal visit.
• Night at the hotel.

3

Day 03

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Vakôna Park

• This morning is dedicated to visiting Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and the Analamazaotra forest. We will walk for two and a half hours in the forest to observe the largest lemur, Babakoto or Indri indri, as well as other species of endemic animals and plants. We will then continue our visit to Vakôna Park, including the island of lemurs, birds, and crocodiles. There will be free time in the afternoon. We will spend the night at the same hotel.

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Day 04

Descent on the Rianila River

• After breakfast, transfer to Brickaville city, which is the place where the descent on the Rianila River begins.
• Rianila is a 134 km long river in the eastern part of the country, which passes through Brickaville, joins the Pangalanes Canal in Andevoranto, and then flows into the sea.
• The descent is a popular activity not only for lovers of water sports such as kayaking and rafting, but also for people who enjoy sharing moments with and meeting local people. During the descent, we will make a few stops to visit villages such as Satakoly, an interesting village aligned along the road that runs beside the Rianila. We will also take the opportunity to visit the local mead factory called "Beta Beta" in the village to get an idea of how this very popular beverage is made in the region. Then, we continue along the river until we arrive at Morafeno, a village of old colonial concessions that currently houses rice fields and a fruit tree nursery. Afterwards, we continue to reach Andevoranto, where the Rianila crosses the Pangalanes before emptying into the Indian Ocean. We will pass through the river avenue of Ambila Lemaintso, followed by a stop at the Niaouli distillery. Picnic lunch.

5

Day 05

Palmarium Reserve Discovery

• A full day to visit a unique place of its kind. Thanks to its sandy beach bordering Lake Ampitabe, the Palmarium is a private reserve home to lemurs and endemic plants. Extending over 50 hectares, it offers the chance to easily encounter five species of diurnal lemurs living in complete freedom, including sifakas, varicias, fulvus, macacos, and the most famous, the Indri-Indri. You can also see the famous carnivorous plants called "Nepenthes" in abundance. Apart from the reserve, it also has splendid beaches and unique lakes, making this place a paradise on Earth. Night at the same lodge.

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Day 06

Pangalanes Canal to Tamatave and Mahambo

• Transfer to the town of Tamatave, the economic capital and the first port of the big island. Your guide will take you to the famous Bazary Be, a large market set up under a sectional hangar. This place brings together all kinds of products, ranging from fruits and vegetables to artisanal products.
• Then continue to Mahambo, a fishing village located in a false bay offering a heavenly setting on a pretty lagoon of fine sand. Night at the hotel.

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Day 07

Mahambo to Sainte-Marie Island

• In the morning, departure for Soanierana Ivongo, 135 km from Mahambo. The journey can take up to 2 hours due to the road conditions, but the state of the road and the landscapes we cross are well worth a little discomfort. Upon arriving in Soanierana Ivongo, we board a boat to reach Sainte-Marie Island. The crossing takes about an hour and a half, depending on sea conditions. Upon arrival on Sainte-Marie Island, transfer and check-in at the hotel.

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Day 08

Discover Sainte-Marie Island

• Sainte-Marie is a small island located on the east coast of Madagascar. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs. During these three days, you will discover all the island's wonders.
• Activities: scuba diving, snorkelling, a tour of the island by boat or on foot, an excursion to Sable Island and the bays of Ampanihy and Nattes Island, a visit around Sainte-Marie Island by motorbike or bicycle, and relaxing on the beautiful beach.

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Day 09

Free Day on Sainte-Marie Island

• Day off. Night at the same hotel.

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Day 10

Sainte-Marie Island to Antananarivo

• Transfer to the airport, then flight to Tana. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 11

Antananarivo City Tour and Departure

• Visit and enjoy a short city tour, with souvenir shopping depending on the time available, then transfer to the airport.