Lemurs, landscapes and local traditions along the eastern waters

This tour promises a total change of scenery, an escape into nature and an unforgettable encounter with the local population. Without forgetting relaxation moments by the sea on the magnificent Sainte Marie Island. A perfect tour for people who love discovery!

We will start the tour visiting the National Park of Andasibe, home to many species of lemurs, especially the Indri Indri, the largest of the Malagasy lemurs. 

Then, a short cruise on the Pangalanes canal to reach Akanin’ny Nofy. Made up of a set of rivers, lakes and channels, this canal stretches 650km along the east coast, between Tamatave and Farafangana. The villagers greetings, the cries of joy of the children on the banks accompany us throughout our navigation.

In Akanin’ny Nofy we will discover the Palmarium private reserve, home to a dozen species of lemurs and several species of endemic fauna.

We will then reach Mahambo, from where we will embark for Sainte Marie island, the former Pirate Island, which has now become a charming seaside destination.

Day 1 : Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International airport from your international flight. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Antananarivo – Andasibe

Drive to Andasibe ( 144 Km/3h ). You will have the opportunity to observe the traditional red brick houses and thatched roofs, as well as rice fields. 

Stop on the way in Marozevo for a short visit of the private reserve “Pereyras”, where reptiles and chameleons are easily seen. 

Once in Andasibe, installation at your hotel, then night walk along the national park to spot the nocturnal species of lemurs.

Day 3 : Andasibe National Park – Manambato – Akanin’ny Nofy

This morning will be dedicated to visit the National Park of Andasibe, to meet the Indri Indri and other species of lemurs, orchids, tree ferns, lichens, birds, etc.

Then, drive to Manambato ( 155 Km / 3 h 30 ), on the Pangalanes canal, for a 1 hour scenic boat cruise until Akanin’ny Nofy. The Pangalanes is a chain of sweet water lakes and lagoons parallel to the coast of the Indian Ocean, separated by a narrow stretch of land.

Lodging at your hotel located at Lake Ampitabe, the third largest lake of the Pangalanes canal.

Day 4 : Akanin’ny Nofy

Morning visit of the private reserve « Palmarium ». Palmarium is home to a dozen species of lemurs playing in full freedom in the reserve, like the Indri, Sifaka, Coronatus, Varécia, variegata. And several species of endemic fauna like orchids, carnivorous plants, ebony, mahogany, traveler’s trees, …as well as the most beautiful palm trees specific to Madagascar, including the rarest varieties Dypsis, Ravenea, Orania, but also Voanioala and Lemurophoenix.  

Afternoon at leisure where several activities can be organised on spot, such as : boat expedition to visit a typical Betsimisaraka village with its school and nursery, visit the indian ocean shore, walk along the channel to see carnivorous plants,…

In the evening, back to the Palmarium reserve in search of the Aye Aye, the nocturnal species of lemurs.

Day 5 : Akanin’ny Nofy – Toamasina – Mahambo

After breakfast, we take a 3h1/2 boat ride along the Pangalanes canal till Toamasina. The villagers’ greetings, the cries of joy of the children on the banks accompany us throughout our navigation.

By your arrival, drive to Mahambo, located 90Km north of Toamasina ( 2h ). 

Mahambo is well shaded by coconut palms and moves to the rhythm of the comings and goings of the fishing village.

Installation at your hotel.

Day 6 : Mahambo –  Sainte Marie

Boat transfer to Sainte Marie island ( 1h ). Meet and transfer to your hotel.

This island off the Eastern coast of the “Great Island” is also known under the Malagasy name of “Nosy Boraha”. 

Constituted by a string of islands, Sainte Marie is surrounded by other islands more or less important. The island profiting from a rather well sprinkled climate is baptized as a tropical garden because of the presence of rainforests which cover it. In other words, it is covered with green vegetation all the year. These luxuriant forests are a perfect and ideal shelter for various species which are also encountered on the Great Island such as the orchids. 

Lodging at your hotel.

Day 7 & Day 8 : Sainte Marie island

Days at leisure in Sainte Marie, where several activities can be organised, among which the whale watching expeditions, from mid-july to mid-september. These mammals migrate from Antarctica, to reproduce and give birth in the waters of Sainte-Marie Island. 

You can also visit the island and discover its culture and history, the pirates cemetery, the little island of “île aux nattes”, the natural swimming pool in the northern side, by bike, quad or motorbike.

Lodging at your hotel.

Day 9 : Sainte Marie – Antananarivo

Last morning at leisure in Sainte Marie. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly back to Antananarivo with Tsaradia regular flight.

Meet and transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 : Antananarivo – Fly OUT

Transfer to Ivato international airport for your international return flight.