Madagascar East Tour

Eastern Madagascar offers an adventure combining tropical forests, local Bezanozano and Betsimisaraka culture, and relaxation on the unspoilt island of Sainte Marie.

WILD AND BEACH

Exploring the eastern part of Madagascar is a real challenge, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. The eastern part of Madagascar is the only region of the country that still retains huge tracts of untouched rainforest. It’s an ideal destination for adventurers seeking a true immersion in nature, where they can encounter wild animals and discover exceptional flora in their natural habitat.
Your trip to eastern Madagascar begins in Antananarivo, then follows the N2 national road to the fascinating Andasibe National Park. This park is home to Madagascar’s largest lemur species, the Indri Indri. During your visit, you’ll be captivated by the impressive calls of these primates, audible for miles around. Continuing along the N2 national road, you will cross the Pangalane Canal to reach Tamatave. From here, you’ll board a ferry to Sainte Marie, a paradise island that offers a deep insight into Malagasy culture and history. This trip offers a combination of experiences: immersion in the wilderness, discovery of the local culture and daily life of the Bezanozano and Betsimisaraka ethnic groups, and a stay in a magnificent seaside resort preserved from the tourist influx.

Arrival in Antananarivo

Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. As the ideal starting point for discovering the whole country, Antananarivo is a city steeped in history and culture. Its name means “city of a thousand”, in reference to the thousand soldiers who once defended the city, and it was here that the Merina kingdom and Madagascar’s captivating history took off. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by a transfer agent or your personal guide. They’ll help you through airport formalities and regulations, and it’s advisable to make a currency exchange before leaving the airport to facilitate your stay. Your comfort is our priority, which is why we select friendly, charming hotels located close to the airport. This will enable you to avoid long car traffic and the pollution of Antananarivo. That is, of course, unless you have special accommodation preferences.

On arrival at the hotel, you’ll be invited to check in and make yourself comfortable. Once you’ve settled in, your guide will join you for a comprehensive presentation of your Madagascar tour. This detailed presentation will give you a better understanding of what awaits you and the experiences on offer.

Overnight at the “Relais des Plateaux Ivato” or a similar hotel, with a breakfast supplement.

Antananarivo

After a peaceful night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning to begin your trip. On this first day, you’ll discover the whole of Antananarivo and its treasures.
We’ll start with a visit to Ambohimanga Rova, located some 20 km from the city. Called “The Blue Hill” because of its symbolic significance, this sacred hill is home to the profound identity of the Malagasy population, particularly that of the Imerina kingdom.Ambohimanga is a collection of sacred sites including a royal city and a burial site. You’ll be captivated by the spiritual atmosphere that reigns in these places steeped in history. Your guide will tell you fascinating stories about the site, and share with you the architectural and cultural treasures that bear witness to the ancient grandeur of Merina royalty.

After your complete tour of the site, you’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant offering Malagasy culinary specialities that fit in perfectly with your visit.

In the afternoon, we return to the city of Antananarivo, discovering each of the places that have shaped its history. We’ll start our exploration with – the city center, which was laid out in the early colonial era and reflects Antananarivo’s contemporary atmosphere.You’ll visit iconic sites such as the old Soarano train station, the grand avenue de l’Indépendance, the Analakely market, where you can immerse yourself in the bustle of daily life for Antananarivo’s inhabitants. Continuing our exploration, we visit the Museum of Photography, featuring a vast collection of photos of Madagascar from 1860 to 1960. The Palais de la Reine, once a royal compound occupied by the kings and queens of Madagascar from 1610 to 1896.

Overnight at the “Relais des Plateaux Ivato” or a similar hotel, with a breakfast supplement.

Antananarivo - Andasibe

Early in the morning, we set our sights on exploring the eastern part of Madagascar, a collection of rainforests, extraordinary landscapes, a welcoming and smiling population, and numerous rare and endemic species. This day will be devoted first and foremost to a visit to the Peyreyras reserve in Marozevo. This reserve, located some 72 km from the city of Antananarivo, before the Andasibe Mantadia National Park, is famous among wildlife photographers as a fascinating introduction to Malagasy fauna, home to reptiles and amphibians. Just a few meters from the reserve is the Gendarmerie Museum, which traces the history of the Malagasy forces of law and order from their origins.

Lunch on the way before arriving in Andasibe.

Once you’ve arrived in Andasibe, check in to your hotel and relax. Next, an exciting nocturnal experience awaits you, allowing you to explore the nocturnal species active around Andasibe, such as birds, lemurs, reptiles and amphibians.

Overnight at the Mantadia Forest Lodge or a similar hotel with a breakfast supplement.

Andasibe

Your day begins with a visit to the Analamazaotra special reserve, where you can observe the species that inhabit this region. This reserve is an integral part of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s most popular destinations. Indeed, this park is home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species, making it a place of great importance for ecotourism, ornithology and biology enthusiasts. The Analamazaotra Special Reserve offers a multitude of tours to suit all tastes, enabling everyone to enjoy an enriching experience. Today, the reserve boasts 11 species of lemur, as well as carnivores and a rich fauna of small mammals. What’s more, with over 1,200 plant species, including a 77% endemism rate, the reserve’s botanical diversity is nothing short of remarkable.

You will have lunch in your hotel or in a similar restaurant of your choice.

An afternoon visit to the Vakona Forest Lodge’s private reserve awaits you. The reserve features a crocodile lake, a variety of batrachians and reptiles, several endemic plants and a lemur island. To get up close to these species, the hotel offers a canoe trip across a small watercourse around 3 meters wide.

Overnight at Mantadia Forest Lodge or similar hotel with breakfast supplement.

Andasibe - Palmarium

Morning departure for the Palmarium reserve, also known as Ankanin’ny Nofy, which means “Dream Nest”. This reserve is located on the shores of Lake Ampitabe and the ocean, and you’ll need to take a fast boat across the Canal de Pangalane to get there. You’ll have the chance to observe a dozen species of free-ranging lemur, as well as rare and endemic land and tree animals and other flora such as orchids, carnivorous plants, ebony, mahogany and traveller trees.
After checking in at the hotel, you’ll take part in a nocturnal tour to observe the nocturnal species present in the region.

Overnight at the Palmarium Hotel or similar with breakfast supplement.

Palmarium

We’ll continue our exploration of the Palmarium reserve to discover the species that live there during the day. You’ll have the option of spending the whole day exploring the reserve, or spending the afternoon relaxing on the beach, whichever you prefer.

Lunch will be provided in your hotel.
Overnight at the Palmarium Hotel or similar with breakfast supplement.

Palmarium - Tamatave

Depending on the departure time of your transfer boat, you will be transported to Tamatave via the Mozambique Canal. Tamatave will be the departure point for your transfer to Sainte Marie Island. On arrival in Tamatave, transfer agents will be on hand to take you from the port to your hotel in the city.

Overnight at the Hotel Calypso or a similar hotel with a breakfast supplement.

Tamatave-Mahambo-Sainte Marie

Early in the morning, transfer agents will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Mahambo, where you’ll catch a speedboat to Sainte Marie Island. On arrival in Sainte Marie, your hotel will take care of transporting you from the port to your accommodation.

Overnight at the Soanambo Hotel or a similar hotel with a breakfast supplement.

2 Days in Sainte Marie

During your stay on Sainte Marie Island, you’ll have plenty of free time to enjoy its wonders. Your hotel will offer you a range of activities to suit your preferences: you can discover the local way of life on a Badjaj tour of the island, explore the history of pirates on a visit to the pirate cemetery and the White House, and enjoy a variety of water sports. If you’re lucky enough to come during the right season, you can even attend a cultural festival organized by the locals when the humpback whales arrive, accompanied by activities to observe these majestic marine mammals.

Overnight at the Soanambo Hotel or a similar hotel with breakfast supplement.

Sainte Marie – Antananarivo

Depending on your local flight schedule, your hotel will organize your transfer from your hotel to Sainte Marie national airport. When you arrive in Antananarivo, we’ll be there to welcome you and take you back to your hotel.

The local flight will be operated by Tsaradia.
Overnight at the “Relais des Plateaux” or similar hotel, with breakfast supplement.

Antananarivo-Out

A driver or your guide will be at your disposal with a car to accompany you around the city, to discover the local stores and souvenir markets. They’ll be on hand to assist you with all your shopping, should you wish to bring back a few souvenirs from Madagascar before your international flight. However, this will depend on your international flight schedule. At the end of your stay, they’ll take you to Ivato international airport and help you with formalities before wishing you a safe back home.

All private transfers
Accommodation based on Bed and Break Fast
Tourist Tax
Entrance fees in the parks and reserves
A car with driver-guide
Madagascar Insurance
Domestic flight
Local guides in parks and reserves

International flights
VISA
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Lunch and dinner during the tour (Unless a change is requested)
Any International Travel Insurance

Accommodation : The suggested hotels are high-range hotels designed to provide maximum comfort.
You will be accompanied by a certified English-speaking guide
Your local flight will be operated by Tsaradia Madagascar, but we suggest you to choose a private flight.
A whale-watching activity can be added if you come at the right season.