Eastern Madagascar Tour - Andasibe & St Marie Island

A great 8 day Safari to the lesser travelled Eastern Section of Madagascar. Discover the forests and wildlife of this region and the deserted white sand beaches.

Starting off with a visit to Andasibe National Park and its unique wildlife including its night active lemurs. We then head in an eastern direction to the private Park of Le Palmarium for some more unique fauna and flora.

We then head by boat across the Pangalanes Channel to the island of St Marie where we put our feet up and relax for a few days or take part in watersports or walks on the island.

Your jouney ends with a return journey to Antananarivo.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Antananarivo to Andasibe – Madagascar

You will be met at the airport in Antananarivo and transferred directly to Andasibe through a landscape of rice paddies, waterfalls and scarce forest stations. Along our way we will stop at Marozevo to visit a reptile farm. Then we head to Andasibe, a small and pleasant village, former logging centre and home to one of the most visited National Parks of the island. Before dinner, we will go on a night walk in the park where we will have the chance to see some nocturnal species of lemurs.

Accommodation: Hotel Feon'ny Ala or similar.

DAY 2: Andasibe to Akan in' Ny Nofy – Madagascar B

After breakfast, we will go on a morning visit of the reserve to see the Indri lemurs, the largest of the lemur species, as well as brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, various birds, colourful chameleons and other fauna and flora Andasibe National Park is renowned for. Later we drive to Manambato, where you will go on a boat transfer to Akanin' ny Nofy, which means "Nest of Dreams".

Accommodation: Hotel Palmarium or similar.

DAY 3: Akan in' Ny Nofy to Tamatave – Madagascar B

In the morning we will visit the private Palmarium Park, also known as Akanin' ny Nofy, which is situated on 50 ha on the east coast of Madagascar, along the Ampitabe lake and the Indian Ocean, in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be able to discover the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar, such as rare palm trees and plants like orchids and mahoganies, as well as reptiles and 10 different species of lemurs living in its trees. In the afternoon you will go on a boat transfer to Tamatave in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be collected at the port and transferred to your hotel in Tamatave, the major city on the east coast and the country's largest port. It is a pleasant place with long, wide avenues lined with flamboyants and palm trees, a seaside promenade and a good selection of restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotel Joffre or similar.

DAY 4: Tamatave to Sainte Marie – Madagascar B

On day four of the Eastern Madagascar Tour you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sainte Marie, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this wonderful island paradise, Sainte Marie - the charming 57 km-long island that lies 8 km off the coast of eastern Madagascar. The island offers long beaches, shallow seas, cascades, tropical flowers and almost Caribbean atmosphere and is also of interest for its several old buildings and its long history as a pirate haunt.

Accommodation: Vanivola or similar.

DAY 5 & 6: Sainte Marie – Madagascar B

This day is free at leisure and you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the numerous optional excursions available at your own expense. Go on a boat excursion to the small island "Ile aux Nattes", Sainte Marie's jewel with its beautiful beaches, bays and emerald lagoon; or visit the pirates' cemetery. For outdoor-lovers, the island is crossed with tracks and offers many opportunities to explore on foot. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean while snorkeling or scuba diving with one of the many operators on the island. From July to October, you will have the chance to see the majestic humpback whales near the island.

Accommodation: Vanivola or similar.

DAY 7: Sainte Marie to Antananarivo – Madagascar B

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo, where you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. Antananarivo is the picturesque capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people and ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world's other capitals. You can wander through the capital's steep and narrow streets, taking in its architecture, atmosphere and pace. Or you can climb up to the old rova (palace) and enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside. The town is at its best in the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.

Accommodation: Residence Lapasoa or similar.

DAY 8: Antananarivo to Johannesburg – South Africa B

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Johannesburg, where your unforgettable Eastern Madagascar Tour ends. We hope to welcome you to Madagascar again very soon!

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