11 Day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour

Day 1: Antananarivo - Madagascar

Your epic 11-day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour begins on your arrival in Antananarivo, Madagascar's lively capital city. You'll be welcomed by your Malagasy guide and transferred to your city hotel for an overnight stay. If time allows, you're free to explore the city's rich history, vibrant markets, and scenic hilltop views. Antananarivo's unique charm lies in its blend of French-influenced architecture and lively local culture.

• Included Activity: Airport Transfer
• Meals Included: No meals included

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe – Madagascar

After breakfast at the hotel, your Madagascar Safari journeys east to Andasibe, a stunning region known for its lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Check into your comfortable forest hotel that will be home for two nights. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

As evening approaches, embark on a night walk through the forest, accompanied by expert guides who will help you spot the region's fascinating wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and owls. As you venture through the forest under the soft glow of flashlights, keep a lookout for the glowing eyes peeking from the treetops for chances to spot the elusive nocturnal species of the forest, like mouse lemurs, chameleons and frogs.

• Included Activity: Andasibe Forest Night Walk
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Madagascar

On Day 3 of your Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour, you'll explore the Andasibe National Park and its unique wildlife. Begin with a visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, where lush rainforests provide a sanctuary for a variety of lemur species, including the iconic Indri lemur, chameleons, frogs, and a variety of fascinating bird species.

In the afternoon, visit the V.O.I.M.M.A Community Reserve, offering a more intimate, less crowded experience than the national park, allowing for deeper engagement with the local community’s conservation efforts. As you explore the reserve's lush forests with a knowledgeable guide, you'll gain insight into the delicate balance between protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity and supporting the people who live there.

• Included Activity: Andasibe National Park Safari, VOIMMA Community Reserve visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Days 4 to 5: Andasibe to Pangalanes Canal & Akanin'Ny Nofy – Madagascar

Today, our Madagascar Safari departs the Andasibe forests and travels to the hut village of Manambolo near the east coast of Madagascar. From here, you'll embark on a scenic boat journey along the Pangalanes Canal to reach the Palmarium Reserve at Akanin'ny Nofy, where you will stay for the next two nights. The Pangalanes Canal is a 600-kilometre network of man-made and natural waterways just inland from Madagascar's eastern coastline. As you glide along the tranquil waters, you'll pass through rainforests dotted with fishing villages and plantations, providing a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar’s traditional life and natural beauty from this unique perspective.

Day 5 of your Madagascar Lemurs Safari begins with a visit to the Palmarium Reserve, a private forest reserve that is home to six different species of lemurs, including the indri and black-and-white ruffed Lemur. As you explore the reserve, you'll witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, set amidst the lush landscape.

Later in the day, visit a nearby village to experience local Malagasy culture firsthand, gaining insight into the daily lives and customs of the community. Later, after the sun has set, head out on a night excursion with experienced trackers in search of small mouse lemurs, rare woolly lemurs, and the elusive aye-aye lemur, one of Madagascar's most mysterious nocturnal species.

• Included Activity: Pangalanes Canal Boat Transfer, Palmarium Reserve Safari, Forest Night Walk
• Meals Included: Breakfast x2

Day 6: Akanin'Ny Nofy to Pangalanes Canal, Tamatave & Sainte Marie Island – Madagascar

As the sun rises this morning, we board a boat and glide along the peaceful Pangalanes Canal toward Tamatave. This gentle cruise reveals a different side of Madagascar — lush greenery, quiet fishing villages, and scenes of daily life unfolding along the water’s edge.

On arrival in Tamatave, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Sainte Marie, an island paradise off Madagascar’s east coast. After landing, you’ll be welcomed and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy the tropical surroundings, and ease into island time.

• Included Activity: Pangalanes Canal Boat Cruise
• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 7 to 9: Ile aux Nattes (Sainte Marie Island) – Madagascar

We spend days 7, 8 and 9 enjoying Sainte Marie’s laid-back rhythm. Wander along white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or soak up the sunshine and unwind in the shade of coconut palms, enjoying the island’s peaceful atmosphere. For the adventurous, optional snorkelling trips offer a chance to discover colourful reefs and marine life just offshore, offering a glimpse into the island’s vibrant underwater world, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly even dolphins.

With no cars and a laid-back vibe, Île aux Nattes is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Madagascar's coastline. Sainte Marie is famous for its whale-watching opportunities (July to September) when humpback whales visit the coves on their annual migration.

Explore the mangroves and the island’s rich history, including a trip to the Pirate Cemetery to discover the legends of old. Whether you choose exploration or relaxation, Sainte Marie captures the essence of a tranquil island escape.

• Optional Activity: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Pirogue Trips, Whale Watching (in season), and more
• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner x3

Day 10: Sainte Marie Island to Antananarivo – Madagascar

After three blissful island days, it is time for our Madagascar Safari to return to the mainland. Catch a flight from Sainte Marie Island to Antananarivo. On arrival, experience the city's charm with a guided tour of the sights, and a visit to the royal hill of Ambohimanga — a UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn about Madagascar’s royal past and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The afternoon is free to discover more of the city or simply unwind at your hotel.

• Included Activity: Guided Antananarivo City Tour
• Meal Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Antananarivo – Madagascar

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be collected at the hotel for a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Here, your epic 11 Day Madagascar Lemur & Sainte-Marie Island Tour comes to a close.

• Meal Included: Breakfast

Madagascar Safari Tour Notes

It is advisable to fly in the day before and fly out the day after this 11 Day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour ends in Antananarivo to allow for delays and changes. Ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and/or post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

Madagascar Flights

Note that local and international flight costs are not included in this Madagascar Safari package and will be quoted separately at the time of booking. Our friendly travel advisors will be able to advise on your options and make bookings on your behalf through our flight partners.

Madagascar Tour Accommodation

Accommodation on this Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour is mid-range hotels in comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

For more details, contact African Budget Safaris