PRIVATE TOUR: Experience Madagascar’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture on this unforgettable journey. Explore Antananarivo’s historic charm, hike through Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to see the Indri Indri lemurs, and cruise the scenic Canal des Pangalanes. Discover the Palmarium Reserve’s rare flora and playful lemurs, visit local fishing villages, and unwind on the paradise island of Sainte Marie. Enjoy pristine beaches, forest trails, and optional whale watching (June–October). A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with comfortable stays throughout.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! On arrival at the airport in the capital of Antananarivo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your first evening in Madagascar is free to relax in the hotel or to head out and explore.
Overnight: Antananarivo
Journey to Andasibe & Wildlife Encounters
Antananarivo - Andasibe. Today you drive to Andasibe, stopping at Mandraka’s Butterfly Farm to see chameleons, geckos, lizards, and butterflies. Arrive by afternoon and check into a forest-side bungalow.
Overnight: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park | Breakfast
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Adventure
Set off on a guided tour of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, hiking for three hours to spot the Indri Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, along with diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit VOI village park for another chance to see these iconic lemurs up close.
Overnight: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park | Breakfast
Scenic Cruise on the Canal des Pangalanes
Andasibe - Akanin'ny Nofy reserve. After breakfast, drive 145 km (about 2.5 hours) on National Road 2, followed by an 8 km dirt track to Manambato on Lake Rasoabe. Board a barge for a peaceful cruise along the Canal des Pangalanes, gliding between the sea and lagoons. The Canal des Pangalanes is a partially man-made waterway. It combines natural rivers, lakes, and lagoons with artificial channels that were constructed during the French colonial period to create a navigable route along Madagascar's eastern coast.
Overnight: Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve | Breakfast
Exploring Palmarium Reserve
Akanin'ny Nofy reserve - Palmarium. After breakfast, visit the Palmarium Reserve, home to rare endemic palms, orchids, carnivorous plants, and playful lemurs, including Indri, sifaka, and crowned lemurs. In the afternoon, explore local fishing villages or enjoy optional activities on Lake Ampitabe, such as canoeing and swimming.
Overnight: Palmarium Reserve | Breakfast
Canal Journey to Tamatave & Drive to Foulpointe
Palmarium - Foulpointe. After breakfast, embark on a three-hour boat transfer to Tamatave, passing pirogues and rafts transporting local goods like bananas, manioc, and dried ravinala leaves. Watch the world go by and enjoy views of Malagasy life. On arrival, you'll continue your journey by car, travelling another three hours to Foulpointe.
Overnight: Foulpointe | Breakfast
Boat Transfer to Sainte Marie Island
Foulpointe - Sante Marie. Enjoy a 3-hour boat transfer to Sainte Marie. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for you to explore.
Overnight: Sainte Marie | Breakfast
Days at Leisure in Sainte Marie
Enjoy free time in Sainte Marie, where traditional life meets paradise. Explore beaches, forests, and historical sites through hikes, bike rides, or car and quad excursions. Experience the laid-back pace of "moramora," and, from June to October, join boat trips to see humpback whales during their breeding season.
Overnight: Sainte Marie
Return to Antananarivo
Sainte Marie - Antananrivo. After a final dive in Sainte Marie, depending on your Tsaradia flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo.
Please note: The flight from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo is not included in the cost of your tour. We can assist you with booking this flight if you wish.
Overnight: Antananarivo | Breakfast
Antananarivo
If time allows, enjoy a brief stop at the artisanal market for shopping before transferring to the airport for your international flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antananarivo Waterfront, Antananarivo
Radisson Blu Hotel, Antananarivo Waterfront offers a stylish and comfortable stay in Madagascar’s capital. Set in the vibrant Waterfront district, the hotel features modern rooms with sleek décor, plush bedding, and city or lake views. Guests can unwind at the indoor pool, work out in the fitness centre, enjoy international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, or relax with a drink in the garden or out on the terrace. There's also an onsite coffee shop. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and key attractions like the Queen’s Palace and Independence Avenue.
Mantadia Lodge , Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Mantadia Lodge, nestled in Madagascar’s verdant wilderness, provides a unique retreat for nature lovers. Situated near the entrance of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, it serves as a gateway to one of the island’s most biodiverse regions. Encircled by dense rainforest, this eco-friendly lodge seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, fostering a harmonious connection with the local ecosystem.
Palmarium, Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve
Set within beautiful, lemur-filled gardens, the Palmarium hotel consists of several thatched bungalows, each with a shared or private terrace area. With wooden walls, furniture and roofs, the rustic accommodation at this hotel is perfect for those seeking to completely immerse themselves in their stunning natural surroundings. When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy a range of Malagasy specialities at the hotel's restaurant. Dishes include fish, zebu, fresh vegetables and freshly baked bread.
Palmarium, Palmarium Reserve
Set within beautiful, lemur-filled gardens, the Palmarium hotel consists of several thatched bungalows, each with a shared or private terrace area. with wooden wall, furniture and roofs, the rustic accommodation at this hotel is perfect for those seeking to completely immerse themselves in their stunning natural surroundings. When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy a range of Malagasy specialties at the hotel restaurant. Dishes include fish , zebu, fresh vegetables and freshy baked bread.
Sanctuary Lodge, Foulpointe
Tucked away in a forest just ten minutes from the beach and 50 km from Toamasina, with direct road access, the Sanctuary Lodge offers a tranquil retreat. Designed to preserve its essence as a refuge, it provides a serene haven for rest and reflection amidst nature.
Princesse Bora Lodge, Sainte Marie
Princesse Bora Lodge is a beautiful lodge with comfortable, luxurious villas, all of which are pleasantly furnished with dark wood floors and shutters. Each room is built using a range of natural materials, including rosewood and cut stone and has its own private deck with chairs, a hammock and a footbath. Revitalising treatments are available at the hotel's Jungle Spa, while gourmet meals can be found in the restaurant. The hotel is ideally situated on the beach, close to the southern point of Sainte-Marie Island.
At a Glance
