Land of Contrast :
Baobab and
Rainforest
Day 1 Antananarivo
Arrival in Tana, meet and greet at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Our reps will meet you at your hotel to hand you all your travel documents and to make a briefing for the whole tours. Night in hotel
ANTANANARIVO
Antananarivo means “City of thousands”. Its story began 500 years ago, the king Andrianjaka sent over 1000 soldiers to cut the forest and to conquer the land. Then the great King Andrianampoinimerina, attracted by the beauty of the city, decided to build a palace there, which became later his successor’s main palace. From here the same king started to unify the different kingdoms of the island. During King Radama’s reign Antananarivo became the capital of all Madagascar. . Antananarivo is build on 3 levels : the high city where the queen’s palace is situated, the first area occupied during the royal period, then the mid-city, the administrative area where all the better boutiques of the capital are found, then the low city which is the commercial area of the Arrival in Tana, meet and greet at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Our reps will meet you at your hotel to hand you all your travel documents and to make a briefing for the whole tours. Night in hotel
Included
Transfer Airport – Hotel
San Cristobal BB
Day 2 Antananarivo – Kirindy (Réserve)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Morondava, on arrival transfer through the Baobabs forest and the red soil of the west to Kirindy, Settlement in the lodge then meet the guide for night expedition of the reserve, We’ll start an expedition to see the fossa and other night active lemur’s species; overnight in the lodge.
Kirindy reserve
Rich on wildlife and home to 8 species of day active lemurs, Kirindy is also home to “the Fossa” the only predator for lemurs and the “Giant Jumping Rat” and the world’s smallest primate as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species (and no poisonous snakes). The Kirindy boasts more than 60 species of birds, and thus become an inevitable spot for bird watching.
Included
Transfer Airport – Hotel
Short day and night walk in Kirindy reserve
Relais du Kirindy BB
Day 3 Kirindy (Réserve) – Bekopaka Bemaraha
The Kirindy boasts more than 60 species of birds, so early morning we have 2 hours hike to look for birds before we take our breakfast. Then around 9.00am, 2 hours’ drive to Tsimafana through the Baobabs forest and the red soil of the west. We take a Ferry boat transfer to reach Belo. Then head on to Bekopaka for another 4 hours adventure in a dirt track. This drive brings us to Madagascar profound, the bush African side of the country with its dry and red soil. One can experience the real life of Malagasy people in the driest part of the country. Arrival in Bekopaka by end of the afternoon, check-in and overnight in Hotel
Included
Morning visit of Kirindy reserve
Transport by private 4WD
Ferry boat transfer in Tsiribihina and Manamobo River
Soleil des Tsingy LDBB
Day 4 Bekopaka Bemaraha
Morning, after breakfast, hike to the Tsingy, a limestone mountain classified as an international heritage. This massif is spectacularly eroded into a chaos of karsts pinnacle which gives it a very strange form. Here nature seems to be in perfect harmony with this wild and sharp limestone mountain. The flora consists of a dry western deciduous forest, plants typical of these dry limestone areas, such as species of Aloe and baobab Andasonia, the red-flowered flamboyant tree Delonix regia which is so widely planted in the tropics. Madagascar’s sole native banana Musa perrieri also occurs. Regarding flora, we can see typical plants growing in the rocky area such pachypodium, orchids. Concerning the fauna we can see the stump-tailed chameleon Brookesia perarmata known from only a handful specimens, the bird list contains 53 species, seven species of lemurs including Decken’s sifaka Propithecus verreauxi deckeni. Overnight in hotel
Included
Manambolo river combinated with small Tsingy or only visit of Big Tsingy
Soleil des Tsingy LDBB
Day 5 Bekopaka Bemaraha – Morondava
Breakfast at hotel then, cross Manambolo river and take the dirt road to Morondava. Stop in Belo sur Tsiribihina where we cross the Tsiribihina river with a local ferry to reach Tsimafana. From there another 4 hours to reach Morondava. We are in the region of splendid Grandidiers baobab, Andasonia grandidieri. We stop in « ALLEE DES BAOBABS » and enjoy the sunset picture of this unique moment, with its different colours and lights. Night in Hotel.
Included
Transport by private 4WD
Ferryboat transfer in Manambolo and Tsiribihina River
Sunset in Avenue of Baobabs
Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa LDBB
Day 6 Morondava – Miandrivazo
After breakfast, drive towards Miandrivazo. En route experience varied landscapes and the transition from the very dry west to the red soil and rice fields around Miandrivazo. Situated on the Tsiribihina River, Miandrivazo is a very fertile region for cotton, corn, manioc, beans, tobacco and rice. The rest of the day is at leisure either to enjoy the countryside or relax at the hotel. Overnight in hotel
Included
Transport by private 4WD
Princesse Tsiribihina BB
Day 7 Miandrivazo – Antsirabe
Continue the journey to Antsirabe. You will also notice changes on the features of the local people as Asian heritage becomes more prominent. We finish the day in Antsirabe, The city of Antsirabe has about 100,000 inhabitants, and was founded by Norwegian missionaries in the late 18th century, who were attracted by the pleasant climate. It lies on the slopes of the nation’s second highest peak, Tsiafajavona, in the Ankaratra Mountains, and has nearby thermal springs, locally renowned for their healing properties. The city is also known as the centre of Madagascar’s brewing industry, and indeed you will smell the brewery on the way into town, overinght in hotel
Included
Tranport by private 4WD
City tour of Antsirabe
Arotel BB
Day 8 Antsirabe – Andasibe
In the morning, we head on to Tana, the end of National Road 7. From here we take the National road 2 and we head on eastwards to Andasibe, through the green landscape and luxuriant vegetation of the East. This second step brings us to the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes. On the way stop in “Pyereras Reptiles Park” to see farmed chameleons and other species of reptiles. Then we drive for another 2 hours to reach Andasibe, we may stop in Moramanga for a short visit of the local market. We’ll reach Andasibe at the end of the afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Included
Transport by private 4WD
Visit of Peyreras reptiles’ park
Vakona Forest Lodge BB
Day 9 Andasibe
Morning, 3 to 4 hours guided walk in the Andasibe National Park, a huge tropical rainy forest in the east. 9 species of lemurs can be spotted; the highlight is the « Indri Indri » which is the largest lemurs of the island. This 810 ha reserve is also home to numerous unique wildlife. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. After the hike, visit to Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village; who mainly lives on agriculture. Then visit the private park of Vakona in the « islands of lemurs » which the best spot to take photo of lemurs
Indri Indri
According to the legend, Indri Indri or Babakoto’s name in Malagasy comes from the legend that one day, a small boy called Koto went and climbed a tree to collect bees. Arriving on the top, he was stung by the bees. Losing his lose, he fell but was saved by the “Indri Indri” which brought him to his village and from that time, Indri was called “Babakoto” or “father of Koto”. Members of the Indri family, includes the adult male and female, who stays together for life with their young. A female Indri gives birth to a single offspring every 2-3 years. No one knows how long an Indri may live, but their lifespan is estimated between 25 and 40 years. Adults are from 70-90 cm tall and weigh from 7-10 kg.
Analamazaotra National Park
Morning, 3 to 4 hours guided walk in the Andasibe National Park, a huge tropical rainy forest in the East. 9 species of daily active lemurs can be spotted; the highlight is the « Indri Indri » which is the largest lemurs of the island. This 810 ha reserve is also home to numerous unique wildlife. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. After the hike, visit to Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village; who mainly lives on agriculture. Then visit the private park of Vakona in the « islands of lemurs » which the best spot to take photo of lemurs. Back in hotel for the night.
Included
4 hours visit of Andasibe special reserve (Analamazaotra)
1 hour visit of Lemurs Island in Vakona
Vakona Forest Lodge BB
Day 10 Andasibe – Ankanin’ny Nofy
Today we move eastwards along the National Road 2 and have 3 hour’s drive to Ankanin’ny Nofy. We stop in Brickaville for a short visit to the old colonial city. Then we drive about 10km till the cross road and take 7km of dirt road which leads us to Manambato, a tiny village on the bank of Rasoa Be lake, which serves as the harbour for the speed boat to Ankanin’ny Nofy. We board on a 1 hour boat to reach Akanin’ Ny Nofy. We cross the Rasoabe Lake, then the Pangalanes channel built during the colonisation day for commercial use. During the crossing, we might spot some birds and we’ll enjoy the luxuriant vegetation of the East. Night in hotel.
Palmarium Reserve
A private park about 4 ha where we can see many different kinds of animals: lemurs, chameleons, butterflies, snakes and some tortoises inside a luxuriant rainy tropical forest. 6 species of lemurs are found in the reserve and the highlights are the “Indri Indri”, the “rubriventer”, “macaco”.
We’ll see them very close and can even touch them. Also night active lemurs like eulemur coronatus, and macaco. With its wide tropical garden, many orchids, vanilla, different plants and flowers are our rewards during our visit.
Included
Transport by private 4WD
Boat transfer to Palmarium
Palmarium Hotel BB
Day 11 Ankanin’ny Nofy
For the bird-watchers, early morning expedition to spot endemic birds around the area is available. Then after breakfast, you’ll have another hike to explore « PALMARIUM” private park which is home to 7species of lemurs, with “ Indri Indri” as a highlight, many species of reptiles and birds. Flora is also very rich with its garden of palm trees, orchids and the famous vanilla. Since the bungalows are situated inside the park, guests will be permanently in contact with lemurs. Surrounded by a huge lake, this is one of the few places ideal for rest in the middle of nature. By 05.30 pm, you take a 30 minutes boat across the Ampitabe lake and visit the “aye aye” island, a newly created park to protect the endangered lemurs “aye aye”. This 1-hour visit enables us to see very closely this unique and seldom seen lemurs in its natural habitat. Overnight in your hotel
Included
Visit of Palmarium reserve
Transfer boat and visit Aye-Aye’ Ilsand
Palmarium Hotel BB
Day 12 Ankanin’ny Nofy – Foulpointe
Early departure for 2 to 3 hours journey by boat along the Pangalanes channel. We will enjoy the life of the people living along the channel with their Bamboo pirogue. Arrival in Tamatave, we’ll have a short city tours and discover the main harbour and the second most important city of Madagascar. Afterwards, we head northwards and have 2 hours’ drive to Foulpointe, 55km from Tamatave along the beautiful coastal road. We are in the most luxuriant and humid region of the island with the highest rainfall and humidity in the country.
Included
Transfer boat to Tamatave
Transfer car to Foulpointe
Azura Golf Resort & Spa DBB
Day 13 Foulpointe – Sainte Marie
Early departure 30mn minutes transfer by car to Mahambo. Upon arrival you embark for 2 hours boat transfer Sainte Marie. The sea is rather calm in the morning that is why all the transfers should be done only in the morning.Upon arrival in Ambodifototra, the capital of Sainte Marie, a driver will transfer you to Hotel where you overnight
Included
Transfer car to Mahambo
Transfer boat to Sainte Marie
Transfer Port – Hotel
Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa DBB
Day 14 Sainte Marie
Sainte-Marie is a small island situated in the on the east of Tamatave. It is used to be the home of pirates during the 16th century. The queen of the island was even married to one of them. Dotted with nice beach, wonderful creeks, Sainte-Marie is most frequented place by tourists. It is for those looking for tranquillity and beauty, a place where we can watch the dancing of whales from July to October. A tropical isle with luxuriant vegetation, Sainte – Marie is also a nice place for walk or for cycling, snorkelling and diving. There are also interesting sights around Ambodifotatra and the Baie des Forbans, in the town there is also a Catholic church built in 1837, the Pirates’ Cemetery which marked the European passage in the island. The population is admired for their kindness and hospitality. Night at the same hotel.
Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa DBB
Day 15 Sainte Marie
Day at leisure, night in the same hotel
Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa DBB
Day 16 Sainte Marie – Antananarivo
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Tana, on arrival transfer and night in hotel
Included
Transfer Hotel – Ariport – Hotel
San Cristobal BB
Day 17 Antananarivo
Transfer to the airport for the international flight back home
Included
Transfer Hotel – Airport