Wonders of Madagascar (Mid Nov to April)

Arrival
Welcome to Madagascar! Once you arrive at Tana Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Antananarivo (known as Tana) 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 town.

Departure
At the appropriate time today you will be transferred from your hotel to Tana Airport for your departing flight.

Morondava - Kirindy
Upon arrival in Moroondava, you will be transferred to Kirindy (60km) and check in to your hotel before beginning a 1 hour guided hike in Kirindy Park.

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). At around 6pm, you meet our guide again for a night walk to see night active animals.

Breakfast included.

Kirindy to Morondava
Today you will have a morning walk with a private guide through Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s most rewarding wildlife spots. Here, you’ll have the chance to encounter 8 different species of lemurs, including the iconic Verreaux’s sifaka, the red-fronted brown lemur, and the common brown lemur (fulvus rufus).

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to Morondava with a memorable stop at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs. As the sun sets, capture the breathtaking silhouettes of Grandidier’s baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri), creating unforgettable photo opportunities.

Arrive in Morondava by late afternoon, with check-in and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Breakfast included.

Departure
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departing flight.

Antananarivo - Andasibe
Today we will drive to the Perinet special reserve, crossing a myriad of villages and getting a feel for the traditional lifestyle of the Malagasy people. Incomprehensibly abundant rice paddies, chimneyless long clay red houses and millions of roadside markets displaying a variety of handicrafts, fruit and meat markets. On the way, we will visit the Peyrieras farm where you can easily see reptiles and have chance to approach lemurs at feeding times.

We will continue towards Andasibe passing by Moramanga (important main crossroad) and you can have lunch at your expense at a local restaurant in Moramanga, or in Andasibe-Vakonas restaurant. In the afternoon we arrive in Andasibe where we will play with the lemurs at the Vakona lemur island. Tonight visit the VOIMMA private reserve for wildlife watching before you transfer and settle into your hotel.

Driving: approximately 4 hours (145km).

Breakfast included.

Mantadia Special Reserve - Lemurs Island
After breakfast, you will drive for one hour to Mantadia (15km from Andasibe) and spend 3-4 hours inside Mantadia National Park. A large number of animal diversity has been recorded: 17 mammal species, 117 birds species, (many of them endemic, like the Madagascar yellow brow, Madagascar baza, Madagascar wagtail or the Madagascar serpent-eagle), 51 species of reptiles, among them the biggest chameleon of the island, the boa and many leaf-tailed geckos, 84 species of amphibians. There are also a few local endemic fishes swimming in the small rivers and hundreds of insects, among them some extraordinary colourful and big butterflies Apart from the Indri, another 1’ lemur species inhabit these forests, such as woody lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, diademed sifaka, brown lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, and black and white ruffed lemurs.

Afterwards, visit the private park of Vakona in the “islands of lemurs”which the best spot to take photo of lemurs. After the hike, visit to Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village, the second largest tribe and live; they cultivate rice and work on vanilla plantations. You will head back to your accommodation.

Breakfast included.

Andasibe – Manambato - Ankanin'ny Nofy
Begin your day with a 3-4 hour hike in the lush Andasibe National Park, an expansive tropical rainforest in Madagascar’s east. The park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including 9 species of lemurs. The highlight of your visit will be the sight and sound of the majestic Indri Indri, the largest lemur on the island. This 810-hectare reserve is also home to an array of unique wildlife, including colorful chameleons, tenrecs, and an abundance of bird species, along with a rich variety of orchids.

After the hike, we continue east along National Road 2 for a 3-hour drive to Ankanin'ny Nofy. Along the way, we’ll stop in Brickaville for a brief visit to this historic colonial town. The journey continues for 10 km to a crossroads, followed by a scenic 7-km dirt road that leads us to the small village of Manambato, located on the shores of Lake Rasoabe. Here, we’ll board a speedboat for a 1-hour journey to Ankanin'ny Nofy, crossing the serene Rasoabe Lake and the Pangalanes Canal, an important waterway constructed during the colonial era. As we glide through this tranquil landscape, keep an eye out for birds and enjoy the vibrant vegetation of Madagascar’s eastern coast. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for the night.

Palmarium Reserve The Palmarium Reserve is a 40-hectare private park teeming with wildlife, including a variety of lemur species, chameleons, butterflies, snakes, and tortoises, all nestled within a verdant tropical rainforest. Among the 6 species of lemurs found here, the Indri Indri, the red-bellied lemur (rubriventer), and the black lemur (macaco) are the stars of the show. Visitors have the rare opportunity to observe these creatures up close, and even interact with them. The reserve is also home to night-active lemurs, such as Eulemur coronatus and macaco, offering a special experience for those interested in nocturnal wildlife. As you explore the reserve, you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden filled with orchids, vanilla plants, and a diverse array of exotic flora, making this visit truly rewarding.

Breakfast included.

Palmarium Private Park
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-minute 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.

Breakfast included.

Ankanin'ny Nofy – Manambato - Antananarivo
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic 1-hour boat ride to Manambato, crossing the serene Lake Ampitabe and the historic Pangalanes Canal before reaching the picturesque Lake Rasoamasay and Rasoa Be. Upon arrival in Manambato, we continue our journey along a 45-minute dirt road until we reach the main highway. From there, we’ll make a brief stop in Brickaville, an old colonial town and one of the key cities along National Route 2, for a short visit.

We then drive for another 2 to 3 hours to Andasibe, where we can enjoy lunch before setting off for a final 4-hour drive to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, check in and spend the night at your hotel.

Breakfast included.

Departure
At the appropriate time today you will be transferred from your hotel to Tana Airport for your departing flight.

Breakfast included.