Originality of the East

Originality of the East

With this trip to Madagascar, you can encounter the diverse animals that make your stay even more spectacular. The descent of the Pangalanes will provide you with a unique experience. Analamazaotra Park is a treasure trove of fauna and flora for enthusiasts, including lemurs and Indri-indri. And the lagoon on the East Coast will be a beautiful way to end your journey.

Starting at 1 670 €

15 days

14 nights

Arriving in Antananarivo

Day 1

Arriving in Antananarivo

  1. Welcome at the airport by the Zania Tours team, then transfer to the city of Antananarivo.
  2. Check-in at your hotel
Antananarivo - Andasibe

Day 2

Antananarivo - Andasibe

  1. Departure to reach Andasibe National Park. Gradually leaving the mountainous region, you will immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of the East. A short stop in Marovezo to visit the Pereiras Reserve: butterfly farm, reptiles, and chameleons.
  2. After the visit, continue to Andasibe and check in at your hotel. Have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the private Vakona Forest Lodge reserve, where you will discover crocodiles, lemurs, and some endemic birds…
  3. Overnight at the hotel.
Andasibe

Day 3

Andasibe

  1. After breakfast, you will visit Analamazaotra National Park to discover the island's largest lemurs, the Indri Indri, as well as its fauna and flora. After the visit, return to the hotel.
  2. Night visit before dinner.
Andasibe – Manambato

Day 4

Andasibe – Manambato

  1. After breakfast, continue driving east towards Manambato. After lunch, transfer by boat to Akanin’ny Nofy.
  2. Night visit in the evening and overnight at the hotel.
Manambato – Mahanoro

Day 5

Manambato – Mahanoro

  1. Morning dedicated to visiting the Palmarium, a private nature reserve of exceptional beauty. The Palmarium is located on a 50-hectare peninsula, which adds to the charm of the reserve. You will discover, quite exceptionally, about ten species of lemurs living in freedom and having become accustomed to coexisting together, as well as a rare and endemic terrestrial and arboreal fauna. The diversity of the flora is also impressive and includes orchids, palm trees specific to Madagascar, drought-resistant plants, impressive lianas, carnivorous plants, etc.
  2. In the afternoon, depart to reach Mahanoro (by car), where you will begin your journey on the Pangalanes Canal. This canal was built at the beginning of colonization. The tour will take 2 nights and 3 days of navigation to reach Mananjary.
  3. Overnight in a local hotel.
Mahanoro – Ansohihy

Day 6

Mahanoro – Ansohihy

  1. Early breakfast, today is the day for the hike and the last day of our stay. It’s a flat and relatively easy 5 km trek with a slight elevation gain of 10 m at sea level. Board the boat to reach the starting point located at the Andranotsara ferry on RN 11. We will travel along this national road (which has now become a track) on the left bank of the canal, where we might only see one or two cars on this now deserted road, favored by Pangalanes navigation. Cross the Ampanalana bridge: photo session from the top of the bridge with a panoramic view of the canal and our boat waiting below. Short stop to visit the village (chatting with the owner of a small bush shop typical of the region, where you can find a little of everything, "Chez Maurice" makes life easier for everyone). Reboard for Ambodiharina, a small town lively with canal commercial activities. Lunch on board or at your leisure on the fine sand of the mouth of the Mangoro River, then cross this vast mouth. Final stop to visit a spice plantation; vanilla, cloves, cinnamon… will perfume your memory with rich colors and emotions.
  2. Overnight camping.
Ambohimahatsinjo / Asohihy

Day 7

Ambohimahatsinjo / Asohihy

  1. Peaceful navigation after the tough day before; first stop at Nosy Varika (“The Island of Lemurs”). Once a small village, it has now grown into a large town, and the lemurs have had to leave their habitat for humans. We’ll only stop at the market to find some organic and fresh products for lunch. Reboard and hold your breath, as crossing the large Analampontsy Lake will take about three quarters of an hour. We’ll rely on the skill and sense of direction of our brave pilot to continue along the canal, as some boats have turned in circles after losing their way. After passing the village, the canal changes shape and winds between high sand banks bordered by niaouli forest. Lunch on board before arriving at Masomeloka (“The Crooked Eyes”), a charming small town nestled among coconut trees, where we will discover the traditions and customs of the locals. Then, welcome to the well-equipped campsite of La Route des Épices in Asohihy, between the sea and the Pangalanes Canal. Free time in the late afternoon: stroll along the white sandy beach of the Indian Ocean.
  2. Overnight camping.
Ambohimahatsinjo / Mananjary / Manakara

Day 8

Ambohimahatsinjo / Mananjary / Manakara

  1. Visit to Ampadimana, discovering artisanal workshops (weaving, basketry, construction of cages and canoes, blacksmithing, etc.). Continue by crossing the extraordinary Andragnazavaka Bay with its vast expanse of water as far as the eye can see. Stop at Ambohitsara (“The Beautiful Village”), the northernmost village on the East Coast established by the Antambahoaka ethnic group. Visit the enigmatic “Vato Sarilambo” (“White Elephant”) relating to the origin of this ethnic group, and a factory producing “betsabetsa” (local honey wine). Lunch with fresh products purchased along the way, mainly seafood. Arrival in Mananjary in the late afternoon and transfer to Manakara.
  2. Overnight at the hotel.
Manakara – Ranomafana

Day 9

Manakara – Ranomafana

  1. Departure for Ranomafana after breakfast. We travel through a varied landscape towards Ranomafana. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the natural landscapes and make a stop to admire the views. Arrival in Ranomafana in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.
  2. Overnight at the hotel
Ranomafana

Day 10

Ranomafana

  1. Ranomafana National Park is one of the best equipped for exploring the rich biodiversity of the eastern coastal rainforests of the island. It is here that in 1986, the previously unknown species of lemur, the Hapalemur Doré, was discovered. With its 118 bird species, many of which are endemic, Ranomafana is also a prime location for bird-watching.
  2. Refreshments and overnight at the hotel.
Ranomafana - Isalo

Day 11

Ranomafana - Isalo

  1. Morning departure for Ambalavao (PK 466), the capital of beautiful Betsileo fabrics sometimes fringed with small pearls, and Antemoro paper made artisanally from bark. A visit to a workshop is planned as well as to a wine cellar, as Ambalavao is also a prominent wine region in Madagascar. Be sure to photograph the charming houses with verandas, which are very characteristic of this area. Continue on to Isalo.
  2. Overnight in Isalo.
Isalo

Day 12

Isalo

  1. After breakfast
  2. Visit of Isalo National Park (Makis Canyons). After the visit, return to the hotel.
Isalo – Tuléar – Ifaty

Day 13

Isalo – Tuléar – Ifaty

  1. Transfer to Tulear, passing through the highlands of Horombe. En route, stop at the sapphire village of Ilakaka before continuing to Tulear with its desert landscapes. Upon arrival in Tulear, have lunch before taking the sandy road to Ifaty.
  2. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Ifaty

Day 14

Ifaty

  1. Free day to admire the beauty of the region.
  2. Overnight at the hotel
Ifaty – Tulear – Tana

Day 15

Ifaty – Tulear – Tana

  1. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for lunch. Spend a half-day exploring the historic old town of Antananarivo, starting with a splendid view of the city, followed by a distant view of the Queen's Palace (under construction), the former Palace of Justice, and the Andafiavaratra Palace, which houses exhibits of items saved from the Queen's Palace fire in 1995.
  2. Overnight at the hotel

Included

  • Airport - Hotel - Airport transfers
  • Assistance during the tour
  • Visits mentioned in the program
  • National Park entrance fee and local guide
  • Tourist tax at hotels
  • Accommodation in 2-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Full board during nights in a campsite

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees, tips
  • Baggage insurance, trip cancellation, illness, and repatriation
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks (wine, beer,...)
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