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Andasibe – Alaotra Lake – Zahamena and Nosy Be

17-Day Nature Trip with Spectacular Experiences in Madagascar

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the impressive nature of Madagascar, it is worth booking a trip to the lesser-known nature reserves on the island.

There, fascinating animal and plant worlds await far away from mass tourism in an almost completely untouched atmosphere.

Explore the world of lemurs: Listen to the songs of the Indri-Indris, one of the largest lemur species, or discover the home of the Bandros, a lemur species that lives above water.

If you are looking for a spectacular and extraordinary nature adventure and can do without a bit of comfort and luxury, then our 17-day trip through the nature parks Andasibe and Zahamena with a visit to Lake Alaotra is just right for you.

But this trip not only includes guided tours through the two national parks, but also a multi-day stay on the island of Nosy Be.

This serves as a moment of relaxation at the end of the trip, where you can reflect on everything you have experienced before.

 

Basic Information about the Nature Trip

The nature trip we have planned with stops in Andasibe, Lac Alaotra, and Zahamena is designed for explorers and nature lovers who are good on foot and can do without comfort on vacation.

This nature trip is planned as a round trip, where you will not always stay in fixed accommodations, but also camp. All routes are more or less marked by paved paths, but physical exertion cannot be ruled out due to the climate in Madagascar.

The tour is completely planned, meaning we take care of transportation, accommodations, and meals for breakfast and dinner.

You can see a detailed list of the included services when booking the full package at the end of this trip description.

You will also see what additional services you can expect on site.

Our goal is to provide maximum transparency so that your vacation in Madagascar can be a uniquely positive experience.

If you have any questions or suggestions, never hesitate to contact us directly.

The Rough Itinerary of the 17-Day Nature Trip

All lovers of lemurs and other extraordinary animal or plant species will be particularly interested in this 17-day guided nature trip.

You will visit two national parks located in less touristically developed areas of Madagascar. Therefore, you can expect untouched nature that is becoming increasingly rare in many other nature parks due to growing tourist crowds.

The trip starts in the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo, from where you will drive east to Moramanga and the Andasibe National Park.

From there, you will continue to Lake Alaotra and Imerimandroso, where you can discover some examples of Merina architecture.

The next stop is the Zahamena National Park, where a three-day hiking tour awaits.

This is followed by the return to Antananarivo, including a stop in Ambatondrazaka. From Antananarivo, you will fly to the island of Nosy Be, also known worldwide as the Perfume Island.

On Nosy Be, you will have four days for free activities before returning to Antananarivo and concluding the trip.

This trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, individuality, and relaxation.

The Detailed Itinerary for the Andasibe - Lac Alaotra - Zahamena Tour

Before booking a round trip through the partly untouched nature of Madagascar, you should thoroughly inform yourself about the various stops of this trip and the specific itinerary. Madagascar is a country where the values and norms of Europe are not necessarily on the normal agenda at every corner.

When booking a round trip around the island or your vacation in Madagascar, you should therefore pay attention to all details from the outset.

To offer you maximum transparency and comfort, we have not only put together the complete travel package but also compiled all details about the itinerary for you below.

This way, you can get a concrete idea of what to expect on the 17-day round trip in Madagascar.

 

17-Day Nature Trip: Included Services in the Base Price

- Complete logistics
- Guided by an English-speaking tour guide
- Drive in a 4x4 vehicle (including driver and diesel)
- All accommodations in the listed hotels
- Half board or meals as specified
- All rides and transfers as per the program (including taxes)

 

17-Day Nature Trip: Services Not Included in the Base Price

- Drinks and lunch
- Tips and pocket money
- Entrance fees for Zahamena and Andasibe National Parks
- Individual visits and excursions (plus local guides)
- International and domestic flights
- Airport fees and related taxes
- Insurances (trip cancellation and travel health insurance)
- Visa costs (currently not required)

Do you have any questions about our 17-day nature trip in Madagascar, want to book directly, or are interested in creating a custom travel package? - We are here to assist you: Just contact konnerth1@hotmail.com and embark on an adventure with us that you will never forget.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

On the first day, you will arrive in the capital city of Antananarivo by plane and will be picked up and assisted by us or one of our staff members. Depending on your individual arrival time, a city tour in Antananarivo may be possible afterwards, otherwise you will proceed directly to overnight accommodation at the Villa Sibylle.

Day 2: Antananarivo-Andasibe

On the second Day, we head east on the winding but well-maintained RN 2 road early in the morning. Our first stop is at the Madagascar Exotique private reserve, where you can discover numerous reptiles, amphibians, and lemurs. These animals are used to humans and will pose without fear for your cameras. Next, we continue to Moramanga, where you will check into your first night accommodation near the Andasibe National Park. The special highlight: right in the hotel grounds, you may be lucky enough to spot the famous and very rare Indri lemurs, whose unique singing will enchant you. Overnight stay at the "Vakona Lodge" hotel.

3. Day: Andasibe National Park

After breakfast, you will depart from the hotel to explore the Andasibe National Park. Here, you will encounter a spectacular array of wildlife and plant species during a several-hour tour until midday. Following a brief stop, you will head to the Vakona Zoo, where the Lemur Island awaits. Accessible by boat, this island is home to lemurs that have been released from captivity and are accustomed to human interaction. As you stroll through the island, interacting with these friendly lemurs, it is recommended to wear clothing that can withstand dirt and stains. After visiting Lemur Island, you will continue to the nearby forest, where the infamous and rare Fossas as well as crocodiles eagerly await your discovery. This guided tour is expected to last up to two hours. You will spend the night at the “Vakona Lodge” hotel.

Day 4: Andasibe-Moramanga-Alaotra See

After breakfast, the journey back to Moramanga begins. You will then follow one of the few railway lines in Madagascar, a remnant of the French colonial era. The destination is the Alaotra Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Madagascar. Before reaching there, a small stop will be made in Ambatondrazaka, an important administrative and commercial center in eastern Madagascar. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing along the southern shore of Lake Alaotra to Andreba. This small village is off the beaten path and relatively untouched by tourism. The curiosity of the locals towards visitors is great, providing our travelers with unforgettable experiences. A camp has been set up just outside the village, where you will stay in simple huts. As there are no restaurants in Andreba itself, the camp staff will coordinate dinner for the evening.

Day 5: Alaotra See-Imerimandroso-Zahamena National Park

The fifth day of the tour begins with a short excursion before breakfast. Around five o'clock, you will walk to the shores of Lake Alaotra and board a traditional canoe that will take you to the reed islands on the lake. The journey lasts about an hour, and once you arrive at the reed islands, you can observe lemurs enjoying their breakfast on the smaller islands from the water. Upon returning to the camp, a hearty breakfast awaits you to fuel up for the next leg of the journey. First, you will head to Imerimandroso, a small town with just over 10,000 inhabitants. Here, you can admire some impressive architectural works of the Merina culture and do some last-minute shopping in a traditional store before embarking on a three-day jungle expedition. You will start with a half-hour hike up to Antanandava, where you will enter the Zahamena National Park. Your guides and porters will be waiting to assist you with your luggage and lead you through the lush jungle. Next, a three-hour trek awaits you up to the edge of the forest, where the first camp for the night awaits. The hike involves some small hills and a steady incline, but a moderate level of fitness is sufficient to tackle the trek. You will spend the night in a tent, where dinner will be served.

6. Day: Zahamena National Park

After a restful night in the tent, start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for the next tour into the rainforest. During the hike through the lush greenery, you may encounter various species of animals and plants. Diademed Sifakas, Black Lemurs, and Indri-Indris have been frequently spotted on our tours. In the early afternoon, you will reach Grande Cascade, a tiered waterfall cascading over 100 meters into the valley. You will then tackle the ascent right next to the waterfall, conquering the 100 meters in altitude in a little over half an hour. What awaits you at the top is a breathtaking panoramic view, offering an unforgettable photo opportunity. At this picturesque location far from civilization, you will find the second camp where you will spend the night in a tent and enjoy your dinner. The special highlight: the river is home to delicious freshwater crabs that will enrich your evening meal.

7. Day: Zahamena National Park

After the second night in the tent, start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the southeastern part of the Zahamena National Park. This area is still largely unexplored, giving you the opportunity to experience a truly untouched rainforest up close. The chance of encountering wild lemurs is particularly high in this part of the National Park. Despite its remote location, the trails are well-maintained and can be easily navigated with average fitness levels. The long day trek through the rainforest concludes in the afternoon, followed by dinner and overnight camping in the tent.

8. Day: Ambatondrazaka-Antananarivo

The return trip to Antananarivo takes place on the eighth day of your journey and is relatively straightforward. Only a stopover in Moramanga is scheduled around noon. There, you will find a very famous restaurant called Coq d'Or. Afterward, the car will take you to Antananarivo, where the hotel "Villa Sibylle" is already waiting to welcome you as an overnight guest.

Day 9: Antananarivo-Nosy Be

Start your ninth day with a hearty breakfast in Antananarivo, followed by a transfer to Ivato airport. Board an internal flight from Ivato to Nosy Be, an island formerly known as Nosy Manitra. Nosy Be is approximately ten square kilometers in size and of volcanic origin. Upon arrival at Facenne airport, you will be personally greeted and taken to the Vanila Hotel *** where you will be staying for the next few days.

Day 10 - 14: Nosy Be and Surroundings

Days 10 to 14 are not set with a specific program, but can be freely planned by you. The island of Nosy Be, also known as the Perfume Island, offers numerous opportunities for you to relax on the dreamy beaches or in the hotel facilities, or to embark on individual exploration tours. We recommend visiting the small neighboring island Nosy Komba, taking a trip to the Lokobe Reserve, where you can admire trees up to 40m high, or visiting Mt. Passot. This is an extinct volcano that offers you a breathtaking panoramic view. Pro tip: Especially at sunset, you will be treated to a spectacular view that you will never forget. During your stay, you will be accommodated at the Vanila Hotel *** throughout.

Day 15: Nosy Be to Antananarivo

On Day 15, your stay on the picturesque island of Nosy Be comes to an end. After a short flight, you will be transferred to Facenne Airport for your return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival at the airport in Antananarivo, you will be personally greeted and taken back to the familiar Villa Sibylle hotel. Enjoy your dinner and spend the night at the hotel before continuing your journey.

Day 16: Antananarivo and Surroundings

On the 16th and final day of your tour through Madagascar, the focus is on the capital city of Antananarivo and its nearby surroundings. In Antananarivo, you can visit the famous Lemurs Park, where you can once again experience the unique animals up close. Alternatively, you may choose to explore Ambohimanga, the former royal palace of the Merina people, with its impressive fortifications and royal tombs. Ambohimanga is still considered the spiritual center of the Merina people and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are interested in both nature and cultural landmarks, this is an opportunity not to be missed. After an exciting day in Antananarivo, enjoy dinner at Hotel Villa Sibylle followed by a transfer to Ivato Airport. Your return flight to Europe will depart around midnight.

17. Tag: Return Flight

You will spend this day on the return flight to Europe.

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“Embark on a 17-day nature adventure in Madagascar, exploring lesser-known reserves like Andasibe and Zahamena, and visiting Lake Alaotra. Meet fascinating wildlife, including the Indri-Indri lemurs, relax on Nosy Be Island. Perfect for explorers who appreciate untouched nature and don’t mind roughing it.”

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