Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
On the first day, your focus will be on arriving in Madagascar. We will pick you up from Ivato Airport in the Madagascan capital Antananarivo and take you to your accommodation at Villa Sibylle. If you have any specific food or drink preferences for your arrival, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you. |
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Day 2: Starting your Journey in Antananarivo-Andasibe
Early in the morning of your Madagascar adventure, leave behind the colorful bustle of the Malagasy capital Antananarivo and head east. You are now on the road towards Tamatave, spending a few hours on the busiest road in all of Madagascar. Surrounding you is the vibrant and impressive landscape of the central highlands, before diving into the rocky Mandraka region. Here, the dense forest begins and the green of the leaves becomes more intense. If you wish, you can make a stop at the private reserve called Madagascar Exotique. There, you can have your first encounter with the Malagasy wildlife and experience chameleons, geckos, snakes, tenreks, frogs, and butterflies in various variations. After lunch, you will head directly to the so-called Analamazoatra Reserve. This area is home to numerous different nature reserves and national parks, including Mantadia, the high moor of Torotorofotsy, and the Andasibe National Park. For tonight's stay, you will have the beautifully located Eulophiella Lodge at your disposal. |
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Day 3: Extensive Tour through Andasibe and Mitsinjo
Early in the morning of your Madagascar adventure, leave behind the colorful bustle of the Malagasy capital, Antananarivo, and head east towards Tamatave. Spend a few hours on the busiest road in all of Madagascar, surrounded by the vibrant and impressive landscape of the central highlands before diving into the rugged Mandraka area. Here, the forest becomes denser and the green of the leaves becomes more intense. If you wish, you can make a stop at a private reserve called Madagascar Exotique to have a first encounter with Malagasy wildlife, where you can observe chameleons, geckos, snakes, tenrecs, frogs, and butterflies in various variations. After lunch, head directly to the Analamazoatra Reserve. This area is home to numerous nature reserves and national parks, including Mantadia, the Torotorofotsy high moor, and the Andasibe National Park. Tonight, you will stay at the well-located Eulophiella Lodge. |
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Day 4: Traveling from Brickaville to Ankanin’y Nofy
After an extensive tour of the mountain cloud forest yesterday, today brings a different itinerary. After breakfast, you will leave the Analamazoatra area and head towards Brickaville by car. After a stop in the town, a boat transfer is scheduled to take you to the Canal des Pangalanes, from where you will continue directly to Ankanin’y Nofy. Here, you will find a lovely resort right on the famous canal. Relax with a refreshing swim and spend the night in either the bushhouse or the Palmarium. |
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Days 5 and 6 - Ankanin'ny Nofy
Known as the Nest of Dreams, this peaceful and relaxing area is located between Lake Ampitambe, the Indian Ocean, and the Pangalanes Canal. White sandy beaches, lakes, lush vegetation with mangroves and orchids. Many native plants, mainly palm trees, grow there, but you can also see carnivorous plants like Nepenthes and various species of orchids, which bloom in November. Ankanin'nofy is primarily known for the tame lemurs living in the reserve, but there are also reptiles, frogs, and crocodiles. Of particular interest is the opportunity to see and experience different rare lemur species up close. A special attraction is that it is one of the few places in Madagascar where you can observe the very rare Aye-Aye lemurs (Daubentonia madagascariensis) at night, and you can even organize a night hike to see them. |
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Day 7: Continuing the journey from Tamatave to Mahambo
After a delicious breakfast, we will head back to Brickaville today. The boat transfer will allow you to admire the surrounding landscape from a different perspective, passing by magnificent Ravinala (Traveler's Palm) trees. We will then head towards Tamatave, the most important port city in Madagascar. The afternoon will be spent traveling further north to Mahambo. In the evening, you can relax at the lovely Hotel "La Pirogue", where you will spend the night. |
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Day 8: Your Journey to the Island of Sainte Marie
On this day of your Madagascar adventure, you will make your way to the legendary pirate island of Sainte Marie. You will start your journey early in the morning heading north, passing through the shady forests, coconut plantations, and the Indian Ocean. Along the way, you will pass through villages, rivers, and smaller beach towns such as Foulpointe or Fenerive-Est. After a three-hour drive, you will reach the end of the paved road at Soanierana Ivongo, a tiny river port where you can catch a boat to Sainte Marie. Soanierana Ivongo is also the starting point for an adventurous off-road tour, which is offered separately in one of our other diverse itineraries. Upon arrival at the port, you will bid farewell to your guide and driver as you board the boat. While we will handle the organization of your stay on Sainte Marie, your guide's assistance ends here. After a three-hour boat ride, you will arrive at Sainte Marie and spend the night in a beachfront bungalow. |
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Day 9: Extensive Exploration of Sainte Marie
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your stay on Sainte Marie. You can easily explore much of the island by bicycle. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a motorcycle or quad bike for a more thrilling tour. For those who love the water, snorkeling or diving trips are available to explore the fascinating coral reefs off the island. Of course, swimming or relaxing on the beach is also an option. From June to September, you can witness numerous humpback whale families swimming with their calves in the waters. A visit to the famous Pirate Cemetery in Ambodifotrata is highly recommended, with numerous waterfalls to admire and the miles of sandy beaches on the west coast of the island as well as the rocky cliffs on the east coast are equally worth seeing. All activities are optional and not included. Accommodation will once again be at the Natiora Lodge near the beach. |
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Day 10: Excursion to Ile aux Nattes
Today, an individual excursion is on the agenda for you: in the morning, you head towards the airstrip but end up boarding a pirogue to be ferried across the water to Ile aux Nattes Island. There, you will embark on a several-hour excursion and be captivated by the fascinating adventures this island has to offer. A delicious lunch awaits you on the island before heading back to Sainte Marie in the afternoon. All activities are optional and not included in the price. Tonight, you will also stay in a beachfront bungalow at the Natiora Lodge. |
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Day 11 to 13: Excursions and Sightseeing on Sainte Marie
Various excursions are scheduled for these two days on your itinerary. If you rent a motorized vehicle, you can stop at the so-called Paradise of Ampanihy and enjoy an excellent lunch there. This can be followed by a Pirogue ride on the lagoon of the same name. A secluded sandy beach awaits you on a promontory, which can easily rival tropical paradises seen on postcards. In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel or bungalow for overnight stay. |
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Day 14: Return Flight to Antananarivo
Start your day with saying goodbye to the island of Sainte Marie. You will be traveling back to Antananarivo, where you will be greeted by your driver and tour guide at the airport. Depending on the arrival time, you may have the option to take a city tour before concluding this trip. Extension tours are available upon request. |
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