Channels and Lushness of Eastern Madagascar
The mythical train of Madagascar takes you to the secret lagoons of the Pangalanes Canal to the island of Sainte-Marie.
Duration
16 days
Ideal seasons
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The whistle of the Fianarantsoa train echoes through the humid forests of eastern Madagascar. This mythical line from the thirties winds between tea plantations and palm groves before revealing the Indian Ocean. On the Pangalanes Canal, your barge glides at the rhythm of fishing pirogues, crossing riverside villages and river merchants in a symphony of spontaneous greetings.
From Manakara to Mahanoro, the lagoons unveil their secrets: bamboo forests, giant raffia palms, rare orchids nestled in this vital 665-kilometre waterway. Dendrocygnes and kingfishers accompany your progress towards Sainte-Marie island, a former pirate refuge turned haven of peace with coconut beaches. Between July and September, humpback whales transform these waters into a giant nursery.
This journey reveals the deep soul of Malagasy fihavanana, this philosophy of sharing that unites Betsileo and coastal communities. A voyage where each stopover tells Madagascar in its most authentic diversity, far from the beaten path.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Flight from Paris to Antananarivo
Evening transfer to the airport, check-in assistance for the flight to Paris.
Arrival in Antananarivo and road to Manandona through the Madagascar Highlands
Hiking in the hills of Antsirabe: Mount Ibity
From the lodge; we set off on foot to discover the typical environment of the Highlands. Nestled at the foot of the powerful Ibity Massif, the Manandona Valley is rich and prosperous. The land here is also very generous and rice is the main crop.
After gaining altitude by following good trails crisscrossing the foothills, we return to the valley to meet the inhabitants. All are rice farmers and own zebu cattle, some raise silkworms, others are blacksmiths, basket weavers or carpenters. Traditional craftsmanship is omnipresent.
Our guides are part of a local association for the development of the region. They will be able to tell you about their activities, customs, traditions and development.
Second night with a local family.
Discovery of woodcraft in Ambositra and continuation to Fianarantsoa
From Manandona
After breakfast, we leave Manandona Valley to continue south. We cross the highlands and visit the city of Ambositra, the famous capital of woodcraft. Meeting with inlay craftsmen: in their workshops, these artisans compete in creativity and ingenuity in the making of marquetry items and wood sculptures.
From Fianarantsoa to Manakara aboard Madagascar's only tourist train
East Coast tour, Manakara and Mananjary
Boarding on the Pangalanes Canal aboard a barge: Ambohitsara and Ambodirafia
Mananjary → Ambodirafia
From Ambodirafia to Asohihy, following the waterway on Madagascar's East Coast
Ambodirafia → Asohihy
From Asohihy to Mahanoro, End of Navigation on the Pangalanes Canal
Asohihy → Mahanoro
From Tamatave to Mahambo
We resume our journey from Tamatave, hugging the coast towards Mahambo. The landscape unfolds, between golden beaches, fishing villages and swaying palm trees. The sea air fills our lungs, while the winding road reveals the wild beauty of the Indian Ocean, promising a soothing and luminous adventure.
Crossing to Sainte Marie
From the Mahambo pier, we take the boat with Blue Marine company towards the Port of Ambodifotatra, on the island of Sainte-Marie. The boat crossing lasts approximately 3 hours, on board the El Condor boat. Welcome at the Port of Sainte Marie by our hotel team on site, and transfer to it. Rest of the afternoon free by the sea to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches of the lush East.
Free-form stay on Sainte-Marie Island
Two days dedicated to discovering this charming small island, its beaches lined with coconut trees, its tropical forest, its secluded coves and its many villages.
Many activities are possible: Diving, boat trips, discovery of coral reefs, excursion to Île aux Nattes, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, swimming, island exploration…
From July to September, you can observe whales that come to calve.
If you wish, we can advise you based on possibilities, season, your preferences and your budget.
Standalone stay on Sainte-Marie Island
Two days dedicated to discovering this charming little island, its beaches lined with coconut trees, its tropical forest, its secluded coves and its many villages.
Many activities are possible: Diving, sea trips, discovery of coral reefs, excursion to Île aux Nattes, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, swimming, island discovery...
From July to September, you can observe whales coming to give birth.
If you wish, we can advise you based on possibilities, season, your preferences and your budget.
Free morning in Sainte Marie and flight to Antananarivo
Ile Sainte Marie → Antananarivo
Discovery of Madagascar's craft gems, and night flight back to Paris
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel. We set off for a city tour with a historian at your side. On foot, we explore the area around Independence Square, an unmissable square in the country's history with the presidential palace in the background, the former residence of successive colonial governors who ruled the country. Then we climb towards the Queen's Palace, at the top of the Analamanga hill, the former name of the city. We will pass successively by Andohalo Square, a major center of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens delivered their speeches and discussed government decisions with the population. Then we pass by the Jean Laborde house, the prime minister's palace, the courthouse and finally the Queen's Palace.
Evening transfer to the airport, boarding assistance for the flight to Paris.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights,
- The domestic flight Sainte Marie > Antananarivo,
- Lunches and dinners, except for dinners at the rural lodge (D2 and D3), picnic lunches on D3, D5 and D9, meals on D7 and D8 on the Pangalanes,
- The vehicle, guidance and activities during the free stay in Sainte Marie,
- Activities not mentioned in the program,
- The single room supplement = 320 €,
- Beverages (mineral water, soda, beer...) during and outside meals,
- Tips and personal expenses,
- Travel cancellation, repatriation and emergency medical expenses insurance.
- Visa fees
Included
- The services of an English-speaking driver-guide from D2 to D7, then taken over by the barge crew during navigation on the Pangalanes from D7 to D9 (up to 5 participants),
- OR The services of an English-speaking guide from D2 to D11, plus the barge crew during navigation on the Pangalanes from D7 to D9 (for 6 to 8 participants),
- Vehicle transportation in 4x4 (up to 5 participants) and minibus (6 to 8 participants) with necessary fuel, from D2 to D7 and in Antananarivo on D15,
- The transfer Mahanoro > Tamatave > Mahambo from Day 9 to Day 11 with 4x4 vehicle or minibus depending on group size (driver and fuel included).
- The fitted barge during navigation on the Pangalanes,
- Accommodation with breakfast in double/twin rooms in the hotels mentioned in the program (or equivalents, subject to availability at time of booking),
- Picnic lunches on Days 3, 5 and 9,
- Dinners on D2 and D3 at the rural guesthouse (half-board mandatory),
- Full board and nights in bivouac during navigation on the Pangalanes on D7 and D8,
- Camping and cooking equipment (bring a sleeping bag) during navigation on the Pangalanes,
- Entrance fees in parks and reserves, including mandatory local guide fees,
- All transfers mentioned in the program, including:
- - The train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara,
- - The boat transfer from Mahambo to Sainte Marie with Blue Marine company,
- - Port > Hotel > Airport transfers in Sainte Marie (arranged by the hotel on site),
- - All airport transfers in Antananarivo as per the flights mentioned in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — High Plateaus
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
