The East, Andasibe, the Pangalanes Canal and Sainte Marie Island
On the trails of giant lemurs and the secret waters of the Pangalanes Canal.
Duration
12 days
From
€1,250/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the landscapes and biotopes that characterize Eastern Madagascar, from the humid forests of Andasibe National Park sheltering endemic fauna and flora of great richness, the magnificent water landscapes, lakes and rivers of the Pangalanes Canal, and the superb tropical beaches of the East Coast, Sainte Marie and the Indian Ocean.
Our journey originates at Andasibe National Park, a true sanctuary of Nature sheltering several species of lemurs, including the Indri-indri, the largest of Madagascar's lemurs. Reptiles, rare birds, orchids, medicinal plants and rare tree species such as Rosewood, complete the picture of the diversity of the lush forests of the East.
Head then towards Manambato and the Pangalanes Canal by road then by boat, and explore the Palmarium Reserve in search of new species of lemurs, chameleons, birds, carnivorous plants and other endemic animal and plant species. The banks of Lake Ampitabe, also known as Akanin'ny Nofy (the "Nest of Dreams"), welcome you in an enchanting and isolated setting, with an end-of-the-world atmosphere.
To reach Tamatave, Madagascar's main port, we resume our journey by water, on the Pangalanes Canal, discovering unforgettable scenes of life: locals using bush boats (river bush taxis), smiling navigators who never fail to say hello, children playing on the banks…It's an extraordinary atmosphere, vibrant and full of life…
Finally, an essential stop in Eastern Madagascar to end this discovery beautifully: Sainte-Marie island, Nosy Boraha, former pirate refuge, and privileged site for whale watching from June to September. We cross the Indian Ocean, and set out to meet the Samarians, a welcoming and warm population, on this paradisiacal island that has managed to keep all its serenity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival of the international flight from Paris CDG
Driving
Arrival of the flight to Antananarivo
A member of the Détours Madagascar team welcomes you upon arrival at Ivato Antananarivo international airport. Transfer and check-in at your hotel in the city center
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar, located in the Central Highlands region of the island. Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, is often the inevitable first step for any European visiting the country. From arrival in Antananarivo, as it is called here, disorientation is immediate. European landmarks disappear, giving way to a mixture of amazement and emotion, marking the beginning of a new adventure.
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Heading East towards Andasibe
The car picks you up at the hotel. We head to Andasibe, heading East! We cross the East road through lush vegetation, home to several species of animals threatened with extinction by human activity (bush fires, deforestation…)
Free lunch at a restaurant along the way. We arrive in Andasibe in the afternoon. Hotel check-in.
Before or after dinner, possibility of a night visit to one of the private or community reserves in the village, near the Le Parc National Andasibe (not included).
Meeting the World's Largest Lemurs: the Indri Indri
Visit to Andasibe National Park, a conservation site for the Indri-Indri, the largest of the lemurs. We approach the primary forest of Andasibe through the Analamazaotra Special Reserve crossed by the Amboasary river. This reserve is the natural habitat of a large population of lemurs including 11 other lemur species besides the Indri Indri such as bamboo lemurs, sifakas…Other animal species can be seen: chameleons, birds… The flora is equally impressive with several varieties of orchids such as eulophiella, rosewood, palms and medicinal plants.
In the afternoon, we visit Vakona Reserve: a short canoe ride across a river to reach the lemur island. Some, becoming familiar, could climb onto your shoulders in search of a banana. After spending a good while near the lemurs, we continue the visit to see crocodiles swimming in their lake or sunbathing, Fosas (Foussa) which are the largest carnivorous mammals on the big island, considered the small Malagasy pumas, and other animal species…
On the way to Manambato, and boarding for Akanin'ny Nofy
After breakfast, we leave the hotel to continue our journey to the East. Shortly after the small town of Brickaville, we take a turn and head onto a red dirt track sometimes mixed with white sand and gravel. We travel through wild forest all the way to the village of Manambato, nestled on the shores of Lake Rasoabe and surrounded by mountains.
Manambato → Ankanin'ny Nofy
We take time here to have lunch before boarding the boat to sail on the Pangalanes Canal: a heritage of great valuetowards Akanin'ny Nofy, "the nest of dreams" on the shores of Lake Ampitabe.
Your driver-guide/guide Détours Madagascar says goodbye to you here to return to Antananarivo.
A Day at Akanin'ny Nofy: The Dream Nest
We take the boat for a short crossing of Lake Ampitabe. Visit of the Le Palmarium Nature Reserve.
Accompanied by a guide from the reserve, we will discover about ten species of lemurs, exceptional flora (orchids, mahogany, carnivorous plants and some very rare specimens of palms).
The rest of the day is free: many walks are possible around the lake, towards the shores of the Indian Ocean, around the plantations of the East Coast or towards the fishing village.
Visit to the Palmarium reserve and boat transfers included, afternoon activities are at your own expense to give you more flexibility according to your wishes at the moment.
Boat to Tamatave along the Pangalanes Canal, then car transfer to Mahambo
Ankanin'ny Nofy → Tamatave
Navigation on the Canal towards Tamatave.
On this aquatic boulevard, we encounter barges, "bush boats" (river bush taxis), pirogues, local transport… Spontaneous greetings between navigators… The cries of joy from children on the banks accompany us throughout our navigation. We are spectators to unusual and unforgettable scenes of life.
Arrival at the end of the morning at the Port of Tamatave.
We continue our journey along the coast lined with coconut trees heading towards Mahambo, located 90 km north of Tamatave.
Mahambo is an authentic village in the heart of unspoiled nature and is situated in the Analanjirofo region. It is bordered on one side by dense forest and on the other by a lagoon enclosed by a coral reef
By car from Mahambo to Soanierana Ivongo, crossing by speedboat to Sainte Marie Island
We head back on the road along the coast towards Soanierana-Ivongo, a small port town on the East coast of Madagascar, departure point for shuttles to Sainte-Marie.
From its dock, we take the boat to Ambodifotatra, on Sainte-Marie Island.
We reach our hotel by the sea where we can enjoy paradisiacal beaches.
Free stay on Sainte-Marie Island
Sainte Marie Island, also known as Nosy Boraha, offers you the opportunity to live at the peaceful rhythm of island life in Samarien, meeting a warm and welcoming population.
All activities can be organized from the hotel: hiking or mountain biking to the most remote corners of this beautiful island with tropical beaches, which is full of hidden waterfalls, coves, natural pools… There is also the possibility of excursions by sea or by car to the picturesque sites of the island, sea kayaking or traditional canoe trips to discover the Pirates' Cemetery or through the mangrove, exploring Ampanihy Bay or the magnificent Île aux Nattes…
But also Kite-Surfing, Paddle, snorkeling, scuba diving, scooter or quad rentals, Wakeboard (towed buoy), fishing…
And of course, not forgetting humpback whale safaris, which are also organized in season (from June to September), at the time when whales pass through Sainte Marie to reproduce in the cooler waters during this season.
Additional activities at your expense, to allow you more flexibility according to your wishes at the moment. Possibility to organize activities and excursions on request, please consult us.
Departure for Antananarivo
Ile Sainte Marie → Antananarivo
More time on the island Sainte Marie depending on flight schedules.
A transfer to the airport is planned. You will fly over the sky of the large island with Tsaradia, the national airline heading to the Capital.
Upon your arrival, we welcome you at Ivato Antananarivo airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is free
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Historical Discovery Day: Antananarivo, the City of a Thousand, then return flight to Paris
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel. We set off for a city tour with a historian. On foot, we explore the Independence Square district, an essential place in the country's history with the presidential palace in the background, former residence of the colonial governors who succeeded one another in 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 successively pass by Andohalo Square, a major site of Merina aristocracy where kings and queens gave their speeches and discussed with the population for government decisions. Then we pass by the Jean Laborde house, the prime minister's palace, the courthouse and finally the Queen's Palace.
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Arrival at Paris CDG
Antananarivo → Paris Roissy CDG
Arrival late morning at Paris CDG.
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 from Sainte Marie island to Antananarivo on D10
- Meals on international flight days
- All lunches
- Guide service from Manambato embarkation point to Sainte Marie
- Activities not mentioned in the program, and during free days
- Single room supplement on request or shared single: 370 EUR / person
- Beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, beers...) during and outside meals
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Cancellation, repatriation and emergency medical care insurance
- Visa fees (€35/person for a stay of less than 30 days)
Included
- The services of a driver-guide or English-speaking guide depending on the size of the group from Antananarivo to Manambato (at the boat dock for Akanin'ny Nofy) from D2 to D4
- Transport by 4x4 vehicle, minibus or bus depending on the group size from Antananarivo to Manambato (from D2 to D4)
- Transfers in 4x4 vehicles (4 travelers maximum per 4x4) from Tamatave port to Soanierana Ivongo (boat dock for Sainte Marie) from D6 to D7
- Accommodation in double/twin room with breakfast (continental) in the hotels mentioned (or similar depending on availability at booking)
- Half-board, from dinner on Day 2 to dinner on Day 11
- The activities and visits mentioned in the program, except during free days
- Entrances to the sites, parks and reserves mentioned
- Mandatory local guides in parks and reserves
- All transfers mentioned in the program
- All airport transfers mentioned
- Private boat transfers between Manambato > Akanin'ny Nofy > Tamatave
- The collective boat transfer from Soanierana Ivongo to Sainte Marie
- Transfers Port > Hotel > Airport in Sainte Marie managed by your on-site hotel
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
