The East, Andasibe, the Pangalanes Canal and Sainte Marie Island
On the Tracks 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 essences like Rosewood complete the picture of the diversity of the lush forests of the East.
Then head towards Manambato and the Pangalanes Canal by road and 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 "Dream Nest"), welcome you in an enchanting and isolated setting, with an air of the end of the world.
To reach Tamatave, Madagascar's main port, we resume our journey on the waterways, along the Pangalanes Canal, discovering unforgettable scenes of life: locals boarding bush boats (river bush taxis), smiling navigators who never miss saying hello, children playing on the banks…It is an extraordinary atmosphere, vibrant and full of life…
Finally, an essential stop in Eastern Madagascar to conclude this discovery beautifully: Sainte-Marie island, Nosy Boraha, former pirate refuge, and privileged site for observing whales from June to September. We cross the Indian Ocean and meet the Samaritans, a welcoming and warm population, on this paradise island that has kept all its tranquility.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
International flight arrival from Paris CDG
Driving
Flight arrival at Antananarivo
A member of the Détours Madagascar team will welcome you upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo. 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, as it is called here, is often the unavoidable first step for any European visiting the country. From the moment you arrive in Antananarivo, the sense of discovery is immediate. European landmarks disappear, giving way to a mix of wonder 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 animal species threatened with extinction by human activity (bushfires, 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 villages, near the Andasibe Mantadia National Park (not included).
Meeting the greatest lemurs: the Indri Indri
Visit to Andasibe National Park, a conservation site for the Indri-Indri, the largest of the lemurs. We explore 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 may be visible: chameleons, birds... The flora is also worth noting with several varieties of orchids such as eulophiella, rosewood, palm trees and medicinal plants.
In the afternoon, we visit Vakona reserve: a short canoe crossing of a river to reach the lemur island. Some, becoming familiar, could climb onto your shoulders in search of a banana. After spending a good time with the lemurs, we continue the visit to see crocodiles swimming in their lake or sunbathing, Fosa (Foussa) which are the largest carnivorous mammals on the great island, considered as small Malagasy pumas, and other animal species…
On the way to Manambato, and boarding for Akanin'ny Nofy
Andasibe → Manambato
After breakfast, we leave the hotel to continue our journey towards the East. Shortly after the small town of Brickaville, we take a turnoff and head onto a red dirt track sometimes mixed with white sand and rocky terrain. We cross through wild forest until we reach the village of Manambato, nestled on the shores of Lake Rasoabe and surrounded by mountains.
Manambato → Ankanin'ny Nofy
We take time there to have lunch before taking the boat to navigate 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/Detours Madagascar guide 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 to the Le Palmarium Natural 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 expense to give you more flexibility according to your wishes at the moment.
Boat to Tamatave on the Pangalanes Canal, then transfer by car to Mahambo
Ankanin'ny Nofy → Tamatave
Navigation on the Canal heading towards Tamatave.
On this aquatic boulevard, we encounter barges, "bush boats" (river bush taxis), pirogues, local transport… Spontaneous greetings between navigators… The joyful cries of children on the banks accompany us throughout our journey. We are spectators to unusual and unforgettable scenes of life.
Arrival late morning at the Port of Tamatave.
We continue our journey along the coast lined with coconut trees 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 the lagoon enclosed by the coral reef barrier
By car from Mahambo to Soanierana Ivongo, crossing by speedboat to Sainte Marie Island
Mahambo → Soanierana Ivongo
We continue along the coast towards Soanierana-Ivongo, a small port town on the east coast of Madagascar, the departure point for shuttles to Sainte-Marie.
Soanierana Ivongo → Ile Sainte Marie
From its landing stage, we take the boat to Ambodifotatra, on Sainte-Marie Island.
We reach our hotel by the sea where we can enjoy the paradisiacal beaches.
Free stay on Sainte-Marie Island
Sainte Marie Island, also known as Nosy Boraha, offers you the opportunity to experience the slow pace of island life in Samaria, meeting a warm and welcoming population.
All activities can be organized from the hotel: hiking or mountain biking to the most hidden corners of this beautiful island with tropical beaches, which is full of hidden waterfalls, coves, natural pools… You can also take excursions by sea or by car to the picturesque sites of the island, go sea kayaking or in a traditional outrigger canoe to discover the Pirates' Cemetery or through the mangrove, explore Ampanihy Bay or the superb Île aux Nattes…
But also Kite-Surfing, Paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, scooter or quad rentals, Wakeboard (towed buoy), fishing…
And of course, not forgetting the humpback whale safaris, which are also organized during the season (June to September), when whales pass through Sainte Marie to reproduce in the cooler waters at this time of year.
Additional activities at your expense, to allow you more flexibility depending on your wishes at the moment. Possibility to organize activities and excursions on request, please contact us.
Flight to 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 big island with Tsaradia, the national airline heading to the Capital.
Upon arrival, we welcome you at Ivato Antananarivo airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is free
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 walk alongside a historian. On foot, we explore the area around Independence Square, an essential landmark in the country's history with the presidential palace as a backdrop, 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 successively pass through Andohalo Square, a major center 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 palace of justice and finally the Queen's Palace.
Arrival at Paris CDG
Antananarivo → Paris Roissy CDG
Arrival at Paris CDG in late morning.
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 Day 10
- Meals on international flight days
- All lunches
- The guide service from Manambato pier 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, sodas, beers...) during and outside meals
- Tips and Personal Expenses
- Cancellation insurance, repatriation and emergency medical expenses
- Visa fees (€35 per 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 pier 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 Day 2 to Day 4)
- Transfers in 4x4 vehicles (4 travelers maximum per 4x4) from Tamatave port to Soanierana Ivongo (boat dock for Sainte Marie) from Day 6 to Day 7
- Double/twin room accommodation with continental breakfast in the hotels mentioned (or similar depending on availability at booking)
- Half-board, from dinner on D2 to dinner on D11
- The activities and visits mentioned in the program, except during free days
- Entries to the sites, parks and reserves mentioned
- The 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
- Collective boat transfer from Soanierana Ivongo to Sainte Marie
- Transfers Port > Hotel > Airport in Sainte Marie managed by your hotel on site
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
