4/ Madagascar, the green East

INTRODUCTION

Starting from Tana this module explores the East, including Andasibe National Park famous for the Indris, the “Canal des Pangalanes” and the beautiful east coast north of Tamatave and an extension to Sainte Marie to end your stay on the beach.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Andasibe National Park, Vakona  Lemur’s Island , Palmarium private park, Canal des Pangalanes, East coast up to the  north of Tamatave, Sainte Marie

 

DAY TO DAY PROGRAM

 

Day 1, TANA – ANDASIBE: 145 km : 3 to 4 hours

3 hours drive to Andasibe, through the green landscape of the east. This step brings us to the humid part of the country with many primary forest and lakes. On the way, we stop in Pyereras Reptiles park to see farmed chameleons and other species of reptiles. On a walk inside  the forest, we can spot 2 species of lemurs: the sifaka “coquereli” and the brown lemurs “fulvus”. Night in Hotel

 

Day 2, ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK

Morning, 3 to 4 hours hike to Andasibe National Park, a huge tropical rainy forest in the east. 9 species of lemurs can be spotted, the highlight is the “Indri Indri” which is the largest lemurs of the island. This 810 ha reserve is also home to numerous unique wildlife. It contains a wide variety of orchids, canopy, endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds. After the hike, visit to Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village, the second largest tribe; they cultivate rice and work on vanilla plantations. Afterwards, we will visit the private park of Vakona on the “islands of lemurs” which is the best spot to take photos of lemurs up close . Overnight in hotel

 

 

Day 3, ANDASIBE – AKANIN’ NY NOFY : 130 km: 2 to 3 hours drive

2 to 3 hours drive to Manambato after breakfast. Stop and visit the town of Brickaville, an old colonial city known for its sugar cane plantation. Then continue on a dirt track to Manambato where we take a 1 hour boat transfer to Akanin’ ny nofy. We cross the Rasoabe Lake then the Pangalanes channel built during the colonisation period for commercial use. We can admire many birds along the luxuriant vegetation of the east. Arrival in the afternoon. Ankanin’ny Nofy means nest of the dreams. Surrounded by a huge and blue lake, this is the ideal place for a rest and to be in direct contact with nature. Overnight in hotel

 

Day 4,  AKANIN’ NY NOFY

Visit of PALMARIUM private park. The bungalows are situated inside the park so  you’ll be in complete contact with lemurs.  Palmarium reserve is home to 7 species of lemurs with  “ Indri Indri” as a highlight, many species of reptiles especially chameleons. Flora is also very rich with its garden of palm trees, orchids and the famous vanilla. Overnight at the same hotel

 

Day 5, AKANIN’ NY NOFY – TAMATAVE- MAHAMBO: 60 km : 2  hours boat transfer – then 1 hour drive

Breakfast at hotel then 2 hours boat transfer to Tamatave along the Pangalanes canall. During this mini-cruise one will enjoy observing the life of the people living along the canal with their Bamboo pirogue. Arrival in Tamatave, 2hours drive to Mahambo, overnight in hotel

 

Day 6,MAHAMBO –SONIERANA IVONGO – SAINTE MARIE

Early morning, drive up to Soanierana Ivongo and embark on a 45 minutes boat transfer to Sainte Marie. Arrival in Ambodifototra, a car will wait for you and transfer you to your hotel. Sainte-Marie is an island located to the north-east of Tamatave . It is used to be the home of pirates during the 17th century. The queen of the island was even married to one of them. With beautiful beaches, wonderful creeks, a laid back ambience, an authentic atmosphere, Sainte- Marie is mainly for guests looking for tranquillity and beauty. It is also the best place for whales watching. From July to end  September, humpback whales come to the warm seas around Madagascar to give birth. Night in Hotel.

 

DAY 7 -8: SAINTE MARIE

Day at leisure. Many excursions can be organised on the spot : trekking in the forest d’Ampanihy, by 4X4 or quad, by bike or motorbike. A tropical isle with luxuriant vegetation, Sainte-Marie is also a nice place for walking or for cycling, snorkelling and diving. There are also interesting sights around Ambodifotatra and the Baie des Forbans, in the city centre, you can visit the oldest church in Madagascar, built in 1837. Another sight is the Pirates’ Cemetery which marked the European passage on the island. The population is known for their kindness and hospitality. Night at the same hotel.

 

DAY 9:SAINTE MARIE – TANA

Transfer to the airport to fly back to Tana or to another destination or extension.

 

 

END OF SERVICE

INCLUDED

• Accommodation in double room on bed and breakfast as mentioned in the program.
• Transport with a private 4X4 with fuel and driver from Tana to Andasibe and Manambato
• Boat transfer from Manambato to Akanin’ny Nofy then to  Tamatave
• Transfer from the river port to the hotel and from hotel to the airport
• Entrance fees and special guides in Pyereras Reptile Farm,  Andasibe national park and Vakôna private reserve

 

NOT INCLUDED

• All excursions which are not in the program or Optional.
• All personal expenses, drinks, laundry, tips, insurance
• All flights and airport taxes