11 Days: East of Madagascar Tour
What your day looks like
Explore Madagascar’s lush eastern coast, encounter rare lemurs, and unwind on the idyllic island of Sainte Marie in this 11-day adventure. This immersive journey begins in Antananarivo and takes you through vibrant rainforests, wildlife reserves, and tranquil lakeside villages. Highlights include close encounters with Indri lemurs in Andasibe, a boat ride through mangrove-lined waterways to Akanin’ny Nofy, and a visit to the legendary pirate island of Nosy Boraha (Sainte Marie), famous for its pristine beaches and seasonal whale watching. With a blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, this tour offers a rich taste of Madagascar’s eastern treasures.
Why travelers choose this experience
- 11day adventure along Madagascar’s lush eastern coast
- Spot rare Indri lemurs in the rainforests of Andasibe
- Cruise through mangrove waterways to Akanin’ny Nofy
- Visit Sainte Marie (Nosy Boraha), the legendary pirate island
- Relax on pristine beaches and enjoy seasonal whale watching
- Experience a mix of wildlife, culture, and coastal tranquility
- Stay in charming lodges and lakeside retreats throughout your journey
Your day, step by step
Antananarivo
Transportation. Antananarivo Welcome! Your island adventure begins in the city center and capital, Antananarivo. The bustling capital of Madagascar is known as Tana to many travelers. With an open schedule today, relax, settle in, or wander through the city’s diverse architectural history. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel.
Antananarivo
Accommodation (Comfort): Le Louvre Hotel & Spa (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Novotel Convention & Spa Antananarivo (or similar)
Andasibe
Eco Tour. Antananarivo - Andasibe Day two sets off heading east, where you’ll quickly get up close and personal with the island’s vibrant array of wildlife. Chameleons, lizards, frogs, snakes, butterflies, and Sifaka Lemurs are the few creatures you’ll see first-hand at the Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic Reserve. With many more lemur species, like Indri and ring-tailed, we will head farther to Andasibe, the world-renowned lemur-watching paradise. In the afternoon, we will visit Parc Mitsinjo, where you can find chameleons, snakes, birds, and, most importantly, the biggest lemur species, Indri
Andasibe
Eco Tour. When night falls, perhaps your true inner explorer can come alive as we hike through the forest to glimpse night lemurs and other nocturnal friends.
Andasibe
Accommodation (Comfort): Sahatandra River Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Mantadia Lodge (or similar)
Antananarivo
Eco Tour at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Andasibe We can’t see it all in just one day, though. Spend more hours wandering through Andasibe National Park on Day 3. Unique, rare, and endangered all describe the species of animals you’ll see here, including 11 different lemur species.
Antananarivo
Eco Tour. The wildlife adventure continues in the afternoon as we visit Lemurs Island and Crocodile Park. There, you’ll walk among flora and fauna unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Andasibe
Accommodation (Comfort): Sahatandra River Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Mantadia Lodge (or similar)
Akanin’ny nofy
Boating. Andasibe - Manambato - Akanin’ny nofy After visiting Andasibe rainforest, we head east to the unique and tranquil village of Manambato. Manambato is situated on the edge of Rasoabe Lake, where we will travel by speed boat to Akanin’nofy. Our thrilling boat trip takes us through Rasoabe Lake and Rasoamasay, where you can take in the sights of the mangrove forests and some more spectacular wildlife.
Akanin’ny nofy
Accommodation (Comfort): Sahatandra River Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Mantadia Lodge (or similar)
Akanin’ny nofy
Wildlife & Eco Tourism. Ankanin'ny Nofy On Day 5, we will stay at Akanin’ny nofy, also known as “the nest of dreams”. While in this little paradise, we will visit the private Palmarium reserve to meet the Indri and black lemur, as well as a variety of chameleons, snakes, butterflies, and many other species.
Antananarivo
Eco Tour. In the evening, we will travel by speedboat to another island to see the famous nocturnal lemur, Aye Aye. This species of lemur curls up into a ball and sleeps during the heat of the day, only coming out at night to forage in the forest. Be prepared for this weird little creature with strangely long fingers; its appearance is often described as bizarre.
Akanin’ny nofy
Accommodation Le Palmarium (or similar)
Mahambo
Boating. Ankanin'ny Nofy - Mahambo After some tranquility and a few bizarre creatures, our speedboat will take us back to Manambato in the morning to continue our trip to the east to Mahambo. En route to Mahambo, we will pass through Madagascar's second-largest city, Tamatave. Tamatave is one of the most important cities as it is home to the biggest container port in Madagascar. Mahambo is an unspoiled village filled with Madagascar's traditional charm. Take time to relax and recharge.
Mahambo
Accommodation (Comfort): Lakana Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Sainte Marie
Boating at Nosy Boraha. Mahambo — Sainte Marie We will take a boat to Sainte Marie, an island also called Nosy Boraha. Famous for its endless beaches, this is the best place for sun and beach in Madagascar. Our guide will meet you at the harbour and take you to the hotel. Nosy Boraha is a long, slim island paradise off the east coast of Madagascar. Rumour has it that this remote spot was used as a hideaway for pirates in the 1700s, so be on the lookout for buried treasure.
Sainte Marie
Accommodation (Comfort): Lakana Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Sainte Marie
Leisure. Sainte-Marie On Day 8, we will take a day trip to the north of this beautiful island and visit the natural swimming pool. You can swim, take a sun bath, or just relax on the beach. Another day of unwinding and soaking up the sun in paradise
Antananarivo
Whale Watching. During the whale season (July – September), many humpback whales gather around Sainte Marie for breeding and calving. During this season, instead of going to the north, we will have a half-day whale-watching boat trip. This is one of the best places to view these friendly giants, up close and personal.
Sainte Marie
Accommodation (Comfort): Lakana Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Sainte Marie
Leisure. Sainte Marie Today we will take a half-day trip to a small island called “Iles aux Nattes”, located south of Sainte Maire. We’ll go back in time, as the only way there is by pirogue-dugout canoe. While here, we will travel by boat around the island (which is only 4km in diameter) before visiting the local village. A hike to the top of the island gives a spectacular 360° view. You can walk around this Island in a few hours, provided you don’t stop in at every beach bar for a cocktail.
Sainte Marie
Accommodation (Comfort): Lakana Hotel (or similar) Accommodation (Luxury): Princesse Bora Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Antananarivo
Transportation. Sainte Marie - Antananarivo On Day 10, we will take a local flight back to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedules, you may have time to visit a few more attractions in Antananarivo if you arrive early enough.
Antananarivo
Accommodation (Luxury): Novotel Convention & Spa Antananarivo (or similar)
Antananarivo
Transportation. Just as the tour began, Day 11 is yours for the taking. Say farewell to Madagascar for now, a genuine island and a world apart. What a grand adventure it’s been!
Before you go
Included
- Transportation by private car with an English-speaking driver guide - Airport transportation - Entry fee - On-site local guide
Not Included
- Tips and gratuity - Drinks - Personal expenses (Phone calls, souvenirs, laundry, tipping, etc.) - Domestic flight ticket from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo - Any services and other meals not mentioned in the programme
What to Bring
- Essential Travel Documents Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry) - Visa (available online or on arrival) Printed flight tickets Cash for personal expenses Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton/linen) - Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection - Warm layers for chilly highland nights (fleece, thermal wear) - Windproof rain jacket (especially Nov–Apr) - Swimwear and beach towel - Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots - Flip-flops or reef shoes for coastal areas - Personal Care & Health - Personal medications and prescriptions< - Insect repellent (mosquitoes can carry malaria) - Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - Hand sanitizer and travel-size toiletries - Motion sickness tablets - Small first-aid kit - Travel adapter (Madagascar uses Type C & E plugs) - Flashlight or headlamp - Binoculars for wildlife spotting - Waterproof daypack for excursions< - Hat, sunglasses, and scarf for sun protection - Camera or smartphone with extra storage< - Power bank - Travel pillow for long drives
Restrictions
- Not suitable for pets - Not recommended for people with back problems - Not recommended for pregnant travelers - Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Meeting & Pickup
Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, and confirm upon Booking
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business