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Combining immersive trekking, encounters with local artisans, peaceful navigation along a canal lined with villages and coastal ecosystems, and relaxation on wild, unspoiled beaches, this itinerary perfectly blends culture, nature, and history.
You will cross Madagascar’s High Plateaus, explore forests and national parks rich in lemurs, share daily life with fishing communities, and enjoy moments of rest along preserved coastlines.
Designed for travelers seeking authenticity, this program offers an ideal balance between active discovery and leisure time, with carefully selected stops known for their unique charm and character.
Day 1 – Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo, welcome at the airport (or at your hotel), assistance and transfer to the city center.
Overnight at Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Ambositra – Antaniditra (approx. 290 km – 7 hours’ drive)
Early departure south along National Road 7 through the iconic landscapes of the High Plateaus: red hills, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages.
Stop in Antsirabe, a charming spa town with colonial heritage, for a rickshaw ride and visits to local craft workshops.
Continue to Ambositra, capital of Zafimaniry wood carving, before driving on to Antaniditra.
Overnight at Ivato River Lodge.
Day 3 – Antaniditra – Antoetra – Sakaivo
Drive to Antoetra, the starting point of the trek. Meet your local guide.
Begin a hike through the remote Zafimaniry region, renowned for its ancestral wood-carving traditions.
Gradual ascent to a rocky promontory at 1,600 meters offering breathtaking panoramic views, followed by a descent toward Sakaivo.
Accommodation in a traditional guesthouse.
Day 4 – Sakaivo – Faliarivo – Ankidodo (approx. 6 hours’ walking)
Continuation of the trek through rice fields, rolling hills, and artisan villages.
Pass by the sacred hill of Vohimasina, observe funerary steles, and meet Zafimaniry woodcarvers.
Overnight with a local family in Ankidodo.
Day 5 – Ankidodo – Antoetra – Ranomafana
Final walking stage to Antoetra.
After lunch, drive to Ranomafana.
Overnight at Karibotel Hotel or similar.
Day 6 – Ranomafana – Mananjary
Guided visit of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous lemur species, orchids, tree ferns, and waterfalls.
In the afternoon, descend toward the east coast and reach Mananjary, gateway to the Pangalanes Canal.
Overnight at Jardin de la Mer Hotel or similar.
Day 7 – Mananjary – Pangalanes Canal – Nosy Varika
Board for an unforgettable cruise along the Pangalanes Canal, a ribbon of water bordered by palm trees, pandanus, and fishing villages.
Stop at Ambohitsara to meet local inhabitants and discover daily life shaped by the canal and the ocean.
Picnic lunch and swimming possible.
Overnight at Volazzara Lodge or similar.
Day 8 – Nosy Varika – Mahanoro
Continue navigating through lagoons, coastal forests, and dunes, observing scenes of everyday life along the canal.
Arrival in Mahanoro and accommodation in ocean-front bungalows.
Overnight at Hotel Coco or similar.
Day 9 – Mahanoro – Toamasina (Tamatave) (approx. 270 km – 7 hours’ drive)
Scenic drive to Toamasina, Madagascar’s main port city.
Lunch en route and hotel check-in.
Overnight at Hotel Joffre or similar.
Days 10 to 12 – Tamatave – Mahambo – Sainte-Marie
Early departure to Mahambo, followed by a ferry crossing to Sainte-Marie Island.
Three-night stay on this tropical paradise offering white sandy beaches, diving, humpback whale watching (seasonal), and excursions to Île aux Nattes.
Overnight at Boraha Village Hotel or similar.
Day 13 – Sainte-Marie – Mahambo – Tamatave – Andasibe
Early return to the mainland, drive via Tamatave (lunch en route), then continue to Andasibe.
Overnight at Feon’ny Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 14 – Andasibe
Visit Andasibe National Park, home to the famous Indri, the largest living lemur.
Approx. 4-hour guided walk through dense rainforest rich in birds, orchids, and chameleons.
Afternoon visit to Vakona Reserve for close encounters with lemurs.
Overnight at Feon’ny Ala Hotel or similar.
Day 15 – Andasibe – Maromizaha Reserve – Antananarivo
Morning guided visit of the Maromizaha Reserve, a pristine primary forest managed in collaboration with international researchers and known for its exceptional biodiversity.
Approx. 3-hour walk through tropical rainforest.
Lunch en route, then return to Antananarivo.
Overnight at Chat’o Park Hotel or similar.
Day 16 – Antananarivo
Transfer to the airport according to flight schedules.
End of our services.
Rates per person
1 traveler: €4,200 – single room
2 travelers: €2,500 – 1 double/twin room
3 travelers: €2,250 – 1 triple room
4 travelers: €2,100 – 2 double/twin rooms
5 travelers: €1,950 – 1 triple room + 1 double/twin room
6 travelers: €1,850 – 3 double/twin rooms
For other options, please contact us.
Best Time to Travel
April – October
Included
Vehicle with French-speaking driver | Entrance fees and guided excursions mentioned | Accommodation (dinner & breakfast included) | All transfers (airports, boats, crossings) | Motorboat on the Pangalanes Canal | Camping equipment and full board for 2 nights on the canal
Not Included
Entry visa (€35 per person) | Domestic flights | Lunches | Drinks | Personal expenses | Any services not mentioned under “Included”
Antsirabe
Located a few hours south of Antananarivo at 1,400 meters altitude, Antsirabe is known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and relaxing atmosphere. Once a spa town, it offers mountain biking, horseback riding, and colorful rickshaw rides. Nearby highlights include Lake Tritriva, Mount Ibity, volcanic landscapes, and scenic countryside ideal for outdoor exploration.
Ambositra
Ambositra, the cultural heart of the Betsileo region, is renowned for its traditional brick houses and vibrant artisan scene. Surrounded by rolling hills and rural villages, it is the center of Zafimaniry wood carving. Visitors can explore workshops, local markets, and nearby villages while discovering Madagascar’s finest handcrafted sculptures and decorative wooden art.
The Zafimaniry Villages
Nestled in the forested hills south of Ambositra, the Zafimaniry villages showcase remarkable wooden architecture and ancestral craftsmanship. Descendants of the Betsileo people, the Zafimaniry are masters of intricate wood carving used in homes, furniture, and daily objects. Their cultural traditions and architectural heritage are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage treasure.
Ranomafana
Set in a lush valley of dense rainforest, Ranomafana is famous for its natural hot springs and exceptional national park. The park protects one of Madagascar’s richest biodiversity areas, home to rare lemurs, birds, reptiles, and orchids. Guided hikes reveal waterfalls, rivers, and vibrant wildlife, making Ranomafana a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Mananjary
Mananjary is a tranquil coastal town blending colonial charm with tropical scenery. Surrounded by spice plantations, it offers visits to vanilla, clove, and pepper farms. Colorful markets reflect local life, while nearby beaches invite relaxation. Mananjary is also a gateway to the Pangalanes Canal, providing peaceful boat journeys through lagoons and villages.
Mahanoro
Situated along the Pangalanes Canal, Mahanoro is a quiet town known for its natural mineral spring and surrounding waterfalls. It offers an authentic glimpse into coastal Malagasy life, with fishing villages, palm-lined waterways, and simple beaches. Boat trips along the canal reveal lush landscapes and daily scenes of rural communities living in harmony with nature.
Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha)
Sainte-Marie, also called Nosy Boraha, is a serene island paradise off Madagascar’s east coast. Known for pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and charming fishing villages, it is a top destination for whale watching between July and September. Diving, snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets add to the island’s relaxed and romantic atmosphere.
Andasibe
Andasibe is one of Madagascar’s most accessible and celebrated rainforest destinations. Its lush forests shelter remarkable wildlife, including the famous indri, the island’s largest lemur. Visitors can enjoy easy walks and guided hikes to observe lemurs, chameleons, and exotic birds. The nearby national park makes Andasibe a must-visit for nature lovers.
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