Forests, Lemurs & Baobabs: Journey from the East to the West

Day 1 — Antananarivo

Arrival at Ivato International Airport and transfer to Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar. This historic city, built on twelve hills, showcases rich royal heritage with the Rova of Antananarivo palace complex overlooking terraced rice fields. Explore cobbled streets, bustling markets like Analakely, and colonial architecture. The city blends Malagasy traditions with French influences. Hotel installation. Hotel: Havana Resort or similar

Day 2 — Antananarivo → Andasibe

Early departure along RN2 (Route Nationale 2) through scenic highlands and rice paddies. Lunch in Moramanga, a charming market town. Afternoon visit to Mitsinjo Reserve, a community-led conservation area famous for chameleons, colorful frogs, exotic insects, and the iconic indri lemurs. Night guided walk in VOIMMA Community Reserve to observe nocturnal lemurs, mouse lemurs, chameleons, and reptiles in their natural habitat. Hotel: Feony Ala or similar

Day 3 — Andasibe

Full day exploring Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (also known as Périnet), one of Madagascar’s most accessible rainforests. Approximately 4-hour hike through primary rainforest to encounter the loud calls of indri (largest living lemur), diademed sifaka, bamboo lemur, endemic birds like the Madagascar Serpent Eagle, colorful chameleons, geckos, and rare orchids. Afternoon visit to Vakona Reserve (Lemur Island) to see black-and-white ruffed lemurs in a protected setting. Hotel: Feony Ala or similar

Day 4 — Andasibe → Vatomandry

Morning exploration of Maromizaha Forest, a pristine rainforest corridor with exceptional biodiversity and fewer tourists. Scenic drive descending to the east coast through lush vegetation to reach Vatomandry, a small coastal port town framed by swaying coconut palms and long sandy beaches along the warm Indian Ocean. Experience the relaxed coastal atmosphere and traditional fishing villages. Hotel: Casadoro or similar

Day 5 — Vatomandry → Mahanoro

Full-day boat cruise along the legendary Pangalanes Canal, a 600km network of natural lakes, rivers, and man-made channels parallel to the coast. Observe traditional lakeside villages, colorful pirogues (dugout canoes), fishermen casting nets, women washing clothes, and unique coastal ecosystems. Lunch en route at a local village. Arrival in Mahanoro late afternoon, a gateway town to the canal system. Hotel: Overnight camping

Day 6 — Mahanoro → Ambohitsara

Continuation of navigation through the Pangalanes Canal, passing palm-lined landscapes, isolated fishing villages, and pristine beaches where the canal meets the Indian Ocean. Observe traditional boat-building techniques and daily life along this unique waterway. Arrival in Ambohitsara, a village noted for traditional pirogue construction and authentic canal/ocean lifestyle. Experience genuine Malagasy coastal culture away from tourist routes. Hotel: Overnight camping

Day 7 — Ambohitsara → Mananjary → Ranomafana

Short navigation to Mananjary, a historic port town with colonial architecture and the famous Antaimoro community. After lunch, begin the ascent to the High Plateaux, driving through changing landscapes from coastal plains to mountainous terrain. Journey to Ranomafana, meaning “hot water,” famous for its thermal springs, UNESCO-listed national park, and pristine humid rainforest teeming with endemic wildlife. Hotel: Karibotel or similar

Day 8 — Ranomafana → Ambositra

Morning visit to Ranomafana National Park, a 41,600-hectare rainforest reserve. Trek through diverse habitats to spot the rare golden bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, greater bamboo lemur, colorful amphibians, and endemic birds like the Madagascar Red Owl. Afterwards, drive to Ambositra, the capital of Zafimaniry craftsmanship, renowned for intricate woodcarving traditions recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Hotel: Ivato River Lodge or similar