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 just a few hours from the capital and perched at over 1,400 meters above sea level, Antsirabe enjoys a pleasantly cool climate and preserved colonial charm. Formerly a spa town, it offers mountain biking, horseback riding, colorful rickshaws, and scenic hikes to Lake Tritriva and Mount Ibity.
Ambositra
Capital of Betsileo craftsmanship, Ambositra is known for its traditional brick houses, rural atmosphere, and Zafimaniry wood carving workshops nestled among surrounding hills and villages.
The Zafimaniry Villages
The Zafimaniry people, descendants of Betsileo settlers, are renowned for their exceptional wood craftsmanship. Their finely carved houses form unique examples of vernacular architecture, recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage.
Ranomafana
Hidden in a deep valley and surrounded by dense rainforest, Ranomafana is famous for its thermal springs and its national park, one of Madagascar’s top biodiversity sites.
Mananjary
A peaceful coastal town with colonial charm, Mananjary is ideal for relaxation, spice plantation visits, colorful markets, and access to the Pangalanes Canal.
Mahanoro
Located along the Pangalanes Canal, Mahanoro is known for its natural spring and surrounding waterfalls, offering a quiet immersion into local life.
Sainte-Marie
Also known as Nosy Boraha, Sainte-Marie is a tropical haven of deserted beaches, fishing villages, and turquoise lagoons, famous for whale watching, diving, and unforgettable sunsets.
Andasibe
One of Madagascar’s most popular nature destinations, Andasibe is home to lush rainforest and remarkable wildlife. Several lemur species can be observed within a short walk, making it a highlight for nature lovers.
No pages found.
No pages found.