Day 1: Antananarivo – Madagascar

Your epic 11-day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour begins on your arrival in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s lively capital city. You’ll be welcomed by your Malagasy guide and transferred to your city hotel for an overnight stay. If time allows, you’re free to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant markets, and scenic hilltop views. Antananarivo’s unique charm lies in its blend of French-influenced architecture and lively local culture.

• Included Activity: Airport Transfer
• Meals Included: No meals included

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe – Madagascar

After breakfast at the hotel, your Madagascar Safari journeys east to Andasibe, a stunning region known for its lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Check into your comfortable forest hotel that will be home for two nights. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

As evening approaches, embark on a night walk through the forest, accompanied by expert guides who will help you spot the region’s fascinating wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and owls. As you venture through the forest under the soft glow of flashlights, keep a lookout for the glowing eyes peeking from the treetops for chances to spot the elusive nocturnal species of the forest, like mouse lemurs, chameleons and frogs.

• Included Activity: Andasibe Forest Night Walk
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – Madagascar

On Day 3 of your Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour, you’ll explore the parks and unique wildlife of Andasibe. Begin with a visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, where lush rainforests provide a sanctuary for a variety of lemur species, including the iconic Indri lemur, chameleons, frogs, and a variety of fascinating bird species.

In the afternoon, visit the V.O.I.M.M.A Community Reserve, a more intimate and less crowded experience than the national park, allowing for deeper engagement with the local community’s conservation efforts. As you explore the reserve’s lush forests with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain insight into the delicate balance between protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity and supporting the people who live there.

• Included Activity: Andasibe National Park Safari, VOIMMA Community Reserve visit
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 to 5: Andasibe to Pangalanes Canal & Akanin’Ny Nofy – Madagascar

Today, our Madagascar Safari departs the Andasibe forests, travelling to the hut village of Manambolo near the east coast of Madagascar. From here you’ll embark on a scenic boat journey along the Pangalanes Canal to reach the Palmarium Reserve at Akanin’ny Nofy, where you will stay for the next two nights. The Pangalanes Canal is a 600-kilometre network of man-made and natural waterways just inland from Madagascar’s eastern coastline. As you glide along the tranquil waters, you’ll pass through rainforests dotted with fishing villages and plantations, providing a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar’s traditional life and natural beauty from this unique perspective.

Day 5 of your Madagascar Lemurs Safari begins with a visit to the Palmarium Reserve, a private forest reserve that is home to six different species of lemurs, including the indri and black-and-white ruffed Lemur. As you explore the reserve, you’ll witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, set amidst the lush landscape.

Later in the day, visit a nearby village to experience local Malagasy culture firsthand, gaining insight into the daily lives and customs of the community. Later, after the sun has set, head out on a night excursion with experienced trackers in search of small mouse lemurs, rare woolly lemurs, and the elusive aye-aye lemur, one of Madagascar’s most mysterious nocturnal species.

• Included Activity: Pangalanes Canal Boat Transfer, Palmarium Reserve Safari, Forest Night Walk
• Meals Included: Breakfast x2

Day 6: Akanin’Ny Nofy to Pangalanes Canal, Tamatave & Mahambo – Madagascar

Day 6 will see you make the return journey along the Pangalanes Canal, travelling north from Akanin’ny Nofy Reserve to the port city of Tamatave (Toamasina). The journey offers serene views of Madagascar’s lush landscapes and a glimpse into the daily life along the canal as you pass by.

After a brief stop in Tamatave (Toamasina), the adventure continues, travelling further north by road. Your next destination is the laid-back coastal town of Mahambo, popular for its beautiful sandy beaches, fascinating local culture and laid-back atmosphere. Your lodge offers a range of activities, from kayaking, to beach volleyball, to snorkelling in the clear waters, making it an ideal spot to relax in the sunshine and enjoy the tranquil coastal surroundings.

• Included Activity: Pangalanes Canal Boat Transfer
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 to 9: Mahambo to Ile aux Nattes (Sainte Marie Island) – Madagascar

After breakfast, you’ll be collected for a transfer to the ferry station. From here, set sail for Sainte Marie Island (Nosy Boraha), a stunning tropical escape for the ‘island’ part of your adventure. You will be met upon arrival to be transported to the tiny island of Ille Aux Nattes lying at the southern tip, home to some of its most beautiful beaches, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

These serene, white-sand shores are the perfect place to relax, swim, and soak up the sunshine. Spend your days strolling along the pristine coastline, snorkelling in the shallow waters, or enjoying the island’s peaceful atmosphere. With no cars and a laid-back vibe, Île aux Nattes is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Madagascar’s coastline. Optional snorkelling excursions provide a glimpse into the island’s vibrant underwater world, where you can explore colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly even dolphins. Sainte Marie is famous for its whale-watching opportunities (July to September) when humpback whales visit the coves on their annual migration. Explore the mangroves, and the island’s rich history, including a trip to the Pirate Cemetery to discover the legends of old.

• Optional Activity: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Pirogue Trips, Whale Watching (in season), and more
• Meals Included: Breakfast x3

Day 10: Sainte Marie Island (Nosy Boraha) to Antananarivo – Madagascar

After three blissful island days, it is time for your Madagascar Safari to return to the mainland. Catch a flight from Sainte Marie Island (flight not included) to Antananarivo. On arrival, experience the city’s charm with a guided tour of the sights, including a visit to the historic Kings Palace on Blue Hill. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from here and learn about the history and cultural significance of this historic place. The rest of the day is yours to explore further, or unwind at your city hotel.

• Included Activity: Guided Antananarivo City Tour
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Antananarivo – Madagascar

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be collected at the hotel for a transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. Here, your epic 11 Day Madagascar Lemur & Sainte-Marie Island Tour comes to a close.

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Madagascar Safari Tour Notes

It is advisable to fly in the day before and fly out the day after this 11 Day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour ends in Antananarivo to allow for delays and changes. Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and/or post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

Madagascar Flights

Note that local and international Flight costs are not included in this Madagascar Safari package and will be quoted separately at the time of booking. Our friendly travel advisors will be able to advise on your options and make bookings on your behalf through our flight partners.

Madagascar Tour Accommodation

Accommodation on this Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour is mid-range hotels in comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris