Best of East Madagascar
PRIVATE TOUR: Experience Madagascar’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture on this unforgettable journey. Explore Antananarivo’s historic charm, hike through Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to see the Indri Indri lemurs, and cruise the scenic Canal des Pangalanes. Discover the Palmarium Reserve’s rare flora and playful lemurs, visit local fishing villages, and unwind on the paradise island of Sainte Marie. Enjoy pristine beaches, forest trails, and optional whale watching (June–October). A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with comfortable stays throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
AntananarivoEnds
AntananarivoMinimum age
7 years oldMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of a driver-guide with local guides for sightseeingCountry
MadagascarMeals included
Breakfast: 8Passengers
$3,020.00
$719.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of a driver-guide with local guides for sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! On arrival at the airport in the capital of Antananarivo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your first evening in Madagascar is free to relax in the hotel or to head out and explore.
Day 2 - Journey to Andasibe & Wildlife Encounters
Antananarivo - Andasibe. Today you drive to Andasibe, stopping at Mandraka’s Butterfly Farm to see chameleons, geckos, lizards, and butterflies. You'll arrive at your accommodation by mid-afternoon, and can check into your forest-side bungalow. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Adventure
Set off on a guided tour of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, hiking for three hours to spot the Indri Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, along with diverse flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit VOI village park for another chance to see these iconic lemurs up close.
Day 4 - Scenic Cruise on the Canal des Pangalanes
Andasibe - Akanin'ny Nofy reserve. After breakfast, drive 145 km (about 2.5 hours) on National Road 2, followed by an 8 km dirt track to Manambato on Lake Rasoabe. Board a barge for a peaceful cruise along the Canal des Pangalanes, gliding between the sea and lagoons. The Canal des Pangalanes is a partially man-made waterway. It combines natural rivers, lakes, and lagoons with artificial channels that were constructed during the French colonial period to create a navigable route along Madagascar's eastern coast.
Day 5 - Exploring Palmarium Reserve
Akanin'ny Nofy reserve - Palmarium. After breakfast, visit the Palmarium Reserve, home to rare endemic palms, orchids, carnivorous plants, and playful lemurs, including Indri, sifaka, and crowned lemurs. In the afternoon, explore local fishing villages or enjoy optional activities on Lake Ampitabe, such as canoeing and swimming.
Day 6 - Canal Journey to Tamatave & Drive to Foulpointe
Palmarium - Foulpointe. After breakfast, embark on a three-hour boat transfer to Tamatave, passing pirogues and rafts transporting local goods like bananas, manioc, and dried ravinala leaves. Watch the world go by and enjoy views of Malagasy life. On arrival, you'll continue your journey by car, travelling another three hours to Foulpointe.
Day 7 - Boat Transfer to Sainte Marie Island
Foulpointe - Sante Marie. Enjoy a 3-hour boat transfer to Sainte Marie. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for you to explore.
Days 8-9 - Days at Leisure in Sainte Marie
Enjoy free time in Sainte Marie, where traditional life meets paradise. Explore beaches, forests, and historical sites through hikes, bike rides, or car and quad excursions. Experience the laid-back pace of "moramora," and, from June to October, join boat trips to see humpback whales during their breeding season.
Day 10 - Return to Antananarivo
Sainte Marie - Antananrivo. After a final dive in Sainte Marie, depending on your Tsaradia flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo.
Please note: The flight from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo is not included in the cost of your tour. We can assist you with booking this flight if you wish.
Day 11 - Antananarivo
If time allows, enjoy a brief stop at the artisanal market for shopping before transferring to the airport for your international flight.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Single Supplement
If you have an odd number of people in your booking party, or you are wanting the privacy of your own room on tour, then this add-on guarantees you a single occupancy room to yourself. Please note that triple rooms are not available on this tour so you must pay the single supplement at least once if you have an odd number of travellers in your booking party.
Add-on
Half board supplement
Your tour package includes daily breakfast at the hotel. As you can imagine, towns and cities in Madagascar aren't always blessed with dining options. With this add-on, you can enjoy an included dinner in the hotel on each night of your tour.
Add-on
Domestic Flight from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo
The flight from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo is not included in the cost of your tour package. You can either book this flight independently or you can book this optional add-on and let us handle all the arrangements for you.
Add-on
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
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