© Tourcan Vacations
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Trip type
- Wildlife & Nature / Adventure / Cultural & Beach Discovery
- Group size
Overview
This Madagascar journey combines rainforest wildlife, community conservation, scenic waterways, cultural encounters and coastal relaxation, travelling from Antananarivo through Andasibe and Akanin’Ny Nofy to Mahambo and the islands of Sainte Marie and Iie Aux Nattes.
The itinerary features lemur encounters in the Special Reserve of Andasibe and Palmarium Reserve, a night walk to spot lemurs, chameleons and owls, and a visit to the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve highlighting sustainable rainforest conservation. The journey also includes scenic boat transfers along the Pangalanes Canal, a village cultural experience, an Aye Aye excursion, coastal activities in Mahambo such as kayaking and snorkeling, and leisure time on the beaches of Sainte Marie and Iie Aux Nattes. It concludes with a guided tour of Antananarivo and a visit to the historic Kings Palace on Blue Hill.
The route
Day by day, at a glance
Day 1 · Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Day 2 · Andasibe
Antananarivo – Andasibe
Day 3 · Andasibe
Natural Reserve of Andasibe
Day 4 · Akanin'ny Nofy
Andasibe - Akanin’Ny Nofy Reserve
Day 5 · Mahambo
Akanin’Ny Nofy Reserve – Tamatave - Mahambo
Day 6 · Sainte Marie
Saint Marie - Iie Aux Nattes
Day 7 · Antananarivo
Iie Aux Nattes - Antananarivo
Day 8 · Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 · Antananarivo
Antananarivo
Welcome to the bustling capital city, Antananarivo! On arrival at the airport in you will be met by your Malagasy guide and transferred to your hotel where you will overnight. Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar
Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similarDay 2 · Andasibe
Antananarivo – Andasibe
After breakfast, we drive to Andasibe, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Later, as evening falls, we set out on a night walk through the forest. Led by experienced guides, we have the opportunity to spot lemurs, chameleons, and owls, offering a unique and immersive forest experience. Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast
Mantadia Lodge or similarBreakfastDay 3 · Andasibe
Natural Reserve of Andasibe
Today's adventure takes us to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, where we'll have the chance to encounter a variety of lemur species amidst the lush greenery. In the afternoon, our journey continues to the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve. Here, we'll witness firsthand the efforts to preserve the rainforests through sustainable practices, such as reforestation projects that provide livelihoods for local communities. Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast
Mantadia Lodge or similarBreakfastDay 4 · Akanin'ny Nofy
Andasibe - Akanin’Ny Nofy Reserve
After breakfast, we continue to Manambato and embark on a scenic boat transfer along the Pangalanes to reach the Palmarium Reserve. The next morning, we visit the Palmarium reserve where we can encounter six species of lemurs in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we visit a nearby village to immerse ourselves in local culture. Later, we embark on an early evening excursion in search of the elusive Aye Aye lemurs, with the guidance of experienced trackers. Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy or similar Meals: Breakfast
Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy or similarBreakfastDay 5 · Mahambo
Akanin’Ny Nofy Reserve – Tamatave - Mahambo
Starting with the first light of morning, we embark on a boat trip along the Pangalanes Canal to Tamatave. The journey offers serene views of Madagascar's lush landscapes and the chance to witness the daily rhythms of life along the canal. After a brief stop in Tamatave, your adventure continues northward by road to Mahambo. Along the way, you'll pass through diverse scenery, from verdant rice paddies to majestic mountains. Arriving in Mahambo, a coastal town awaits. The lodge offers a plethora of activities to enjoy, including kayaking, beach volleyball, beach soccer, snorkeling, and more. Accommodation: La Pirogue Hotel Mahambo or similar Meals: Breakfast
La Pirogue Hotel Mahambo or similarBreakfastDay 6 · Sainte Marie
Saint Marie - Iie Aux Nattes
We embark on a morning boat transfer from your lodge to the El Condor ferry and continue to the Island of Sainte Marie. Upon arrival, a 4WD car awaits to take you to the Southern tip of the island. There, you'll find one of the best beaches, where you can spend the days at leisure. Optional snorkeling excursions offer a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world. Accommodation: Sambatra Beach Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast
Sambatra Beach Lodge or similarBreakfastDay 7 · Antananarivo
Iie Aux Nattes - Antananarivo
Departing from Sainte Marie Island, catch a flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, delve into the city's charm with a guided tour, including a visit to the historic Kings Palace on Blue Hill. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from its elevated position and explore its cultural significance. Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar Meals: Breakfast sss
Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfastDay 8 · Antananarivo
Antananarivo
After breakfast, it's time to head to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. From there, you'll catch your connecting flight home. *** END OF OUR SERVICES ***
Where you'll stay
Accommodations
Day 1 · Antananarivo
Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar
Days 2–3 · Andasibe
Mantadia Lodge or similar
Day 4 · Akanin'ny Nofy
Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy or similar
Day 5 · Mahambo
La Pirogue Hotel Mahambo or similar
Day 6 · Sainte Marie
Sambatra Beach Lodge or similar
Day 7 · Antananarivo
Palissandre Hotel & Spa or similar
How it works
Made to order
- Every Tourcan trip is built by a specialist, not a template — the route, hotels, and pace are tuned to how you want to travel.
- Dates are flexible. There are no fixed departures; we plan around your calendar.
- Quotes and bookings happen by phone and email with your specialist — no automated checkout, just a real conversation.
What's included
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
- TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS
- • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard (on bed and
- breakfast basis)
- • All transport and transfers in applicable vehicle
- • English-speaking guide (excluding Day 7-9 in Sante Marie)
- • Specialist local guides in national parks as per programme
- • Activities and excursions as mentioned
- • Park and reserve entrance fees
- • Domestic flight: Sainte Marie to Antananarivo
- • (Hotels mentioned or similar options)
Not included
- EXCLUDED FROM TOUR PRICE
- • Flights & airport taxes: International
- • Optional activities
- • All other drinks
- • Meals not specified in itinerary
- • Personal expenses such as gratuities, travel insurance, curios, laundry etc.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the price of any Tourcan itinerary. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.