Ambohitsara– Nosy Varika
Day 1: Tana City Tour
- Description: A bustling city where a mosaic of people from all regions come together. Antananarivo is nicknamed “The Historical Capital of the Island of Madagascar.”
- Activity: City tour
- Lodging: Hôtel La Maison de Lovasoa, half-board
Day 2: Tana – Antsirabe
- Distance: 170 km
- Description: Also called the “Water City,” Antsirabe is a charming spa town surrounded by volcanic massifs, located 170 km south of Antananarivo. It is the third-largest city in Madagascar. With its fresh air and cool climate all year round, Antsirabe is the perfect destination for a family or friends’ vacation. A rickshaw city tour through the wide avenues lined with jacaranda trees will take you on a new adventure.
- Activities: Stop in Ambatolampy to visit the artisanal workshop for aluminum tools, utensils, and artwork / Rickshaw city tour / Visit to Lake Tritriva.
- Lodging: Le Trianon, half-board.
Day 3: Antsirabe – Ranomafana
- Distance: 230 km
- Description: Fancy a retreat into lush greenery and nature? Ranomafana offers a true introduction to naturalism. As one of Madagascar’s densest forests, it also serves as a perfect escape for relaxation and well-being, with its kaleidoscope of vibrant greens and the soothing sounds of awakening nature. From soft to deep shades of green, Ranomafana National Park remains a sanctuary for lemurs, geckos, chameleons, and many other endemic species of Madagascar.
- Lodging: Karibotel, half-board.
Day 4: Visit to Ranomafana National Park
- Lodging: Karibotel, half-board.
Day 5: Ranomafana – Sahambavy or Fianarantsoa
- Distance: 65 km (Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa)
- Sahambavy: On the Tea Route, embark on a journey of flavors and aromas! Nicknamed “The Field of Women” in Malagasy, Sahambavy is the only tea-producing region on the island. Its name is inspired by the gentle curves of its plantations, a succession of rolling hills covered in soft, radiant green.
- Fianarantsoa: This charming Highlands city, spread across three levels, is known for its traditional houses, winding alleyways, and maze of staircases. Once a center of education and learning, it still boasts many schools, bookstores, and churches. Beyond its cultural and religious significance, the city is also famous for its vineyards, cheese, and tea plantations.
- Activities: Visit the tea plantation / Hotel-organized activities / City tour of Fianarantsoa
- Lodging: La Rizière Fianarantsoa (or Lac Hôtel if staying in Sahambavy).
Day 6: Train Journey to Sahasinaka
- From Fianarantsoa, guests will take the train to Sahasinaka. Upon arrival at Sahasinaka station, a vehicle will pick them up for the drive to Manakara. 4×4 Vehicle Transfer to Manakara .
Day 7: Manakara – Mananjary (By Car)
- Distance: 170 km
- Manakara: A charming coastal town in southeastern Madagascar, nestled along the Indian Ocean. With its humid tropical climate, Manakara boasts a rich and diverse biodiversity. A former French colonial town, it still preserves remnants of that era, visible in its architecture and historic buildings. Manakara offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and colonial history, making for an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Madagascar.
- Mananjary: A peaceful coastal town known for its rich biodiversity, tropical climate, and authentic Malagasy atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience local life in a breathtaking natural setting.
- Lodging: Hôtel H1 Mananjary.
Day 8: Mananjary – Ambohitsara (By Boat)
- Description: Aboard a traditional wooden boat, embark on a peaceful journey along the Canal des Pangalanes to reach Ambohitsara—a village nestled between a lake and the sea, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
- Activity: Explore Ambohitsara and its surroundings, including the mysterious stone elephant statue, whose origins remain uncertain to archaeologists, and taste the local honey mead (hydromel). Enjoy a boat excursion around Ambohitsara.
- Lodging: Overnight at Auberge d’Ambohitsara, full board.
Day 9: Ambohitsara – Nosy Varika
- Description: Nosy Varika is a peaceful destination that offers an authentic glimpse into Malagasy coastal life in a stunning natural setting. It is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and immerse themselves in the local culture.
- Activity: Boat excursion along the Pangalanes Canal.
- Lodging: Bivouac (camping-style accommodation).
- Transport: By Boat.
Day 10: Nosy Varika – Masomeloka
- Description: Masomeloka is a beautiful village located 47 km south of Mahanoro, nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Canal des Pangalanes. Known for its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere, it offers a perfect escape into nature. End your day with a leisurely walk through the village streets, where you can observe the peaceful daily life of the locals.
- Activity: Strolling through the village streets.
- Lodging: Bivouac (camping-style accommodation).
Day 11: Masomeloka – Mahanoro
- Description: Mahanoro is a coastal town on Madagascar’s east coast, nestled between the Pangalanes Canal and the Indian Ocean.
- Activities: Enjoy walks and hikes to Sahavato Waterfall, Tanambao viewpoint, and the terraced rice fields. Engage in water activities and relax by the shore.
- Lodging: Le Serenity, half-board.
- Transport: By boat.
Day 12: Mahanoro – Tamatave
- Distance: 280 km
- Description: Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is a true gem of Madagascar’s east coast, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere, rich culture, and warm hospitality. The city’s bustling markets are a feast for the senses, showcasing local spices, tropical fruits, and handcrafted goods. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas of fresh produce and traditional fabrics. Toamasina’s pristine beaches, with their fine sand and crystal-clear waters, provide the perfect setting for relaxation and sunbathing. Every moment in Toamasina is an opportunity to embrace local culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
- Activity: City tour.
- Lodging: Satrana Hotel.
Day 13: Tamatave – Foulpointe
- Distance: Approximately 65 km
- Description: Once a colonial trading post, Foulpointe is now a prime destination known for its stunning beaches and idyllic landscapes, enhanced by the coral reefs lining the shore. The charming scenery, combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
- Activities:
- Pirogue ride to the coral barrier and snorkeling
- Visit to the historic Manda Fort
- Lodging: Manda Beach Hotel
Day 14: Foulpointe – Maroantsetra
- Distance: 340 km
- Description: Maroantsetra is a hidden gem of Madagascar, located on the Vanilla Coast in the northeast. This town is filled with unique tourist attractions, from paradisiacal beaches and diverse landscapes to its rich biodiversity, ensuring unforgettable adventures. As the beating heart of Antongil Bay, Maroantsetra lies in one of the greenest regions of the island.
- Lodging: Hôtel Manga Beach.
Day 15: Maroantsetra
- Description: Free day to relax and explore at your own pace.
- Lodging: Hôtel Manga Beach.
Day 16: Maroantsetra – Nosy Mangabe – Masoala
- Nosy Mangabe: If you’re looking to experience Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, Nosy Mangabe offers a full immersion in the island’s lush nature. This small island is a true sanctuary, home to a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna. Covered in natural forests from the shoreline to its highest peak, Nosy Mangabe provides a one-of-a-kind escape into Madagascar’s wilderness.
- Activity: Island tour and exploration.
- Lodging: Hôtel Manga Beach.
Day 17: Masoala
- Description: Covering 230,000 hectares, Masoala National Park is the largest national park in Madagascar. It consists of four terrestrial areas and three marine reserves, offering a diverse ecosystem with a unique blend of rainforest and marine biodiversity.
- Activity: Visit to Masoala National Park.
- Lodging: Masoala Forest Lodge.
Day 18: Masoala – Maroantsetra
- Activity: Relaxing day at the beach.
- Lodging: Hôtel Manga Beach.
Day 19: Maroantsetra – Tana
- Activity: Flight to Tana (16:30 – 17:45).
Day 20: Tana
- Activity: Free day.
- Lodging: Hôtel La Maison de Lovasoa.
Day 21: Tana – Andasibe
- Distance: 160 km
- Description: After breakfast, we head to Andasibe, a quaint village with a Far West charm, featuring a single cobblestone street, charming houses, and lush rice fields. The village’s undeniable allure is complemented by its proximity to the famous Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty.
- Activity: Night visit to Mantadia National Park.
- Lodging: Feon’ny Ala.
Day 22: Andasibe-Mantadia
- Activity: Day visit to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.
- Lodging: Feon’ny Ala.
Day 23: Andasibe – Tana
- Activity: Transfer to the airport.