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8 Day itinerary in Madagascar, Africa

East Extension Building Block

On this eight day journey you will discover the wildlife and the nature of the beautiful Madagascar.

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Frank

By Frank

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Antananarivo

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Wildlife

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Learn history of the Pangalanes Canal

2

Encounter dancing sifakas, Indri Indri and other lemurs.

3

Enjoy the beautiful beaches

4

Humpback Whale excursions in Sainte Marie

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place To Pangalanes Canal

After breakfast, a three-hour drive to Manambato, the gateway to the Canal de Pangalanes. The Pangalanes are formed by hundreds of kilometers long succession of lakes, creeks and lagoons, which are connected by canals. In colonial times the water was used for transport, but now it has become so overgrown that only the small pirogues of local fishermen can still easily find their way there. A unique nature reserve, and your accommodation (Palmarium) is right in the middle of it! A boat will take you there over Lake Akanin'ny Nofy and the different arms of the Canal.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy
Day 2

place Pangalanes Canal

There is a beautiful nature reserve on the peninsula, which is the domain of Palmarium. Here you can take walks (with a guide or on your own) and encounter dancing sifakas, Indri Indri and other lemurs. The lush jungle is also home to a fine selection of carnivorous plants. You can also continue on the Canal by boat. Birdwatching along the shores or visiting a fishing village situated on the narrow isthmus between the Canal and the Indian Ocean. At night, a nocturnal visit is planned to spot the mysterious Aye aye.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy
Day 3

place Canal des Pangalanes -

After breakfast, you continue the trip on the Canal des Pangalanes by boat. After a few hours, you moor at the jetty of Toamasina (Tamatave). From here, a transfer car will take you in 2 hours to the coastal town of Mahambo. This beach resort is the springboard to Saint Marie. You spend the night here in a beautiful hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Hôtel La Pirogue
Day 4

place Sainte Marie

You will cross the Indian Ocean strait between the mainland and Sainte Marie by a fast ferry. Once there, you will be taken to a beautiful beach hotel where you can enjoy the coming days.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Libertalia
Day 5

place Sainte Marie

The channel between Sainte-Marie and Madagascar is one of the world's best places for whale watching. Large groups of humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to this idyllic nesting site. Here, these calm giants find the ideal conditions favorable for the growth of their young as well as the perfect place to find a buddy for the coming season through their acrobatic games before returning to the cold seas. You will go out twice to experience this spectacle. Today for the first time.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Libertalia
Day 6

place Sainte Marie

Chances are that you will only come to this beautiful island once in your life during this unique period. That's why we take advantage of it and today take to the sea for the second time to watch the humpback whales play.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Libertalia
Day 7

place Sainte Marie

In addition to the whale spectacles, Sainte Marie is also known for its infamous past. In the 16th and 17th century, it was a true pirate's nest. European buccaneers attacked the unsuspecting ships of the East Indian Company from its hidden bays. The mangrove forests and deserted bays with pirate cemeteries can be visited by pirogue. Your hotel is not far from the center of the main town and also close to many restaurants. Your days at Sainte Marie will therefore be spiced up with delicious meals.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Libertalia
Day 8

place Madagascar Departure

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to catch your local flight to Antananarivo.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Palmarium Hotel Ankanin'Nofy
  • Hôtel La Pirogue
  • Libertalia

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Dinner (4)

Transport expand_less

  • 2 days 4WD car with English speaking driver including fuel and insurance
  • All boat transfers in the Pangalanes Canal
  • Transfer to Mahambo
  • Boat transfer to Sainte Marie island
  • Transfer to Hotel Libertalia
  • Domestic flight Sainte Marie – Antananarivo

Activities expand_less

  • Activities as listed on the itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Other meals or drinks not mentioned

About Frank

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (2 reviews)

While working as a guide in Africa, some of Frank’s journeys brought him to Madagascar. He started to explore its off-beat corners, and it didn't take long before he settled there. Since 2011 Frank lives, works and travels on this beautiful island.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$3,434.00 USD