Helinirina Raharomanana – Madagascar Tours Guide

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season - Guaranteed Departure

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season - Descriptions

This tour starts from Antananarivo, the capital located in the Highlands, before heading east. Along the way, there is a planned stop at the Peyrieras reserve, also called the Butterfly Farm, near Marozevo. This place houses a wide variety of reptiles, chameleons, frogs and butterflies, offering a first immersion into the richness of Malagasy fauna.

The route crosses the Andasibe region, known for its national park and its tropical forests where the famous Indri-Indri lemurs live. The road continues to Manambato, a small peaceful village on the edge of Lake Rasoabe, from where you access the Pangalanes Canal. From Manambato, a boat crossing leads to Ankanin’ny Nofy, a charming site between lake and ocean, famous for its lemur reserve and fine sandy beaches.

The journey then continues to Tamatave, the main port city on the east coast, before heading to the island of Sainte Marie. This island, bordered by white beaches and turquoise waters, is renowned for its tranquillity and its history linked to former pirates.

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season - Itinerary

Circuit : Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Ranomafana – Ambalavao – Isalo – Toliara – Ifaty

Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo
Day 2 – Antananarivo – Andasibe
Day 3 – Andasibe – Ankanin’ny Nofy
Day 4 – Ankanin’ny Nofy
Day 5 – Ankanin’ny Nofy – Tamatave – Mahambo
Day 6 – Mahambo – Sainte Marie
Day 7 – Sainte Marie
Day 8 – Sainte Marie – Antananarivo
Day 9 – Departure from Madagascar

Highlights

The Peyreiras reserve
The Andasibe National Park and its endemic wildlife
Crossing the Pangalanes Canal and visit to Ankanin’Ny Nofy
The beach at Ankanin’Ny Nofy
Relaxation by Lake Rasoabe in Manambato
Coastal stay in Sainte Marie, between beaches, nature and culture

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season - Details

Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo

Meet at the airport by your driver / guide.

Private transfer to your hotel. Check-in and free time to rest after the flight.

Depending on the arrival time, it is possible to take a short walk around the hotel or enjoy a first glimpse of the Malagasy capital.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation in a hotel with American breakfast.
Ikopa Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Antananarivo – Andasibe

Departure in the morning after breakfast from Antananarivo, heading east. The road crosses magnificent Highland landscapes before descending into tropical forests. En route, stop at the Peyrieras reserve (or Butterfly Farm), an essential place to discover Madagascar’s endemic fauna up close: chameleons, geckos, frogs, butterflies and other fascinating species. After this instructive and colourful visit, continue towards Andasibe, famous for its national park home to the majestic Indri-Indri, the largest of the lemurs.

After check-in at the hotel, the afternoon is dedicated to visiting the Vakona reserve, where you can get close to various lemurs in a preserved natural setting and enjoy activities around Lemur Island. This first immersion allows you to familiarise yourself with the region’s exceptional biodiversity and fully enjoy the surrounding verdant nature.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
Vakona or similar

Day 3 – Andasibe – Ankanin’ny Nofy

The day begins early in the morning in Andasibe with a visit to the Analamazaotra Park, where the primary forest offers the opportunity to observe the largest lemur in Madagascar as well as other endemic species such as chameleons and birds. The guided walk along the trails allows you to fully enjoy the lush vegetation and the region’s unique biodiversity.

After this immersion in nature, set off towards Manambato, with a journey of about three hours through landscapes of rice fields, forests and typical villages. Upon arrival, a boat crossing on the Pangalanes Canal leads to Ankanin’Ny Nofy, offering magnificent river panoramas and a glimpse of the vegetation that lines the lake. In the late afternoon, check-in at the lodge allows you to relax and enjoy the surroundings, with the possibility of short walks to discover the forest and, if you wish, to observe the local nocturnal fauna.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
Palmarium or similar

Day 4 – Ankanin’ny Nofy

The visit to the Palmarium Reserve offers an immersion into lush, preserved nature. The guided walk through the palm forest allows you to observe numerous lemurs up close, some of which live semi-freely and do not hesitate to approach visitors. The reserve also houses a variety of fauna, with chameleons, endemic birds and other fascinating species. The arranged paths offer the opportunity to discover different habitats while enjoying the tranquillity of the site and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

At the end of the visit, a walk along the lake or a night outing allows you to observe the wildlife active at dusk, thus completing a unique and unforgettable experience at the heart of Malagasy biodiversity.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
Palmarium or similar

Day 5 – Ankanin’ny Nofy – Tamatave – Mahambo

After one last morning wake-up in peaceful Ankanin’Ny Nofy (“the Nest of Dreams”), embark on a boat trip on the calm waters of Lake Ampitabe and the Pangalanes Canal, a string of lakes and lagoons lined with tropical forests and fishing villages.

Your navigation continues northwards to Tamatave (Toamasina), the main port of Madagascar. Throughout the journey, you discover the authentic life that unfolds on the banks of the canal: fishermen’s dugout canoes, children playing on the shores and lush vegetation. On your arrival in Tamatave, regain your 4×4 vehicle to continue the road towards Mahambo. This route follows the east coast through superb tropical countryside: red tracks, clove, coffee and vanilla plantations, small typical villages and verdant panoramas follow one another. In places, the road opens onto magnificent views of the Indian Ocean.

At the end of the day, arrival in Mahambo, a charming seaside village known for its wild beaches and peaceful atmosphere; a gateway to the mythical island of Sainte-Marie.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
La Pirogue or similar

Day 6 – Mahambo – Sainte Marie

After breakfast by the ocean in Mahambo, board a fast boat for an unforgettable crossing to the island of Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha). The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the sea conditions, and offers superb panoramas of the east coast of Madagascar and the deep blue horizon of the Indian Ocean. As the crossing progresses, the sea breeze, spray and the silhouette of Sainte-Marie gradually emerging create a real sense of escape.

Arrival at the small port of Ambodifotatra marks the start of a new chapter in your adventure: white sandy beaches, coconut trees, turquoise lagoons and a peaceful atmosphere await you on this mythical island, once a pirate hideout and today a haven of tranquillity.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
La Libertalia or similar

Day 7 – Sainte Marie

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the island of Sainte-Marie at your own pace. You can stroll through the picturesque alleys, relax on the white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, or meet the welcoming inhabitants of the island.

For those who are curious, optional excursions are available: visit the pirate cemetery, take a dugout canoe ride, or go diving or snorkeling in the turquoise lagoon. A day dedicated to relaxation and discovery!

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
La Libertalia or similar

Day 8 – Sainte Marie – Antananarivo

Departure for Sainte-Marie airport according to the flight schedule.

Flight to Antananarivo.

Arrival at Ivato, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation with American breakfast.
Ikopa Hotel or similar

Day 9 – Departure from Madagascar

Depending on your flight schedule, there is the possibility of taking a city tour of Antananarivo and visiting the craft market to buy some souvenirs.

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Please fill out the contact form below to book this tour:

END OF SERVICES

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season : Net price in euros per person

02 PAX IN DOUBLE ROOM (with a double bed) or TWIN ROOM (with two separate single beds): 1,180 euros

THIS PRICE INCLUDES:

The rental of a private 4WD vehicle throughout the tour
Fuel throughout the tour
Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers
The boat transfer Manambato – Hotel Palmarium – Tamatave
The boat transfer Mahambo – Sainte Marie
Accommodation in hotels with American breakfasts (Names specified in the tour description)
Cost of the visits mentioned in the program and the fees for local guides, scouts, national parks as well as all other small visits
Insurance, tolls, municipal taxes, ferry crossings and car parking
Accommodation for the accompanying driver-guide (meals, accommodation, allowance and various expenses).
Carrying out the tour as described

THIS PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

International and domestic flights
Lunches and dinners
Drinks and mineral water
Extras, tips and personal expenses
Everything not mentioned in THIS PRICE INCLUDES

**IMPORTANT : Upon our confirmation within 48 hours maximum:
The hotels indicated in the program may be changed depending on their availability at the time of booking. MADAGASCAR TOURS GUIDE will then offer an alternative solution in a similar hotel category.

Note: This rate may be modified depending on hotel availability

Eastern Madagascar tour 2026 season - Video

Helinirina Raharomanana

Helinirina Raharomanana is an independent guide, founder, and manager of the agency Madagascar Tours Guide. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, he specializes in organizing tailor-made trips across the entire Malagasy territory. Collaborating with a team of experienced guides and drivers, he is dedicated to providing an in-depth exploration of Madagascar’s landscapes, traditions, and customs.