ITINERARY
You will be met at the airport and transferred directly to Andasibe through a landscape composed of rice paddies, waterfalls and scarce forest stations. Along our way we will stop at Marozevo to visit a reptile farm. Then we head to Andasibe, a small and pleasant village, former logging centre and home to one of the most visited National Parks of the island. Before dinner, we will go on a night walk in the area of Andasibe, where we will have the chance to see some nocturnal species of lemurs.
A visit to a reptile farm
A visit to Andasibe Village
ITINERARY
After breakfast, we will go on a morning visit of the reserve to see the Indri lemurs, the largest of the lemur species, as well as brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, various birds, colourful chameleons and other fauna and flora Andasibe National Park is renowned for. Later we drive to Manambato, where you will go on a boat transfer to Akanin’ny Nofy, which means “Nest of Dreams”.
Indri lemurs
Akanin’ny Nofy
ITINERARY
In the morning we will visit the private Palmarium Park, also known as Akanin’ny Nofy, which is situated on 50 ha on the east coast of Madagascar, along the Ampitabe Lake and the Indian Ocean, in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be able to discover the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar, such as rare palm trees and plants like orchids and mahoganies, as well as reptiles and 10 different species of lemurs living in its trees. In the afternoon you will go on a boat transfer to Tamatave in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be collected at the port and transferred to your hotel in the city, a major hub on the east coast containing the country’s largest port. It is a pleasant place with long, wide avenues lined with flamboyance and palm trees, a seaside promenade and a good selection of restaurants.
Palmarium Park flora and fauna
ITINERARY
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sainte Marie, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this wonderful paradise, a charming 57 km-long island that lies 8 km off the coast of eastern Madagascar. The island offers long beaches, shallow seas, cascades, tropical flowers and almost Caribbean atmosphere and is also of interest for its several old buildings and its long history as a pirate haunt.
Sainte Marie Island
A paradise island in the heart of the Indian Ocean
Sainte Marie island is a popular destination in Madagascar, also known as Nosy Boraha.
Located to the northeast of Madagascar, Sainte Marie island is a tropical paradise of 60km long and 5km wide. It is a former pirate’s hideaway with lush vegetation and high-quality seabed. Indeed, the lagoon of the island has important coral constructions that allow to have a preserved natural heritage. Away from sharks, it’s also the holiday resort of humpback whales that come to breed and to give birth during the mating season.
The island is full of history and activities to discover with your family and friends. You’ll find exceptional diving spots, dreamy beaches and forest trails that while delight nature lovers.
ITINERARY
This day is free at leisure and you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the numerous optional excursions available at your own expense. Set off on a boat excursion to the small island “Ile aux Nattes”, Sainte Marie’s jewel with its beautiful beaches, bays and emerald lagoon or visit the pirates’ cemetery. For outdoor lovers, the island is covered with tracks and offers many opportunities to explore on foot. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean while snorkeling or scuba diving with one of the many operators on the island. From July to October, you will have the chance to see the majestic humpback whales near the island.
Sainte Marie
ITINERARY
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo, where you will be collected and transported to your hotel in the city. Antananarivo is the picturesque capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people and historic town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world’s capitals. Wander through the capital’s steep and narrow streets, taking in its architecture, atmosphere and pace. Or climb up to the old rova (palace) and enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside. The town is at its best in the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.
Antananarivo Town
Accommodations
Accommodation will be in basic hotels. Please note that Madagascar is a country which is in its infancy when it comes to tourism. Accommodation is limited, so all the above mentioned accommodations are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change these using similar accommodation of the same standards. The hotels used are simple & clean and of basic standard.
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home
Day 1: Hotel Grace Lodge or similar
Day 2: Hotel Palmarium or similar
Day 3: Hotel Joffre or similar
Day 4, 5 & 6: Vanivola or similar
Day 7: Residence Lapasoa or similar
Hotel Grace or similar
Grace Lodge is situated only 800m away from the entrance of Andasibe National Park, which is home to an astonishing array of wildlife. Experience a rush of adrenalin as you see lemurs up close in their natural surroundings. After an active day filled with amazing adventures, relax at the lodge’s swimming pool or cosy lounge and share your stories with the other guests. The tranquil setting, comfortable, basic accommodation and excellent service ensure that all Grace Lodge’s guests are treated to a memorable experience that will last a life time!
Bungalows
Accommodation at Grace Lodge is made up of 6 twin bungalows, 2 double deluxe bungalows, and 1 family bungalow which sleeps 4 people. Each spacious bungalow is equipped with an en-suite bathroom with hot water, fan, mosquito net and a private veranda which opens up onto the lodge’s beautifully landscaped garden. The double deluxe bungalows offer guests more luxurious facilities and are beautifully decorated with rosewood furniture.
FACILITIES
En-suite bathroom with shower and hand basin
Fan
Mosquito netting
Restaurant
Bar
Swimming pool
Child friendly
Laundry service
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
Bird watching
Mountain biking
Badminton
Bowling
Visits to Andasibe National Park
Hotel Palmarium or similar
ACCOMMODATION
The Palmarium Lodge is situated in the Pangalenes, which consists of a series of lakes linked by artificial canals. The hotel is the ideal accommodation for nature enthusiast and lemur lovers as it is situated on the shore of Lake Ampitabe in a private reserve, which is home to an incredible array of wildlife including a group of friendly lemurs that regularly visit the hotel!
13 Bungalows
Accommodation at Hotel Palmarium is made up of thatched bungalows built from local materials. The spacious rooms are equipped with double or twin beds, mosquito netting, an en-suite bathroom, and a private wooden verandah with bamboo and fabric chairs and a hammock -perfect for relaxing as you take in the sights and sounds of Lake Ampitabe. All the bungalows have lake views.
FACILITIES
En-Suite Bathroom with Shower and Hand Basin
Mosquito Netting
Private Verandah
Restaurant
Bar
ACTIVITIES
Lemur Watching
Guided Nature Walks
Explore the Palmarium Reserve
Boat Trip across Lake Ampitabe
Swimming
Hotel Joffre or similar
Located right in Antananarivo’s financial and business district, the Grand Urban Hotel is in an ideal location both for tourism and for business.
In its 45 rooms, guests can enjoy the best comforts and conveniences. The colonial aesthetic of its decoration gives it an elegant, welcoming atmosphere and it has a restaurant and sky bar with views of the city.
The Grand Hotel Urban forms part of the Andilana, a hotel and catering group originating from Palamós (Spain), founded in 1958. The group currently has a total of 26 restaurants and 6 hotels in Palamós, Barcelona, Madrid, France and Madagascar.
FACILITES
Restaurant
Sky bar
Wi-Fi
Swimming Pool
24-hour Desk
Hotel bar
Air Conditioning
Room Services
Laundry Services
Airport Transportation
ACTIVITIES
Local Restaurants
Attractions (Rova – Le Palais de la Reine; Analakely Market; Pirate Museum etc)
Hotel Vanivola
ACCOMMODATION:
This charming hotel is situated on the beautiful island of St. Marie, off the north-east coast of Madagascar; the white sandy beach and the city centre of St. Marie are in the immediate vicinity.
Accommodation in Vanivola Hotel is made up with 9 bungalows on the waterfront and 5 bedrooms. The rooms and bungalows have air-conditioning or a fan, a safe, minibar, mosquito net and private terrace, and are in walking distance of the white sandy beach. All the bungalows are located facing the ocean and have a terrace to enjoy the dramatic scenery of a sunset.
It includes 7 bungalows with one double bedroom and a living room with extra bed (twin option), 2 family bungalows (1 double and 1 twin room). And 5 other spacious (24 to 30 m2) charming bedrooms (possible twin or extra bed), terrace with lagoon and park view.
Enjoy the local specialities in the elegant restaurant, such as lobster, prawns, tuna, Swordfish and zebu meat. To round off your day, try cocktails, rums and fresh fruit juices in the piano bar and on its terrace with magnificent views of the ocean.
You can spend your day exploring the endemic flora and fauna and get to know the locals on various excursions. From July to September, you will have the chance to witness the majestic humpback whales playing in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
FACILITIES
Rooms and Bungalows with Air-Conditioning or a Fan, a Safe, Minibar, Mosquito Net, Private Terrace
Swimming Pool
TV and DVD
Restaurant
Bar
Room Service
Laundry Facilities
Internet Facility
Telephone at Reception
Transfer to the Airport or Port provided on request
ACTIVITIES
Whale Watching
Diving
Hiking
Bike Rental
Mountain Bikes
Kayaks
Tours by Boat or 4×4
Diving, Fishing, Snorkelling, Boat Trips
Car Rental
Residence Lapasoa
ACCOMMODATION
Residence Lapasoa is widely regarded as the top boutique-hotel in the Malagasy capital, and is a large colonial-style mansion set in a lively area of Antananarivo, just ten minutes drive to the city centre, with an attractive brick facade and iron balconies. It offers a unique stay with Malagasy hospitality and is perfect for tourists looking for good value accommodation.
FACILITIES
- En-Suite Bathroom with Shower and Hand Basin
- Room Safe
- Satellite TV
- Mosquito Netting
- Air Conditioning
- Tea and Coffee making Facilities
- Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Curio Shop
- Free WiFi Access
ACTIVITIES
- Tour of Antananarivo
- Visits to Local Crafts Markets
- Visits to Gem and Precious Stone Market
