7-Day High-End Odyssey Across Eastern Madagascar
Rainforests, rare lemurs, the Pangalanes Canal and Sainte Marie
Discover the wild beauty of eastern Madagascar on an extraordinary journey combining luxury accommodation, exceptional wildlife encounters, remote rainforest reserves and a private cruise along the Pangalanes Canal.
Beginning in Antananarivo, this 7-day adventure travels east through the rainforests of Andasibe and Mantadia before continuing by boat through the lakes, waterways and traditional villages of the Pangalanes. The journey ends in Toamasina, with an onward flight to the tropical island of Sainte Marie.
7-Day / 6-Night Eastern Madagascar Odyssey
1 Night Maison Gallieni • 2 Nights Kalanoro Forest Camp • 2 Nights Aboard Reine Tina • 1 Night Calypso Hotel & Spa
This carefully designed itinerary combines some of eastern Madagascar’s most rewarding wildlife destinations with elegant accommodation and an atmospheric private boat journey. Search for indri, sifakas and the elusive aye-aye, explore community-supported rainforest reserves and experience life along one of Madagascar’s most fascinating waterways.
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
On arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide and transferred to Maison Gallieni.
Settle into this elegant boutique guesthouse overlooking Antananarivo and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Maison Gallieni
Meals: Half Board
Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe
Depart Antananarivo early and travel east towards Andasibe, approximately four hours away. The journey takes you from the highlands into the lush rainforest landscapes of eastern Madagascar, with lunch enjoyed along the way.
During the afternoon, visit Mitsinjo Forest Reserve. Managed by the local Mitsinjo association, this community-run reserve plays an important role in protecting the surrounding rainforest and its wildlife.
Continue to Kalanoro Forest Camp and settle into your eco-luxury accommodation. An optional guided night walk can be arranged in the forest surrounding the camp, offering the chance to search for nocturnal lemurs, frogs, chameleons and other creatures that emerge after dark.
Overnight: Kalanoro Forest Camp
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Mantadia National Park
Spend the day exploring the magnificent rainforests of Mantadia National Park. Taller, wilder and generally less crowded than the better-known Analamazaotra Reserve, Mantadia offers rewarding wildlife viewing in a spectacular natural setting.
Search for some of the region’s remarkable lemur species, including indri, diademed sifakas, grey bamboo lemurs, red-bellied lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs.
During the afternoon, visit Lemur Island at Vakona Forest Lodge, a private reserve that provides close encounters with several habituated lemur species. Another guided night walk may be arranged later in the day.
Overnight: Kalanoro Forest Camp
Meals: All Inclusive
Day 4: Maromizaha Reserve and the Pangalanes Canal
Depart early for a guided visit to Maromizaha Reserve. Visits to this important rainforest help support lemur conservation, forest restoration and community development projects in the surrounding area.
Continue to Manambato on the shores of Lake Rasoabe. Here, board Reine Tina and begin your private cruise across the lake and into the Pangalanes Canal.
The Pangalanes is a remarkable chain of natural lakes, rivers and man-made waterways running parallel to Madagascar’s east coast. Travelling by boat offers a fascinating glimpse into the landscapes and communities of this rarely visited region.
Overnight: Reine Tina
Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Exploring the Pangalanes Canal
Enjoy a relaxed day cruising along the Pangalanes Canal.
Visit Palmarium Reserve, where rainforest paths provide excellent opportunities to see lemurs and other endemic wildlife. Continue to the traditional fishing village of Andranokoditra to meet local residents and gain an insight into everyday life along the waterway.
Later in the afternoon, join a guided excursion in search of the aye-aye. This extraordinary nocturnal lemur is one of Madagascar’s rarest and most unusual animals, making this a particularly memorable wildlife encounter.
Overnight: Reine Tina
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Pangalanes Canal to Toamasina
After breakfast, continue your boat journey towards Toamasina, also known as Tamatave. The crossing takes approximately two and a half hours, with lunch served aboard.
On arrival at the harbour, you will be met and transferred to Calypso Hotel & Spa. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Calypso Hotel & Spa
Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Toamasina to Tana OR Ile Sainte Marie
Transfer to Toamasina Airport, where assistance will be provided for your Madagascar Airlines flight back to Tana or a private charter flight to Ile Sainte Marie
Included
1 night’s accommodation at Maison Gallieni
2 nights’ accommodation at Kalanoro Forest Camp
2 nights aboard Reine Tina
1 night’s accommodation at Calypso Hotel & Spa
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Airport meet-and-greet assistance
Transportation by private 4WD vehicle from Antananarivo to Manambato
Fuel and driver expenses
Private cruise along the Pangalanes Canal from Manambato to Toamasina
Services of an English-speaking tour guide
Guided visits to Mitsinjo Forest Reserve, Mantadia National Park, Lemur Island, Maromizaha Reserve and Palmarium Reserve
Guided aye-aye excursion
Park entrance fees
Community and environmental levies
Transfers in Toamasina
Not Included
International and domestic flight
Airport taxes and visa fees
Meals, activities, visits and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Emergency medical evacuation cover
A Journey Through Madagascar’s Wild East
This exceptional itinerary brings together some of eastern Madagascar’s most memorable experiences. Encounter indri and diademed sifakas in the rainforest, search for the mysterious aye-aye after dark and cruise through the remote villages and waterways of the Pangalanes Canal.
With intimate accommodation, private transport and expert guiding throughout, it is an ideal choice for travellers looking for a comfortable, wildlife-rich journey beyond Madagascar’s better-known routes.
