| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
• Duration: 7 Days
• Arriving: Antananarivo
• Departing: Antananarivo
Diego is located at the Amber Head in northern Madagascar, bordered by the Mozambique Channel to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Diego boasts blue skies, crystal-clear seas, lush greenery, and truly feels like a corner of paradise.
Day 1: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT – ANTANANARIVO – ANDASIBE
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by a Mada Hexagone representative. You will receive a briefing on your tour and then begin your 3-hour road transfer to Andasibe through the beautiful green landscapes of the east. This region represents the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes.
En route, you will stop at Peyreiras Reptiles Park to see farmed chameleons and other reptile species.
During a forest walk, you may spot two species of lemurs: the Coquerel’s sifaka and the brown lemur (Fulvus).
Overnight at the hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 2: Andasibe National Park
After breakfast, you will go on a 3- to 4-hour hike in Andasibe National Park, a vast tropical rainforest in the east. Here, you may spot around nine different species of lemurs. The highlight is the Indri Indri, the largest lemur on the island.
This 810-hectare reserve is also home to numerous unique species, including orchids, dense canopy forest, and endemic animals such as chameleons, tenrecs, and many birds.
After the hike, visit Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (“the many inseparable”) village, the second-largest ethnic group in Madagascar. The people cultivate rice and work on vanilla plantations.
Later, visit the private Vakona Park, known as the “Lemur Island,” which is one of the best places to photograph lemurs.
Overnight at the hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 3: ANDASIBE – MANAMBATO – AKANIN’NY NOFY
After an early breakfast, you will take a 2- to 3-hour road transfer to Manambato. En route, stop to visit the town of Brickaville, an old colonial town known for its sugar-cane plantations.
Continue along a dirt road to Manambato, where you will board a boat for a 1-hour transfer to Akanin’ny Nofy. You will cross Lake Rasoabe and then the Pangalanes Canal, built during the colonial period for commercial purposes.
Along the way, admire the birdlife and lush eastern vegetation. Arrival is in the afternoon. Akanin’ny Nofy means “Nest of Dreams.” Surrounded by a vast blue lake, it is an ideal place to relax and connect with nature.
Overnight at the hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 4: AKANIN’NY NOFY – Tamatave (Boat)
After breakfast, visit the Palmarium Private Reserve. The bungalows where you will stay are located inside the park, allowing close contact with lemurs.
The Palmarium Reserve is home to seven species of lemurs, including the Indri Indri, as well as many reptiles, especially chameleons. The flora is also remarkable, with palm gardens, orchids, and vanilla plants.
In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat transfer to Tamatave along the Pangalanes Canal. During this mini-cruise, observe daily life along the canal, including villagers navigating bamboo pirogues.
Arrival in Tamatave and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Day 5: TAMATAVE – Sainte Marie (Domestic Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Sainte Marie. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by road to your hotel.
Day at leisure. Sainte-Marie is an island off the east coast of Madagascar. It was once a refuge for pirates during the 16th century, and the island’s queen was even married to one of them.
With beautiful beaches and scenic coves, Sainte-Marie is one of Madagascar’s most popular destinations. For those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, it is also one of the best places to watch migrating whales from July to October.
Overnight at the hotel on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis.
Days 6–7: SAINTE MARIE
The next two days are at leisure in Sainte-Marie. Many excursions are available locally, including snorkeling or diving near the small island of Île aux Nattes.
With lush tropical vegetation, Sainte-Marie is also ideal for walking or cycling. Interesting sights include Ambodifotatra, Baie des Forbans, the Catholic church built in 1837, and the Pirates’ Cemetery, marking the European presence on the island.
The local population is well known for its kindness and hospitality.
Overnight at the hotel on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis.
Day 8: SAINTE MARIE – ANTANANARIVO (Domestic Flight)
After your final breakfast in Madagascar, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have day-use at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for your onward international departure.
