Sainte Luce Tour

Sainte Luce Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon arrival in Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital), you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre.

Day 2: Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred back to Ivato airport for your two-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the southeastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin, transfer by road, then settle into your hotel to spend the remaining day at leisure.

Day 3: St Luce Reserve

Enjoy an early breakfast before we set off on an adventure! Sainte Luce Reserve offers us an experience of the spectacular beauty of southeast Madagascar.

Situated on an island-like peninsula, cut off from the mainland by river mouths to the north and south, the reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, as it is some of the very last true coastal forest left in the south-east of Madagascar and one of the most critically endangered in the country.

Day 4: Belaveno - St Luce Reserve

The river is adjacent to the protected forest and wetland, which also incorporates many kilometres of stunning white beaches. At 9.30 am we head off for a 2-hour paddle, followed by a 20-minute walk to a secluded beach where we will enjoy lunch. Relax after lunch, enjoying this idyllic setting, before we set off at 3 pm for the 2 hours kayaking to Belaveno.

Day 5: Ocean Camp

This morning sees a 2.5-hour paddle and an 8.30 am start. Enjoy another idyllic day of paddling on the river, following the littoral forest through the wetlands and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature and letting the stress and cares of modern living, dissolve away…

In the afternoon, after lunch, we have a 2-hour paddle to a large lake.

Day 6: Manafiafy Beach

After our last day of paddling on the river, we end at Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge. Situated on a beautiful, private, white sandy bay, fringed with forest-covered mountains, your lodge offers barefoot luxury with wildlife and water on your doorstep.

Day 7, 8 & 9: Manafiafy - Morning and Afternoon Activities

After breakfast, you will embark on your choice of a wide range of wildlife and sporting activities that are included in your stay.

Some of the options include: Kayaking in the mangroves, early morning boat trips for wetland birding, day and night walks in the rainforest to see five species of lemur, snorkelling in the bay and nearby cove, whale watching from the 15ft observation tower (June to December). Boat trips to the nearby islands for a secluded picnic lunch, walk along long empty beaches, and visits to the local village and school.

Optional activities, payable locally at the lodge include massage treatments, whale watching boat trips (June to December), and deep sea fishing trips.

The rocks, islands and bays surrounding Manafiafy provide endless opportunities for exploring and within a short boat ride it is possible to find deserted beaches, scout for whales, or snorkel in the crystal clear water viewing corals and tropical ‘aquarium’ fish.

Day 10: Return to Antananarivo (via Fort Dauphin)

You will drive back to Fort Dauphin and continue to the airport for your scheduled flight to Antananarivo, for your last night in Madagascar. Upon arrival in Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital), you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre.

Day 11: Home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

End of Tour

Included in the Price:

2 nights in Antananarivo at Pavillon de l’Emyrne on a bed and breakfast basis, 1 night in Fort Dauphin at the Kaleta Hotel, 3 nights bush camping and kayaking through the St Luce Reserve on an all-inclusive basis (activity, meals, soft drinks, beers, dome tents, stretcher beds, extra mattresses, lighting, bush showers & toilets), 4 nights at Manafiafy Lodge inclusive of activities, meals, local soft drinks and beers, as well as all required transport in an air-conditioned vehicle in Antananarivo, and in 4x4 vehicles in all other locations; the services of an experienced professional Malagasy guide, all excursions, park fees and community/environmental levies. All kayaks, personal buoyancy aids and paddles are provided.

Not Included in the Price:

International and domestic flights (Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin) and their taxes, Any excursions not mentioned in the program, all wine and spirits, laundry, visas and travel insurance, personal expenses and souvenirs.