Train Tour

TRAIN TOUR & PANGALANA CANAL

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO

Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will complete arrival formalities and be transferred to Le Medicis Hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO – ANTSIRABE

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from Le Medicis Hotel in Antananarivo, and you will drive south to Antsirabe. As soon as you leave busy and crowded Tana, you will begin enjoying the beautiful landscapes. The drive takes about four hours on a good but winding road.

Along the way, you will see rice fields, traditional Merina tombs, and villages. Stop in Ambatolampy to visit a local aluminum cookware workshop (metalworking). This is the largest town between Antananarivo and Antsirabe.

Upon entering Antsirabe, you will notice the streets buzzing with colorful rickshaws. The town is ideal for exploring craft shops and is also an important industrial center, known for its breweries and dairy factories. After the drive, you can relax or take a walk around the town and markets. You may also ride a rickshaw, the main local means of transport. Overnight stay at Soa Guest House.

DAY 3: ANTSIRABE – AMBOSITRA – FIANARANTSOA

Today, you explore the southern highlands of Madagascar from Antsirabe to Fianarantsoa. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up to visit the highlights around Antsirabe that are still widely used by locals. In addition to the hot springs, you may also taste the famous local beer, Three Horses Beer.

We then continue toward Fianarantsoa. About 89 km south of Antsirabe, you will pass through Ambositra, the center of Malagasy woodcraft and marquetry. Many shops offer beautiful handmade souvenirs.

We then continue to Fianarantsoa, whose name means “the place where one learns good things.” The city is known for cultural events such as traditional Betsileo festivals held between May and September. One of these is the Savika, a form of bull-taming similar to a rodeo, where participants attempt to grab a zebu by the hump and bring it down.

Upon arrival, your driver will take you to the train station to purchase tickets and then transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel Zomatel.

DAY 4: TRAIN RIDE FIANARANTSOA – MANAKARA

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the famous train journey from Fianarantsoa to Manakara. This railway line is one of the steepest in the world, descending from the highlands to the east coast through rainforest and rice fields.

The train serves as a lifeline for locals, transporting goods to market, making it a colorful and authentic travel experience. The train departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7:00 a.m., and returns from Manakara on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 6:45 a.m.

The journey theoretically takes 8–12 hours, but delays are common. The line covers 163 km and passes 67 bridges and 48 tunnels. Be sure to order picnic meals from your hotel before departure.

During the trip, you will see lush landscapes, fruit trees, and carnivorous plants, and meet friendly locals. Upon arrival in Manakara, your driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay at Les Délices de l’Orient (mid-range).

DAY 5–8: MANAKARA – MANANJARY – PANGALANA – ANDASIBE

These days are devoted to discovering the beauty of the Pangalanes Canal. A motorboat excursion will allow you to explore rivers, villages, and lush landscapes. You may visit Ambohitsara East, a peaceful village where life remains closely connected to nature.

Activities may include observing fishing techniques, tasting local products, visiting spice plantations and essential oil distilleries, and enjoying the serenity of the canal. Overnight stay in Ambohitsara.

Continuing by boat, you will reach Mahanoro, with opportunities for forest walks, village visits, lemur reserves, and even night safaris searching for crocodiles. The natural rhythm of life and the scenery will immerse you in Madagascar’s wild beauty.

On the final day of this section, your driver will pick you up in Mahanoro and drive you to Andasibe National Park. Overnight stay at Grace Lodge.

DAY 9: ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK

The day is dedicated to exploring Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the famous Indri Indri lemur. You will walk through the forest to observe wildlife and listen to their distinctive calls.

You may also visit Lemur Island by canoe, where several species live in a protected environment, offering excellent photo opportunities.

In the evening, relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest before your return to the capital the next day. Overnight stay at Grace Lodge.

DAY 10: ANDASIBE – ANTANANARIVO

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up to leave Andasibe and return to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, day-use accommodation will be arranged at Le Medicis Hotel, located about five minutes from the airport, before your transfer for your international flight.

End of our services. Veloma! (Goodbye!)

Please contact us for the price per person in USD.

INCLUDING:

• Accommodation in hotels based on a double room with breakfast
• Transport with driver and fuel included, plus train from Fianarantsoa to Manakara
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees to the mentioned parks, including local guides
• Boat for the Pangalanes trip
• Taxes (VAT 20%) and tourist hotel taxes
• Domestic flights

EXCLUDING:

• Lunch, dinner, and drinks
• Insurance
• Personal expenses and tips
• International flights