Lemur, Indri and Whale Safari
Localisation
Andasibe-Manambato-Palmarium-Tamatave-Sainte Marie
Duration
11 days
Welcome at Ivato international airport
Transfer to hotel in Antananarivo
Free time to relax or explore the city. Overnight at LA VILETTE or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel and early departure for Andasibe, around 3 hours' drive from Antananarivo. On the way, visit the Pereyras private reserve, home to a wide variety of reptiles and insects endemic to Madagascar. Chameleons, snakes, lemurs, birds and many other animal species can be seen in their natural habitat.
Continuing to Andasibe and the Vakona Private Reserve, known for its exceptional flora and fauna. You'll find several species of animals endemic to Madagascar, including lemurs such as the crowned Sifaka, the brown Lemur, the Microcebe, the Rufous Varied Lemur and the Indri Indri, the largest of the lemurs. Chameleons, frogs, snakes, birds and many other animal species can also be seen. Check-in at the hotel in Andasibe at the end of the day. Overnight ANDASIBE LEMURS LODGE or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Andasibe National Park, this time to Analamazoatra, a forest corridor and habitat for sifaka and indri indri, wetlands and orchid habitat, with a forestry station. There are 11 species of lemur, as well as carnivores and a rich fauna of small mammals. 109 species of avifauna and 3 species of Ground Roller. After visiting Analamazoatra, we continue to the Vohimana Reserve. Situated in the heart of Madagascar's eastern forest corridor. With its endemic fauna and flora, it is a real biodiversity hotspot. Lemurs, frogs, chameleons and birds cohabit here alongside many varieties of orchids and palm trees. It's a real jewel of biodiversity, with 12 species of lemur, over 70 species of frog and 79 species of orchid. You can observe the indri (Indri indri), the largest of the lemurs and one of the rare singing primates, or one of the world's smallest primates, Goodman's microcebus (Microcebus lehilahytsara), active only at night. It's also not unusual to come across the diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) or grey hapalemurs (Hapalemur griseus). We'll also see the Calumma gallus, a very rare chameleon with a very restricted distribution.
Return to hotel and overnight in HB ANDASIBE LEMURS LODGE or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel and early departure for Manambato, a coastal town on the banks of the Pangalanes Canal. The journey from Andasibe to Manambato will take around 3 hours by car, taking the RN2. Once in Manambato, you'll board a boat for Palmarium, a private nature reserve on the eastern shore of Lake Ampitabe. The boat trip will take around 1hour and half to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions. While crossing the lake, you may be lucky enough to spot lemurs in their natural habitat, as well as rare birds and crocodiles. The calm waters of the lake also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastal villages. The reserve is home to a wide variety of lemurs, including the rare and charming Aye-aye, as well as many species of birds, reptiles and endemic plants. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the reserve, taking a walk in the forest or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. Activities such as guided tours of the reserve, boat trips on the lake and lemur-watching excursions are also available at extra cost. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with local produce, before spending a peaceful night in a comfortable bungalow in the heart of Malagasy nature. Overnight in HB at Hotel PALMARIUM.
Breakfast at the hotel
A day devoted discovering the Palmarium reserve, where you can observe numerous species of lemurs, birds and endemic plants.
At the end of the day, head off nocturnal tour of the reserve. Local guides will take you through the alleys and explain the different species you'll see. You'll see trees reaching high into the sky, creeping plant that stretch across the ground and colorful flowers glowing in the dark. You'll also have the chance to meet some of the nocturnal creatures that inhabit the garden, such as lemurs and bats. Our guides will explain their behavior and way of life. Overnight in HB at Hotel PALMARIUM.
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer by boat to Tamatave, on Madagascar's east coast.
The boat transfer between Ankanin'ny Nofy and Tamatave is a very popular means of transport in the region, taking around 2 hours, although this may vary according to weather conditions and sea currents.
There are many different types and sizes of boat, from small traditional fishing boats to larger motor boats. It's advisable to wear light, comfortable clothing, as well as a hat and sun cream, as it can get very hot during the trip.
The trip offers breathtaking views of Madagascar's east coast, with its white sandy beaches, steep cliffs and marine wildlife. Arrival and welcome at the landing stage, transfer to your hotel in Tamatave and free time to relax or explore the city. Overnight HOTEL H1 or similar.
Early breakfast at the hotel and meet at the BLU MARINE Tamatave office at 4am. Departure for Tamatave, Mahambo and Sainte Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha. Scheduled to arrive at 3pm, Sainte Marie is a small island on Madagascar's east coast in the Indian Ocean, famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and history of piracy.
The island was a haven for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries, and many shipwrecks and submerged treasures can be found in the surrounding waters. Humpback whales can also be seen on their annual migration in the waters surrounding the island, making it a favorite destination for nature and adventure lovers. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach or explore the island. LAKANA HOTEL or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel A day devoted to humpback whale watching in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, accompanied by an experienced Whale Safari guide. This is an unforgettable experience that allows you to observe the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat. This is a privileged place for whale watching, they come here to breed and give birth every year between July and September.
The whale safari starts early in the morning with a boat trip,taking you to the whale breeding grounds, where you can see these giants of the ocean leap out of the water and perform incredible acrobatics. You can also hear their songs echoing underwater. Return to the hotel after the safari and the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in HB LAKANA HOTEL or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to explore the island of Sainte Marie, with the option of taking part in activities such as visiting fishing villages, discovering the local flora and fauna or practicing water sports. Return to your hotel in Sainte Marie at the end of the day. Night in HB LAKANA HOTEL or similar.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo. Welcome by your driver guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in HB LA VILETTE or similar.
After breakfast, you could visit some of Antananarivo's sights, such as the Queen's Palace or the city's artisanal market. This market is famous for its local handicrafts, including wood carvings, precious stone jewellery and traditional clothing. Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Antananarivo and Madagascar. Your driver guide will take you to the airport, where you will check in for your return flight.
Price per person in double room based on 04 pax: €1462.35
Price per person in double room based on 06 pax: €1268.54
Price per person in double room based on 08 pax: €1193.5
Single supplement: €379
***Supplementary local guide, specialist photographer on request ***
***Additional fees for DRONE AND PHOTOGRAPHY authorisation to be confirmed upon confirmation***Domestic flight surcharge
Domestic flight supplement 220€ per person per flight (rates subject to change at time of ticketing)
– Sainte Marie – Antananarivo
- All airport/hotel and hotel/airport transfers
- Accommodation in double and single rooms in HB throughout the tour
- Transportation by ‘4X4’ fuel-powered car, including driver and English-speaking guide.
- Boat transfer for the Manambato Akanin’ny Nofy / Ankanin’ny Nofy Tamatave / Mahambo Sainte Marie trip with the EL CONDOR boat from Mahambo or the MELISSA EXPRESS boat from Soanieranivongo.
- All visits and excursions mentioned in the program
- Entry tickets and local guides
- Local taxes, tourist vignettes and tourist taxes
- International flights
- Entry visa (obtainable on arrival at the airport): approx. €20 per person
- Domestic flights at extra cost
- All activities to be organised during your free time in Sainte Marie
- Drinks and lunches
- Tips to guides and drivers at your discretion
- Personal purchases
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