From 2 to 12 persons.
The principle of our “Slow Travel” is simple, it’s about traveling while taking the time to do things, to see people, to understand their daily lives. This approach to Madagascar is intended to be intimate and gentle.
The encounter with the Indri-indri, the largest of the lemurs, in the Perinet reserve is always a moving moment. The local guide will tell us about his customs and his legend. On the Canal des Pangalanes, we stroll through the villages and discover the way of life of the fishermen, between lagoons and ocean.
The charming little island of Ste Marie invites us to beautiful walks along the beaches or by bicycle going up towards the north or towards the east coast.
Highlights
- The rainforest and the Indri at the Périnet national park
- The discovery of the Pangalanes channel
- The lemurs and the Aye-aye at the Palmarium
- The beaches and the atmosphere of Ste Marie
Travel identity card
- Duration: 9 days
- Participant: From 2 persons
- Guiding: English-speaking Malagasy guide
- Accommodation: Standard or superior hotel
- Transport: 4×4 vehicle or bus or minibus
- Period: All year round
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Effort = 1
“Easy”This trip is accessible to all. However, we ask you to be healthy.
It is a journey of discovery and short hikes are scheduled for site visits.
Madagascar is large, the steps in a vehicle can sometimes be a little long. -
Confort =4
“Standard”All nights are in hotels. The accommodations and/or the hotel are good categories and equivalent to 2 or 3 stars international standards.
Dinner in restaurant, lunch at the restaurant and / or picnic.
Travel take place in comfortable vehicle on roads and/or on relatively good tracks.
Day 1: Antananarivo > Andasibe
We take the road to Périnet National Park. It is one of the country’s main roads that connects the major port, Tamatave, to the capital. Traffic is intense. We leave the Highlands by the Mandraka escarpment. Here begins the forest corridor which generally represents the eco-region which runs along the entire eastern part of Madagascar more or less continuously. Visit to the Butterfly Farm. We encounter an impressive concentration of chameleons, geckos, lizards and of course butterflies. We continue our journey east.
Arrival at the end of the afternoon in the village of Andasibe.
- Duration: +/- 3h
- Distance: 150 km
Day 2: Visit of the Perinet national park
Accompanied by park guides, we set off on foot to discover this protected area. It is mainly covered with primary forests specific to the eastern part of Madagascar. A whole set of rare and endemic species shelters in this dense rain forest. The biodiversity there is remarkable. It is here that we meet the Indri indri, the largest of the lemurs. Its behavior in a group is fascinating, your guide will introduce you to its customs. Many other species share this territory such as the gray bamboo lemur, the Avahi.
In addition, the flora is quite interesting. There are several varieties of medicinal plants.
NB: you walk at your own pace. You decide the visits and the duration of this excursion!
- Duration: From 2 to 4h of visit
Day 3: Andasibe > Ankanin’ny nofy
After breakfast, we continue our advance towards the east.
It is by the Ravinala road (the traveler’s tree) that we drive to Mananbato on the shores of Lake Rasoabe. We then take a speedboat which takes us on the Canal des Pangalanes. We are here between lagoons and oceans. Many villages border the lake.
Arrival in the middle of the afternoon at a place called Ankanin’ny Nofy – The dream nest!
In the early evening we take a boat to meet one of the strangest: the Aye-aye. Nocturnal and solitary lemur with a rather surprising appearance.
- Duration: 2h driving + 1h by boat
- Distance: 130 km
Day 4: Discovery of the Pangalanes Canal
Visit of the Palmarium Reserve. Our morning is devoted to the discovery and encounter with the Malagasy fauna. many lemurs populate the site.
This afternoon is free. We leave you the choice of a moment of idleness on the terrace of your bungalow, or a walk in the surroundings. If you wish, your guide will accompany you to the villages and the seaside.
- Duration: Full day
Day 5: Ankanin’ny nofy > Tamatave
The Pangalanes canal was built at the end of the last century, it runs along the coast Is on more than 600 km from the south of Manakara to the north of Tamatave, it connects the lagoons and the lakes between them. Nowadays, this waterway is unfortunately a little forgotten…
We resume the ascent of the Canal. We cross the Rasoabe, Rasoamasay and Ampitabe lakes.
Arrival at the river port of Tamatave.
- Duration: 3 to 4h of navigation
- We organize your picnic lunch.
Day 6: Tamatave > Sainte Marie
In Tamatave, if we have time before taking the plane, we will walk around the market and on the seafront. If our flight is in the afternoon, we can even go visit the Ivoloina garden. Transfer to the airport to reach Sainte Marie by a short flight.
Here you are in one of those little paradises the Indian Ocean knows how to offer. Sainte Marie is a calm and quiet place, with of course white sand and coconut palms.
Your guide accompanies you to Tamatave airport. Reception at Ste Marie airport provided by your hotelier.
NB: Depending on the domestic flight schedule, the program for this day may be modified.
- Duration: 25 min flight
Days 7 and 8: Days at leisure in Sainte Marie
These days on Sainte Marie Island are free, the activities are at your convenience.
The best way to get around is by bike. You can rent mountain bikes to go to the east coast, visit the pirate cemetery and cycle along the sea lined with fishing villages.
You can go to Île aux Nattes at the far south of Sainte Marie. The crossing is done in a few minutes by canoe, the tour of the island on foot along the beach is a delight. Small restaurants or hotels are on the course to restore you. Possibility also to go out to sea for scuba diving or snorkeling towards the coral reef and in this lagoon with transparent waters. A lazy morning or day is also quite possible, the decor, warmth and atmosphere lend themselves perfectly.
Day 9: Sainte Marie > Antananarivo
Free morning and transfer to the airport organized by the hotelier.
Flight to the Malagasy capital.
- Duration: 1h15 flight
Include:
- The driver/guide throughout the trip except in Ste Marie,
- A vehicle throughout the trip except in Ste Marie,
- The accommodation of your choice (Standard or Superior),
- The boat on the Canal des Pangalanes,
- Entrances to the parks and the sites indicated,
- Local guides and porters in the parks,
- All transfers.
Not include:
- International and domestic flights,
- Activities in Ste Marie,
- Tips and drinks,
- Your personal insurance,
- The visa: +/- 35 €
RESERVATION – CONFIRMATION
Reservation: Please use the form below to book your trip or change this itinerary. We will respond within 24 hours.
Confirmation: It will be effective upon receipt of the completed registration form that we will send you, as well as a deposit of 30% of the total amount of the price of the travel.
Confirm a trip with SENSE OF OCEANS MADAGASCAR involves having read and accepted the Terms and Conditions.
The general sales terms and conditions can be found here : Terms & conditions
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