Madagascar East Package - 8 Days
Private Lodge Tour through the East of Madagascar - 7 Nights / 8 Days
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Safari Packages
On our small-group Madagascar holiday you will see the striking east of Madagascar. Get in touch with the Indri, the largest of the lemur species, as well as brown lemurs and bamboo lemurs. Also explore the wonderful island paradise, Sainte Marie - the charming 57 km long island on the east shore of Madagascar. Our Madagascar East vacation is our insider tip, as it combines lemur sightings with beach relaxations – which are the two main highlights of any Madagascar vacation!.
Departs: Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Ends: Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Group size: Minimum 1 guest and Maximum 10 guests.
Departures: Every day of the week – subject to availability.
Summary
• 8-Day Private Lodge tour through the east of Madagascar.
Highlights
Andasibe National Park, Night walk, reptile farm in Marozevo, Palmarium Park, Sainte Marie Island, Antananarivo.
Meals
7x Breakfast.
| Safari Pricing (per person) |
PRICING |
1 Pax
|
2-3 Pax
|
4-5 Pax
|
6-7 Pax |
8 Pax |
10 Pax |
Single Supplement |
| Per Person |
$ 2,315 |
$ 1,350 |
$ 1,070 |
$ 1,010 |
$ 960 |
$ 960 |
$ 270 |
| Child under 12 years |
$ 600 |
| Supplement for English guide |
$ 470 (per group) |
• Prices shown exclude flights.
• Please note that internal flights should be booked in conjunction with international flights and the rates are subject to class, availability and change.
• All rates are subject to change according to rate of exchange fluctuations. |
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DAY 1;
(1 Night)
ANTANANARIVO - ANDASIBE, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 You will be met at the airport and transferred directly to Andasibe through a landscape
composed of rice paddies, waterfalls and scarce forest stations. Along our way we will stop
at Marozevo to visit a reptile farm. Then we head to Andasibe, a small and pleasant village,
former logging centre and home to one of the most visited National Parks of the island.
Before dinner, we will go on a night walk in the area of Andasibe, where we will have the
chance to see some nocturnal species of lemurs. |
Overnight: Hotel Grace Lodge, or similar.
Meals: N/A.
|
DAY 2;
(1 Night)
ANDASIBE - AKAN IN' NY NOFY, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 After breakfast, we will go on a morning visit of the reserve to see the Indri lemurs, the largest
of the lemur species, as well as brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, various birds, colourful
chameleons and other fauna and flora Andasibe National Park is renowned for. Later we
drive to Manambato, where you will go on a boat transfer to Akanin' ny Nofy, which means "Nest of Dreams".
|
Overnight: Hotel Palmarium or similar.
Meals: Breakfast. |
DAY 3; (Night 1)
AKAN IN' NY NOFY - TAMATAVE, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 In the morning we will visit the private Palmarium Park, also known as Akanin' ny Nofy, which
is situated on 50 ha on the east coast of Madagascar, along the Ampitabe lake and the
Indian Ocean, in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be able to discover the endemic flora
and fauna of Madagascar, such as rare palm trees and plants like orchids and mahoganies,
as well as reptiles and 10 different species of lemurs living in its trees. In the afternoon you will
go on a boat transfer to Tamatave in the Pangalanes Channel. You will be collected at the
port and transferred to your hotel in Tamatave, the major city on the east coast and the
country's largest port. It is a pleasant place with long, wide avenues lined with flamboyants
and palm trees, a seaside promenade and a good selection of restaurants.
|
Overnight: Hotel Joffre or similar.
Meals: Breakfast.
|
DAY 4; (1 Night)
TAMATAVE - SAINTE MARIE, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sainte Marie, where you will be
met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this
wonderful island paradise, Sainte Marie - the charming 57 km-long island that lies 8 km off the
coast of eastern Madagascar. The island offers long beaches, shallow seas, cascades,
tropical flowers and almost Caribbean atmosphere and is also of interest for its several old buildings and its long history as a pirate haunt.
|
Overnight: Vanivola or similar.
Meals: Breakfast.
|
DAYS 5 - 6; (2 Nights)
SAINTE MARIE, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 This day is free at leisure and you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the numerous
optional excursions available at your own expense. Go on a boat excursion to the small island "Ile aux Nattes", Sainte Marie's jewel with its beautiful beaches, bays and emerald
lagoon; or visit the pirates' cemetery. For outdoor-lovers, the island is crossed with tracks and
offers many opportunities to explore on foot. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean while snorkeling or scuba diving with one of the many operators on the island. From
July to October, you will have the chance to see the majestic humpback whales near the
island.
|
Overnight: Vanivola or similar.
Meals: Breakfast.
|
DAY 7; (1 Night)
SAINTE MARIE - ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar [Hotel] |
 You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo, where you will be picked
up at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. Antananarivo is the picturesque
capital of Madagascar. With its bustling markets, friendly people and ancient town on a hill
with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world's other
capitals. You can wander through the capital's steep and narrow streets, taking in its
architecture, atmosphere and pace. Or you can climb up to the old rova (palace) and
enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside. The town is at its best in
the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.
|
Overnight: Residence Lapasoa or similar.
Meals: Breakfast.
|
DAY 8;
ANTANANARIVO - HOME DESTINATION, Madagascar [TOUR ENDS] |
 Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home, where your
unforgettable tour ends. We hope to welcome you to Madagascar again very soon!
|
Overnight: N/A.
Meals: Breakfast.
|
Note: The accommodation specified in the itinerary is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be nearby and of a similar standard.
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Included
Accommodation based on BED & BREAKFAST basis at mid-range hotels, all transfers and transport mentioned in the program - including car transfer with an English-speaking driver* from Antananarivo to Manambato, all park and reserve entrance fees, service of local guide in Andasibe, all excursions mentioned in the program. *Please note that Malagasy drivers speak basic English and have general knowledge of history, culture and the fauna & flora in Madagascar. A supplement is payable should you require a specialist guide to accompany you on tour.
Excluded
English-speaking guide, international and domestic flights (Tamatave to Sainte Marie, and Sainte Marie to Antananarivo), airport taxes, bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, laundry, visas and travel insurance, all lunches, all dinners, personal items and shopping, all excursions not mentioned in the programme. (Flights from/to Johannesburg and domestic flights can be arranged by Eyes on Africa).
Pre and Post Tour Arrangements
Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Departure
When arriving in Antananarivo in the morning of Day 1 of the tour you will be picked up from
the airport and embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre-tour
accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the
morning of day 1. (Pick up time will be confirmed on arrival).
Transport
Transport will depend on the size of the group:
• A small car for 2 - 3 pax
• A minivan for 4 - 6 - 8 pax
• A bus for 10 pax or more
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in basic hotels. Please note that Madagascar is a country which is in
its infancy when it comes to tourism. Accommodation is limited, so all the above mentioned
accommodations are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change these using
similar accommodation of the same standards. The hotels used are simple & clean and of
basic standard.
Visas
A visa is required to enter the territory of Madagascar: Tourists staying in Madagascar for less than 90 days will be able to receive a free visa upon arrival. Please check if your passport is still valid (at least 6 months before expiry date). You can easily obtain a visa at the airport of Antananarivo. Please note that, to get a visa at the airport, you do not need to bring photographs.
Gratuities
If you feel you have been looked after well by your crew or guides, and you wish to show
your appreciation for their services, a monetary tip is very welcomed by those in
Madagascar. Here follows some suggested guidelines:
• Around EUR 4 per person, per day (10,000 Ariary) for a guide or a guide/driver.
• Around EUR 2 (5,000 Ariary) for a park guide, depending on your satisfaction.
• Around 5% of the bill at a restaurant
• 200 Ariary per bag for a porter.
As Euro coins cannot be changed into local money in Madagascar, it is advisable to tip in
Ariary.
We would ask that you please reserve your generosity for tipping for services only, and not
providing free handouts to children or adults, as this encourages begging.
Information on Areas Visited
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa.
Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. It is the home of five percent of the world's plant and animal species, 80 per cent of which are unique to Madagascar. Most
famous among those are the lemurs. Madagascar and Mauritania are the only countries
not to use a decimal currency. Its teeming fertile forests and geographical isolation have
served to preserve and propagate 'nature's design laboratory' in a mix found nowhere
else on earth. Madagascar's forests are a shimmering, seething mass of a-trillion stems
and dripping leaves.
Andasibe National Park
Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia with its 12,810ha encompasses two distinct areas: the
small Réserve Spéciale d'Analamazaotra (often referred to as Périnet, its colonial-era name,
or simply as the Indri Reserve) in the south by Andasibe; and the much larger Parc National
de Mantadia to the north. The park is easily accessed from Antananarivo and is a popular
stop on tourist itineraries. The Réserve d'Analamazaotra - which is where most visitors come -
gets crowded on weekends, but is usually much calmer during the week. It also tends to fill
up during late July and August, Madagascar's tourist high season.
Topographically, the area is characterised by low hills covered by degraded forest and
dotted with a few small, attractive lakes.
The best times to visit are from September to January, and in May.
Pangalanes Channel
The Canal des Pangalanes was created in colonial times to provide a safe means of
transport along the east coast. Today, it is used by local people in pirogues (dugout
canoes), where for most of the community it is the only means of transport, especially in the
wet season. The canal is a vital source of livelihood for fishing, & the water feeds the fields of
cassava lining the banks of the canal. Along your journey, you will see many local fishermen
checking their fish traps, as well as children playing in the water & women doing their
washing.
Ile St Marie
Ile St. Marie is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and coral reefs. Its dense
vegetation and the difficulty of navigating the lagoons which surround it, made it an ideal
base for pirates and, later a colony for convicts. Today the island is a vacation paradise. It
has the world's only pirates' cemetery and visitors can walk among cashew and cinnamon
trees, snorkel from the offshore islet or dive from one of the beautiful sandbanks. The island is
less touristy than other resort islands off Madagascar, making it an ideal location to relax and
enjoy the sunshine.
From July to September, humpback whales can be seen playing in the ocean and
breeching out of the sea in the narrow canal that separates the island from the mainland.
They can be seen everywhere from the island but it is best to take a whale watching cruise
and get an up-close look at these magnificent grey giants.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo, better known in the short version Tana, is the bustling capital of Madagascar
with about 2,000,000 inhabitants. Situated in the high plateau, the city was founded in 1610
by a Malagasy King. To protect the newly gained territory he left 1000 men behind and that's
how Antananarivo got its name (town of 1000). It has developed to a quite interesting city
with a lot of contrasts. Thus that Tana habits the country's major international airport, most
visitors will find themselves at least passing through the city. But you should spend some days
here and explore the city, visit the market places and Roya. Roya is a palace and one of the
main features of Tana. It is built on the highest hill and can be seen from for tens of kilometers
in any direction.
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