DAY ONE – ANTANANARIVO
You will be met and welcomed on arrival off your flight at the international arrival hall. Please look out for a sign with your name after you exit the restricted area with your luggages. You will then be led to your vehicle for your private transfer to Maison Galliéni. Settle into your room and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Maison Galliéni (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY TWO – ANTANANARIVO – ANDASIBE
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Today you will visit the Old city and upper town of Antananarivo. The majestic Rova ( The Queen’s palace ) overlooks the capital from the highest point of the city. The Rova of Antananarivo is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. The historic boroughs around the Rova ( The Queen’s palace) offer panoramic views of downtown Antananarivo. You will drive or walk the neighbourhood with your guide to enjoy the picturesque ambience of the noblemen residence area, with both well-kept traditional houses, the colonial houses, palaces, cathedrals, the charm of the narrow, curved, upslope cobblestoned streets and ensemble of cute traditional Malagasy houses built entirely of wood.
You will then begin your journey towards the Eastern part of the island. After leaving the busy and colourful city of Antananarivo, you reach the Route Nationale 2, the main commercial road of the country which leads to the East coast of Madagascar and its main harbour. During the journey, you will observe various landscapes from small traditional villages perched on hill sides to rice fields. A twisty, steep and lush portion of the road will announce that we are entering another region of Madagascar and you will arrive in Andasibe, known for its National Park, home of the primary and secondary forest.
The Peyrieras Butterfly Farm: On your way you will make a stop at Madagascar Exotic. This private reserve is also known as the Peyrieras Butterfly Farm, Peyrieras Nature Farm and Mandraka Reptile Farm. It is a small privately run reserve (or zoo) and was founded and owned by the French entomologist and naturalist André Peyriéras. The collection includes many reptiles (chameleons, iguanas, geckos, frogs), Batraciens (Bats), crocodiles, papillons (Butterflies). The adjacent forest area supports families of relocated and habituated Verreaux’s Sifaka and Common brown lemur which provide opportunities to photograph them close up at feeding times.
The Mitsinjo reserve: is a community initiative started by a Malagasy NGO which works in conservation, nature-based tourism and development which includes the agriculture and health. Being one of the biodiversity hotspots of the eastern Madagascar rainforest corridor, it integrates the protection of prime habitat and the generation of sustainable income for the local population living in and around Andasibe. According to that, you will definitely contribute to the development of all the area by visiting the reserve and understanding the project. During the night walk you will have the opportunity to discover the nocturnal wildlife of the Andasibe Rainforest.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY THREE – ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
Today offers a full day to explore the Mantadia Park and the Andasibe Village.
The Mantadia Park: Located about 1 hour drive from your lodge, the primary forest of the Mantadia Park spreads over 15 000 hectares and is a fascinating area for nature lovers. 108 species of birds are known in the park, of which some play a role in the survival of plants like Terpsiphone mutata. There are also 14 species of lemurs, a number of species of reptiles, among them includes the Boa Manditra snake and 84 species of amphibian. Mantadia is also a kingdom of the orchids. Cymbidiellas falcigera and Bulbophyllum ameleni are the most enigmatic species, because in addition to be rare and magnificent plants, they maintain the balance of the forest’s ecosystem. This hike requires medium to good physical conditions as there are some steep slopes and dense vegetation.
Andasibe Village: You may also have the opportunity to visit the village of Andasibe which has a population of around 5000 people. Through this visit, you will witness the daily life of this calm and colourful village. With your guide, walk in the narrow and unpaved cobbled streets along the small stalls. You will have several chances to interact with local villagers and see how they make a living and occupy their free time. The walk starts or end at the old colonial train station with its alpine architecture which was home to the once very fashionable restaurant “Buffet de la Gare” in the 1930s . The market is centrally located and busiest on Saturdays.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY FOUR – ANDASIBE – ANTANANARIVO
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Spend the day further exploring the region before heading back to the capital Antananarivo.
The Analamazaotra special reserve: An early start this morning, leaving at around 07:30hrs to reach the entrance of the Analamazaotra special reserve, where you will have the opportunity to look for the biggest lemur of Madagascar’s famous “Indri Indri.” This lemur is endemic to the site and made his emblem. Through an easy hike lasting about 2 to 3 hours seeking out the Indri Indri, you will also find other species of lemurs, birds, chameleons as well as endemic flora including orchids and medicinal plants.
Vakona reserve visit: On the immense Vakona property, an island surrounded by fresh water is home to various species of lemurs: common brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, ruffed lemurs, diademed sifakas. This will be a rare opportunity to get up close and interact with these primates as well as offering the chance for some wonderful photographic opportunities. The numerous crocodiles, which used to belong to a former farm, can also be found in one of the small lake of the property.
Overnight at Maison Galliéni (Bed & Breakfast)
DAY FIVE – EIGHT – ANTANANARIVO – ANJAJAVY
Approximate flight time 1.5 hours
After breakfast, you will transfer to the charter terminal for your charter flight to Anjavavy for your 4 night stay at Anjajavy Le Lodge. Located near a remote fishing village on an extraordinary peninsula, Anjajavy le Lodge protects a 960 hectare Private Reserve and manages 10,000 hectare of National Protected Area which contains seven types of natural habitats. The Lodge works closely with the local population to maintain, and sometimes restore, the local Malagasy biodiversity and ecosystems as well as the cultural heritage of Anjajavy.
Anjajavy Le Lodge offers:
A dry deciduous forest made of palissandre trees, ebony trees, baobabs and other plants endemic to Madagascar
A protected Mangrove
The Tsingy, unique limestone rock formations and beautiful beaches
Nature & Wildlife, the reserve is also home of a wide variety of lemurs, reptiles and other endemic flora and fauna. Birdwatching enthusiasts may also spot water birds such as the Madagascan sacred ibis and the Madagascan flying fox.
Night Safari, which offers a thrilling experience in the natural territory of animals. A night tour of Antafiamoara could reveal some wonderful naturalistic discoveries and observations such as mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs, sleeping birds and maybe fossa. In the light of the fire you will probably not forget the incredible history of the place and local legends.
Anjajavy Village visit located on the side of the dunes, bordering a long sandy beach. It is the place of birth of the majority of the employees and suppliers of the Lodge and it shelters many infrastructures developed by Anjajavy le Lodge (such as secondary school, library and market).
Take advantage of your time in Anjajavy to immerse yourself in this stunning tropical location. Guests can be as active as they wish or simply enjoy pure relaxation while sipping one of the signature cocktails by the infinity pool or sunbathing on one of the white sand beaches.
Any activities and excursions are not included in the price and will need to be arranged directly at the lodge.
Overnight at Anjajavy Lodge (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
DAY NINE – ANJAJAVY – ANTANANARIVO
Approximate flight time 1.5 hours
A charter plane will transfer you back to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. During your approach, do not miss to look over the numerous rice fields surrounding the capital offering a great variation of green colours. On arrival you will be met at the domestic arrivals hall. Once you have collected your luggage, you will then be led to your vehicle for your private transfer to the international airport for your departing flight or we can arrange overnight accommodation in Antananarivo.
Tel: +1-877-710-3014 (Julie Roggow) or +1-519-686-4776 (Rick McIntyre)
Tel: +44 (0)7986-978985 (Wayne Hammond)
Tel: +254 (0)774-136523
