Magical Madagascar
Magical Madagascar is a 9 day trip covering Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, on the Eastern side of Madagascar and the beautiful and pristine area of Anjajavy, on the North West coast.
Mitsinjo Reserve
Matandia Park
Vakona Reserve
The Analamazaotra Special Reserve
LENGTH
8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$4,848
Magical Madagascar
Magical Madagascar is a 9 day trip covering Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, on the Eastern side of Madagascar and the beautiful and pristine area of Anjajavy, on the North West coast.
LENGTH
8 nights / 9 days
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$4,848
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Tour Experiences
Day 1: 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 Novotel Convention & Spa. Settle into your room and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Novotel Convention & Spa (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Today 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.
Night walk in the VOIMMA reserve: At nightfall, pick up your headlamps and flashlights for a nocturnal walk in the rainforest to search for lemurs, listen to the frogs, or stumble across sleeping chameleons after dark.In 2012, villagers from Andasibe founded the reserve as an alternative to the governmental led national park in the neighbourhood. The local people wanted to manage their land on their own again and be a part of ecotourism in this area.
For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve offers countless frogs along its crystal clear river (among them Boophis pyrrhus, Boophis viridis and madagascariensis) and several amazing chameleons Chameleons (Furcifer wilsii, Calumma parsonii cristifer, Calumma nasuta and brevicornis) in the forest. This is also a place to find the unique satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). Bizarre insects like the famous giraffe necked weevil (Trachelophorus giraffae) are part of the forest, too.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3: 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.
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 Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 4: 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.
Overnight at Relais des Plateaux (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 5 - 8: 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 (All Inclusive)
Day 9: 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.
Tour Experiences
Day 1: 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 Novotel Convention & Spa. Settle into your room and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Novotel Convention & Spa (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe
Distance +/-150km – Approximate journey time 4 hours
Today 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.
Night walk in the VOIMMA reserve: At nightfall, pick up your headlamps and flashlights for a nocturnal walk in the rainforest to search for lemurs, listen to the frogs, or stumble across sleeping chameleons after dark.In 2012, villagers from Andasibe founded the reserve as an alternative to the governmental led national park in the neighbourhood. The local people wanted to manage their land on their own again and be a part of ecotourism in this area.
For reptiles and amphibian lovers, the reserve offers countless frogs along its crystal clear river (among them Boophis pyrrhus, Boophis viridis and madagascariensis) and several amazing chameleons Chameleons (Furcifer wilsii, Calumma parsonii cristifer, Calumma nasuta and brevicornis) in the forest. This is also a place to find the unique satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus). Bizarre insects like the famous giraffe necked weevil (Trachelophorus giraffae) are part of the forest, too.
Overnight at Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3: 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.
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 Mantadia Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 4: 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.
Overnight at Relais des Plateaux (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 5 - 8: 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 (All Inclusive)
Day 9: 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.
What Our Clients Say About Us
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Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Travel Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made trip to Madagascar.
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Travel Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made trip to Madagascar.
