THE PANGALANES CANAL

Immersion in a community rainforest Departure to Andasibe, the national park closest to Antananarivo, via National Road 2 through the lush green landscapes of eastern Madagascar. On the road, stop at Marozevo to visit the Peyreiras private reserve, where you’ll discover a wide variety of tropical butterflies, as well as several endemic reptile species, including Madagascar’s famous chameleons. On arrival in Andasibe, explore and visit the VOIMMA (Vondron’olona Ifotony Miaro sy Mitia ny Ala) community reserve, situated on the outskirts of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This village-run reserve, managed by the local community, combines the conservation of the primary rainforest with sustainable development for the benefit of the local people. In the evening, there is the option of a night-time walk to spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, frogs and the fascinating wildlife unique to the forests of eastern Madagascar. Dinner and overnight stay at the ecolodge. Accommodation : LonGoza Ecolodge

Meeting the forest giant, the Indri indri Spend the day exploring Analamazaotra National Park, a biodiversity sanctuary best known as the home of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri indri, locally called Babakoto. Its powerful call echoing through the forest is one of the most unforgettable sounds of Madagascar. Along the forest trails, look out for other emblematic species such as the bamboo lemur, as well as remarkable endemic birds including the Velvet Asity, delicate Sunbird-asities, Wedge-tailed Tetraka, Short-legged Ground Roller, and Pitta-like Ground Roller. The dense, humid forest also reveals a rich variety of reptiles, chameleons, tree ferns, orchids, and endemic plant species. In the afternoon, visit the famous Lemur Island at Vakôna Forest Lodge, a private reserve where several lemur species can be observed in an accessible natural setting. Dinner and overnight at the ecolodge. Accommodation: LonGoza Ecolodge

Heading for the Pangalanes Canal Travel to Manambato, the boarding point for your river adventure. Welcome to the Pangalanes Canal. Step aboard a traditional boat and let yourself glide along its peaceful waters, bordered by palms, wild orchids, and lush vegetation. Arrive in Akanin’ny Nofy, literally “the nest of dreams”: a small wild paradise where time seems to stand still. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel PALMARIUM

Lemurs and relaxation in nature
Meet free-roaming lemurs this morning as you explore the private Palmarium Reserve, where several rare species live in harmony, including sifakas, ruffed lemurs, crowned lemurs, and black lemurs.
Enjoy a free afternoon for swimming, relaxing by the lake, or kayaking through the aquatic landscapes and wildlife of the canal.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel PALMARIUM

Lush nature and Malagasy know-how
Return to Andasibe through the humid rainforest and green landscapes of eastern Madagascar. Along the way, enjoy the region’s exceptional biodiversity and the living traditions that shape this part of the island.
Dinner and overnight at the ecolodge.
Accommodation: ANDASIBE LEMURS LODGE

Ambohimanga, Madagascar’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
After breakfast, back to Antananarivo.
On arrival, discover the capital and visit Ambohimanga, a former royal palace listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and one of Madagascar’s most important historical and spiritual landmarks.
Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping at the craft market before transferring to your hotel or to the airport for your international flight.
Accommodation: Gassy Country House