LEMURS, RAINFORESTS AND CONSERVATION IN Madagascar

CIRCUIT MAP

SERVICES

English-speaking local guides
Ticket fees and excursions
Car transfers
09 Overnight stays in a double room with breakfast.
05 Overnight in a double room in Fullboard at Ankafobe, at the hotel Akiba Lodge, Camp Bandro and Le Relais du Naturaliste
Boat transfer: Manambato – Akanin’ny Nofy - Manambato

PRICES PER PERSON IN EURO

2 PERS: 2773
4 PERS: 1981
6 PERS: 1723
Half board supp: 225
Single room supp: 528
OPTIONAL Purchase supplies to support ACBA’s conservation work for the protection of the Bandro (expected on the spot amount around 10US$ per person). Please inform upon booking if you wish to do this
OPTIONAL Invite a trainee guide to join the nature tour in Andasibe National Park (subject to availability)(additional fee 15US$ per person). Please inform upon booking if you wish to do this
OPTIONAL Purchasing supplies for and visiting the Animal SOS shelter (additional fee 15US$ per person)
Total price per pers for 2 pers: 2923
Total price per pers for 4 pers: 2090
Total price per pers for 6 pers: 1815

WIFI: All hotels
ELECTRICITY: All hotels
GENERATOR: Ankiba Lodge, Palmarium hotel, Ravinala House
AIRCON: Ankiba Lodge; Hotel Palmarium
MOBILE BANKING: All hotels except Ankiba Lodge; Camp Bandrio; Hotel Palmarium
CASH: All hotels
VISA CARD: Ankiba Lodge, Amoron ala, Hotel Palmarium
MOSQUITO NET: Akiba Lodge, Camp Bandro, Amoron ala, Relais du Naturaliste, Hotel Palmarium, Ravinala House

Day 1 Welcome to your destination!

Welcome to Madagascar! We are delighted to accompany you on your trip to Madagascar. Your committed English-speaking guide will welcome you at the airport, assist you if needed in any formalities and accompany you at your hotel. Depending on your arrival time and energy level, a visit to the Akamasoa community founded by Father Pedro may be arranged in the late afternoon. This will provide a first introduction to the inspiring humanitarian work carried out within the community and an opportunity to discover its social and educational initiatives. Should timing not allow for the visit on the day of arrival, it will be scheduled for the following morning before continuing with the itinerary.

Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro

https://www.hostelduperepedro.com/

The Hostel du Père Pedro is a solidarity-focused, eco-friendly hotel located in the Akamasoa community on the hills of Antananarivo, Madagascar. It offers 24 comfortable rooms, including dormitories, family, and standard options, with profits supporting Father Pedro’s humanitarian work. The venue provides a serene atmosphere, a restaurant, a bar, and stunning views.

Key details:

Location: Situated in the heart of Manantenasoa village, part of the Akamasoa community, about 8 km from central Antananarivo.
Purpose: A social enterprise where all profits fund the Akamasoa humanitarian association’s schools, homes, and health centers.
Rooms: 24 units in total, comprising 12 standard rooms, 4 family rooms (up to 4 people), and 8 dormitories.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi in common areas, free parking, a restaurant serving meals, a lounge/bar, and daily housekeeping.
Experience: Known for a warm, humble atmosphere and offering a unique insight into the local Malagasy culture and social projects.

Day 2 Hiking in the heart of nature - Exploring the Ankafobe reserve

Since we are at the capital, let us discover an interesting Eco-touristic place. Today, we will head to Ankafobe, the harbor of Tampoketsa. The village of Ankafobe is located at 132 km from the capital and is situated in the Analamanga region. Stopover in the small village of Ambohimanarina to visit a clay coal stove manufacturing workshop.

The manufacture of these stoves has indeed become the culture of the population living in this village. In addition to the agriculture and the breeding, the manufacture of this one is part of their livelihood. During this visit, you will discover the manufacturing process of the stove. Plus, you will have the opportunity to take part in the experience and make your stoves. We continue our trip along the national road number 4 (RN4) to reach Ankafobe reserve. History lovers or nature enthusiasts, the 30 hectares of the Ankafobe forest are worth a visit. There grows the Sohisika or « Schizolaena Tampoketsana », considered one of the rarest trees in the world. Several animal species also live in this prodigious reserve including reptiles, amphibians, birds and the Eulemur fulvus: all live freely in the reserve. After an enthralling hike, you will see the Manankaza River, a magnificent waterfall forming a natural pool downstream. This is the famous Andriamamovoka waterfall, an ideal place for a picnic. If any litter is found along the trail or near the waterfall, guests may also participate in a light ‘leave no trace’ activity by collecting it, as a simple gesture in support of preserving the natural environment. Of course, this outing promises a breathtaking landscape with a guaranteed return to the source. Amazed by this enriching visit and activity, we enjoy a special atmosphere in a tent near the reserve.

Around 132 Km

Overnight stay in a tent

Day 3 From forest conservation to the heart of ecotourism: Visit of the Tsaratanana ecovillage

Enjoy your breakfast before starting the day. Indeed, we will leave Ankafobe to Tana. Our next visit is to Tsaratanana or “Pretty Village”. It gets its name from the families who benefit from the community, social and economic project which, over the years, has taken the form of an ecovillage. After its construction in 2009, the Eco-village now has 75 inhabitants living in 17 individual houses.

You will be guided by one of the residents, who will introduce you to their village, its craftsmen, school and gardens, and explain the village’s philosophy. In an ecovillage, the aim is to create, together, a convivial and fair way of life for all, with a minimal ecological footprint. Choices are always considered from the perspective of sustainability and the common good. Several systems limit the negative impact of human activity on the environment. In fact, it’s a real showcase for sustainable tourism in Madagascar. After the visit, we head back to the city.

Around 117 Km

Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro

https://www.hostelduperepedro.com/

Key details:

Location: Situated in the heart of Manantenasoa village, part of the Akamasoa community, about 8 km from central Antananarivo.
Purpose: A social enterprise where all profits fund the Akamasoa humanitarian association’s schools, homes, and health centers.
Rooms: 24 units in total, comprising 12 standard rooms, 4 family rooms (up to 4 people), and 8 dormitories.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi in common areas, free parking, a restaurant serving meals, a lounge/bar, and daily housekeeping.
Experience: Known for a warm, humble atmosphere and offering a unique insight into the local Malagasy culture and social projects.

Day 4 From Highlands to Forest: A Journey to Anjozorobe

Since we are still in Antananarivo, let’s discover the Ambohimanga palace which contains the history of the Merina kingdom. It is about one hour from the capital, on the national road number 01. Ambohimanga was the base of the dynasty that led the Merina kingdom (now Madagascar) to its apogee.

Including a royal city, funerary sites and a number of sacred places, the royal hill of Ambohimanga reflects the history and strong identity of Madagascar’s culture. Following the visit, enjoy lunch at a small family-owned restaurant, offering an authentic local dining experience while directly supporting the local community. After lunch, we continue our journey to Anjozorobe, where we will spend a pleasant stay surrounded by nature.

Around 94 Km

02 Overnight stays at Akiba lodge Anjozorobe

https://www.akiba-lodge.mg/nos-lodges/akiba-lodge-anjozorobe/

Akiba lodge Anjozorobe is an eco-lodge located about 90 km from Antananarivo, nestled in the protected 40,000-hectare Anjozorobe-Angavo forest corridor, one of Madagascar’s last remaining natural highland forests. It offers a rustic yet comfortable, community-focused experience with tented lodges, guided nature hikes for spotting lemurs, and locally sourced food.

Key Details

Location: Situated in the heart of the Anjozorobe-Angavo forest corridorin the Central Highlands of Madagascar.
Accommodation: The lodge offers 10 elegant, double-tented bungalows with wooden terraces, providing views of the surrounding, verdant landscape and rice fields, with some, rooms offering heating for colder, nights.
Experience & Activities:The stay focuses on eco-tourism and immersion in nature. Activities include guided day and night hikes to see diverse fauna, including lemurs and chameleons.
Sustainability & Community: The lodge works closely with the local community, which benefits from the tourism project.
Dining & Facilities: It features a restaurant with a large raised terrace for relaxation. It is powered by solar energy.
Access: It is roughly a 3-hour drive from Antananarivo, making it an accessible, off-the-beaten-path destination.

Day 5 A Day in the Anjozorobe-Angavo Protected Area

After enjoying a yummy breakfast at your hotel, here we discover the Harmonious Protected Landscape of the Anjozorobe Angavo Complex which included the Anjozorobe – Angavo forest corridor. This is one of the remnants of natural forests in the Central Highlands. The Anjozorobe Protected Area is home to 9 species of lemur, 4 of which are nocturnal. Black lemurs and herbivorous rats are among the endemic species of this site.

The Indri indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Fulvus, the Bamboo lemur, the Sifaka Diadema and the Avahi nocturnal lemur that you may already encounter during the nocturnal visit are all found there. The reserve is also home reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. In terms of vegetation, the locality has an endemism rate of 76%. There are 141 species of plant, including 12 genera endemic to the entire corridor, such as Protorhus (Abrahamia), Dypsis and Oliganthès, and orchid, such as Angraecum compactum.

Overnight stay as the day before

Day 6 An authentic culinary journey: back to the capital

Today, you head back to the capital. On the way, the village of Talata-Volonondry is worth a visit for its renowned tasty sausages (potatoes are skilfully added to the meat when it is seasoned. This is just one of the secrets. Only the specialists know what it is). But that’s not all! Koba is one of Madagascar’s most popular traditional delicacies. We will visit a local producer and take part in a hands-on workshop to discover the different stages of Koba preparation.

Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at making Koba and, of course, enjoy a tasting session. Ready-made Koba can also be purchased directly from local producers. Guests may choose to take some for the journey or contribute to a sharing initiative by offering Koba to children from the Akamasoa community upon arrival in Antananarivo. After this authentic culinary experience, continue the journey back to Antananarivo.

Around 93 Km

Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro

Day 7 From Antananarivo to Andreba via Peyrieras

Today, you’ll be driven to Moramanga along the national road number 2: to the east part of Madagascar. You will be amazed by the green landscape of tropical forest, rice fields, waterfall and villages. From there, your incredible journey continues along the recently renewed national road number 44 to get to Ambatondrazaka first. From there, we continue our journey by bike.

The bike ride will reveal the town of Ambatondrazaka and a small forest that serves as a habitat for bats. Then, from an exceptional panoramic viewpoint, you will discover the town of Alaotra and its lake, the largest in Madagascar. Before reaching Andreba, you will purchase or bring supplies in support of ACBA’s conservation work for the protection of the Bandro (a locally endangered species). This contribution must be coordinated in advance (at least several days before arrival) to ensure that the items are appropriate and useful for the organization. Upon arrival in Andreba, a representative from ACBA may, depending on their availability, join the group for dinner and share insights about their conservation work and the local ecosystem. This exchange remains subject to their schedule and internal planning. The day ends in Andreba, a small village near Lake Alaotra, where guests will stay in a traditional Sihanaka bungalow for an authentic overnight experience.

Around 300 Km

Overnight stay at Camp Bandro

Camp Bandro is a community-run eco-tourism site in Madagascar dedicated to protecting the endangered Alaotra Gentle Lemur (Bandro). Located along the southeastern edge of Lake Alaotra, it offers basic accommodation, including five rooms and camping, managed by the local ACBA association to support conservation and provide guided lemur spotting.

Key Details

Purpose:Created to save the Bandro lemur (the only primate living in papyrus marshes) from extinction, it functions as a conservation hub.
Location:Situated in the Park Bandro area on the southeast side of Lake Alaotra, the largest lake in Madagascar.
Facilities:Features5 rustic rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a guardian’s house. It offers a true, immersive nature experience away from tourist centers.
Experience:Local guardians offer tours to view the lemurs in their natural habitat and can cook meals for visitors.
Management:Formerly run by Madagascar Wildlife Conservation (MWC), it is now managed by the local community-based association ACBA (Association Camp Bandro Andreba).

Day 8 From Wetland Lemurs to Forest Giants: Andreba to Andasibe

Very early in the morning, we’ll set off to discover the only lemurs in the world that live in the papyrus forest on Lake Alaotra. Indeed, the Hapalemur Aloatrensis or Bandro is endemic to the region. Others say that it is the only lemur that can swim, but it’s up to you to find out the truth about these little lemurs. The short walk in the Bandro reserve will be by pirogue. We’ll continue with a short stroll on the lake to discover the wildlife, including flora and fauna. After this enriching stroll, we leave the village of Angoja to join Andasibe. You will be amazed by the greenery along the way.

Once there, we will visit Vakona reserve: a private reserve of the Vakona Forest Lodge hotel, located around 6 kilometers from the village of Andasibe. It features a crocodile lake, various species of reptiles and batrachians, several endemic plants and, above all, an islet of lemurs. You will encounter Madagascar’s dancing lemurs also called Sifaka, the small bamboo lemurs and the Maki vari. Finally, a night-time visit to Andasibe will offer you a unique opportunity to explore the flora and fauna that awaken after sunset. Your guide will share information about nocturnal animals, their behavior and their adaptations to life in the dark. You will be able to observe chameleons, lemurs, frogs, etc. Obviously, it is important to respect the privacy of the animals and the tranquility of nature to minimize your impact on them.

Around 210 Km

Overnight stay at Amoron’ny Ala

Amoron’ny Ala is a well-rated, 7-bedroom cabin/lodge in Andasibe, Madagascar, offering scenic lake views, a restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace. It features free Wifi and parking, with comfortable amenities suitable for tourists, located just 1.7 miles from Mitsinjo Reserve and 3.2 miles from Analamazoatra Reserve, making it ideal for nature travelers.

Key Features & Amenities:

Location:Andasibe, near major nature reserves (Mitsinjo, Analamazoatra).
Accommodation:7-bedroom cabin with private bathrooms, showers, and free toiletries.
Facilities:On-site restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, and, free parking.
Services:Room service and paid airport shuttle service (89 miles from Ivato International Airport).
Rating:Highly rated with an average score of 8.6.
Atmosphere:Pet-friendly and scenic lake views.

Day 9 Andasibe, in the heart of Madagascar's forest

Today, you are going to discover Andasibe National Park. This natural gem in eastern Madagascar offers visitors a unique experience at the heart of tropical biodiversity. Renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna, the park is a must-see destination for nature and wildlife lovers. The lemurs are the main attraction of your visit. Prepare your lenses to take in the sudden passages of lemurs in their natural environment.

The majestic primates can grow up to a meter in height and are distinguished by their black and white coats. With the help of your guide, you can locate the families of indri and find the best spot to capture them in their natural habitat. Be prepared to get the best picture of these primates in their agility as they move between the trees, using their powerful hind legs to make impressive leaps. Depending on availability at the time of the visit, guests may have the option to be accompanied by a trainee guide during the nature tour. This offers a learning opportunity in real field conditions, under the supervision of the main guide and park authorities. If available and if guests wish to participate, an additional fee will apply, to be confirmed upon booking. You continue our adventure at Andasibe by visiting the reserve of Mitsinjo. The reserve is not only famous for its amphibians but also for its lemurs. It is home to Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri (indri indri). As for reptiles, the reserve is home to a large number of brightly-colored Calumma brevicorne and Parson’s chameleons, as well as leaf geckos, snakes and other natural beauties. Participating in a reforestation project in this area, which is protected by the local population, will help to revive the natural habitat of its fauna, as well as benefiting 400 families through this ecotourism project.

Overnight stay as the day before

Day 10 A full day of exploration in the lush forest of Vohimana

Today’s program is located at Vohimana. A local guide will be waiting for us in the village of Ambavaniasy and will take us to the village of Sandrasoa, where a short 20-minute hike awaits us to reach the Relais du Naturaliste. By choosing to come and stay at the Relais du Naturaliste Ecolodge, where 100% of the profits go back to the communities, you will be contributing to the fight to preserve the richness of their land. After settling in at the lodge, we stroll along the reserve’s botanical trail. Over 160 medicinal plants can be found in this reserve.

Local guides will tell you all about… After taking a moment to freshen up, we set off on the adventure to visit the reserve. Primary forest, waterfalls, medicinal plants… Several circuits are proposed to discover the reserve according to what you wish to see and your level of hiking. Here you can observe the indri (Indri indri) singing, or one of the world’s smallest primates, Goodman’s Microcebus (Microcebus lehilahytsara): active only at night. It is also not uncommon to come across diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema) or grey hapalemurs (Hapalemur griseus). Also of note are Calumna gallus, a very rare chameleon with a very restricted distribution, and Beccariophoenix madagascariensis, an endangered palm tree. Return to your lodge after this pleasant discovery.Around 20 Km

Overnight stay at Relais du Naturaliste

https://www.vohimana.com/english/

Le Relais du Naturaliste is a community-based Ecolodge located in the heart of the Vohimana Reserve in Madagascar, a three-hour drive from Antananarivo. Offering traditional, rustic accommodation, it is accessible after a 45-minute walk and provides total immersion in a mid-altitude rainforest. It is managed by the NGO L’Homme et l’Environnement (Man and the Environment).

The key details

Accommodation & Atmosphere: Rooms made from local materials (3 bungalows and 2 dormitories for 4-8 people), rustic comfort with mosquito nets and blankets.
Location: On the edge of the Vohimana forest, about a 45-minute walk from the village of Ambavaniasy.
Activities: Hikes to observe wildlife (lemurs, chameleons) and endemic flora, visits to the nursery and local distillery.
Impact: 100% of profits are donated to local communities for conservation and development.

Day 11 A little adventure in Akanin'ny Nofy

Enjoy your breakfast before starting the day. Indeed, this journey will lead you to Akanin’ny Nofy. The green landscape that stretches along today’s route is particularly astonishing. Arrival in Manambato, an impressive boat ride on the Pangalanes Canal awaits you. Aboard a motorboat, you will go to Akanin’ny Nofy, which translates as the « Nest of dreams ». Installation at the hotel before we go on a nocturnal visit. We will embark on a motorboat and land at a particular island to discover the famous Aye-Aye up close.

Despite the fact that natives killed this nocturnal lemur regarding to its frightening appearance, this endemic species of Madagascar stay an amazing creature. Palmarium reserve is highly engaged to put a program to its protection and enable us to find them in a good condition. After the visit, we go back to the hotel for a pleasant night.

Around 114 Km

02 Overnight stays at the Hotel Palmarium

The Hotel Palmarium is a 50-hectare private nature reserve and hotel in eastern Madagascar, located on a peninsula on Lake Ampitabe along the Pangalanes Canal. Famous for its habituated, free-roaming lemurs—including the rare Aye-Aye—it features coastal forests, rare orchids, and carnivorous plants.

Key Features and Activities

Lemur Encounters:The reserve is home to roughly 10 species of lemurs, often providing close, photographic encounters, including Indri, Black-and-white ruffed, and crowned lemurs.
Aye-Aye Island:Special, guided night tours are organized to see the rare Aye-Aye on a neighboring island.
Flora and Fauna:The area boasts 100,000 palm trees, carnivorous pitcher plants, and orchids. Visitors can also spot chameleons, geckos, and lizards.
Accommodation:The Palmarium Hotel offers rustic bungalows with private, sandy-path access, a restaurant, and a bar overlooking the lake.
Access:The site is accessible only by boat via the Pangalanes Canal, usually departing from Toamasina.

Day 12 Immersion in Betsimisaraka nature and culture

You will have breakfast in the perfect peace and quiet of this nature-lover’s dream nest. The lemurs will already be greeting you as you enjoy your meal. In the morning at 9 a.m., you will have one-hour hike in the rainforest and will begin sightings of Indris, the largest lemur species that lives here and also the Sifakas. Not only are there lemurs’ worth seeing, but there are also tropical forests with flora especially orchids. In the afternoon, you will be taken to Andranokoditra for the visit of a Betsimisaraka fishing village.

Here, guests will gain an authentic insight into the daily life of the local community. During the visit, a light environmental awareness exchange will be organized with the villagers, offering a respectful moment of sharing around local ecosystems and sustainable practices. The trip back to the hotel after the activity will be by boat. Once again, you can admire the lush green vegetation on the banks of the Pangalane Canal, followed by the radiant sunset.

Overnight stay as the day before

Day 13 Journey from the 'Nest of Dreams' to the Red City of Antananarivo

Today, you have to say goodbye to this idyllic nest of dream. You will be transferred by motorboat to Manambato. From there, you will take the car and will be driven back to Tana. Arrival planned in the late afternoon.

Around 275 Km

Overnight stay Ravinala House

Ravinala House is an eco-friendly guesthouse located in Bevalala (Malaho, focused on permaculture, health, and well-being. It offers bioclimatic bungalows with Ravinala roofs, providing a pleasant temperature without air conditioning, set in a large organic garden, suitable for events.

The key details

Concept: Eco-friendly, focused on permaculture and well-being.
Accommodation: Spacious bungalows with roofs made from Ravinala leaves (traveler’s tree).
Features: Pleasant ambient temperature, natural, large organic garden.
Location: Bevalala, Malaho fokontany, near the Soavina neighborhood, Antananarivo Facebook.
Use: Hospitality, events, education.

Day 14 An unforgettable final touch: a culinary immersion in Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will embark on a culinary adventure as part of today’s experience. Le Panier Durable offers an immersive journey that begins with meeting local producers and farmers and purchasing fresh, seasonal ingredients directly from them. Participants will then take part in a hands-on cooking workshop lasting up to four hours.

During this experience, guests will prepare a full menu including a starter, main course, and dessert, in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The menu may include raw vegetables, Ravitoto, Romazava Royal, and a seasonal fruit salad, and can be adapted according to preferences and seasonal availability. To enhance the social impact of the experience, the workshop may also include a small number of local participants, creating a shared cooking and exchange moment between visitors and members of the local community, in coordination with Le Panier Durable. The experience concludes with a convivial lunch where everyone shares the dishes they have prepared together, celebrating Malagasy cuisine and the principles of sustainable tourism. In the afternoon, depending on timing and guests’ interest, an optional visit to the Animal SOS shelter can be arranged on request. Established in 2006 on the outskirts of Antananarivo, the shelter cares for abandoned, abused, or neglected domestic animals by providing veterinary care, rehabilitation, and support until adoption or long-term care. The visit offers an educational moment to learn more about animal welfare initiatives and the work carried out by the team. Guests may also contribute by bringing or purchasing small supplies in coordination with the shelter to ensure actual needs are met. Guests then return to their hotel at the end of the day.

Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro

Day 15 Goodbye and see you again!

On this final day of your journey, enjoy some free time dedicated to souvenir shopping in Antananarivo, depending on your flight schedule. It is a great opportunity to explore local craft markets and bring back meaningful handmade products that support Malagasy artisans. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Ivato International Airport for your return flight. We hope you leave Madagascar with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you again for another experience.