MALAGASY VILLAGE LIFE, LEMURS AND LOCAL TRADITIONS
CIRCUIT MAP
SERVICES
- English-speaking local guides
- Ticket fees and excursions
- Car transfers
- 09 Overnight stays in a double room with breakfast.
- 05 Overnight stays in a double room at Camp Bandro, Le Relais du Naturaliste, Gîte Tsiafajavona and Ankafobe
PRICES PER PERSON IN DOLLAR
- 2 PERS: 2544
- 4 PERS: 1712
- 6 PERS: 1442
- Half board supp: 225
- Single room supp: 185
- OPTIONAL Purchase supplies for Hotel Palmarium Nature Reserve (additional fee of 10US$ per person)(arrangements to be made well in advance);
- OPTIONAL Invite a trainee guide on a nocturnal reserve walk for on-the-job training if available (additional fee of 20US$ per group)(please inform us if you wish to do this so we can check availability)
- OPTIONAL Participate in a traditional arts & crafts workshop in Moramanga (additional fee 20USer $ pperson)(subject to availability)
- OPTIONAL Cultural exchange dinner on day 15 (additional fee 20US$ per person)(subject to availability)
- Total price per pers for 2 pers: 2680
- Total price per pers for 4 pers: 1805
- Total price per pers for 6 pers: 1521
- FACILITIES
- WIFI: All hotels except Gîte de Tsiafajavona.
- ELECTRICITY: All hotels
- GENERATOR: Gîte de Tsiafajavona, Hotel Palmarium, Ravinala House
- AIRCON: Hotel Palmarium
- MOBILE BANKING: All hotels except Camp Bandro, Ravinala House, Hotel Palmarium
- CASH: All hotels
- VISA CARD: Bezanozano Hotel, Amoron ala, Hotel Palmarium
- MOSQUITO NET: All hotels except Hostel du père Pédro and Gîte du Tsiafajavona
Day 1 Welcome to your destination!
Welcome to your destination! 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. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you please.
Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro
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 From Antananarivo to Moromanga
After breakfast and check-out, we start the day by picking up some supplies in Tana to gift to the artisans who will show us their handicrafts later. By purchasing and gifting locally, we stimulate the local economy and support the preservation of traditional arts and crafts. You will then be driven to Moramanga along National Road 2, heading towards the eastern part of Madagascar.
Along the way, you will enjoy the lush landscapes of tropical forest, rice fields, waterfalls, and traditional villages.nA stop will be made in a local village around Moramanga (depending on availability), where you will be welcomed by a member of the community who will introduce you to village life and local history. You will also share a traditional lunch prepared with your hosts, offering a meaningful cultural exchange. After lunch, continue to Moramanga where you will check in and settle in at the hotel. In the afternoon, guests will take part in a hands-on handicraft workshop with local artisans in Moramanga. Depending on availability, one of the possible experiences includes a raffia weaving workshop with Raffia Madagascar, offering insight into traditional Malagasy craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. The day ends with free time to relax at the hotel in Moramanga.
Overnight stay at Bezanozano Hotel.
Bezanozano Hotel is a comfortable local hotel located in Moramanga, offering a convenient and safe stopover between Madagascar’s highlands and the eastern regions. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for travelers, with essential amenities and easy access to the town’s services and surrounding attractions.
Key Details
- Purpose:A locally run hotel offering comfortable accommodation for travelers passing through Moramanga, while supporting the local hospitality economy.
- Location:Situated in Moramanga, a key gateway town along National Road 2 connecting Antananarivo to eastern Madagascar.
- Facilities:Standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms, restaurant services, and basic comfort amenities suitable for rest and overnight stays during multi-day itineraries.
- Experience:Guests can enjoy a calm stopover experience, with opportunities to explore Moramanga’s local atmosphere and nearby cultural or craft activities.
- Management:Locally managed establishment contributing to employment and tourism development in the region.
Day 3 Ambatondrazaka and biking to Andreba
After breakfast we say goodbye to our host community and 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. Then, we continue the ride until we get to Andreba: a small village close to the biggest lake Alaotra. Along the way, we will make some stops and when we see trash lying around, we will pick it up and take it with us to help keep nature clean. Accommodation is in this typical Sihanaka bungalow for an authentic overnight stay.
Around 300 Km
Overnight stay at Camp Bandro, 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 4 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 5 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. 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
https://www.zomatel-madagascar.com/
Zomatel is a 3-star hotel located in the center of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, on the bustling Place du Zoma. It features 56 comfortable, spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the on-site « L’Entrecôte du Zoma » restaurant, a small indoor pool, a spa, and easy access to the nearby market.
Key Details:
- Location:Central Fianarantsoa (Betsileo capital), 5 minutes from the Old Town.
- Accommodation:56 rooms.
- Dining: »L’Entre côte du Zoma » serves Malagasy, European, Asian, and Indian cuisine.
- Amenities:Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, indoor pool, spa, and a bar with a pool table.
- Atmosphere:Warm, pleasant, and convenient for exploring.
Day 6 A full day of exploration in the lush forest of Vohimana
You’re 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 Calumma gallus, a very rare chameleon with a very restricted distribution, and Beccariophoenix madagascariensis, an endangered palm tree. Depending on availability and timing, guests may also take part in light activities at the local plant nursery, always under the supervision of the staff, offering a hands-on introduction to ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts. The reserve’s distillery produces essential oils from local medicinal and aromatic plants, which guests may also learn about during the visit. 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 7 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. As a positive impact option, guests may choose to contribute to the reserve by purchasing or bringing useful supplies in coordination with management. This must be arranged in advance (ideally several days prior to arrival) to ensure that contributions match the reserve’s actual needs. Depending on availability, it may also be possible to include a trainee guide during the nocturnal visit as part of their on-the-job learning experience. This option cannot be guaranteed and is confirmed on site, depending on operational conditions and staffing. An additional fee applies if this option is available and selected by guests. 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 8 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 a visit of a Betsimisaraka fishing village. Here, guests will gain an authentic insight into the daily life of the local community.
During the visit, an environmental awareness exchange will be organized with the fishermen, offering a respectful moment of dialogue around marine resources, local ecosystems, and sustainable practices adapted to the village context. You will find an authentic insight into the life of the inhabitants. 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 9 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
02 Overnight stays Ravinala House
Day 10 The flavors of the city: a culinary immersion in Antananarivo
After breakfast, you will begin the day with the Le Panier Durable experience, an immersive culinary journey starting with a visit to local producers and farmers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients directly from them. Participants will then take part in a hands-on cooking workshop lasting up to four hours, where they will prepare a full menu including a starter, main course, and dessert in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The menu may include raw vegetables, Romazava Royal, and a seasonal fruit salad, and can be adapted according to preferences and seasonal availability.
The experience concludes with a convivial lunch, where guests enjoy the dishes they have prepared together, celebrating Malagasy cuisine and the principles of sustainable tourism. In the afternoon, you will continue with a guided city tour of Antananarivo, including key cultural and historical highlights of the capital, offering deeper insight into Madagascar’s royal heritage and urban life. Guests then return to their hotel at the end of the day.
Overnight stays as the day before.
Day 11 Journey from the vibrant city to the peaceful Tsiafajavona Mountain.
After breakfast, depart for Tsiafajavona. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a traditional local lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to immersion in village life, including light field activities depending on seasonality, timing, and local organization on site. Guests will also visit the information centre for villagers at CEG Ankeniheny, where exchanges with local women trained in agriculture and community members offer insight into local initiatives and daily rural life. In the evening, enjoy a Malagasy dinner, followed by a relaxing evening around the campfire with board games, kebabs, and soft drinks, all in a warm and authentic atmosphere.
Overnight stays at Gîte de Tsiafajavona.
The Gîte de Tsiafajavona, operated by the Barefoot College, is an eco-friendly, sustainable lodge located 78 km from Antananarivo in the heart of the Ankaratra Massif. It offers a unique immersion into local life, featuring community-driven tourism, organic farming, cultural evenings with campfires, and access to hiking near Madagascar’s third-highest peak, Mount Tsiafajavona.
Key Features & Experience:
- Location: Situated in the Tsiafajavona municipality, surrounded by high-altitude green landscapes.
- Responsible Tourism:The gîte supports local community development, empowering women through sustainable agriculture projects.
- Activities:Offers a chance to participate in local village life, visit the CEG d’Ankeniheny community center, and explore the nearby mountains.
- Atmosphere:A charming, rustic, and authentic, with evening campfires for entertainment.
Day 12 To the highest point: the climb up Tsiafajavona
The day begins very early with a country breakfast of vary amin’ny anana, freshly prepared omelettes and hot drinks. Then, set off on a hike to the summit of Tsiafajavona for a sporting experience immersed in remarkable natural landscapes. If any litter is found along the way, 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.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch including a filled sandwich, a bottle of water and seasonal fruit. In the late afternoon, return to the Tsiafajavona Lodge for a well-deserved rest, followed by a simple and comforting dinner of rice and vegetable soup. This marks the end of a getaway that combines nature, discovery and conviviality.
Overnight stays as the day before.
Day 13 A scenic drive back from Tsiafajavona to Antananarivo
After breakfast, drive back to Antananarivo through the landscapes of the Central Highlands. A solidarity stop is planned during the day, with a visit to the Animal SOS shelter on the outskirts of the capital, which was created in 2006. This visit will provide insight into the association’s work with abandoned or mistreated dogs and other domestic animals. The animals receive veterinary care, socialization, and support towards responsible adoption. The visit will also cover the association’s activities in education, sterilization, and animal protection.
Overnight stays at Hostel du Père Pedro.
Day 14 Hiking in the heart of nature - Exploring the Ankafobe reserve
Since we are at the capital, let us discover an interesting eco-touristic site. Today, we will head to Ankafobe, the harbor of Tampoketsa. The village of Ankafobe is located 132 km from Antananarivo in the Analamanga region. We continue our trip along National Road 4 (RN4) to reach the Ankafobe Reserve.
The 30-hectare forest is a true gem for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is home to the rare Sohisika (Schizolaena tampoketsana), considered one of the rarest trees in the world, as well as various species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and the Eulemur fulvus. The hike leads to the Manankaza River and the impressive Andriamamovoka waterfall, forming a natural pool downstream, an ideal location for a picnic in the heart of nature. En route, we stop in the village of Ambohimanarina to visit a traditional clay stove workshop, an important local craft that supports household livelihoods alongside agriculture and livestock activities. Guests will learn about the production process and may take part in a hands-on experience to create their own stove. Depending on availability, guests may also choose to participate in an additional arts and crafts workshop with a local artisan for a deeper cultural immersion. This optional activity may incur an additional fee and is subject to the presence of artisans and on-site arrangements on the day. After this enriching visit and hike, we enjoy a special overnight experience in tents near the reserve.
Around 132 Km
Overnight stay in a tent
Day 15 An unforgettable ending: visit to 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. In the evening, an optional cultural exchange dinner may be organized with local volunteers, including those working with Father Pedro’s initiatives, depending on availability and prior coordination. This experience can be arranged for an additional fee and offers a meaningful opportunity for final cultural exchange with guests before departure.
Around 117 Km
Overnight stay at Hostel du Père Pedro
Day 16 Good bye and see you again!
Your adventure in Madagascar ends here for once. You will be transferred to the international airport for your return flight. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Madagascar and look forward to seeing you soon!