The island country lying off the south-eastern coast of Africa is the only home of the lovable lemurs. Our adorable cousins – for they are primates just like us – come in all shapes and sizes with over a 100 species. Your days in Madagascar will be filled with spotting as many as you can.
The world’s fourth largest island and the second-largest island country broke off the supercontinent Gondwana 150 million years ago that separated the Madagascar-Indian landmass from Africa.
A bit more shaking around the Earth’s core saw Madagascar finally split off from the Indian tectonic plate 70 million years later.
Isolated on the Indian Ocean, its flora and fauna developed independently creating 98% endemism – meaning what you see is only in Madagascar and nowhere else in the world.
Let’s discover Madagascar, one of the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots.
Island History
Slightly larger than France, the tropical island boasts surreal ocean life to ravishing forests that are, of course home to the lemurs and so much more.
Its capital and largest city is Antananarivo affectionally known as Tana.
With 28 million islanders, Malagasy and French are spoken by ethnic groups of Malayo-Indonesian, mixed African and Malayo-Indonesian, and people with an Arab ancestry.
Archaeological research in the 20th century found evidence that human settlers reached Madagascar about five centuries before Europeans discovered the island. Malay-Indonesian seafarers arrived around the first century CE, Arabians followed in the sixth century and established trading posts there.
Here’s what we have planned for you.
DAY ONE Wed 20 August
Arrive in Tana.
Our Airport Meet and Assist Service ensures the most seamless arrival for our guests. Upon completing customs formalities, a dedicated representative will be there to assist you with various tasks, such as currency exchange, obtaining a local SIM card, setting up data on your SIM, and addressing any other requirements you may have. To ensure your convenience, we recommend handling currency exchange and SIM card acquisition before departing the airport.
A visitor’s visa is required and issued on arrival at Tana Airport for 10 euro for up to 13 days and 35 euro for 14 – 30 days.
Transfer by road to La Varangue Hotel.
This is a charming guest house in the centre of an upscale neighbourhood of the capital. Fruit of the marriage of Malagasy and colonial style architecture, this house offers the proximity of the commercial district of Antaninarenina.
Charm with genuine hospitality are the order of the day, the smiles and the competence of the team will make you appreciate the good life, typical of the “Big Island”. This hotel offers unique decoration, and an outstanding collection of antiques will amaze you and transport you to the past.
Meal Plan: Dinner & breakfast
Overnight: La Varangue Hotel.
DAY TWO Thurs 21st August
Antananarivo – Andasibe (170km).
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Madagascar by driving from Antananarivo to Andasibe. This 140-kilometer route will take you on an adventure through verdant forests, charming towns, and rural villages.
Your experienced driver will ensure a comfortable and safe ride, while your English-Speaking guide will provide you with interesting insights about the local culture and traditions.
1 p.m. – Lunch at Vakona Forest Lodge
Overlooking its beautiful old established gardens, enjoy the delicious foods of the island before meeting the lemurs.
Lemurs Island – After lunch, you will enjoy an amazing personal experience with the lemurs in the lodge’s private reserve. It is a short walk from Vakona restaurant to a small rainforest of VOIMMA, which is protected by a local guides association.
After your first meeting with the lemurs we will depart for Manjarano Lodge & Spa, a 20 minute drive.
Manjarano Lodge & Spa
Indulge in luxury, tranquillity, and a seamless blend of European standards and natural beauty at Manjarano Lodge & Spa.
This exquisite Manjarno is a haven of comfort, elegance, and serenity, nestled in the heart of the magnificent Andasibe forest.
The lodge offers a serene retreat, where you can unwind and rejuvenate amidst the captivating sights and sounds of the wilderness.
From the moment you arrive, the lodge’s impeccable service and attention to detail will ensure a memorable stay. Indulge in luxurious accommodations that provide the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The stylishly appointed rooms offer a serene sanctuary, allowing you to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration with captivating nature walks, where you can encounter unique wildlife, including lemurs, birds, and a myriad of endemic flora and fauna.
6 p.m. – We will be escorted on a short night walk to see some of the nocturnal creatures. Grading of the trails is easy. Be sure to pack a strong torch with some spare batteries for night walks.
8 p.m. – Dinner
Indulge in delectable culinary experiences at the lodge’s restaurant, where skilled chefs blend local and international flavours to create a gastronomic journey that delights the senses.
Overnight: Manjarano Lodge & Spa.
DAY THREE Fri 22nd August
Guided visit to Analamazaotra Special reserve
After breakfast, a short drive will bring us to the captivating wonders of Analamazaotra, home to the most popular park within the reserve. This enchanting destination holds a special allure, primarily due to the presence of the rare indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur. Throughout the misty forest, the indri’s haunting and unforgettable wail resonates, creating an otherworldly ambiance that can be experienced throughout the day, but most prominently in the early morning. With approximately 60 resident family groups, each consisting of two to five indris, you’ll have ample opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
While the indris steal the spotlight, the park is teeming with an array of other remarkable lemur species. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of woolly lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and diademed sifakas, which are among the largest lemur species. In 2005, the Goodman’s mouse lemur, identified as a distinct species, was discovered here, further adding to the park’s biodiversity.
As you explore, you’ll also encounter eleven species of tenrec, the vibrant and immense Parson’s chameleon, and an impressive array of seven other chameleon species. Additionally, the park boasts over 100 bird species, 20 species of amphibians, and the endemic Ravenea louvelii palm tree, which is found exclusively within its boundaries.
You will enjoy the Indri 2 trail which encompasses the lakes and extends to the domains of two separate indri families and takes around 3 hours.
To witness the indris in their most active state, the early morning hours, specifically from 7 a.m. (park gates open at 0800) to 11 a.m., are the optimal time. Prepare to be enchanted by their calls and observe their graceful movements through the forest canopy, creating a truly mesmerising experience.
1 p.m. – Lunch at Manjarano Lodge & Spa
After lunch, we embark on a four hour drive (170kms) from Andasibe back to Antananarivo, offering you a captivating view of the breathtaking Angavo mountain ranges that demarcate the boundary between two distinct climate zones. As we traverse the picturesque landscapes, you’ll be greeted by charming villages that dot the route, each adorned with bustling markets teeming with vibrant energy. This presents the perfect opportunity for you to capture mesmerising photographs that encapsulate the region’s natural beauty and cultural essence.
Visit to Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic (Marozevo reserve)
Prepare to be amazed on your journey with a stop at the captivating Madagascar Exotic Park, owned by the renowned Peyrieras family. Situated on National Road N2 between the towns of Manjakandriana and Moramanga, approximately 75km (47mi) east of Antananarivo, this privately run park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Founded and owned by André Peyreiras, a French entomologist and naturalist, the park is also known as the Reserve Peyrieras or Peyrieras Butterfly Farm. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness the feeding of chameleons and observe a range of other fascinating reptiles, including iguanas, geckos, frogs, and crocodiles. The park is also home to the giant Atlas Moth, as well as a variety of butterfly species and tenrecs.
As you enter several large, caged buildings and greenhouses, accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide, you’ll be transported into a world of Malagasy fauna that will leave you in awe. With countless photo opportunities, the Madagascar Exotic Park is the perfect location to learn about Madagascar’s unique wildlife and to witness some of its most remarkable creatures up close. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience that will make your Madagascar trip truly unforgettable!
6 p.m. – We will arrive at Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa.
Situated a stone’s throw from Ivato Airport, the Relais des Plateaux hotel in Antananarivo offers utmost convenience with its complimentary shuttle service to both the airport and the city center. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a 24-hour reception, ensuring round-the-clock assistance for your comfort and peace of mind.
The hotel’s tropical garden provides a tranquil oasis, inviting you to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
8 p.m. – Dinner.
Indulge your taste buds at the buffet-style restaurant, adorned with charming, exposed beams, where you can savour a delightful array of culinary delights.
After which, enter your elegant room which overlooks the captivating gardens.
Time permitting, enjoy a dip in the heated swimming pool, where you can bask in the gentle warmth while lounging on comfortable sun lounges. The hotel staff is known for their friendliness and warm hospitality, dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring your stay is both comfortable and memorable.
DAY FOUR Sat 23rd August
8 a.m. Start your day with a wholesome island breakfast before the flight to Nosy Be. Your hotel, the Relais des Plateaux, will manage your transfer today.
On arrival in Nosy Be you will be met and transferred to Ravinstra Wellness Hotel, a blend of nature and luxury on the west coast, famous for its stunning sunsets.
Here you spend the next four nights at Ravintsara Wellness Hotel
Day at Leisure
Spend the day on the beach, snorkelling or just relaxing with a good book.
Perhaps enjoy a massage or other treatments.
DAY SIX Sun 24th August
Nosy Antsoa and Nosy Iranja
Enjoy an early breakfast before boarding your boat for your first adventure.
Heading south we stop at Nosy Antsoa for a quick swim and a guided walk through the forest to see up to seven species of lemur.
From here we head on to Nosy Iranja.
Two islands at high tide but one, joined by a 750m sandy spit, at low tide.
Nosy Iranja has often been voted the most beautiful of Indian Ocean Islands and deservedly.
On arrival take a walk up to Gustav Eiffel’s lighthouse to enjoy the spectacular view of the island. Explore the village, walk along the spit (take water and a hat!) and if you are lucky you might witness turtles hatching.
After an ice-cold drink at the ‘Tiki Bar’ you will enjoy a fabulous lunch before returning to Nosy Komba.
OVERNIGHT: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel HB
DAY SEVEN Mon 25th August
Tanikely Marine Reserve
Everybody talks about this magical island.
Nosy Tanikely is a tiny, uninhabited island surrounded by patches of shallow coral and sandy beaches.
Nosy Tanikely means “island of the little land”.
This natural aquarium is famous for its marine reserve teeming with underwater flora and fauna. It offers superb snorkelling in warm waters with great visibility. You can discover angelfish, clown fish, puffer fish, grouper and spotted stingrays.
Angelfish, Clownfish, Triggerfish, turtles, parrot fish, spotted stingrays and pufferfish are just a few of the vast array of life here, under the sea.
Take a walk up to another of Gustav Eiffel’s lighthouses probably spotting a few resident Black Lemur along the way.
Return to hotel until dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel HB
DAY EIGHT Tues 26th August
Nosy Sakatia
This is a Half day excursion.
Nosy Sakatia is a charming island situated just 15 minutes from Nosy Be.
Known as the Perfume Island it is also famous for its lack of roads, green turtles, incredible snorkelling and friendly villagers.
There is a sacred forest, endless beaches and mangroves.
OVERNIGHT: Ravintsara Wellness Hotel HB
DAY NINE Wed 27th August
After breakfast, transfer to Nosy Be Airport for flight to Antananarivo for your international flight.
END OF SERVICES.
COST:
Approximately depending on group size:
PP: USD 6,300 PP
PPS: USD 5,500 PPS
Excluded
Premium Drinks
Tips
Additional activities/excursions
Spa treatments
Items of a personal nature
Laundry
Use of jacuzzi at Ravintsara
International airfare
Included
All stated in itinerary – SUBJECT to availability of the accommodation and flights quoted.
2 glasses of wine/beer at dinner
To Book your Spot:
Contact Rupi Mangat CEO Moonlion Safaris or email me: rupimangat@moonlionsafaris.org
Moonlion Safaris 