Start your journey in the verdant rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Home to the famous indri lemur, the largest living lemur species, this park offers an opportunity to witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The park also features lush flora, serene lakes, and numerous other lemur species.
Optional – Night Tour In Park
Ranomafana National Park
Another remarkable national park, Ranomafana, is known for its thermal springs, dense rainforests, and a variety of lemurs, chameleons, and frogs. The park’s name means “hot water” in Malagasy, a reference to the natural hot springs found here
Pangalanes Canal
A tranquil boat journey along the Pangalanes Canal, a series of interconnected lakes and lagoons that stretch over 600 miles. As you navigate the calm waters, you’ll pass through lush forests, charming fishing villages, and see a rich array of birdlife and wildlife.
Manambato
A village known for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Pangalanes Canal. It’s a popular destination for eco-tourism and offers opportunities for activities like birdwatching, hiking, and boat tours.
Palmarium Reserve
Rich biodiversity and unique wildlife, including lemurs and various species of birds. It offers visitors the chance to experience Madagascar’s natural beauty up close through guided tours and eco-friendly accommodations
Tamatave (Toamasina)
Madagascar’s largest seaport and the country’s second-largest city. It’s situated on the east coast and serves as a significant commercial hub, particularly for exports such as vanilla, coffee, and seafood. The city also boasts beautiful beaches and is a gateway to nearby national parks and nature reserves.
Manakara
Scenic beauty, including lush rainforests and picturesque beaches. It’s a popular destination for ecotourism, offering opportunities for activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring nearby rivers and waterfalls. Manakara is also famous for its vibrant local markets and the unique culture of the surrounding Betsimisaraka people.
Île Sainte Marie
Stunning natural beauty, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island has a rich history of piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries, and you can still find remnants of pirate lore, including hidden treasure legends and shipwrecks. Île Sainte-Marie is a popular tourist destination, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and relaxation in a tropical paradise. It’s a haven for those seeking a tranquil and idyllic getaway
We (group of 4) were very happy to discover Madagascar with Joce (Explo-tour) in April. He was able to put the itinerary as we wanted and arranged transportation, parks on the way. We were travelling one part with Joce, another with his son in law and the last part with 4x4 driver. All were very nice guys and made everything comfortable. Accommodation we booked ourselves usually via booking. Guides that he arranged were great and spoke really good english. We were able to choose in the parks the route that wanted to take.
When searching for an option how to travel in Madagascar, I contacted many tour companies and some drivers and chose Joce due to flexibility to our itinerary. Of course before transfering deposit I tried to google everything I can about Joce, contacted couple people on Tripadvisor to make sure that money won't be lost. And when we met Joce in person, realized that everything going to be ok.
We can really recommend Joce and would travel with him if we are back to Madagascar in the future. If you need recommendations or some information in person, feel free to contact me.
(Leva J, Vilnius, Lithuania 19/8/2019)