East Madagascar Tour Andasibe & Palmarium
From the misty canopy of Andasibe to the night waters of Ankanin’ny Nofy
A private 7-day tour to discover Eastern Madagascar in all its diversity. From the primary forest of Andasibe — where the Indri-indri launches its legendary call at dawn — to the mysterious waters of the Pangalanes Canal, where the Aye-Aye emerges at night on its sanctuary island. Two unique ecosystems, one local Malagasy agency to orchestrate everything
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Seven stages of the East Madagascar Tour between primary forest and inland waters — from the Indri’s call to the nocturnal appearance of the Aye-Aye.
Day 1 – Arrival in the Red Island
Private welcome at Ivato · Hotel transfer · Trip briefingPersonal welcome by the Lemur Safari team at Ivato International Airport. Private transfer to your charming hotel in downtown Antananarivo.
In the evening, welcome briefing over a drink: logistics of your East Madagascar Tour, species you will encounter, practical advice and cultural tips for your stay.
Day 2 – The Road to the Forest · Peyrieras & Night Walk
Panther chameleons · Uroplatus geckos · Nocturnal mouse lemurEarly morning departure to Andasibe via the RN2. Stop at the Peyrieras Private Reserve — a reptile sanctuary accessible from the roadside, ideal for a first immersion in Malagasy biodiversity.
- Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) — colour palette ranging from red to electric blue
- Uroplatus geckos, with perfect camouflage on tree bark
- Comet moths (Argema mittrei) with translucent wings, endemic to Madagascar
- Tomato frogs and amphibians of the eastern rainforest
Check in at the forest-edge hotel. In the evening, night walk with your local guide: the forest transforms. The mouse lemur (Microcebus), the world’s smallest primate, peers at your headlamps from the branches.
Day 3 – The Song of the Indri · Mitsinjo Reserve & Vakona
Indri-indri · Eulemur fulvus · Free-ranging lemursAt dawn, the canopy of the primary forest resonates with an almost human cry — the territorial call of the Indri-indri, the world’s largest lemur. Audible up to 3 km away, this diphonic call is one of the most haunting sounds on the planet. The Indri does not survive in captivity: it exists only here.
- Indri-indri family groups clinging in the kapok trees of Mitsinjo Reserve
- Eulemur fulvus — tawny lemur with amber eyes, active by day
- Parson’s chameleons and small reptiles of the humid forest
- Hapalemur griseus — the bamboo lemur, discreet but present in the undergrowth
Afternoon at the private Vakona Reserve: canoe trip to the lemur island, where several species come spontaneously to meet you. Complete guide: where to see lemurs in Madagascar →
Day 4 – The Great Canal · Pangalanes to Ankanin’ny Nofy
Pangalanes Canal · Private boat · The Nest of DreamsDrive to the eastern coast to the village of Manambato, on the shores of Lake Rasoabe. There, you board a private motorboat to navigate the Pangalanes Canal — a 660 km inland waterway dug by the French during the colonial era, today the lifeline of Betsimisaraka communities.
Silent navigation between canals lined with giant raphia palms and fishing villages, with herons and kingfishers perched on the banks. Arrival at Ankanin’ny Nofy — the Nest of Dreams in Malagasy — nestled between Lake Ampitabe and the primary forest. Check in at Palmarium Lodge for two nights.
Day 5 – The Eden of Palmarium · Lemurs & Night Aye-Aye Safari
Eulemur · Propithecus coquereli · Daubentonia madagascariensis · Sanctuary islandThe most intense day of the tour, blending daytime wonder with nocturnal mystery. In the morning, guided trek through Palmarium’s private reserve: ten lemur species roam freely in the primary forest bordering Lake Ampitabe. No barriers, no cages — just the forest and animals that have never learned to fear humans.
- Indri-indri, Black lemur (Eulemur macaco) and Brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus) in total freedom
- Black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) — loud and fascinating, among the largest lemurs of eastern Madagascar
- Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) — acrobatic leaper with tawny and white fur
The afternoon is free: relaxation by Lake Ampitabe, swimming, canoeing on the calm waters among water lilies.
Late afternoon, you board for the rarest experience of the tour. A boat takes you to a protected sanctuary island where the Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) — Madagascar’s most mysterious and endangered lemur — emerges at nightfall to feed. Luminous eyes, slender middle finger, curved claws: an unforgettable encounter. Return to the lodge under a pollution-free sky.
Day 6 – The Return · Pangalanes & Road to the Highlands
Boat to Manambato · RN2 · Terraced rice fields · AntananarivoAfter breakfast, one final morning cruise on the Pangalanes Canal. The boat heads back to Manambato in approximately 1h30 — last views of the giant raphia palms, Betsimisaraka fishing villages, herons motionless on the banks.
Join your private vehicle at Manambato for the scenic drive along the RN2 back to Antananarivo. The landscape gradually transforms: coastal palms and rainforest give way to red laterite hills and terraced rice paddies of Merina Highland villages. Arrival in the late afternoon, hotel check-in.
Day 7 – Farewell, Malgasy · International Departure
La Digue Market (optional) · Transfer to Ivato · End of servicesBreakfast at the hotel. Depending on your international flight time, visit the famous La Digue Open-Air Market — the ideal opportunity to bring home quality Malagasy artisan creations before your departure.
- Madagascar vanilla, wild pepper and local spices of gastronomic quality
- Bags, hats and embroidery in artisan raphia
- Carved objects in precious wood and local essential oils
Private transfer to Ivato International Airport. Check-in assistance. End of Lemur Safari services for this East Madagascar Tour.
Rates & Inclusions
Full Board · Guides & Transport included · All park fees included · All boat excursions included
Not included
Terms & Cancellation Policy
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Deadline before departure |
Conditions |
|---|---|
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Booking confirmation |
Deposit of 30% of the total amount |
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Balance |
Due on arrival in Madagascar |
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Cancellation > 60 days |
Deposit refunded minus file fee (€70) |
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Cancellation 45–60 days |
Retenue de 50% of the deposit |
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Cancellation < 45 days |
Deposit non-refundable |
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Itinerary change |
Possible up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability |
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Bad weather guarantee |
Alternative activity at no extra cost if weather conditions prevent the planned excursion |
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Payment |
Bank transfer or PayPal |
Tip : Take out travel insurance with a “cancel for any reason” option. In the event of medical cancellation, the deposit will be refunded by your insurer — this is the most effective protection for a trip of this value.
Why Lemur Safari?
Local agency vs. European reseller — an honest comparison
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Criteria |
Lemur Safari |
European Agency |
|---|---|---|
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Location |
Toamasina, Madagascar |
Paris, London, Brussels… |
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Intermediaries |
✓ 0 — you speak directly with the field team |
1 to 2 subcontracting layers |
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Price |
✓ Direct, no reseller margin |
+15 to 30% commission |
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Responsiveness |
✓ Reply within 24h · WhatsApp |
2–5 day email delays |
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Flexibility |
✓ Changes up to D–30 |
Rigid conditions |
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Field knowledge |
✓ Guides who live in Madagascar |
Catalogue brochures |
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Local impact |
✓ 100% of spending stays in Madagascar |
Margin captured abroad |
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Exclusive access |
✓ Local networks |
Standardised package tours |
Passionate Local Guides
Born and trained in the forest of Andasibe and on the banks of the Pangalanes Canal. They know every Indri-indri call, every Aye-Aye hiding spot, every medicinal plant of the eastern coast.
100% Malagasy Agency
Registered in Madagascar, managed by a Malagasy team. Your money directly funds island families and communities — not an office abroad.
15 “Excellent” Reviews
Our travellers awarded the maximum rating across all their tours. Read their experiences on TripAdvisor before booking.
Responsible Tourism
We prioritise charming accommodation, eco-lodges and carefully selected local partners to maximise economic benefits for Malagasy communities.
What our travellers say
Best adventure
“This has been the best adventure I’ve been on so far. Ismail showed our group things in Madagascar that we would never have discovered on our own. Best tour guide ever! :)”
Sanja M · sept. 2024
A country to explore and a local guide to recommend
“We just returned from an unforgettable 7-day private honeymoon trip to Madagascar, and it truly was a dream come true. As a couple, we thoroughly enjoyed exploring stunning natural wonders such as the Baobab Avenue…”
Luca C · nov. 2025Perfectly tailor-made trip
“Ismaël is a great guide, we had an excellent time. Breathtaking places, quality information and impeccable support. I highly recommend. We laughed a lot and discovered so much.”
Princia R · dec. 2025
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