Beaches & Lemurs

Trip Highlights:

• Nosy Komba – stay on this spectacular volcanic island known for its beautiful landscapes and white sandy beaches. There are a variety of activities available but the most popular is certainly visiting the black lemurs at the Black Lemur Sanctuary, bird watching, whale spotting, diving, and snorkeling. You can also visit the fishing villages scattered along the shoreline and explore the markets of the main village, Ampangorinana.
• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park – pristine primary forest untouched by humans. You embark on a day and night walk in this haven and refuge for some incredible Madagascar wildlife, insects, plants and birds. Expect to see lemurs and chameleons of many colors on this leg of your guided Madagascar safari tour.
• Antananarivo – Madagascar’s capital city with a rich history. Scenic landscapes surround the city offering many hiking routes for nature lovers. The city doesn’t sleep at night and is known its nightlife.
• Ifotaka – known for its spectacular natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and its numerous sacred historical sites. The Ifotaka Community Forest is an unspoilt Madagascan gem with incredible landscapes and ancient hidden tombs, plus a wide variety of lemurs and many bird species, such as the malachite kingfisher, hook-billed vangas, scops owl and many others.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change):

Day 1: Nosy Be – Nosy Komba

Welcome to the Nosy Be Archipelago! On arrival at the airport in Nosy Be you will be met and transferred by car to Hell-Ville where you will continue to Tsara Komba Lodge by boat. Spend the next 4 nights on Nosy Komba, the most beautiful island of the Nosy Be archipelago and also known as ‘Lemur Island’.

Days 2-4: Nosy Komba

Enjoy your days in this eco-paradise, live ‘life in the slow lane’ unwind and relax. If you are more active, you can choose from activities such scuba-diving, snorkelling, guided hikes as well as visits to the local villages (all activities are optional and an additional cost). Equipment for snorkelling, beach volleyball, beach racket ball, badminton, frisbees or canoe trips, reading or parlour games is available free of charge in the main lodge or at the beach.

Day 5: Nosy Komba – Antananarivo

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Nosy Be to Antananarivo where you will overnight.  

Day 6: Antananarivo – Andasibe

Head to Andasibe through the green and luxuriant vegetation of the east. This humid part of the country has many primary forests and lakes, rice fields, waterfalls and forest stations. Along the way you will see villages of the Merina people scattered throughout the rocky mountainside. On arrival check-in to the hotel, and then in the evening enjoy a night walk in Andasibe to observe night active lemurs and other nocturnal animals.

Day 7: Andasibe

After breakfast, visit to the Special Reserve of Andasibe where you will discover the many species dwelling in the forest. In particular, your guide will search for the Indri Indri (the largest lemurs on the island). This 810 ha. reserve is unique with its endemic fauna and flora and contains a wide variety of orchids  and endemic animals like chameleons, tenrecs and many birds. You will also visit the Orchid garden. In the afternoon, visit the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve that provides a sustainable way of saving the remaining rainforests in the area by creating a livelihood for the local communities through reforestation projects. Here you will also come across a variety of wildlife, ranging from brown lemurs, indri, chameleons, geckos and birds.

Day 8: Andasibe – Antananarivo

Head back to Antananarivo, stopping at the Reptile & Butterfly farm. The capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo is also called the ‘City of Thousands’ and it is where the first King started to unify the different kingdoms of the island. Embark on a short city orientation tour.

Day 9: Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin – Ifotaka

After breakfast, transfer to Ivato airport for your 2-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south-eastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and have lunch in Fort Dauphin, before driving west towards Antandroy Spiny Forest. The 3-hour journey offers a contrast of landscapes ranging from the rice paddies of the eastern seaboard over the lush tropical plateau to the drier arid region of sisal plantations and “spiny forest”.

Upon arrival at the camp, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the breath-taking views across the Mandrare River. Later you will embark on a night walk in either the Forest of Analoalo or Ambovo. This unique experience allows you to witness diurnal lemurs finding their resting spots, while the nocturnal lemurs start to come alive in the otherworldly Spiny Forest. During the walk, you will have the chance to observe sifakas and sleeping white-foot sportive lemurs. As the sun sets, you’ll encounter two species of mouse lemurs, slumbering birds, fascinating chameleons, and active sportive lemurs.

Day 10: Ifotaka / Antandroy Forest

Enjoy breakfast on the banks of the river before embarking on a trip to the sacred Antandroy forest, crossing the river on foot to observe lemurs and many bird species. Lunch will be served at your camp and there will be time to relax before you depart on an afternoon activity, unless you would prefer to rest at camp and enjoy the serenity of the river. In the late afternoon, embark on a leisurely stroll through the hallowed spiny forest, which houses the ancestral tombs of the indigenous Antandroy tribe. This remarkable ecosystem is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species found exclusively within the spiny forest. Your guide and tracker from the local community will share an insightful introduction to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Antandroy people.

Day 11: Ifotaka / Antandroy Village

Start the day with an early stroll through the spiny forest, watching as sunlight filters through octopus trees and keep an eye out for unique birds like the crested coua. Explore the local market or visit the fascinating Antandroy village, known for its rich culture. After lunch at the camp unwind on your tent’s terrace, observing riverside life. Tonight, venture out amidst the iconic baobab trees to watch the sunset. In the evening, there is a possibility to witness enchanting traditional dances by the local village, offering a glimpse into the Antandroy culture, where music and dance are integral to their rituals and daily life.

Day 12: Ifotaka – Fort Dauphin

After breakfast, depart on a 3-hour drive to Fort Dauphin. On arrival, the rest of the day will be at your leisure, giving you the freedom to explore and enjoy the area at your own pace.

Day 13: Depart Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Depart Madagascar today, your day is at leisure until you transfer to Tana airport, for your departure flight (flight not included).

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