RPN12A: Andasibe + Sainte Marie + Nosy Be

Day 1

You will be met at Antananarivo Airport and transferred to your hotel in the capital city of the mysterious tropical island of Madagascar.

Check in to your hotel and relax in your warm friendly surroundings.

Day 2

Today depart early from Antananarivo and travel 3-hours overland with your private driver/guide to the wonderful Andasibe-Mantadia region.

Travelling through abundant rice paddies and local villages, you will get a good feel for traditional Malagasy life with their long red clay houses and many roadside markets. Visit a farm along the way where you can see reptiles and butterflies, before arriving at the Andasibe-Mantadia Reserve in the afternoon.

After checking into your lodge, we visit the Vakona Private Park and Lemur Island to observe nocturnal lemur species - a very special experience (headlamps recommended)!

Day 3

Today enjoy a full day exploring the Andasibe-Mantadia Reserve, which comprise the National Park of Mantadia and the Special Reserve of Analamazoatra (or the Perinet Reserve).

Here we hope to see the Indri-Indri, the largest species of lemurs that are easily seen and heard because of their impressive shrieks. There are 12 different species of lemurs in this great wildlife sanctuary and over 110 different bird species. Other unusual animals include Tenrecs (similar to hedgehogs) and chameleons.

The indigenous flora is outstanding and includes many species of ferns, orchids (they blossom in October & November), sacred creepers, lichens and dwarf palm trees. The park also offers outstanding bird, reptile and insect life.

Day 4

This morning we travel 3-hours through Manambato, a village on the shores of Lake Rasoabe, to the Canal des Pangalanes - a major waterway that links many lakes and lagoons along the east coast.

Enjoy a 1-hour boat ride on the canal, before continuing to your hotel. Check in and relax in this tropical paradise, with the balance of afternoon at leisure. Your guide will leave you at this point and return to Antananarivo.

Day 5

At leisure to enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna of the beautiful Pangalanes region.

Many local optional excursions are available from your hotel, including a visit to a Private Reserve in search of more lemurs and stunning flora, or a visit to a local fishing village and school. In the evening, enjoy dinner relaxing in your warm tropical surroundings.

Day 6

Today transfer by 4-hours by boat along the Pangalanes Canal and continue by road to Tamatave Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at remote and beautiful Ile Sainte Marie Airport and transferred to your hotel.

This clove island off the east coast of Madagascar boasts spectacular views and lavish vegetation, with over 10 different species of orchids - including some of the rarest and most beautiful in the country. Check into your hotel and relax on this remote paradise island.

Days 7-8

At leisure to relax, enjoy the facilities of your hotel and explore the wonderful island of Ile Sainte Marie.

Famous for its spices, orchids, coconut palms and spectacularly unspoilt beaches, from July to September each year this small island is also renowned as one of the top Whale Watching locations in the world, with humpbacked whales congregating in large numbers in Sainte Marie Bay after having migrated over 3,000 miles (5,000 km) from Antarctica to breed.

Day 9

Transfer to Ile Sainte Marie Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Nosy Be Airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check in and relax in tropical surroundings on this wonderful spice island, which is home to the world's smallest frog and chameleon species and where coffee, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon are grown.

Days 10-12

At leisure to relax and enjoy the splendid beaches, islands and wildlife surrounding Nosy Be.

Meaning "Big Island", Nosy Be is a volcanic island which enjoys a tropical climate, with varied landscape characterised by many hills overlooked by Mount Lokobe and Mount Passot. From one of these high vantage points, enjoy exceptional views over Nosy Be and nearby Radama and Mitsio Islands. The rugged coastline has many coves and deserted beaches lined by palm trees.

In the nearby forests, you can discover the fascinating flora and fauna for which Madagascar is famous.

Day 13

Transfer to Nosy Be Airport for your flight home.