Mini-Cruise on the Pangalanes canal
Why is this tour, with a mini-cruise on the Pangalanes Canal, so important?
Madagascar’s east coast is a magnificent, diverse and evergreen region of the island. It stretches for hundreds of kilometres along the Indian Ocean, from south to north, and is characterised by lush vegetation, high rainfall and a unique culture. Here are a few things you should know about Madagascar’s east coast:
Climate: The east coast of Madagascar has a humid tropical climate, with abundant rainfall throughout the year, from January to December. The rains are often due to the trade winds from the Indian Ocean, which blow from south-east to north-west. This contributes to the dense rainforest that covers vast areas of the region.
Rainforest: Much of the east coast is still covered in tropical rainforest, including Ranomafana National Park in the south, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and other protected areas. This region is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, including the largest lemur, the indri, which is one of Madagascar’s emblematic species.
Programme for sailing along the Pangalanes Canal
Tananarive-Andasibe- Ankain’ny nofy-Palmarium- Toamasina- Foulpointe- Ile aux Prunes
10 days and 09 nights
Price per pax based on two pax
1590€
Half-board
Day 1: Arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! After the usual formalities at the airport, we’ll take you to your hotel so you can relax.
Overnight at the hotel in Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe (140 km)
After breakfast, departure for the east coast. This stage will give you the chance to admire the magnificent scenery, the lush evergreen forest, the green rice fields and the friendly locals.
After a few kilometres, we’ll stop to visit the chameleon reserve, as well as the reptile and insect reserve. You’ll discover around ten species of chameleon and reptile.
Difficulty level: easy, along the road. The visit lasts around 2 to 3 hours.
After the visit, you will continue your journey to Andasibe. Lunch en route. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Andasibe
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, visit Andasibe National Park. This park is a veritable treasure trove of flora and fauna, with its tropical rainforests home to various species of lemur, the largest of which is the Indri indri, also known as the Babakoto.
Lunch at the hotel.
The afternoon is devoted to discovering crocodiles and other animals endemic to the island in the Vakôna Forest private reserve, as well as a visit to the lemur islet where you can get close to them and even touch them.
Day 4: Andasibe – Ankanin’ny Nofy
After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey along Route Nationale 2 towards the seaside resort of Manambato. We will take a secondary track of around 7 km to reach the pier at Manambato. Transfer by boat to the Pangalanes Canal, crossing the large Rasoabe and Rasoamasay lakes. Arrive at Ankanin’ny Nofy (the Dream Nest) and check into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 : Ankanin’ny Nofy
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the Palmarium private reserve, home to six species of lemur and different varieties of medicinal plants. Lunch at leisure.
Meeting with the fishing villagers of Andranokoditra. Discover their daily life and their activities on the Pangalanes Canal.
At the end of the afternoon, we will take you to an islet where the largest nocturnal lemur is hiding: the Aye-aye, an exceptional and unique creature, the only species in the Daubentonidae family.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Ankanin’ny Nofy – Tamatave
Breakfast at the hotel. Discovery of the Pangalanes Canal, an artificial canal built in colonial times by Governor General Gallieni. This is a must-see site on the east coast, offering magnificent scenery and the chance to observe local life: fishermen, transporting goods by pirogue and bamboo rafts.
After lunch in Toamasina, head to the seaside resort of Toamasina, a town bustling with the local population.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Excursion to Foulpointe
Foulpointe is a tourist village located 54 km north of Toamasina. The former capital of the Betsimisaraka tribe, where King Ratsimilaho lived, this place is ideal for swimming and sea activities thanks to its turquoise waters and fine white sand.
Before going to the beach, we’ll show you our heritage in the centre of the village, with the Manda Fort. This fort was built in royal times to protect the local population from slavery.
In the late afternoon, return to Toamasina.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Excursion to Ile aux Prunes
Ile aux Prunes is an island rich in biodiversity located 17 km from the port of Toamasina. It’s the ideal place for a peaceful getaway.
Enjoy the turquoise blue sea and relax with the little butterfly fish massaging your feet. The panoramic view from the top of Africa’s second highest lighthouse is impressive.
The cries of flying foxes and the sound of hermit crabs in the peaceful forest add to the magical atmosphere. Crab spiders and zonosaur lizards greet you as you enjoy a relaxing day.
At lunchtime, a grilled fish prepared by Zamilane with rougails awaits you. A change of scenery guaranteed!
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Toamasina – Antananarivo
Free morning to buy local souvenirs. In the afternoon, transfer to Toamasina’s Ambalamanasy airport.
Day 10: Antananarivo
After breakfast, departure for Antananarivo to visit Queen Ranavalona’s palace. In the afternoon, discover the Digue market, a craft market where you can buy small souvenirs before your departure.
Day use at the hotel. After dinner, transfer to the airport.
END OF OUR SERVICE
From €1550 per person /
Based on two people
HALF-BOARD
Included in this rate:
- Car with driver and fuel included;
- Hotel, breakfast, and dinner throughout your stay;
- Excursion to Île aux Prunes;
- Picnic lunch during the excursion to Île aux Prunes;
- Boat transfer on the Canal des Pangalanes;
- Entrance ticket and guided visit to Andasibe National Park; Peyrieras Reserve; nocturnal visit to the Aye-aye islet; daytime visit to the Palmarium;
- Excursion and visit to Fort Manda in Foulpointe;
- City tour of Toamasina and airport transfer;
- Visit to ROVA Manjakamiadana;
- VAT;
- Day use in Antananarivo;
- National tour guide.
Not included:
- All programs not mentioned in this itinerary
- Tips
- Any lunches during the stay
- Domestic flight ticket
Zamilane Travel
Mail: contact@zamilanetravel.com
Contact whatsApp: +261348057042
Adresse: Lot 219 P/lle 12/21 22, Analakininina – Toamasina 501 – Madagascar