12-Day Madagascar Whale Watching and Lemur Discovery Tour
Madagascar Whale Watching Safari and Lemur Adventure
Discover the incredible biodiversity and marine life of Madagascar on this 12-day Madagascar whale watching and wildlife discovery tour. This carefully designed itinerary combines rainforest exploration, unique wildlife encounters, and unforgettable ocean experiences.
Travelers will explore the famous Andasibe Mantadia National Park, home to the Indri Indri, the largest living lemur in the world. The journey continues through the beautiful landscapes of eastern Madagascar along the historic Pangalanes Canal, before ending on Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha), one of the best destinations in the world for humpback whale watching.
This eco-tour offers a perfect balance between nature, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Madagascar experience.
Organized by Zamilane Travel, a local tour operator specializing in wildlife tours and eco-tourism in Madagascar.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrival at Antananarivo International Airport where you will be welcomed by our local team.
Transfer to your hotel and briefing about the tour.
Overnight: Chalet des Roses
Day 2 – Antananarivo to Andasibe via Peyrieras Reserve
After breakfast, departure toward Madagascar’s eastern rainforest.
Stop at the Peyrieras Exotic Reserve, a small sanctuary where visitors can observe chameleons, frogs, reptiles, insects, and other endemic wildlife.
Continue to Andasibe, one of the best rainforest destinations in Madagascar.
Dinner and overnight: Mantadia Lodge
Day 3 – Andasibe National Park Exploration
Today you will explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s most famous wildlife reserves.
During the guided rainforest walk, you may encounter:
- Indri lemurs, the largest living lemur species
• colorful endemic birds
• chameleons and reptiles
• unique tropical plants
Dinner and overnight: Mantadia Lodge
Day 4 – Andasibe to Palmarium Reserve
Drive to Manambato, a small village located on the shores of Lake Rasoabe.
From there, travel by boat along part of the Pangalanes Canal, a historic waterway that stretches along Madagascar’s east coast.
Arrival at Ankanin’ny Nofy, home of the famous Palmarium Reserve.
Dinner and overnight: Palmarium Lodge
Day 5 – Palmarium Reserve and Aye-Aye Night Excursion
Morning exploration of Palmarium Reserve, where several species of lemurs live freely in a protected forest.
In the evening, take a boat excursion to a nearby island where the rare Aye-Aye, Madagascar’s most mysterious nocturnal lemur, may be observed.
Dinner and overnight: Palmarium Lodge
Day 6 – Toamasina and Mahambo Coast
Boat transfer to the port city of Toamasina (Tamatave).
From there, travel north along Madagascar’s scenic east coast to Mahambo, a peaceful seaside village known for its long sandy beaches and traditional fishing culture.
Dinner and overnight: La Pirogue Hotel
Day 7 – Boat Crossing to Sainte-Marie Island
Board a speedboat from Mahambo to Sainte-Marie Island (Nosy Boraha).
After arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the island or relax on the beach.
Dinner and overnight: Mantis Soanambo Hotel and Spa
Day 8 – Whale Watching Safari
Today you will experience an unforgettable whale watching excursion.
During the whale season, humpback whales can often be seen swimming close to the island. Your guide will help interpret their behavior while ensuring respectful observation.
Afternoon free for beach relaxation.
Dinner and overnight: Mantis Soanambo
Day 9 – Discovering Île aux Nattes
Boat excursion to Île aux Nattes, a small tropical island located south of Sainte-Marie.
Explore sandy beaches, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints around the lagoon.
Dinner and overnight: Mantis Soanambo
Day 10 – Natural Pools and Waterfall
Visit the island’s natural rock pools, where waves create sheltered swimming areas.
Later, discover a hidden tropical waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.
Optional seafood lunch available.
Dinner and overnight: Mantis Soanambo
Day 11 – Pirate Heritage Tour
Explore the fascinating maritime history of Sainte-Marie.
Visit historical sites including:
- the famous Pirates’ Cemetery
• Îlot Madame
• Îlot Forban
• one of the island’s oldest churches
Dinner and overnight: Mantis Soanambo
Day 12 – Return to Antananarivo
Transfer to Sainte-Marie Airport for the domestic flight back to Antananarivo.
End of the tour.
Pricing – Full Board Whale Watching & Lemur Discovery Tour (12 Days)
Madagascar Wildlife & Whale Safari – All-Inclusive Experience
Group Size | Price per Person (€) |
2 pax | 3,450 € |
4 pax | 3,050 € |
6 pax | 2,850 € |
8 pax | 2,750 € |
12 pax (max) | 2,650 € |
✅ Included (Full Board All-Inclusive)
- ✔ Airport meet & greet in Antananarivo
- ✔ Accommodation (11 nights – hotels & eco-lodges)
- ✔ Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner throughout the tour)
- ✔ Private vehicle with professional driver
- ✔ Fuel and all logistics
- ✔ English/French-speaking guide
- ✔ Boat transfers (Pangalanes Canal, Palmarium, Sainte-Marie)
- ✔ Speedboat Mahambo → Sainte-Marie
- ✔ Whale watching excursion
- ✔ Palmarium Reserve visit
- ✔ Aye-Aye night excursion
- ✔ Peyrieras Reserve visit
- ✔ Andasibe National Park entrance + guide
- ✔ All national park fees and local guides
- ✔ Tourist taxes and service charges
✔ Bottled water during transfers
❌ Not Included
- ✖ International flights
- ✖ Domestic flights (Tana ↔ Sainte-Marie)
- ✖ Madagascar visa fees
- ✖ Travel insurance
- ✖ Drinks and personal expenses
- ✖ Optional activities not mentioned
- ✖ Tips for guide and driver
Best Time to Visit
The best time to experience this tour is between June and September, when humpback whales are present around Sainte-Marie Island and the weather conditions are ideal for wildlife observation.
