Customized 8 Days Madagascar Trip for Whale Watching

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Antananarivo! Airport Pick up
1 stop
1
Antananarivo
Upon your arrival at the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, aka Tana, our English-speaking driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. ­ ★ Attention: Due to the lack of local flights, the departures for this route are only available on Mondays and Fridays. If your desired travel date falls outside these days, don’t worry! We can work with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your arrival timeframe.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Fly from Antananarivo to Sainte Marie
1 stop
2
After breakfast, our driver-guide will whisk you away to the airport for a smooth 1-hour flight to Sainte Marie. This paradise island, nestled off Madagascar’s east coast, awaits your arrival. Another driver will ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel for check-in, so you can start relaxing right away.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Sainte Marie: Whale Watching Tour
1 stop
3
At your hotel lobby, our driver guide will escort you to the harbor. Hop on the whale watching boat with experienced crew and fellow whale enthusiasts. The boats are typically equipped with comfortable seating areas, restrooms, and a shaded upper deck for viewing. ­ ★ Encounter Humpback Whales in Their Natural Habitat Set sail into the calm waters of the Sainte Marie Channel, a breeding ground for humpback whales. This area is considered one of the best places in the world for whale watching due to its protected waters. Keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures as they breach, spyhop, and glide alongside the boat. After a thrilling morning, the boat will return to the harbor. Our driver-guide will then accompany you back to your hotel.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Free Time in Sainte Marie Island
1 stop
4
Just hike around Sainte Marie to relax both mind and body. There are several scenic hiking trails on the island, offering breathtaking views, including the trail to the Pointe à Lonjo with lush rainforest and the pristine islet Ile aux Nattes.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Fly from Sainte Marie to Antananarivo, Transfer to Andasibe
1 stop
5
Antananarivo
Our driver will ensure a timely transfer to the airport for your flight. Once you touch down in Antananarivo, another driver will be waiting to escort you through the 4-hour drive to Andasibe. Upon arrival, check into a nature-embraced lodge for rest. ­ ► Insider Tips: Madagascar’s infrastructure is still developing, so some road trips involve unpaved sections. To ensure your comfort and navigate these sections smoothly, we’ve prepared high-clearance, off-road vehicles. Expect some bumpy stretches, especially on dirt roads that can become muddy during rain.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Andasibe: Analamazaotra National Park - Vakona Reserve - Local Village & Market
3 stops
6
In the morning, you’ll go on a rousing exploration in the Analamazaotra National Park. Start with a guided walk to look for different species of lemurs like the Indri Indri, Diademed Sifakas, common brown lemurs, and the black-and-white ruffed lemurs.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Vakona Private Reserve
After lunch, set forth for Vakona Reserve, also known as Lemurs Island. It is private to Vakona Forest Lodge, with some tamed lemurs, especially Diademed Sifakas.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Then, let’s end today’s tour with a taste of Malagasy daily life in the Andasibe Village and a market. Roaming about the market, you will be surprised to find that its alleys are clean and stalls are orderly with a wide range of goods.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Visit Voimma Forest & Reserve Peyreiras Exotic, Drive back to Antananarivo
2 stops
9
V.O.I.M.M.A. Community Reserve
After breakfast, our driver guide will take you to the Voimma Forest. Here, lemurs including the ones you’ve seen yesterday still can be found - seize your chance to say hello to them!
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic
Later, we will start our road trip back to Antananarivo. On the way, stop to visit the Reserve Peyreiras Exotic, a small private farm perfect for macro photography of animals native to Madagascar. Observer incredible number of chameleons, butterflies and snakes at close range, and maybe even put a chameleon in your hand with local guide’s help to witness its skin color change. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, check in at the hotel.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Departure from Antananarivo
1 stop
11
Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
Today marks the end of your Madagascar whale watching tour. Let’s visit the sacred King’s Palace on Royal Hill of Ambohimanga in the morning. Once home to the great king of Andrianampoinimerina (1787-1810) who endeavored to bring the then divided island into one, Ambohimanga is now a UNESCO-honored site offering insight to local history and culture. Then our driver will take you to Ivato Airport of Antananarivo, coordinating with your flight schedule for a stress-free departure. Wish you a pleasant journey home!
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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