Africa

Island Gems of Madagascar (2025)

11 Days. Contact for pricing.
Small Guided Groups
Details

Overview

Join our small-group tour of Madagascar, which begins and ends in Antananarivo. The once-in-a-lifetime island adventure is led by experienced guides, and participants stay in comfortable accommodations. The group will visit the Special Reserve of Andasibe, take a boat tour on the Pangalanes Canals, and get up close to a variety of lemur species, including the incredibly rare Aye Aye. The trip ends with a tropical experience on the islands of Île Sainte Marie and Île aux Nattes, where participants can go fishing, snorkeling, quad biking, scuba diving, and just unwind on the beach.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore the unique wildlife of Madagascar, including lemurs and chameleons.
  • Discover the diverse culture and traditions of Madagascar's local communities.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Antananarivo
  • Day 2: Antananarivo - Andasibe
  • Day 3: Natural Reserve of Andasibe
  • Day 4 and 5: Andasibe - Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve
  • Day 6: Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve - Tamatave - Mahambo
  • Day 7 to 9: Mahambo - Saint Marie - Ile Aux Nattes
  • Day 10: Ile Aux Nattes - Antananarivo
  • Day 11: Antananarivo

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Antananarivo

Welcome to the bustling capital city, Antananarivo! On arrival at the airport in you will be met by your Malagasy guide and transferred to your hotel where you will overnight.

Day 2: Antananarivo - Andasibe

After breakfast, we drive to Andasibe, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Later, as evening falls, we set out on a night walk through the forest. Led by experienced guides, we have the opportunity to spot lemurs, chameleons, and owls, offering a unique and immersive forest experience.

Breakfast included.

Day 3: Natural Reserve of Andasibe

Today's adventure takes us to the Special Reserve of Andasibe, where we'll have the chance to encounter a variety of lemur species amidst the lush greenery. In the afternoon, our journey continues to the V.O.I.I.M.A community reserve. Here, we'll witness firsthand the efforts to preserve the rainforests through sustainable practices, such as reforestation projects that provide livelihoods for local communities.

Breakfast included.

Day 4 and 5: Andasibe - Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve

After breakfast, we continue to Manambato and embark on a scenic boat transfer along the Pangalanes to reach the Palmarium Reserve.

The next morning we visit the Palmarium reserve where we can encounter six species of lemurs in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we visit a nearby village to immerse ourselves in local culture. Later, we embark on an early evening excursion in search of the elusive Aye Aye lemurs, with the guidance of experienced trackers.

Breakfast included.

Day 6: Akanin'ny Nofy Reserve - Tamatave - Mahambo

Starting with the first light of morning, we embark on a boat trip along the Pangalanes Canal to Tamatave. The journey offers serene views of Madagascar's lush landscapes and the chance to witness the daily rhythms of life along the canal. After a brief stop in Tamatave, your adventure continues northward by road to Mahambo. Along the way, you'll pass through diverse scenery, from verdant rice paddies to majestic mountains. Arriving in Mahambo, a coastal town awaits. The lodge offers a plethora of activities to enjoy, including kayaking, beach volleyball, beach soccer, snorkeling, and more.

Breakfast included.

Day 7 to 9: Mahambo - Saint Marie - Ile Aux Nattes

We embark on an morning boat transfer from your lodge to the El Condor ferry and continue to the Island of Sainte Marie. Upon arrival, a 4WD car awaits to take you to the Southern tip of the island. There, you'll find one of the best beaches, where you can spend the days at leisure. Optional snorkeling excursions offer a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world.

Breakfast included.

Day 10: Ile Aux Nattes - Antananarivo

Departing from Sainte Marie Island, catch a flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, delve into the city's charm with a guided tour, including a visit to the historic Kings Palace on Blue Hill. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from its elevated position and explore its cultural significance.

Breakfast included.

Day 11: Antananarivo

After breakfast, it's time to head to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. From there, you'll catch your connecting flight home.

Breakfast included.

Please contact us for dates
Suggested Accommodation
CityAccommodation
Antananarivo Palissandre Resort & Spa, Antananarivo or similar
Andasibe Mantadia Lodge or similar
Ankanin'ny Nofy Palmarium Beach Hotel or similar
Mahambo La Pirogue Hotel or similar
Ile aux Nattes Sambatra Beach Lodge or similar

What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • All Transfers
  • Arranged Activities
  • Meals

What's not?

  • Flights
  • Pre and post tour accommodation
  • Optional activities
  • All drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios etc.
  • Travel insurance and visas

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

You may also like…

Island Gems of Madagascar (2025)

11 Days. Contact for pricing.