Hike the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park past shimmering waterfalls and vibrant flora while listening to the distinctive songs of the indri lemur. Other lemurs may be spotted as well including the red-bellied lemur, brown lemur and lesser bamboo lemur. The park is also home to nocturnal lemurs - brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woolly lemur, sportive lemur and if you are a lucky one, you might see the elusive nocturnal Aye Aye. If you’ve got lemur fever, we’ve got you covered.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 Antananarivo
Meet your in-country representative at the airport before setting out on this unique Malagasy adventure.
Please be aware that your driver will be waiting for you at the International Arrival gate. An airport sign with your name should be seen and you may have to look for a logo if the airport gets overcrowded. If you cannot locate your driver please remain calm and approach the Airport Welcome Service. An announcement intended for your driver can be broadcasted there, and this will then become the rally point. In the case of an emergency or you cannot locate your driver, the emergency contact details are on your documents and you should call the mentioned numbers before attempting to leave the airport.
You will be given your welcome package including maps and more, then be transferred to your hotel.
Note: Visa is needed for entry to Madagascar. This can be purchased upon arrival. Up to 30 Days = $28.00USD per person and must be paid in cash.
The Lemur is a clade of strepsirrhine primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. The actually word “lemur” derives from the word lemures (ghosts or spirits) from Roman mythology, and was first used to describe the nocturnal habits and slow pace of certain creatures, which applied perfectly to the habitual primates of Madagascar. Shortly after humans arrived on the island of Madagascar some 2,000 years ago, there were some lemurs as large as a gorilla. Today, there are nearly 100 species of lemurs, and most of those species have been discovered or promoted to full species status since the 90’s.
Accommodation: Tamboho Hotel
The Tamboho Hotel boasts an exceptional setting created by a combination of traditional African authenticity and modern upscale amenities. This 30 room hotel offers a restaurant boasting European cuisine and flavors of the islands, heated swimming pool and a la carte spa treatments. Enjoy the reception area design, its cozy atmosphere and quality services in an atmosphere Malagasy. Conveniently located in the district Ankorondrano, within the precincts of private and wooded Tana Water Front, the Tamboho Hotel offers guests a haven of calm and peace to a few minutes from the bustling city center. Standing on the banks of a small lake and surrounded by rice fields on the one hand, and various shops on the other, the Tamboho seduces you with its unique mix of traditional Malagasy architecture and western comfort.
Day 02 Antananarivo – Andasibe – Mantadia National Park
Depart from the Madagascar capital, Antananarivo, and travel along the hillside twisty roads towards the Eastern part of the island. The first scheduled stop will be in Marozevo at the Pereyras reserve for the first glimpse of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and fantastic Chameleon Sanctuary. Continue along to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, and start the discovery tour of the nocturnal animals and primates that inhabit this unique and distinctive National Park.
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
The Vakona Forest Lodge has been designed in an authentic, traditional Malagasy manner, boasting the architectural characteristics on the local buildings. Each of the 28 bungalows which have been built in a Madagascan style and has its own terrace. The dining room also offers a spectacular view of the forest as wells a cozy, warming fireplace. There is a pool and sun deck and a number of paths and sign-posted trails lead you to the middle of the primary forest. The Vakona Forest Lodge has a unique setting in the heart of the Malagasy rainforest. You can enjoy many activities, visit the private park or simply relax.
Day 03 Andasibe – Mantadia National Park
A private vehicle with driver will be at your disposal for the day.
Begin the day with a hike through the rainforest to discover the natural Malagasy flora and fauna, as well as the famous Indri lemurs. The Indri lemur is one of the largest in size and has a lovey thick black and white coat. The Indri is well known for its loud, distinctive songs, this helps you to locate them within the forest. Other lemurs which can be seen in this area include the red-bellied lemur, brown lemur and the lesser bamboo lemur. The park is also a place of habitat for some nocturnal lemur species including the brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woolly lemur, sportive lemur and if you are lucky, the elusive nocturnal Aye Aye. During your rainforest exploration enjoy a stop for some relaxation at a picturesque waterfall. This day tour is filled with beautiful landscapes and a variety of habitual wildlife.
Ranging in size from 30gm (1.1 oz) to 9 kg (20 lb), lemurs share many of the common primate traits, such as divergent digits on their hands and feet and nails instead of claws. However, their brain-to-body size ratio is smaller than that of anthropoid primates, and among many other traits they share with other primates, they have a “wet nose” (rhinarium). Lemurs are generally social and communicate more with scents and vocalizations than with visual signals. Many lemur adaptations are in response to Madagascar’s highly seasonal environment.
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
Day 04 Andasibe – Mantadia National Park
Enjoy your private guided tour in the Mantadia National Park. You will search for the largest lemur of Madagascar: the famous “Indri Indri” aka “Babakoto” in Malagasy. This lemur is endemic to the site and is its icon. Through a 3-hour easy hike, you’ll discover at least two groups of Indri Indri. You will also find various species of lemurs, birds, chameleons and the endemic flora including orchids, medicinal plants, etc..After lunch, you will visit the island of Vakona to see other species of lemurs, crocodiles, fosa and birds.
Enjoy your private vehicle transfer from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and Antananarivo. The drive will take approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)
Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.