Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo, Madagascar

 

Upon arrival in Antananarivo (Madagascar’s capital), you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre.

Pavillion de l’Emyrne or similar (D)

 

 

Day 2 - Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred back to Ivato airport for your two-hour scheduled flight to Fort Dauphin, on the south eastern coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival in Fort Dauphin, you will transfer by road, and then enjoy a relaxing lunch at a beach restaurant. You are welcome to then settle into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Kaleta Hotel or similar (BLD)

 

 

Day 3 - Lokaro - St Luce Reserve , Madagascar

 

Enjoy an early breakfast before we set off on an adventure! Sainte Luce Reserve offers us an experience of the spectacular beauty of south east Madagascar. Your first day of kayaking will be for 4 hours to Evatra, with lunch on the banks of the mangroves and a delightful walk to Lokaro (2,5 hours). Experience beautiful coastal scenery and a gorgeous natural swimming pool nestled in the mountainous coastline. St Luce Reserve is situated on an island-like peninsula, cut off from the mainland by river mouths to the north and south. The reserve has been established to contribute to the conservation of this extraordinary habitat, as it is some of the very last true coastal forest left in the south east of Madagascar and one of the most critically endangered in the country.  This conservation area is bounded to the east by the Indian Ocean and white sand beaches, to the west by winding fresh water rivers, and to the north & south by more protected forests. There is no village, there are no neighbours, and as the reserve has a fresh water habitat, marine habitat, littoral forest, mangrove, wetland and open grasslands, you will find lemurs, birds, reptiles, mammals, sea turtles and crocodiles.... Prepare to see it all here.  

Bush Camping at Lokaro (BLD)

 

 

Day 4 - Belaveno - St Luce Reserve, Madagascar

 

After breakfast we head north through the mangroves and forest. The river is adjacent to the protected forest and wetland, which also incorporates many kilometres of stunning white beaches.  At 09h30 we head off for a 2-hour paddle, followed by a 20-minute walk to a secluded beach where we will enjoy lunch. After lunch, you are invited to relax, enjoying this idyllic setting, before we set off at 15h00 for the 2-hour kayaking trip to Belaveno.

Bush Camping (BLD)

 

 

Day 5 - Ocean Camp - St Luce Reserve, Madagascar

 

This morning greets us with an 08h30 start, and then a wonderful 2,5-hour paddle. Enjoy another idyllic day of paddling on the river, following the littoral forest through the wetlands and soaking up the sights and sounds of nature. Just watch how the stress and cares of modern living, dissolve away… In the afternoon after lunch, we have a 2-hour paddle to a large lake. You are welcome to explore this beautiful forest area, and take in sightings of the wonderful fruit bats. Glimpse the Mouse, Dwarf and Wooly Lemurs on your night walk through the forest.   

Bush Camping (BLD)

 

Day 6 - Manafiafi, Madagascar

 

After our last day of paddling on the river (2, 5 hours), we end at Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge at approximately 11 am. Situated in a beautiful, private, white sandy bay, fringed with forest-covered mountains, your lodge offers barefoot luxury with wildlife and water on your doorstep. A welcome barbeque on the beach will await you, along with a well deserved 30-minute complimentary back massage for those tired muscles… Enjoy the location of your lodge in the afternoon, as the sun sets over the bay.   

Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 7,8 & 9 - Manafiafi, Madagascar

 

After breakfast you can embark on your choice of a wide range of wildlife and sporting activities, which are included in your stay. Some of the options include: Canoeing in the mangroves, early morning boat trips for wetland birding, day and night walks in the rainforest to see five species of lemur, snorkelling in the bay and nearby cove, and whale watching from the 15ft observation tower (June to December). also on offer are boat trips to the nearby islands for a secluded picnic lunch, walks along long empty beaches and visits to the local village and school. Optional activities, payable locally at the lodge, include: massage treatments, whale watching boat trips (June to December) and deep sea fishing trips. Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge (BLD)

 

 

Day 10 - Antananarivo, Madagascar

 

You will drive back to Fort Dauphin and continue to the airport for your scheduled flight to Antananarivo, for your last night in Madagascar. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met and welcomed by an English-speaking guide, before transferring to your hotel in the city centre and a farewell dinner! .

Pavillion de l’Emyrne or similar (BD)

 

 

Day 11 - Tour Ends

 

Our magical tour ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you back on another African safari adventure, someday!