Mananara – Maroantsetra

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Andasibe along National Road 2, approximately 150 kilometers east of Antananarivo. Nestled in the heart of Madagascar’s lush rainforest, Andasibe offers stunning natural beauty. En route, enjoy a guided tour of the Peyrieras Private Reserve, home to an impressive array of reptiles, from the smallest chameleons to larger species. Arrive in Andasibe in the afternoon. In the evening, take a nocturnal excursion to spot the smallest lemurs in their natural habitat. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Begin the day with breakfast before venturing into the Analamazaotra National Park. A local guide will accompany you through the primary rainforest, where you may encounter the Indri-Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, as well as the Fulvus-Fulvus, chameleons, birds, frogs, and an array of flora, including medicinal plants, orchids, and precious woods such as rosewood. This guided experience lasts approximately four hours. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Vakona Private Reserve, which is home to a variety of lemurs and endemic plant species, along with crocodiles and frogs. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, continue your journey to Tamatave, a coastal city known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural heritage.

Explore Tamatave’s highlights, including Bazary Be Market and the town hall, adorned with majestic palm trees. Depart for Foulpointe, located 90 kilometers north of Tamatave. Enjoy scenic coastal views and fresh coconuts from roadside vendors. Along the way, visit Fort Manda, a historic 19th-century site constructed to defend against sea invasions. Continue your journey to Fenerive Est, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Start the day with an early breakfast before departing for Soanierana Ivongo. A ferry crossing marks the transition from paved roads to adventurous off-road trails. Travel through diverse terrain, including sandy tracks and paths with deep potholes, interspersed with three ferry crossings. Embrace the local “mora-mora” (slowly, slowly) travel pace as you make your way to your destination. Overnight stay at your hotel.

Visit the small reserve of Manompana before departing for Antanambe. Encounter more challenging roads and cross two ferries along the way. If fortunate, spot lemurs leaping through the trees near the Anove ferry. Arrive in Antanambe by afternoon. Overnight stay at Grondin Hotel.

Discover the pristine Mananara National Park via the Verezanantsoro Circuit. Wander through lush landscapes featuring clove trees, vanilla plantations, and panoramic coastal views. Immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity, encountering lemurs like the Indri and black-and-white lemurs, as well as a variety of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a waterfall and swim in the natural Tolongoala pool. Return to the village by mid-afternoon. Overnight stay at Grondin Hotel.

Journey through rugged terrain en route to Sahasoa. Optionally, take a boat transfer to Nosy Atafana, a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve renowned for its coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and sustainable tourism activities. Overnight stay at Village Lodge.

Depart early to reach Mananara-Nord, traversing hilly, rocky, and muddy tracks interspersed with picturesque villages. Upon arrival, visit Ambitsika or embark on an evening excursion to Ilot Roger to observe the elusive and endangered Aye-Aye lemur. Overnight stay at Chez Roger Hotel.

Begin the day with a ferry crossing over the Ambatondrahilana River, offering scenic views of rocky outcrops and bird-filled islands. Travel through vanilla-scented villages and forested areas infused with the aroma of cloves. Arrive in Rantabe by afternoon. Overnight stay at Chez Christina Hotel or camping in a tent.

Conclude your adventure along RN5 with a ferry crossing of the Rantabe River, followed by traversing the hills of Rantohely and Nandrasana. As you approach Maroantsetra, enjoy sweeping views of Nosy Mangabe. Services conclude upon your arrival at your selected hotel in Maroantsetra.