OVERVIEW
This exceptional journey explores Madagascar’s wild northeastern coastline, combining primary rainforest, remote coastal tracks, island relaxation, and outstanding biodiversity.
Starting in Maroantsetra, the gateway to Masoala National Park, travelers discover one of the country’s richest ecosystems, where dense rainforest meets the Indian Ocean. Wildlife encounters, village visits, and a stop at Nosy Mangabe highlight the region’s ecological and cultural value.
The overland expedition along the challenging RN5 leads to Mananara Nord, known for vanilla plantations, coastal scenery, and night excursions to observe the rare aye-aye. From Soanierana Ivongo, a boat transfer reaches Nosy Boraha (Sainte Marie), offering white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and seasonal whale watching.
Back on the mainland, the circuit continues to Foulpointe with its historic Fort Manda, before heading inland to Andasibe National Park, home of the Indri Indri. The journey concludes in Antananarivo, completing a comprehensive exploration of Madagascar’s eastern and northeastern treasures.
NB:
=> This is a Midrange Proposal. Let us know your Budget if you are looking for an Economy Madagascar Travel Offer
=> Visit our blog sobehatour.com
=> Contact us if you are looking for a customized Madagascar tailormade tour
DETAIL OF TOUR
Day 01 – Antananarivo – Maroantsetra (Flight)
You will take the weekly flight from Antananarivo to Maroantsetra, which operates every Monday. Upon arrival at Maroantsetra airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to settle into your room and relax. Later, a detailed briefing will be conducted with your guide regarding the upcoming adventure. This orientation will include practical information about the itinerary and safety guidelines. Overnight at Hotel Manga Beach Maroantsetra.
Day 02 – Maroantsetra – Masoala
Early in the morning, you will depart by boat toward the Masoala Peninsula. The transfer offers scenic views of the coastline and surrounding rainforest. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge near the beach. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation after the boat journey. You may enjoy swimming or simply rest while listening to the sounds of nature. Overnight at Hotel Hyppocampe Lodge Masoala.
Day 03 – Masoala
Today you will explore the extraordinary biodiversity of Masoala National Park. Accompanied by a local guide, you will walk through primary rainforest rich in endemic flora and fauna. Lemurs, birds, reptiles, and unique plant species can be observed along the trails. After the park visit, you will discover a typical village of the region and meet local inhabitants. This cultural exchange allows insight into traditional coastal life. In the late afternoon, you will return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight at Hotel Hyppocampe Lodge Masoala.
Day 04 – Masoala – Maroantsetra
You will transfer back to Maroantsetra by boat in the morning. On the way, you will stop at Nosy Mangabe for a short guided visit. This small island reserve is known for its wildlife and historical significance. After the visit, you will continue by boat toward Maroantsetra. Overnight at Hotel Biza Maroantsetra.
Day 05 – Maroantsetra – Mananara
The adventure continues along the RN5 toward Mananara. This track is considered one of the most challenging roads in Madagascar. The journey includes river crossings, mud sections, and rugged landscapes. Despite its reputation, the road remains accessible throughout the year. The drive offers impressive coastal and forest scenery. Overnight at Hotel Chez Roger Mananara.
Day 06 – Mananara
This day is dedicated to relaxation and local discoveries in Mananara. In the morning, you may visit vanilla and clove plantations depending on the season. A stop at a local warehouse will provide insight into the processing and export of spices. Later, you can enjoy free time on the beach of Ambitsika. In the evening, you will visit the private island of Chez Roger to observe the aye-aye at nightfall. Overnight at Hotel Chez Roger Mananara.
Day 07 – Mananara – Sahasoa
After breakfast, you will depart by 4WD toward Sahasoa. The off-road track crosses hills and valleys with continuous ups and downs. The drive offers panoramic views over untouched landscapes. Arrival in Sahasoa is expected around noon. The afternoon is free for relaxation, with the possibility of visiting Nosy Atafana Island at your own expense. Overnight at the basic Ecolodge Villageoise Sahasoa.
Day 08 – Sahasoa – Antanambe – Soanierana Ivongo
The journey continues along hilly terrain toward Antanambe. This section of the route remains adventurous and scenic. After Antanambe, you will drive on a recently renovated road. The landscape gradually changes as you approach Soanierana Ivongo. Arrival is scheduled in the late afternoon. Overnight at basic Hotel Zephyr in Soanierana Ivongo.
Day 09 – Soanierana Ivongo – Sainte Marie
In the morning, you will transfer by boat to Sainte Marie Island. The crossing takes you across a calm marine channel. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach or explore independently. Optional activities are available but not included. Overnight at Hotel Libertalia.
Day 10 – Sainte Marie
This day is entirely dedicated to beach relaxation on Nosy Boraha, commonly known as Sainte Marie. You may enjoy swimming in turquoise waters or walking along white sandy beaches. Optional excursions such as snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal), or island tours can be arranged. Bicycles and scooters are also available for independent exploration. All optional activities are at your own expense. Overnight at Hotel Libertalia.
Day 11 – Sainte Marie
Today is your second full day on Sainte Marie Island. You may continue relaxing or participate in optional excursions. Popular activities include boat trips to nearby islets and cultural visits. The island is also known for its pirate cemetery and colonial history. Alternatively, simply enjoy the peaceful tropical atmosphere. Overnight at Hotel Libertalia.
Day 12 – Sainte Marie – Soanierana Ivongo – Foulpointe
You will return by boat to Soanierana Ivongo in the morning. Upon arrival, you will continue by road to Foulpointe. The drive follows the eastern coastline with pleasant scenery. In the afternoon, you will visit the historic Fort Manda. This fort dates back to the Merina Kingdom period and overlooks the sea. Overnight at Hotel Manda Beach.
Day 13 – Foulpointe – Andasibe
After breakfast, you will depart for Andasibe via Toamasina, the largest port city in Madagascar. The road to Andasibe is asphalted with heavy traffic. Along the way, you will notice the gradual change from coastal to rainforest landscapes. Arrival in Andasibe is expected in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Cyperus.
Day 14 – Andasibe – Antananarivo
In the morning, you will visit Andasibe Analamazaotra National Park. This park is famous for the Indri Indri, the largest living lemur species, and the diademed sifakaa. You will also visit the Vakona Reserve to observe wildlife up close. After the visits, you will drive to Antananarivo in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice. End of our services.
PS: If sea conditions are deemed unsafe due to rough weather, the boat transfers between Maroantsetra and Masoala, as well as between Soanierana Ivongo and Sainte Marie, may be suspended for safety reasons. In such circumstances, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly. Additional nights may be arranged in selected locations until navigation conditions improve. All decisions will be made with passenger safety as the absolute priority.
Important Notice :
- This is a typical proposal for this itinerary. Let us know your Budget and we will design a customized tour especially for you
- Price is per person sharing room as double occupancy in clean and simple hotel. Departure is guarantee from 02 person. Contact us for single price
- Are included into the price: 4X4, fuel, Driver Speaking Basic French and English, ferry and toll, all listed activities (entrance and guide of park, night walk), your hotel and breakfast
- Are NOT included: Tour Guide Speaking Good English, all food, lunch, diner, picnic, beverage and alcohol, additional activities, tips
- Please to specify if you need an AC car while booking otherwise you may have no-AC car
- Payment modality: bank transfer or VISA/Master Card or CASH on arrival. We accept USD and Euro with exchange rate online.
- Contact us for further detail. You can ask for tailor made tour according to your length of stay, your wish-to-see-list, your category of hotel, and your budget
