Madagascar East Coast Trekking and Rafting

After arriving in Antananarivo (or Tana, as it is known by the locals) late pm, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight – Hotel

After breakfast, and introductory briefing from your tour leader, we will set off for Andasibe National Park.  En-route we will stop at a farm specialising in Madagascan reptiles and butterflies, before arriving at our lodge.

This afternoon you will get a chance to stroll around the private reserve – lemur island with the opportunity to get close to lemurs as they are known to jump on your shoulder to get a closer look!

Overnight – Hotel

After visiting Analamazaotra Park, we will drive along a scenic road to Andasifahadimy (1/2hr). Here the adventure really starts, when we set out towards Lohariandava, reaching the rainforest after a 1 mile of trekking. A multitude of lemurs inhabit this rainforest including the Indri (the largest lemur), the woolly, greater dwarf, brown mouse, crowned lemur and even the aye aye – as we are trekking we cannot guarantee seeing the wildlife but it will be a truly remarkable experience and we hopefully will have the opportunity to see some of the indigenous species living in this are. Today we will hike for around 3 – 4 hrs, crossing the Sahatandra river – the pace is not too fast and the hiking path is good.. Tonight we will set up camp next to a small village.

Overnight – Camping

After breakfast, we will break up camp and head off on the next part of the adventure. All morning we walk through the forest, the path is pretty good, but with some hills. On our way out of the first part of the forest we should get a fantastic view of the surrounding area. This afternoon we walk alongside the forest and we setup camp near the small Satronima River.

Overnight – Camping

We will spend most of the day under the forest canopy, the path gets more complicated with branches and muddy passes. Tonight we will camp at the end of the forest.

Overnight – Camping

We have a steep ½ hour climb before leaving the forest behind us. From here you can observe how the forest is disappearing because deforestation and farming methods used by locals. The locals are always welcoming and friendly towards us. We cross the Sahatandra / Vohitra river again and head to Andekaleka train station – here we take the train to the next step of our adventure. At Lohariandava village our rafts and river gear will be waiting for us and we will go through some basic safety and training checks before a relaxing evening at our riverside camp.

Overnight – Camping

After breakfast, we will set off on the next part of our adventure – the rafting descent of the Sahatandra River.

As the river descends and we are confident of our rafting skills we will navigate the numerous stretches of white water.

At night we will pitch our tents on the riverside and enjoy campfires, good food and immense Madagascan skies.

We set off this morning to paddle the last section of our Sahatandra descent. Upon arrival in Anivorano, we transfer by road to Antananarivo. Or for those opting for the beach extension to Mahambo! All meals and overnight hotel.

Overnight – Hotel

Day at leisure before transferring to the airport in time for your flight home. Optional excursions.

Upon arrival in Anivorano, we transfer by road to Mahambo! Mahambo is a small coastal town and is still a relatively new destination on the East Coast. The majority of the population are farmers growing rice, bananas, cloves and lychee plus a small number of fishermen. Until 2003 it remained little-known, and since 2003, and the opening of the first school of Surf, this small town has become a destination for surfers.

Overnight – Hotel

After the last 9 action packed days, we now get the opportunity to relax looking out onto the azure blue seas of the Indian Ocean…..Or the for restless ones among you, why not take advantage of the rolling waves and thrill of surfing (if you are not already a surfer, this is a memorable place to learn). Or why not try your hand at sea kayaking? Whilst in Mahambo, you will be able to enjoy your time at your leisure. In the evenings you will be able to enjoy fresh seafood and cold beers in one of the local restaurants. Wherever you go, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the residents of Mahambo.

Overnight – Hotel

We set off for a full day travelling back to Antananarivo and the airport in time for our flight home (the flights normally leave around 01:00 on Day 16)     NB:This itinerary is subject to change – arrangements, routes and facilities are subject to variation depending on local conditions.