EASTERN REGION
MUST SEE
Traveling to Eastern Madagascar is a throwback to old-fashioned adventure. It exudes an untamed, primitive allure, from the misty peaks of Masoala, along the vast coastline with its thundering waves and hanging palm trees, to the verdant waterways of Pangalanes Lakes. The inaccessibility of this region creates isolated communities and, for explorers, a thrilling sensation of stumbling upon uncharted territories, including entire national parks.
Although it can be exasperating at times, Eastern Madagascar yields more travel anecdotes than any other place. If you appreciate this, make it your first destination.
LANDMARKS
The Eastern region of Madagascar offers an enchanting experience for people of all ages, with friendly locals greeting visitors with tropical fruits and handmade shell necklaces.
Andasibe, also known as Périnet, is a small town located approximately 140 kilometers east of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, including several species of lemurs, chameleons, and birds. The park offers many opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
The Analamazaotra National Park is a protected area in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. The nearby Analamazaotra Forest Station is a local project for reforestation and is connected to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to the north. The park is situated in the region of Alaotra-Mangoro, near the towns of Moramanga and Andasibe. The scenic landscape is an ecotourism attraction with a diverse range of endemic flora, presenting a panorama of rich natural forest biodiversity. It boasts 120 species of orchids, with a 100% endemism rate, mostly epiphytic. It also has over 1200 species of plants with a 77% endemism rate. The park is home to 11 lemur species, as well as carnivores and a rich diversity of micromammals. There are 109 bird species and 3 ground roller species
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a protected rainforest area located in eastern Madagascar that covers 155 square kilometers. It consists mostly of primary growth forest and is home to a diverse range of endemic and endangered species, including 11 species of lemurs. The park has two parts, Mantadia National Park and Analamazoatra Reserve, which is famous for its population of the largest lemur species, the indri. While it was nominated in 2007 to become part of the World Heritage Site of Rainforests of the Atsinanana, it was not selected for the final list.
The abbreviation VOIMMA stands for “Vondron’olona miaro mitia ala,” which means “Local people love the forest” in English. This small but highly recommended reserve is conveniently located within view of Andasibe’s train station. Although it is small in size, the reserve is a pristine haven for endemic plants and animals where one can easily spend an entire day surrounded by unspoiled nature. Visitors can observe groups of indri lemurs, the largest lemurs on earth, and their white-headed diademed sifaka relatives jumping from tree to tree in their natural habitat. Other unique lemur species, such as woolly lemurs, can also be spotted. For reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, the reserve boasts a plethora of frogs along its crystal-clear river, including Boophis pyrrhus, Boophis viridis, and madagascariensis, as well as several stunning chameleon species, such as Furcifer willsii, Calumma parsonii cristifer, Calumma nasutum, Calumma emelinae, and brevicorne. The forest is also home to the rare satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) and strange insects like the well-known giraffe-necked weevil.
The reserve is home to various species of lemurs, including the diademed sifaka, common brown lemur, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and bamboo lemur. Visitors to the reserve can observe these fascinating animals up close. You will have the opportunity to intimately observe lemurs on the secluded Lemur Island, which is located a brief stroll away from Vakona restaurant and the reserve situated within the hotel premises.The reserve also features a small lake where visitors can take a canoe ride and spot water birds, as well as a reptile house where they can see various species of chameleons, geckos, and snakes.
Manambato is a small town located in the Analanjirofo region of Madagascar, situated on the east coast of the island. The town is known for its proximity to the Rasoabe Lake and the mouth of the Pangalanes Canal, a network of man-made and natural canals that stretch over 600 km along the eastern coast of Madagascar. Manambato is also a popular spot for tourists as it is a gateway to the Pangalanes Canal. The town itself offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with a few local restaurants and small shops catering to travelers passing through. The surrounding area is primarily rural and known for rice cultivation and vanilla plantations.
Ankanin’ny Nofy, also known as “The Nest of Dreams,” is a small village located on the eastern coast of Madagascar, about 80 km north of Toamasina. The village is situated on a peninsula that juts into the Rasoabe Lake, which is connected to the Indian Ocean via a small canal. Ankanin’ny Nofy is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife. Visitors can take boat trips on the lake to observe the rare and endangered Aye-aye lemur, which is known for its unusual appearance and nocturnal habits. The village is also home to a small reserve, the Palmarium.
The Palmarium Reserve is a 50-hectare private reserve situated on the bank of Lake Ampitabe and the Indian Ocean in the eastern region of Madagascar. It is a popular tourist attraction that is well-known for its collection of rare flora and fauna. You can see a large variety of lemurs up close, with representatives of seven different lemur species, including two crossbreeds, that are all incredibly tame. Although the reserve is considered as ‘the best place to photograph lemurs,’ visitors should be aware that some species are not native to the area, and the forest itself is more like an extended hotel garden. Nonetheless, visitors can have fun interacting with the free-ranging lemurs, feeding them, and creating photo opportunities. The black-and-white ruffed lemurs are known to visit the lodge regularly during breakfast time. In addition to the lemurs, Palmarium Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora, including orchids, carnivorous plants, ebony, traveler trees, mahogany, and a vast collection of palm trees. Botanists will especially appreciate the variety of common and rare palm trees that the reserve is named after.
The Pangalanes Canal, running along the east coast of Madagascar south of Tamatave, is a lengthy succession of rivers and lakes. Separated by only a few hundred meters of forest or sand banks from the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy two equally charming universes. On one side is lush vegetation, mangroves where fish, lemurs, and other reptiles live, and on the other side is an endless white sand beach bordering the Indian Ocean.
IMMERSING YOURSELF IN THE LOCAL CULTURE
Embark on a 2- to 3-day journey down the Pangalanes Canal on a boat expertly maneuvered by the locals. Visit fishing villages or artisanal distilleries, stop to discover local tourist attractions, picnic on the beach, and be pampered by the locals who will warmly welcome you.
Throughout your journey, you will discover a rich flora and fauna exhibiting iconic species of the island such as lemurs, the ravinala, “traveler’s tree” or the “elephant ears,” a tree similar to palms. At the end of your journey, you can also explore the Palmarium Nature Reserve on the site of Ankanin’Ny Nofy, literally “the nest of dreams.”
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is the capital of the Atsinanana region on the east coast of Madagascar, situated 215 km (134 mi) northeast of Antananarivo, the country’slargest city. It is the second-largest city in Madagascar and serves as the main commercial gateway, with a major seaport that exports vanilla, coffee, cloves, and other agricultural products. The city’s economy relies heavily on its port activities and transportation and communication services, making it a hub for the eastern part of the country.
Toamasina has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, such as the popular Foulpointe beach, which attract both tourists and locals. The name “Toamasina” means “like salt” or “salty” in Malagasy, reflecting its location on the Indian Ocean. As of 2018, Toamasina had a population of 325,857, making it a significant urban center in Madagascar.
Sainte Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, is an island located off the east coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It is approximately 57 km long and 8 km wide, with a total area of around 222 square kilometers. The island has a population of around 18,000 people.
Sainte Marie is known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists. It has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging around 25°C throughout the year. The island experiences a rainy season from December to March, with the rest of the year being relatively dry.
Historically, Sainte Marie was a haven for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, visitors can learn about this history at the pirate cemetery and pirate museum on the island.
In addition to tourism, Sainte Marie’s economy is largely based on fishing and agriculture. The island is known for producing vanilla, cloves, and other spices.
One of the most popular tourist attractions on the island is the humpback whale watching season, which takes place from July to September. During this time, visitors can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, as they migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer waters around Madagascar to mate and give birth.
Masoala National Park is located in the northeast of Madagascar, bordered to the west by Antongil Bay and to the east by the Indian Ocean. Administratively, the Masoala peninsula straddles the Sava and Analanjirofo regions. This terrestrial national park is classified as a World Heritage Site and boasts a dense, humid, medium-altitude forest ranging from 0 to 800 meters in elevation, as well as an eastern littoral forest that provides habitat for the endemic local red ruffed lemurs, rare and endemic palm trees of the region, andcarnivorous plants such as the Masoala Nepenthes.
Additionally, the park is home to coral reefs that provide habitat for marine turtles. With 50% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna, the park is a biodiversity hotspot.
WHY GO?
The eastern region of Madagascar is known for its rugged terrain and difficult transportation network, which creates isolated communities and gives adventurers the opportunity to explore uncharted territories. Additionally, the region offers unique wildlife experiences such as observing the Indri Indri lemur in its natural habitat in Andasibe and whale watching in Sainte Marie, particularly during the humpback whale migration season between July and September.
Don’t miss the Whale Festival in July when you’re on Île Sainte Marie. This significant event marks the beginning of the humpback whale season and features a grand parade, games, exhibitions, stalls, concerts, and a conference to promote awareness about these magnificent creatures.
EXPLORE THE JOURNEY
Our team of experts will guide you through the planning process to help you create a personalized itinerary that meets your needs and preferences. Contact us now to start planning your dream trip.
