The Pangalanes Channel

After breakfast, the crew and the kitchen are ”on board” the Ravintsy (a motor barge with a dining room, a panoramic terrace (sun loungers) to observe, kitchen and toilet on board. The cruise leaves Mahanoro and crosses the marsh very interesting for its birds, then the crossing of the Mangoro River and the ascent of the narrow canal up to the lake before reaching Ambohitsara and the wild site of the ”forest-lodge” nestled in the coastal forest between ocean and canal. At sunset, you will enjoy the terrace-lounge-bar under the pandanus and in front of the ocean. The setting is exceptional, 100% wild and our conservation program is monitored by the ministry. Dinner and night at the ecolodge.
Overnight: Pangalanes forest-lodge (category ”comfort bush” in TWN chbe) with shower ”in the bucket” and toilet (dry toilets) outdoors. Meal: lunch on board / dinner. Boat transfer / distance: 60 kms – duration: 3 hours and 30

Breakfast. Departure south of the canal up wide, then narrow, villages and forest areas before approaching the great lake of Analampotsy which leads to reach the Sakaleona River leading to the small town of Nosy-Varika that we visit to stretch our legs. We then set sail to reach the village of Ambahy and walk to pangalanes Jungle Camp.” Each ”tent shelter” bungalow consists of a ”raty” plant roof that allows for a good flow of rainwater and a comfortable ”safari” tent equipped with two twin beds.
Night: Pangalanes Jungle Camp (category ”bush comfort in tents- TWN safaris) with shower ”in the bucket” and outdoor toilet. Meals: lunch on board / dinner. Distance / boat transfers: 160 kms – duration 6h30 Walk 1h00

After breakfast at the lodge, we visit the school and the CSB2 health centre (bush clinic). This is where you can make useful donations (drugs, clothing, supplies). Visit the village and meet local people, then we finish the stage to board the boat to carry 3 hours of sailing (breakfast pic-nic on board) to the south and reach the village of Ambohitsara. Visit the typical village of the coast is perched on its clear sand dune, and meets local people. There is a curious elephant sculpture (unknown to Mada) whose origin is controversial. Some attribute it to Arab travellers in the 12th century, others to Indians. Mystery. In the late afternoon, we gathered Mananjary, a small, peaceful port at the end of the world, planted with coconut trees and bougainvillea. Installation at the hotel Vahiny Lodge. Meal: lunch.  Boat transfer distance: 140 kms – duration: 5h30 Walk: 0:30

Direction to Manakara. The afternoon we can visit the town and the seaside. We can also go to the local plantations ( Clove and hot peppers… ) ( step of 180 kms / 4 hours ). Check in “Délices de l’Orient”

A state company called FCE (Fianarantsoa – Coast – East) insures the routes of the villages between Manakara and Fianarantsoa. This old train still sometimes random for these departures. If it’s not possible to take the train, an alternative route will be offered. Otherwise the train ride allow us to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes of Madagascar. There will be many stops in small villages for which the train is the only way of communication. Arrival late afternoon / evening at Sahamabavy or Fianarantsoa. Overnight at the hotel ”Lac hotel”,
Train frequencies : in the direction Manakara – Fianarantsoa : Wednesday and Sunday. In the direction Fianarantsoa – Manakara on Tuesday and Saturday. The ride takes on average 12 hours.

Visit of Sahamabvy Tes Plantations. Short way to Ranomafana ( aorund 2 hours ). Set in hotel. In the afternoon you can relax to Thermes wtih hot source water ( Step : 61 Km – 2 hours ) Accomodation Chez Gaspard

In the mroning visit Ranomafana National Park, ( from 2 to 4 hours ). It is is a park covering 41,601 ha of forest. In 2007, it was ranked Heritage as World Natural of the Atsinanana (”The East”) . It shelters a rich endemic biodiversity, which includes rare species of lemur. The park is also the genetic reservoir of rare and some endemic plant species. It is traversed by many rivers that are tributaries of the river Namorona; visit from 2 to 4 hours. ( we can adapt the visit timing according to your fitness ). Then we take the highland road until Amboistra; before the entrance of the town, bifurcation to Antoetra. Set in a nice Ecolodge. Sous le Soleil de Mada… (Step: 241 Kms – 4h45)

Guided picnic walk from Antoetra to the village of Ifasina; immersion in Zafimaniry country. Count 4 to 5 hours round trip. Then we reach Ambositra the artisanal capital.  There’s an hour and a think to reach Antsirabe. Visit Tririva Lake located 15 kms west of the city. It is one of the large crater lakes quite mysterious whose shape evokes the map of Madagascar. This lake also has its legend: two lovers whose parents refused marriage ended their day by drowning hand in hand. Installation at the hotel Chambre du Voyageur. (Stage: 132 kms from Antoetra).

City tour after the breakfast: we will visit a particular miniatures shops (rickshaws, bicycle, and trucks). The gem (amethyst, tourmaline, garnet …) are one of the main attractions of Antsirabe. The craftsman ”Chez Joseph” may make cutting demonstrations gems. Continuation of the road through the highlands to Ambatolampy known for its handicraft factories objects whose aluminum pots to the capital. Installation at the hotel. (Step 170 kms, 3h30) : Residence Lapasoa.

Transfer to  the Airport for the international flight. End of our services.