Eastern Wonders

Andasibe–Mantadia & Eastern Wonders

From the haunting calls of the Indri in Andasibe to whale watching off Sainte-Marie and the beaches of Île aux Nattes, the east blends rainforests, lemurs, orchids and island escapes.

Analamazaotra — Sanctuary of the Indri

Also known as Andasibe or Périnet, this reserve is one of Madagascar's most celebrated lemur sites, protecting over 60 families of the Indri — the largest lemur, whose dawn calls are unforgettable. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its rainforest trails (1–5 hours) reveal woolly lemurs, bamboo lemurs, chameleons, orchids and rich birdlife.

Mantadia — Wild Rainforest Adventure

North of Andasibe, Mantadia offers a wilder, less-visited primary rainforest with 14 lemur species — diademed sifakas, black-and-white ruffed lemurs — over 100 birds, and Madagascar's largest chameleon, Parson's. Day hikes lead to the Sacred Waterfall; night walks reveal remarkable amphibian diversity.

Ranomafana — Realm of the Golden Bamboo Lemur

Meaning 'hot water' for its thermal springs, this 435 km² mountainous rainforest became a UNESCO site after the 1986 discovery of the golden bamboo lemur. It shelters 12 lemur species, 118 birds and countless reptiles among tree ferns, orchids and bamboo, and hosts the Centre ValBio research station.

Zahamena — Madagascar's Hidden Rainforest

East of Lake Alaotra, this rugged, little-explored park is among the island's most biodiverse: 13 lemurs including indri and aye-aye, the fossa, and 112 bird species (67 endemic). Accommodation is basic, making camping the best way to immerse in its waterfalls and untouched rainforest.

Sainte-Marie — The Island of Whales

Also called Nosy Boraha, this 'Garden Island' is famed for tropical beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs and pirate history. From July to September thousands of humpback whales migrate along its coast. Cycling, pirogue rides, snorkelling and a relaxed island rhythm complete the experience.

Palmarium (Ankanin'ny Nofy) — The Nest of Dreams

On a peninsula of Lake Ampitabe along the Pangalanes Canal, this 35-hectare reserve shelters tame lemurs — indris, crowned and ruffed lemurs, and the elusive aye-aye, best seen on night walks — amid nearly 100,000 palms, orchids and lakeside eco-lodges.

Île aux Nattes — A Pristine Tropical Escape

South of Sainte-Marie, this car-free island (Nosy Nato) offers white sand, turquoise lagoons and coral-rich waters reached only by pirogue. Snorkel, dive and swim, climb to the lighthouse for reef views, and — in August — watch humpback whales offshore.