Madagascar· 14 days · Guided
The South-East Get-A-Way
▲▲▲▲▲Moderate
A trip that combines the southern and the eastern part of the country will make you discover the way of life of the Betsileo ethnic group, that has kept its habits and customs until today. During the visits, you will not only have the opportunity to participate in the rural and handicraft activities of the local population but you will also have the opportunity to experience the different practices in their daily life and to share or exchange your knowledge in order to bring improvements. In addition to culture, you will be able to admire the beautiful landscapes and authentic villages of the eastern part of the country by FCE train, which ensures the life of the local population in the most remote and inaccessible areas for vehicles. Then, you will also pass through the Pangalanes Channel by boat and discover various spice plantations such as cloves, peppers and coffee. Finally, you will visit the special reserve of Analamazaotra with the biggest lemurs on the planet, the "Indri Indri".
About this trip
A trip we'd happily do again next month
A trip that combines the southern and the eastern part of the country will make you discover the way of life of the Betsileo ethnic group, that has kept its habits and customs until today. During the visits, you will not only have the opportunity to participate in the rural and handicraft activities of the local population but you will also have the opportunity to experience the different practices in their daily life and to share or exchange your knowledge in order to bring improvements. In addition to culture, you will be able to admire the beautiful landscapes and authentic villages of the eastern part of the country by FCE train, which ensures the life of the local population in the most remote and inaccessible areas for vehicles. Then, you will also pass through the Pangalanes Channel by boat and discover various spice plantations such as cloves, peppers and coffee. Finally, you will visit the special reserve of Analamazaotra with the biggest lemurs on the planet, the "Indri Indri".
This is one of our signature guided journeys in Madagascar. We've walked it many times — alone, with friends, with our own families — and we've shaped it into something we're genuinely proud of.
You'll be in a small group, led by a local guide who knows the trails, the families along the way, and the best place to stop for lunch. Nothing rushed. Nothing generic.
Glimpses of the trip
Photos from the trail
Day by day
Your 14-day itinerary
A draft of how the trip flows — every itinerary is fine-tuned around your group, fitness and pace before we book anything.
- 01+
Antananarivo
Arrival in the capital city, where the tour begins with an airport transfer.
Arrival in the capital city, where the tour begins with an airport transfer.
- 02+
Towards the Betsileo Country
Drive south toward the highlands of the Betsileo ethnic group, who have kept their habits and customs until today.
Drive south toward the highlands of the Betsileo ethnic group, who have kept their habits and customs until today.
- 03+
Betsileo Ethnic Group
Meet the Betsileo ethnic group and take part in the rural and handicraft activities of the local population.
Meet the Betsileo ethnic group and take part in the rural and handicraft activities of the local population.
- 04+
Ambalakely
Visit the village of Ambalakely and share or exchange knowledge with the local population in their daily life.
Visit the village of Ambalakely and share or exchange knowledge with the local population in their daily life.
- 05+
FCE Train — Ambalakely to Manakara
Journey aboard the mythical FCE train of the East from Ambalakely toward Manakara, admiring the beautiful landscapes and authentic villages.
Journey aboard the mythical FCE train of the East from Ambalakely toward Manakara, admiring the beautiful landscapes and authentic villages.
- 06+
Manakara
Arrive in Manakara on the east coast at the end of the FCE train line.
Arrive in Manakara on the east coast at the end of the FCE train line.
- 07+
Pangalanes Channel
Descend the Pangalanes Channel by boat through the local villages.
Descend the Pangalanes Channel by boat through the local villages.
- 08+
Spice Plantations
Discover various spice plantations such as cloves, peppers and coffee along the way.
Discover various spice plantations such as cloves, peppers and coffee along the way.
- 09+
Along the East Coast
Continue meeting the local population along the eastern part of the country.
Continue meeting the local population along the eastern part of the country.
- 10+
Towards Andasibe
Drive toward Andasibe, gateway to the special reserve of Analamazaotra.
Drive toward Andasibe, gateway to the special reserve of Analamazaotra.
- 11+
Andasibe — Analamazaotra
Visit the special reserve of Analamazaotra and discover the endemic flora and fauna of Andasibe, including the Indri Indri, the biggest lemurs on the planet.
Visit the special reserve of Analamazaotra and discover the endemic flora and fauna of Andasibe, including the Indri Indri, the biggest lemurs on the planet.
- 12+
Vakona Lemur Island
Visit the Vakona lemur island near Andasibe.
Visit the Vakona lemur island near Andasibe.
- 13+
Peyrieras Reserve
Discovery of the amphibians and reptiles of the exotic reserve of Peyrieras on the way back.
Discovery of the amphibians and reptiles of the exotic reserve of Peyrieras on the way back.
- 14+
Antananarivo
Return to the capital to end the tour with an airport transfer for departure.
Return to the capital to end the tour with an airport transfer for departure.
Like the look of it?
Tell us when you're thinking of coming — we'll send you a draft within 24 hours.
What's included
Everything that's covered
- ✓Local guide throughout
- ✓All accommodation in selected guesthouses & hotels
- ✓Daily breakfast and most dinners
- ✓Luggage transfers between stages
- ✓All ground transport during the trip
- ✓Detailed route notes and maps
Not included
What you'll arrange yourself
- —International flights to/from Madagascar
- —Madagascar visa (€35 on arrival)
- —Travel insurance
- —Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Request this trip
Tell us a little, we'll send you a draft
Roughly when, who's travelling and what kind of pace you like — that's all we need. We'll reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary and a price. No payment until you're happy with the plan.
Or WhatsApp us directly: +261 32 40 607 07
14 days · Guided
The South-East Get-A-Way