Best of the East

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for Antananarivo flying via Paris.

Days 2 & 3. Andasibe [B, D]

On arrival in Antananarivo you transfer to Andasibe for a 2-night stay at Vakona Lodge. There will be time to explore the Analamazaotra Reserve which protects the largest of Madagascar's lemurs, the Indri and you should hear their piercing morning calls. To the north lies an expansive area of primary rainforest known as the Mantadia National Park, which protects the attractive Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, Lesser Bamboo Lemur and Brown Lemur. There will also be an opportunity to explore the rainforest at night, offering the chance to spot the Eastern Woolly Lemur, the Greater Dwarf Lemur and the curious Rufous Mouse Lemur.

Days 4 & 5. Akaninn'ny Nofy [B, D]

After breakfast you transfer by road to Manambato, and onwards by boat to Akanin'ny Nofy, for a 2-night stay at Palmarium. Your time here is at leisure - you may like to visit the zoological gardens, explore the nearby village, or at night perhaps take a boat trip to look for Nile Crocodiles.

Day 6. Maroantsetra [B, D]

This morning you transfer by boat to Tamatave and onwards by road to the airport in time for your flight to Maroantsetra. Here you transfer to Le Relais de Masoala for the night.

Days 7 & 8. Tampolo [B, D]

Transfer by boat (approximately three hours) to Tampolo where you spend two nights at Chez Arol. During your stay here you will have time to visit the national park and take night walks to discover nocturnal lemurs such as Mouse, Dwarf, Sportive and Woolly Lemur, and possibly Aye-aye.

Day 9. Nosy Mangabe [B, L, D]

Take a boat to the island of Nosy Mangabe where you camp for the night. Explore the area, with its lemurs, reptiles and birds - specialities here include Black and white Ruffed Lemur and Fringed Gecko.

Day 10. Tamatave [B, D]

Return to Maroantsetra by boat and then to the airport for your flight to Tamatave where you spend the night at Hotel Neptune.

Days 11 to 13. Sainte Marie Island [B, D]

After breakfast, transfer by road to Soniarana Ivongo (approximately three hours) and then on by boat to Saint Marie Island, where you spend a leisurely three nights at the Soanambo Hotel. (Activities can be arranged at the hotel.) Sainte Marie is a small island of stunning beaches and secluded palm-fringed coves lying just off Madagascar's east coast. Offshore coral reefs offer excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, while whale-watching between June and September is a highlight.

Day 14 & 15. Homeward [B]

Return to Antananarivo for your homeward flight via Paris. Arrive the following morning.