THE EMERALD COAST
09 Days & 08 Nights
Discover an island of travel: MADAGASCAR or the Red Island
Mbarakaly Ara!
From the salty waters of Toamasina, we will take you on a tour of the fresh waters of Ranon’ny Manangareza on the Pangalanes Canal, stretching 700 km and home to the only floating hotel: Le Reine Tina. This unique boat features four cabins with private bathrooms, a restaurant on the deck, and a qualified crew that will welcome you warmly with professionalism. You will enjoy Malagasy, European, and Asian specialties prepared by our onboard Chef.
A private river cruise,, personalized services along the water—let yourself be carried away by our shores. A world apart, adorned with elephant ear plants and ravinalas, the emblem of our passionate island, offering a five-star flora and fauna experience.
The Pangalanes Canal has a rich history; its construction dates back to the French colonial period, initiated in 1896 by General Gallieni to facilitate administrative and military control of the region.
Whether as a couple, with family, or with a group of friends,, come discover Madagascar differently. Gently, at the rhythm of “mora mora”, we will set sail towards Vatomandry, passing through Ankanin’nofy, Ambila Lemaitso, and Andovoranto.
Ankanin’ny Nofy, literally translated as “Nest of Dreams,” is at the heart of our program. Home to Varecia lemurs, Indri Indri, Macaco, the canal, and the ocean, this destination offers a perfect connection with nature.
At Palmarium, we will meet: Varecia Variegata, a fascinating lemur and the largest after the Indri Indri, also known as Babakoto in Malagasy. It has magnificent black and white fur, longer and fluffier than other lemurs. We will have the opportunity to photograph them up close—whether amateur or professional, this reserve is a must-visit.
Along the canal, lined with symmetrically aligned eucalyptus trees, live local villagers, whose main activity is fishing.
Ambila Lemaitso, A calm and lush village on the east coast of Madagascar, open to the Indian Ocean. Ideally located between the ocean and the Pangalanes Canal, Ambila Lemaitso enchants with its lush nature and numerous excursion possibilities.Vatomandry, A coastal town closer to the capital, once home to the nearest port to Tana, from which goods were transported by foot through the Malagasy eastern forest. It owes its name to two large “sleeping rocks”, black in color, forming an islet with two coconut trees about 100 meters from the beach.
Crew
- Pilot: Paulin Sailor: Christophe
- Guide : Justin (ChrisMiaTours Mada)
- Chief: Ando & Bonne Chance (kitchen Team)
for the kitchen
- Gaëlle Supervisor Onboard
Queen Tina features:
- Outside fibered pine wood shell
- Length: 20m Width: 4m Draft: 0.4m (water) / 4.10m (air) Weight: Approx. 16T Engines: 2 Honda 75HP outboard motors (gasoline)
We would like to point out that the maximum capacity on board is 15 pax, having only 04 cabins some will be accommodated at the Palmarium for this tour it is possible.
- Pilot: Paulin Sailor : Christophe
- Guide : Justin guide ChrisMiaTours Mada
- Chief Ando & Bonne Chance for the kitchen
- Gaëlle Supervisor onboard
Queen Tina features
- Outside fibered pine wood shell
- Length 20m width 4m Draught: 0.4m Draught: 4.10m Weight: approx. 16T Engines: 02 outboard propellers Honda 75cv petrol
We would like to point out that the maximum capacity on board is 15 pax, having only 04 cabins some will be accommodated at the Palmarium for this tour it is possible.
DAY 1: ANTANANARIVO / TAMATAVE – Flight TZ 06:30 – 07:20 – ANDRANOKODITRA (4h by boat)
Manakory eh ! Welcome at Tamatave airport.We will take a short city tour of Toamasina before heading to the Ambatovy dock, where our journey begins. Departing from the ChrisMiatours Mada travel agency, we will head to the embarkation dock at the Ambatovy bridge. We will board the Reine Tina, store our luggage in the cabins, and set sail—this is the beginning of our mini river cruise, surrounded by people we appreciate.
10:30 AM Arrival at the fishing village of Ambodisaina, a charming village full of legends, where we will meet welcoming and smiling locals, experiencing a way of life seemingly frozen in time. The Betsimisaraka culture places great importance on ancestor worship, and our guide will share stories about the sacred trees The visit of sacred trees as an option. We will continue our journey by boat. Lunch on board or by the lakeshore at Ankarefo. As we navigate, we will cross several lakes before reaching Andranokoditra, where we will drop anchor a few kilometers before the village.
Dîner & Dinner & overnight stay in a cabin aboard the Reine Tina.
DAY 2: ANDRANOKODITRA / ANKANIN’NY NOFY – 1h navigation:
Breakfast on board. Breakfast on board. We will visit the village of Andranokoditra, where local craftswomen will warmly welcome us. They create beautiful seed necklaces, and purchasing them helps fund the education of the village children. Here, life follows the rhythm of “mora mora” (slow living). We will immerse ourselves in the Betsimisaraka culture, discovering traditional fishing equipment, local customs, and daily life. Lunch on board. We will then set sail towards Ankanin’ny Nofy, literally translated as “Nest of Dreams.”
Dinner & overnight stay aboard the Reine Tina.
DAY 3 : ANKANIN NY NOFY :
After breakfast, in your walking shoes, a nice and pleasant walk, we will leave for the exploration of the jungle of the Palmarium. A reserve implanted on 50ha between Indian ocean and lake Ampitabe; here we are sure to meet several species of lemurs including the Indri indri, the varecia, the macaco lemurs, in full nature. A photo break is necessary «portrait family», enjoy these moments of joy, those cries of happiness. In addition to this fauna, we will find here an exceptional flora, rare and endemic, such as: carnivorous plants or nepenthes, orchids, ebony, mahogany, travellers trees and specific palm trees of Madagascar Dypsis, raveana, orania, but also vaonioala and lemurophoenix.
OPTIONAL : At the end of the day, you can opt for a night trip to Aye Aye and be impressed by the famous Daubentonia madagascariensis, the largest nocturnal lemurs in Madagascar. We observe live the way he extracts coconut water with the force of his fingers. An extraordinary spectacle, nature will reveal its secrets to us in the shadow of night.
Dinner on board & Overnight stay aboard the Queen Tina.
DAY 4 : ANKANIN NY NOFY / MANAMBATO 2h30 :
Breakfast on board. We will continue to MANAMBATO, a small village full of legends.
A magical New Year’s Eve on board in small company, nothing better to enjoy these moments with the family.
A tasty dinner concocted by our Chef on board, an intimate table decorated on occasion, and it’s time for a simple count. Health and all the best for 2023.
Dinner on board & Overnight in cabin.
DAY 5 : MANAMBATO / AMBILA 03h :
Breakfast on board. We set course for Ambila, a true nirvana nestled between the Canal and the Ocean. Ambila means “where there are vila”, wooden fish traps scattered along the Pangalanes Canal, which always arouses the curiosity of our travellers. During this crossing, we will see this unusual landscape before arriving at our destination.Lunch on board.
Ampasindava village visit, each village has its cliché, its way of life, its customs but a single language unifies them the «betsimisaraka» legends adorn the lakes that our guide will not fail to tell you. Beautiful sunset, open your eyes you are on this natural part of the canal des Pangalanes where nature shines 5 stars.
Dinner on board & Overnight in cabin aboard the Queen Tina.
DAY 6 : AMBILA / VATOMANDRY 03h :
Breakfast on board. We forget the clocks and adapt to the rhythm of the «mora mora» slowly. We take off for Andovoranto. Here old port, it is here that happened «the slave market» hence the name of the village «andovoranto». Creole boxes testify to the colonial past of the place, stories and legends are not lacking, and taboos or «fady» are to be respected. A village that enchants more than one, the sugar cane turns into local alcoholic beverages an educational visit for all. A small tour at the village sage called Tangalamena. Lunch on board. Arrival at Vatomandry, A little rickshaw ride to explore this small town with its lively market.
Dinner on board & Overnight stay in the cabin of the Queen Tina.
DAY 7 : VATOMANDRY / MANTASOA 225km 05h :
After breakfast. Transfer in 4*4 from Vatomandry to Mantasoa. A small village full of charm ideal for rest. Lunch.
Dinner & Overnight at Mantasoa Lodge.
DAY 8 : MANTASOA :
Breakfast. Lunch at the Mantasoa Lodge.4X4 available to discover the surroundings and the castle of Jean Laborde.
Dinner & Overnight at Mantasoa Lodge.
DAY 09 : MANTASOA / ANTANANARIVO 72km 2h45 :
After breakfast, we will leave for the capital the final destination of this beautiful trip to the coast of rosewood.
END OF OUR SERVICES
VATOMANDRY CRUISE & Mantasoa Extension
Subject to fluctuations in fuel prices, flight schedules, and the exchange rate of the euro.
| Number of people |
09 days & 08 nights Per person Tour operator rate in euros |
| 4 pax | 1595 Euros/pax |
The prices are indicated in euros, subject to currency fluctuations and fuel price increases.
This rate includes:
- Day 1: Transfer in a 4×4 Starex to Pont Ambatovy
- Day 2 to Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner onboard the Reine Tina
- 6 nights onboard the Reine Tina from Day 1 to Day 6
- Day 3: Visit to the Palmarium Reserve
- Village visits mentioned in the program
- Day 4: New Year’s Eve celebration onboard with a personalized table
- Senior guide from Chrismiatours Mada from Day 1 to Day 9
- Private boat from December 28 to January 3, 2022
- 4×4 in Very Good Condition from Vatomandry to Mantasoa to Antananarivo
- Days 7, 8, and 9: 2 nights with half-board at Mantasoa Lodge
This price does not include:
- E-ticket for : Flight TZ 06:30AM-07:20AM
- Appetizers
- Aye Aye nocturnal excursion
- Eau-vive, alcoholic drinks to be purchased onboard
- Snacks (you may bring your own)
- Coffee outside of breakfast, Soft drink
- Insurance & repatriation