Madagascar’s Rainforest Andasibe and Palmarium Reserve

arly in the morning towards eastern Madagascar. Upon reaching Marozevo, begin your introduction to Madagascar’s wildlife with a visit to the Peyrieras Reserve. Informally known as the “chameleon farm,” the reserve provides a chance to observe and photograph several species at close range that can be difficult to spot in the wild. Among the species you may encounter are chameleons, several species of geckos, endemic frogs, and a variety of other Malagasy wildlife.

After checking in at your hotel and as evening sets in, prepare for a guided night walk in the forest, one of the most distinctive experiences in the Andasibe region. As darkness falls, the rainforest becomes active with nocturnal life. Look out for mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs, frogs, geckos, chameleons, and a variety of insects moving through the vegetation.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Analamazaotra National Park, the most accessible rainforest area around Andasibe and one of the region’s key sites for observing the Indri, also known as Babakoto, in its natural habitat. Located near the village of Andasibe, the park combines humid mid-altitude rainforest, well-established trails, and a remarkable diversity of endemic wildlife. As you explore with your guide, listen for the distinctive calls of the Indri and keep an eye out for other lemurs, birds, reptiles, and rainforest species.

The islands are home to several species of lemurs living in a semi-free environment, including sifakas, ruffed lemurs, and bamboo lemurs. Walking among the islands, you can observe these lemurs at close range while learning more about the reserve’s role in the care and protection of Madagascar’s wildlife.

It is time to leave Andasibe behind and continue towards Palmarium Reserve. Located at Ankanin'ny Nofy, meaning “the dream nest,” the lodge and private reserve sit between Lake Ampitabe and the Pangalanes Canal, surrounded by the coastal landscapes of eastern Madagascar. Accessible by boat, this secluded setting combines rainforest, waterways, and a stretch of white sandy beach. The reserve is also known for its lemurs, making the journey to Palmarium a distinctive part of the eastern Madagascar experience.

After checking in at the lodge, get ready for a guided night walk through the reserve. As darkness falls, the forest comes alive with nocturnal species, including mouse lemurs, frogs, chameleons, and geckos. With some luck, you may also spot the elusive Aye-Aye, one of Madagascar’s most distinctive nocturnal lemurs.

After breakfast, set out to explore Palmarium Reserve on a guided walk through its approximately 50-hectare coastal forest. The reserve is home to several species of lemurs living in a semi-free environment, which can often be observed at relatively close range along the forest trails. The walk provides a closer look at the reserve’s wildlife and vegetation, with plenty of moments for photography and observation. Your guide will also share insights into the different species and the reserve’s approach to wildlife care and protection.

After breakfast, enjoy a free day at Palmarium and take time to slow down and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Relax by the white sandy shores of Lake Ampitabe, take a swim in its calm waters, or simply unwind among the forest and waterways of Ankanin'ny Nofy. This unhurried day provides a natural pause in the itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful setting of Palmarium before continuing your journey through eastern Madagascar.

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Antananarivo along National Road 2. The route takes you through the changing landscapes of eastern Madagascar, with villages, rice fields, and forested hills along the way. Arrive in Antananarivo in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.