Eastern Madagascar

The unique biodiversity of Madagascar has given the country a reputation as a ‘living laboratory’ and the ‘seventh continent’. A particularly important zone on this biodiverse island nation is the dense and moist forests of Eastern Madagascar, an area to which thousands of species of vertebrates and plants are strictly endemic, including its omniscient lemurs. 

This part of the country is home to the 600km-long Pangalanes Canal, a great place to explore. Cruise along its natural rivers and man-made lakes or soak up the sun on its pristine beaches. The area is rife with untouched rainforest housing a stunning variety of animals and plants that are best seen from the 15,500ha Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The park is home to the magnificent Indri, the largest species of lemur, along with 11 other lemur species.

The bustling and lively city of Antananarivo acts as the gateway to this verdant region and is a cosmopolitan hub, showcasing the country’s diverse history. The area can be explored by making use of car hire, shuttles, or buses. The well-maintained road between Antananarivo and the coastal town of Toamasina, near the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, is one of the most travelled in the country.