Day tour from Antananarivo to Mantasoa Lake & Nosy Soa Park

Lemurs and lake wildlife in one full day from the capital

A full-day tour from Antananarivo combines a motorboat excursion across Mantasoa Lake with guided wildlife spotting at Nosy Soa Park, where you encounter lemurs and endemic reptiles, plus a visit to Jean Laborde's 18th-century industrial complex and museum. The tour includes hotel pickup, a live guide in your choice of language, lunch, and all park fees. It runs roughly 10.5 hours and suits travelers with moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour to Mantasoa Lake and Nosy Soa Park

• Depart Antananarivo for Mantasoa Lodge
• Boat excursion to Nosy Soa Park
• Guided nature walk and wildlife spotting
• Lunch by the lake
• Visit Jean Laborde's historical home museum
• Explore Mantasoa village and local culture
• Return to Antananarivo

The experience

The day starts with a 2.5-hour drive from Antananarivo through National Road N°2, crossing into off-road terrain to reach Mantasoa Lodge on the lake's edge. From there, you board a motorboat for a one-hour crossing to Nosy Soa Park, a naturalized zoological garden where lemurs and endemic reptiles live. A guide leads you through the park's trails, pointing out ring-tailed lemurs moving through the canopy and unique reptile species basking in the sun. You'll have time for photographs and close observation of Madagascar's biodiversity.

After the park, you return to the lakeside for lunch before visiting the historical site of Jean Laborde's residence, now a national museum. Laborde was a French industrialist who established Madagascar's first metal factory in the 18th century and remains the only foreigner ever honored by the Royal Queen of Antananarivo. The museum preserves his legacy and the story of how he bridged European industry with local culture. You'll also explore Mantasoa village to see traditional daily life and community practices before the drive back to the capital, arriving around 7 PM.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Antananarivo.
• motorboat fees for the group crossing to Nosy Soa Park.
• private guide and local guide services at the park.
• lunch by the lakeside.
• entry to Jean Laborde's museum and Mantasoa village.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Full-day excursion departing from Tana, visiting Mantasoa Lake and Nosy Soa ParkGuide in 5 languages · No fixed timePickup is included

Excursion to Lake Mantasoa, lasting one dayGuide in 5 languages · No fixed timeDuration: 8 hours. Rexton Nobless: comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD with a private driver. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 70 years) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FRIENDLY TOUR GUIDE MADAGASCAR

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want wildlife and history in a single day without arranging your own transport: the full itinerary, guide and motorboat are set, so you step off the boat and walk straight into the park. The moderate fitness level it requires reflects the boat ride and the walking trails through the park, not a strenuous hike.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the motorboat ride on Mantasoa Lake?

The motorboat crossing to Nosy Soa Park takes one hour, and you return by boat the same way after exploring the park.

What animals will I see at Nosy Soa Park?

Nosy Soa Park is home to lemur species including ring-tailed lemurs, plus endemic reptiles and other wildlife native to Madagascar. A guide will help you spot them along the trails.

What is Jean Laborde's museum about?

The museum occupies Laborde's former residence and documents his role as the founder of Madagascar's first metal factory in the 18th century, showcasing his innovations and his unique relationship with the Royal Court.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, the tour includes pickup from your location in Antananarivo at 8 AM and drop-off around 7 PM after the return drive.