Private Andasibe tour from Antananarivo: Indri lemurs and Vakona

The indri's haunting call echoes through Analamazaotra forest.

A private 4WD tour from Antananarivo to three wildlife reserves near Andasibe, 140 km east of the capital: Analamazaotra Special Reserve, where you hike trails to see indri lemurs and diademed sifakas; Vakona Private Reserve, where you paddle by canoe to Lemur Island; and Peyrieras Nature Farm, home to chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos and comet moths. The tour includes private transportation, entrance fees, bottled water and lunch, with a professional local guide speaking English, French or German. The full day spans 15 hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Andasibe and Vakona Reserves

• Travel from Antananarivo to Andasibe
• Explore Analamazaotra Special Reserve
• Visit Vakona Private Reserve and Lemur Island
• Tour Peyrieras Nature Farm in Marozevo

The experience

The Analamazaotra Special Reserve, also known as Périnet, sits 140 km east of Antananarivo and holds the world's best chance to see the indri, the largest of all lemurs. The reserve is built around well-maintained trails suited to different fitness levels, and the indri's powerful, haunting calls carry through the forest canopy: a sound you hear before you see the animal itself. Your guide, a professional trained in the reserve, points out other species: the diademed sifaka, endemic birds, reptiles and plants that exist nowhere else on earth. The proximity to Antananarivo, just three hours' drive, makes this one of Madagascar's most accessible parks, and the infrastructure supports a full day of exploration without the logistics of a longer journey.

After Analamazaotra, the tour moves to Vakona Private Reserve, where a canoe takes you to Lemur Island. The sifakas, red-bellied lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs here are semi-habituated, meaning close encounters are nearly guaranteed. The reserve also holds a crocodile lake, a small museum and a garden of endemic plants. The third stop is Peyrieras Nature Farm in Marozevo, 75 km from the capital, a breeding centre where you walk through aviary-style enclosures to see Madagascar's reptiles and amphibians up close: colourful chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, tomato frogs and, seasonally, the comet moth. Photographers favour this site for the controlled setting and variety.

The day is long, 15 hours total, and the private vehicle means the pace and stops stay under your control. Lunch is included, and your guide speaks English, French or German throughout. Bottled water comes with you, and entrance to all three reserves is covered in the price. Pickup from your Antananarivo hotel is part of the booking.

What’s included

• Private 4WD transportation from your Antananarivo hotel.
• entrance fees to Analamazaotra Special Reserve, Vakona Private Reserve and Peyrieras Nature Farm.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• a professional local guide fluent in English, French or German.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Vivy Travel

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English, French or German, so choose the language that fits your comfort level. The 15-hour day and moderate hiking suit travelers with reasonable fitness. If you prefer a shorter outing or have mobility concerns, a half-day option to a single reserve may suit you better.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the indri lemur, and where do I see it on this tour?

The indri is the largest of all lemurs and lives in the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, the first stop on your tour. It is renowned for its powerful, haunting calls that echo through the forest, and the reserve's well-maintained trails and professional guides make sightings reliable. You'll also encounter the diademed sifaka and a variety of endemic birds and reptiles in the same reserve.

How far is Andasibe from Antananarivo, and how long does the drive take?

Andasibe lies 140 km east of Antananarivo, a drive of approximately three hours. This proximity is what makes the reserve one of Madagascar's most accessible parks and allows the full three-reserve tour to fit inside a single day without excessive travel time.

What happens at Vakona Private Reserve?

Vakona Private Reserve features Lemur Island, where you paddle by canoe to encounter semi-habituated sifakas, red-bellied lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs at close range. The reserve also includes a crocodile lake, a small museum and a garden of endemic plants, making it ideal for families and wildlife photographers seeking guaranteed sightings.

What wildlife can I see at Peyrieras Nature Farm?

Peyrieras Nature Farm, located in Marozevo, houses Madagascar's reptiles, amphibians and semi-habituated lemurs in aviary-style enclosures. Highlights include colourful chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, tomato frogs and the comet moth when in season, with guided tours designed for close-up photography.

What is included in the tour price, and what should I budget separately?

The tour includes private 4WD transportation, entrance fees to all three reserves, lunch and bottled water. Your guide speaks English, French or German, and hotel pickup in Antananarivo is included. Alcoholic beverages, snacks beyond lunch and gratuities are not covered and are your choice to add.

How physically demanding is this 15-hour day?

The Analamazaotra trails are suitable for different fitness levels, though the full day involves hiking, canoe paddling and walking through the reserves. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. A moderate level of physical fitness helps you enjoy all three sites comfortably.