The Pangalanes is a series of sweet water lakes and lagoons parallel to the coast of the Indian Ocean, separated by a narrow stretch of land. The lakes are connected by a man-made channel system that forms an inland waterway from Tamatave through to Farafangana, making it the longest canal in the world, stretching in a total of 600k. The canal was constructed from 1896 to 1904 under the governance of General Joseph Gallieni during the early French colonial years . It was designed to facilitate transportation of goods to the main trading port of Tamatave, because shipping on the Indian Ocean was too dangerous. This trip offers you to live along the spices road from old times !

Day1 : Tamatave à Ankanin’nofy via Ambaravano

Boarding will be in Tapakala village (10kms from Tamatave, transfer at our charge). Then begin your cruise. We will make a stop in fishermen village called Ambavarano. In this village you will meet with friendly and smiling inhabitants. We will visit Beby’s tiny workshop, a grandma who has transmitted its “savoir faire” in the weaving of Betsimsaraka’s baskets. Small detour to the school, community clinic and finish on the sacred place. There the villagers do offerings, cults… that will be detailed to you by your guide. Lunch aboard or around the lake of Ampasadivina then we will cruise gently to Ankanin’nofy. Diner and night aboard.

Day2 : Ankanin’nofy to Tamatave via Andranokoditra

Breakfast at the restaurant of the private reserve we are about to visit. After spraying your skin with mosquito repellent, you will discover the lemurs living here: Indri Indri, Maracos, Vary Vary and dancing lemur Sifaka. Then we will go to the village of Andranokoditra. Visit of the village and the forest nearby: Vohibola. You will have to try the traditional wooden pirogue to cross the Pangalanes channel on its east side, to reach the forest. The local guide will make you visit from there and show you the medicinal plants. Back to the village to board. Lunch aboard then we will land in Tapakala before driving back to Tamatave (at our charge). End of our services.