Cruise on the Pangalanes Canal

Hi, For my upcoming trip to Madagascar in November, I’d like to take a cruise on the Pangalanes Canal. We’ve been offered a 3-day, 2-night trip between Mananjary and Mahanoro. Has anyone done this? Are there too many hours on the boat? Is it worth it? They’re offering either a bivouac or a hotel—what do you think? Thanks for your feedback.

They’re offering us a choice between bivouac or hotel—what do you think?

I’d go for the bivouac—it’s magical!.. unless some hotels have been built in the last few years

Thanks for your reply. Could you tell me more, please? Did you do this cruise? What makes the bivouac magical? How about the locations? Are the hotels very old? Thanks for any details you can share!

Hi there, I did the trip on a boat that carried freight, which I found in the morning in Mananjary—one stop in Nosy Varika and another I don’t remember where—spending the night on the boat. It cost me around 10 € for the 3-day journey.

Too many hours on the boat? Well, there’s only boats, so it’ll be too much if you don’t like that. We leave early in the morning, stop in the evening or even at night, and do the same the following days.

There are a few hotels along the way, like in Nosy Varika, with basic comfort. They’re not expensive at all.

Personally, I loved it, but you’ve got to really enjoy spending time on a boat.

Hi there, and thanks for the details! They’re offering me this “cruise” for 350 € per couple for 3 days and 2 nights. I’ll think about it!! Best,

Good evening, $350 for a private boat for two seems reasonable to me. It’s a trip that requires a good amount of fuel, and it includes 2 nights and 3 days on the boat, plus the overnight stays. So the price isn’t unusual, and the comfort is definitely better than on a cargo boat—that’s for sure. Should be really nice. It’ll let you stop at some truly beautiful spots that you can’t fully enjoy on a bush taxi boat. If you’re staying overnight in Nosy Varika, I didn’t see any decent hotels—I’d prefer a bivouac. Along the route, I saw hotels in at least two places, including one where I would’ve loved to stop, but I honestly don’t remember where or the names. Happy planning!

Good evening, We’re two couples doing this cruise, and I think the scenery is totally worth it. There’s indeed a stop at Nosy Varika, but I don’t have any details. No worries, though! Thanks for your feedback.