Stretching for almost 700 km along Madagascar’s east coast, the Canal des Pangalanes is a series of lakes, lagoons and rivers linked together to form a unique waterway. Built in colonial times to facilitate the transport of goods, today it is a fascinating destination where time seems to stand still.
1. A Ribbon of Water between Nature and Authenticity
The Canal winds its way through lush vegetation, where palm trees, pandanus and ravinala (the traveler’s tree) create a spellbinding landscape. Its calm waters contrast with the Indian Ocean just a few kilometers away.
2. A Life in the Rhythm of the Canal
The villages along its banks live and breathe the life of the canal. Wooden pirogues carry both fishermen and goods, and trade is often conducted on the water. A stopover offers the chance to discover improvised floating markets and picturesque scenes of life.
3. A Refuge for Biodiversity
The Canal des Pangalanes is home to exceptional wildlife: lemurs perched in the trees, chameleons hidden in the vegetation, and brightly-colored tropical birds. Some sites, such as the Palmarium, offer the chance to observe endemic species up close.
4. A Timeless Experience
Sailing the canal is a different kind of travel. From traditional pirogue cruises to eco-lodges on stilts, the experience is both exotic and immersive.
5. A History of Nature and Human Engineering
Conceived at the end of the 19th century, the Canal des Pangalanes was designed to facilitate the transport of goods, sheltered from the waves of the Indian Ocean. Today, it remains a witness to that era, while offering an idyllic setting for travelers in search of authenticity.
Why visit the Canal des Pangalanes?
- Immerse yourself in nature, far from the usual tourist circuits
- Discover a unique local culture along the river
- An exceptional experience combining ecotourism and tradition
The Canal des Pangalanes embodies the very soul of Madagascar: wild, authentic and enchanting. An unmissable destination for those who want to see another face of the Big Island. Discover our Canal des Pangalanes tour.