Guide

English-speaking locally based guide and driver

Accommodation

8 nights in 3-4 star hotels 4 nights in 3-4 star African lodges Properties include: Relais des Plateux Hotel, Antananarivo Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe National Park Hotel Plumeria, Antsirabe The Thermal Hotel, Ranomafana Jardin du Roilsalo, Isalo Les Dunes d’Ifaty, Ifaty Palissandre Hotel, Antannanarivo Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.

Transport

Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour All touring in air-conditioned vehicles (excluding shared lodge open safari 4WD)

Others

Sightseeing See the reptiles at Madagascar Exotic Nocturnal tour in Andasibe National Park Analamazaotra Reserve hike to see the ’Indri Indri’ Lemur Get up close with the wildlife on Lemur Island Stop in Ambatolampy Visit a local workshop in Ambositra Discover Ranomafana National Park Explore Isalo National Park Explore Zombitse National Park Enjoy an orientation of Toliara Visit the Baobab Forest in the Reniala Reserve Discover the Ifaty fishing village Tour Antananarivo including Old Upper Town, City Centre and the Lower Town Enjoy a local cooking class

Flights

Economy-class flight within Madagascar

Meals

12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 11 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Not included:

Others

Some things to note Luggage Information Africa Luggage Due to the limited storage space in light aircraft and safari vehicles in Africa, please note the following luggage restrictions for this tour. Hand Luggage: 1 soft-sided bag per person Checked Luggage: 1 soft-sided bag per person, maximum of 15 kg If you have any other questions about luggage requirements, please feel free to call one of our Travel Specialists on 1800 286 645 or email us. Please Note: This tour is best suited for adventurous travellers who are in good physical condition as there are some challenging days with extended periods of walking across uneven, dusty and rocky ground, in areas of high altitude and/or heat and humidity. This is particularly on days 3, 6 and 8 but may also occur on other days. Poor road conditions are common in Madagascar, with potholes, cracks, rough or uneven surfaces. Some roads are unsealed and may lack drainage during rainy periods. This is particular on days 2 and 7 but may also occur on other days. Additionally, please keep in mind that the standards and accommodations may not always match those to which you are accustomed. To fully enjoy this journey flexibility, a positive attitude, and a willingness to embrace the adventure is essentialWe don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 15:00h in order to take part in your welcome dinner. Return international airfares have not been included on this tour. Please speak to our friendly consultants if you would like assistance booking your international flights.

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Day 1 Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Antananarivo

Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of the gorgeous island nation of Madagascar. The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar sits like a jewel in the crown of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Mozambique. Antananarivo is a very spread-out city and is split into upper, middle and lower town, known for its heart-shaped lake surrounded by jacaranda trees in the middle of the city centre.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive in Madagascar by 3:00pm.

This evening you will meet our local guide over a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park

Today is a travel day which will take us towards the eastern side of the island and Andasibe National Park. Along the way we’ll stop at the Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic to marvel at the many species of reptiles found on the island, including the elusive chameleon!

After a lunch stop in Marozevo, we continue to Andasibe National Park where we’ll arrive later in the afternoon. The rainforest here is home to 11 species of lemur and many other endemic rare and endangered animals. After our arrival, we’ll embark on an evening excursion to the park to discover some of the fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3 Analamazaotra Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Analamazaotra Reserve

Today we’ll visit Analamazaotra Reserve, once part of the larger Mantadia National Park. This protected forest is home to 108 different species of bird, 14 species of lemur and 84 types of amphibians. We’ll enjoy the wonders of the rainforest as we hike, tracking lemurs, spotting exotic plants, trees, insects and Madagascan reptiles along the way. If we are lucky, we may even spot the iconic ’Indri Indri’ lemur, the largest species of lemur in the world.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Immerse yourself in the iconic Lemur Island’s wildlife as you encounter these fascinating creatures up close.

CHALLENGING DAY

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 4 Andasibe National Park – Antsirabe
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Andasibe National Park – Antsirabe

Leaving the rainforest behind this morning, we continue south along the famous Route Nationale 7, towards the town of Ambatolampy. Route Nationale 7, also known as RN7, is the primary highway running 980km through the centre of Madagascar going from the capital Antananarivo to Tulear on the country’s south-west coast. Along this road, we’ll be treated to some stunning views.

When we arrive in Ambatolampy, a small rural town in the Madagascar highlands, we’ll have the chance to meet the friendly, local villagers who handmake traditional pots from recycled aluminium.

We’ll continue our travels to arrive in Antsirabe this afternoon, famous in Madagascar for its warm thermal waters and brightly coloured rickshaws.
Day 5 Antsirabe – Ambositra - Ranomafana
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Antsirabe – Ambositra - Ranomafana

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Visit a workshop where the locals craft miniature vehicles from recycled materials and witness an informative demonstration.

Next, we make our way to a workshop where local artisans create beautiful souvenirs out of Zebu horns, before visiting a precious stone shop.

Later this morning, we continue south through the highlands stopping at the town of Ambositra, also known as the handicraft capital of Madagascar. This town is well known for its unique type of woodcarving, called Zafimaniry Art, which has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. During our visit to Ambositra, we’ll have the chance to explore different craft workshops, witness the artisans at work, and purchase some souvenirs to take home.

In the late afternoon sit back, relax and enjoy the passing scenery on the way to the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park.
Day 6 Ranomafana National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ranomafana National Park

It’s an early start this morning as a park ranger and a tracker take us on a scenic hike through the lush Ranomafana National Park. We’ll be awestruck by the stunning variety of unique flora and fauna, including 12 species of lemur and 115 species of birds that make this park their home.

Following a local lunch, we’ll have the afternoon at leisure to relax and unwind before we head out on an incredible nocturnal visit along the Route Nationale. With our expert guide leading the way, we’ll search for nocturnal lemurs like the microcebe or mouse lemur and other nocturnal animals including chameleons. We’ll then return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

CHALLENGING DAY

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 7 Ranomafana – Ambalavao - Isalo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ranomafana – Ambalavao - Isalo

Today, we bid farewell to the spectacular Madagascan highlands and enter the dry bushland and semi-desert of southern Madagascar. The people in Ambalavao are specialists in handmade high-quality silk and paper products using old traditional methods. Here we’ll have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Antemoro Paper Mill, which has a rich history dating back to the Arabs.

After visiting some of these mills, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the Anja Reserve. Managed by the local village community, this reserve is home to many unique species of lemurs, including the very famous ring-tailed lemur.
Day 8 Isalo National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Isalo National Park

Get ready for a Jurassic-age adventure today, experiencing the wonders of Isalo National Park. Along the way, we’ll visit the Baras Tombs and the botanic garden, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the park. Formed during the Jurassic period, the unique flora and fauna of this region have evolved overtime to adapt to the local conditions.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Accompanied by a park ranger, hike through awe-inspiring canyons and oases of Isalo National Park taking in the lunar landscape.

We’ll return to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the swimming pool and natural spring.

CHALLENGING DAY

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 9 Isalo – Toliara - Ifaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Isalo – Toliara - Ifaty

After breakfast this morning, we’ll head towards the stunning shores of the Mozambique Channel, passing through several villages formed during the Sapphire Rush. We will stop at the captivating Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a landscape of dry forest, marshes and savannahs. Here we’ll explore the majestic baobabs and encounter the playful Sifaka dancing lemurs before continuing to the port city of Toliara for lunch and some time to explore.

Later this afternoon, we’ll make our way to the quiet fishing village of Ifaty, home to a beautiful palm-fringed beach.
Day 10 Ifaty
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ifaty

Early this morning, we’ll visit the Reniala Private Reserve, which is famously known as the Baobab Forest. Prepare to be amazed by the unique beauty of these ancient trees as we wander through the reserve. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the ecology of the region and appreciate the natural wonders of Madagascar.

After we return to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind, or to explore more of this colourful seaside town at our own pace.
Day 11 Ifaty – Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ifaty – Antananarivo

This morning, we say goodbye to Ifaty as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the capital, Antananarivo. On arrival, we’ll visit the Blue Hill (or Ambohimanga). This UNESCO Heritage Site is considered the cradle of Merina Monarchy and is steeped in fascinating history and cultural significance.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Discover the culinary delights of Antananarivo during a lunch time cooking class.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax.

Please note: The airline ticket for the flight between Ifaty and Antananarivo is issued locally by our operator.
Day 12 Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Antananarivo

Discover Madagascar’s pretty capital on a city tour this morning. During our tour, we’ll see some gems of the city, including the Old Upper Town. Built on a granite hilltop overlooking the Ikopa River Valley, the Old Upper Town is renowned for its baroque-style palaces and gothic cathedrals that date back centuries. We will also explore the city centre before visiting a vibrant local craft market.

This afternoon is yours at leisure to discover the city some more or to simply relax! Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner.
Day 13 Antananarivo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Antananarivo

Our tour concludes after breakfast, and we bid farewell to our new friends and to incredible Madagascar. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.

+10

13 days tour

Discover Madagascar

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Discover Madagascar

Antananarivo

Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park

Analamazaotra Reserve

Andasibe National Park – Antsirabe

Antsirabe – Ambositra - Ranomafana

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana – Ambalavao - Isalo

Isalo National Park

Isalo – Toliara - Ifaty

Ifaty

Ifaty – Antananarivo

Antananarivo

Antananarivo

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