Your Itinerary
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 4:00 PM.
This evening you will meet our local guide over a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - Antananarivo – Andasibe National Park
Today we make our way towards the eastern side of the island. and our first stop will be the Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic. This small privately run reserve at Marozevo is home to many species of reptiles found on the island, including the elusive chameleon!
After a lunch stop, we continue to Andasibe National Park. We’ll go on an evening night walk in the park to discover some of the fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Known for its rich biodiversity, the Andasibe National Park is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The rainforest is home to numerous species of lemur, including the famous Indri lemur, known for its beautiful calls that echo through the forest.
Tip: Wear layers during the morning and evening excursions, as temperatures are cooler.
Day 3 - Analamazaotra Reserve
Today, we’ll explore the Analamazaotra Special Reserve. Once part of the larger Mantadia National Park, this reserve is an absolute must-see for any nature lover! The rainforest is teeming with life—108 species of birds, 14 lemur species, and 84 types of amphibians. As we make our way through the jungle, we’ll discover exotic plants, towering trees, and even spot fascinating Madagascan reptiles. Keep your eyes peeled—if we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Indri lemur. So, get your cameras ready—this adventure is one you’ll want to remember!
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
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.
At Ambatolampy, a charming little town nestled in the Madagascar highlands, we’ll get a warm welcome from the locals. These friendly villagers are known for crafting beautiful traditional pots made from recycled aluminium, and we’ll have the chance to watch them work and learn about this unique art form. It’s a great way to connect with the community and experience local craftsmanship firsthand.
This afternoon, we'll make our way to the charming city of Antsirabe, famous for its colonial architecture and stunning scenery. Known as the ‘City of Water’ because of its thermal springs, Antsirabe is the perfect spot to relax, explore beautiful lakes, colourful markets, and vibrant rickshaws, all while soaking in the local culture.
Day 5 - Antsirabe – Ambositra - Ranomafana
Today’s journey takes us through the vibrant world of Madagascar’s unique handicrafts. We’ll start by exploring an eco-friendly twist on recycling in this region, understanding how locals creatively transform materials into art. Let’s dive into the colourful and crafty wonders of this amazing region.
Special Experience
Visit a workshop where the locals craft miniature vehicles from recycled materials and witness an informative demonstration.
Next, we’ll visit a workshop where skilled artisans turn Zebu horns into beautiful souvenirs. We’ll then make our way to a shop filled with dazzling precious stones — a perfect way to discover unique local crafts and treasures.
Later this morning, we’ll continue our journey south through the stunning highlands, making a stop in Ambositra, the handicraft capital of Madagascar. This town is famous for its unique Zafimaniry woodcarving, a traditional craft so special it’s been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. While there, we’ll explore local craft workshops, watch talented artisans create their masterpieces, and have the chance to pick up some beautiful souvenirs to bring 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
We’re up early this morning for an exciting adventure in Ranomafana National Park, where a park ranger and tracker will lead us on a scenic hike through the lush rainforest. As we wander through this stunning park, we’ll be surrounded by incredible wildlife, from 12 species of lemur to 115 species of birds. The variety of flora and fauna here is truly awe-inspiring, and we’ll be treated to some amazing wildlife sightings along the way. It’s a chance to immerse ourselves in Madagascar’s natural beauty and experience the magic of one of its most biodiverse parks.
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
Today, we say goodbye to the lush Madagascan highlands and head into the dry, semi-desert landscapes of southern Madagascar. Our first stop is Ambalavao, a town renowned for its high-quality handmade silk and paper, crafted using ancient techniques. While we’re there, we’ll visit the fascinating Antemoro Paper Mill, which has a rich history that dates back to the Arab influence on the region. It’s a unique opportunity to see the traditional methods in action and learn about this centuries-old craft. The journey from the highlands to the semi-desert is just as remarkable as the stories we’ll uncover.
After exploring the paper mills, we’ll enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in the Anja Reserve. This stunning spot is managed by the local village community and is home to a variety of unique lemur species, including the iconic ring-tailed, Catta lemur. It’s the perfect place to unwind, soak in the beauty of nature, and watch these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 8 - Isalo National Park
Get ready for a Jurassic-age adventure as we explore the wonders of Isalo National Park. Along the way, we’ll visit the fascinating Baras Tombs and stroll through a lush botanic garden, soaking in the stunning natural beauty all around us. Isalo’s landscapes, shaped during the Jurassic period, are unlike anything you’ve seen. The unique flora and fauna here have evolved over time to thrive in this rugged environment, making it the perfect place to step back in time and witness the incredible adaptability of life in one of Madagascar's most iconic parks.
Special Experience
Accompanied by a park ranger, hike through awe-inspiring canyons and oases of Isalo National Park taking in the lunar landscape.
After a big day, we’ll head back to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon. You can unwind by taking a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy the calming natural spring. It’s the perfect way to recharge and soak in the peaceful surroundings!
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
After breakfast we will again take the Route Nationale 7 and head towards Ifaty which is a fishing village of Vezo nomads, along the way passing through Ilakaka, a small market town of Sapphire diggers. We’ll also stop and visit the captivating Zombitse National Park. This unique park offers a fascinating mix of dry forests, marshes, and savannahs, where we’ll explore towering baobabs and get up close to the playful Sifaka dancing lemurs.
Next, we’ll head to the port city of Toliara, where we’ll have some free time to explore the town and get lunch. From there, we’ll continue our journey toward the stunning shores of the Mozambique Channel.
As the day winds down, we’ll make our way to the peaceful fishing village of Ifaty, a hidden gem with a gorgeous palm-fringed beach. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and soak in the beauty of Madagascar’s coastline, drink in hand.
Early this morning, we’ll head to the Reniala Private Reserve, also known as the Baobab Forest. This magical place is home to some of Madagascar’s most iconic trees—the giant, ancient baobabs. As we stroll through the reserve, we’ll be in awe of their striking appearance and learn about their importance to the local ecosystem. The reserve is also home to a variety of unique plants and wildlife, making it a perfect spot to appreciate the natural wonders of Madagascar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the island’s fascinating ecology.
After returning to the hotel for a delicious breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can unwind and relax, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beach of Ifaty, or head out to explore more of this colourful seaside town. Whether you choose to wander through vibrant markets, enjoy fresh seafood by the coast, or simply take in the laid-back vibes, there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful part of Madagascar.
Day 11 - Ifaty – Toliara - 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. As we explore, we’ll dive into the rich heritage of Madagascar, learning about the ancient traditions and royal history that make this site so special.
Special Experience
Discover the culinary delights of Antananarivo during a lunch time cooking class.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Antananarivo. You could stroll through the markets, try some local cuisine, or simply take in the lively atmosphere.
Get ready to discover Madagascar’s charming capital on a city tour this morning. One of the highlights is the Old Upper Town, perched on a granite hilltop with sweeping views of the Ikopa River Valley. Known for its impressive baroque-style palaces and gothic cathedrals, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past, with buildings dating back centuries. We’ll stroll through the city centre, soaking in the unique mix of old and new, before visiting a local craft market where you can pick up souvenirs for family and friends and also interact with artisans.
Can’t get enough of Antananarivo? The afternoon is all yours to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you’re discovering hidden gems or simply sitting back and relaxing, it’s a perfect way to end our journey through breathtaking Madagascar! Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner.
Our tour concludes after breakfast, and we bid farewell to our new friends. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.
