When to go
April and June and August and October- November
Price
From £3,850 pp (including flights) | Private Tours: £4,950pp (including flights)
Flight time
12hrs
Introduction
Experience the magic of Madagascar on our wildlife-focused tour, where you’ll discover the island’s unique and unparalleled biodiversity. Get an up-close look at endemic species in Andasibe, Ranomafana, and Isalo National Parks, while also soaking in stunning natural scenery from rainforests to mountains and rivers. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to idyllic beaches and charming villages, and learn about the unique blend of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs that shape the Malagasy way of life. With our well-paced itinerary, there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Don’t miss out – join us for an unforgettable journey through Madagascar!
At a Glance
Duration
16 days & 13 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,850pp
Private: £4,950pp
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Antananarivo - Andasibe - Antananarivo - Antsahabe - Antsirabe - Ambositra - Ranomafana - Fianarantsoa - Ambalavao - Ranohira - Ifaty - Toliara - Antananarivo
Tour Type
Escorted tour with a local tour manager
Tour Theme
Group tour
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Discovery
Accommodation
Andasibe Hotel (or similar) | Andasibe Hotel (or similar) | Le Royal Palissandre (or similar) | Couleur Cafe Hotel (or similar) | Hotel Thermal (or similar) | Hotel Thermal (or similar) | Relais de la Reine (or similar) | Les Dunes d’Ifaty (or similar) | Palissandre Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Board Basis
Varied
Min|Max Group Size
Average 9 - Maximum 16
Start/Finish
Antananarivo - Antananarivo
Extensions
Highlights
Explore the natural wonders of Mantadia's rainforest
Experience the lush rainforest of Mantadia National Park and witness the unique wildlife, including black-and-white ruffed lemurs, diademed sifakas, Parson’s chameleons, and various species of frogs, on an unforgettablenature walk.
Enjoy a Musical Sunset at Isalo National Park
Embark on a journey to discover unique species of flora and fauna, such as the ring-tailed lemurs, Malagasy hoopoes, and Verraux’s sifakas, and witness the breathtaking sunset while enjoying a traditional music performance at Isalo National Park.
Taste the Best of Antananarivo
Discover the historical city of Antananarivo on an afternoon tour, exploring the majestic hills of the royal palaces and the lush botanical and zoological gardens of Tsimbazaza. Then, indulge in a special chef’s dinner, savoring the delicious local cuisine and immersing in the city’s unique culture.
Walk amongst the world-famous Baobab trees
Make a stop at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park to witness the elusive Appert’s tetrakas, one of Madagascar’s most endangered endemic birds, while admiring the stunning baobab trees and traditional family tombs that are at the heart of Malagasy culture.
Sample Itinerary
Madagascar’s Marvels
Embark on a 16-day journey through Madagascar’s lush rainforests, unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Spot nocturnal species such as mouse lemurs, greater dwarf lemurs and eastern woolly lemurs during a night walk in Analamazaotra Reserve. Explore the handicraft and wood-carving capital of Ambositra, visit the vineyards of Lazan’ny Betsileo, and seek out the iconic baobab trees in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park in this breathtaking sample itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Board an overnight flight from London to Antananarivo, the vibrant capital city of Madagascar.
(Flight included, N)
Day 2: Andasibe | Analamazaotra Reserve
Transfer to Andasibe to check in at Andasibe Hotel (or similar). Later, take a night walk in Analamazaotra Reserve to spot nocturnal creatures such as mouse, greater dwarf and eastern woolly lemurs. Enjoy your first dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.
(Airport Transfer, D)
Day 3: Andasibe | Vakona Private Reserve | Analamazaotra Reserve
In the morning, take a leisurely walk through Andasibe and return to the lodge for lunch. Visit Vakona Private Reserve’s Lemur Island, a sanctuary for the animals of the same name, prior to an afternoon stroll in Andasibe. After dinner, head to the Analamazaotra Reserve for a beautiful evening stroll. Enjoy an overnight stay at Andasibe Hotel (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Mantadia National Park (or Mitsindo Forest)
Spend the day at Mantadia National Park on a breathtaking forest hike. Keep your eyes peeled for the black-and-white ruffed lemur, Parson’s chameleon, the diademed sifaka, and numerous African frog species. If you’re looking for a less strenuous option, consider a walk in Mitsinjo Reserve. There you can plant an endemic tree, participating in a local reforestation project. Overnight at Andasibe Hotel (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Antananarivo
Return to Antananarivo for a city tour in the afternoon, including the royal palaces and other beautiful gardens around Tsimbazaza. Enjoy a special chef’s dinner in the evening before staying overnight at Le Royal Palissandre (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Antsahabe | Antsirabe
Drive to Antsahabe, a village typical of the Merina tribe, and continue to the spa town of Antsirabe for an afternoon tour. Antsirabe is a center of the gem trade and home to hundreds of pousse pousse (rickshaws), a legacy of Chinese labor imported to work on the railways. Overnight at Couleur Cafe Hotel (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Ambositra | Ranomafana
Continue south to Ambositra, the city known as Madagascar’s artisan capital. After enjoying a typical Malagasy lunch with entertainment highlighting the local folk culture, continue to Ranomafana. Spend the evening, go on a walk in search of nocturnal species. Overnight at Hotel Thermal (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Ranomafana
Begin your morning with a walk in Ranomafana National Park. Challenge yourself to spot the three resident species of bamboo lemur: the greater, the golden, and the grey. This is also a wonderful opportunity for some endemic birding. This afternoon, visit Tanala village. Overnight at Hotel Thermal (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 9: Ranomafana
Enjoy a morning walk in the National Park, before an afternoon visit to the Ranomafana Arboretum, home to hundreds of rare tree species. This evening, search for nocturnal species during an evening walk. Overnight at Hotel Thermal (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Fianarantsoa | Ambalavao | Ranohira
Begin the day with a drive via Fianarantsoa, the Betsileo tribe’s capital, to the vineyard of Lazan’ny Betsileo. Continue to Ambalavao to visit the Antemoro paper factory, before arriving at the Anja Reserve where ring-tailed lemurs are often spotted. In the evening, arrive at Ranohira and stay 3 nights at Relais de la Reine (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Days 11 & 12: Isalo National Park
Spend the next two days exploring the spectacular sandstone landscapes of Isalo National Park, including the natural pool of Piscine Naturelle and the intriguing rock formations of La Fenêtre. Seek out flora and fauna including ring-tailed lemurs, Malagasy hoopoes, Verraux’s sifakas, and the elephant’s foot plant. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional music performance. Spend the night at Relais de la Reine (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park | Ifaty
On the way to Ifaty, stop at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park to spot Appert’s tetrakas, one of the most endangered endemic birds on the island, and admire the large baobab trees and traditional family tombs that are central to Malagasy culture. Upon arrival in Ifaty, a quiet coastal fishing village boasting a long beach, enjoy your farewell dinner. Overnight at Les Dunes d’Ifaty (or similar)
(B, D)
Day 14: Fly to Antananarivo
Spend your morning at leisure before flying from Toliara to Antananarivo in the late afternoon. Stay at Palissandre Hotel & Spa (or similar).
(B, L, D)
Days 15 & 16: Fly back to the UK via Addis Ababa
Fly back to the UK via Addis Ababa, arriving the following day.
(B, N, Airport Transfer)
