Sample Itinerary

A Taste of Madagascar

City Itinerary: Antananarivo, Andasibe, Antsirabe, Ranomafana, Ambalavao, Ranohira (lsalo), Tulear, Antananarivo, Ile Sainte Marie, Antananarivo.

For those who want a taste of the very best of Madagascar, this 2-week tour will let you discover our playful lemurs, distinctive baobab trees, rich Malagasy culture, lush rainforests, and sublime island beaches! (Please note that exact details (schedule, accommodations, etc.) are subject to availability and finalization with each particular client.)

DAY 1: Tana (Antananarivo)

Riana will meet and greet you at the Antananarivo lnternational Airport and help you collect your luggage and exchange currency if needed. You will then be driven to your hotel (the Tana Jacaranda or Chalet De Rose Hotel or a similar mid-range comfort hotel). We will go over your travel itinerary together. Overnight in Tana.

DAY 2: Tana to Andasibe NP

Meet up with Riana at your hotel; drive to Andasibe National Park, located about 4 hours east of Tana. Briefly stop at the Pereyras Reptile Reserve; enjoy lunch in the small village of Moramanga. If there is time/interest, we may visit the museum of Gendarmerie (police) where we will see exhibits on crime and keeping the peace. Arrive in Andasibe late in the afternoon. Overnight at the Feon’ny Ala Hotel.

DAY 3: Andasibe NP

Visit the rainforest of Andasibe to see the lemurs in their native habitat, including the wonderful and distinct indri indri. The trek with a private local guide will take about 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness level.

We will then take you to the charming private reserve of Vakoana late in afternoon. This is a highlight moment for many of our visitors as they encounter domesticated and rescue lemurs up close and personal.

Overnight at the same hotel.

DAY 4: Andasibe to Antsirabe by car

Early next morning we will head to Antsirabe, situated 170km South of Tana. On our journey we will stop at the village of Ambatolampy, which is famous for its aluminium. We will visit an aluminium foundry there, before continuing on our journey to Antsirabe.

Antsirabe, which means a place of much salt, is famous four its thermal pools which are rich in healing properties. The town attracts many locals and tourists due to its cool climate and location. Antsirabe is also the capital of rickshaws, and THB, the local beer. Be sure to enjoy the taste of a true Malagasy beer whilst here.

Overnight at Le Retrait Hotel (midrange comfort).

DAY 5: Antsirabe to Ranomafana NP

After some visit of workshops & tour with rickshaws in Antsirabe, we proceed our journey to Ranomafana NP. . We head to the beautiful and lush Ranomafana NP. The name means hot water, and relates to the natural hot water springs that you can experience here. The National Park was created in 1991 in order to protect the newly discovered, unique "Bamboo lemur.

Arrive in Ranomafana in the afternoon. Possibility of going on a night walk to spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and frogs.

Overnight at Grenat Hotel (midrange comfort)

DAY 6: Fianarantsoa to Manakara

Exploring the NP of Ranomafana. This is the best reserve for lemurs’ encounters; no fewer than 12 species are seen in the park.

This includes the most notable two species: the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. Other mammals include the Malagasy striped civet (strictly nocturnal) and Ranomafana NP is an excellent chance of seeing it, eastern ring-tailed mongoose belongs to the endemic subfamily Galidiinae.We will also see many species of birds, chameleons . Drive back to Fianarantsoa in the afternoon.

Overnight at Zomatel (midrange comfort)

DAY 7: Fianarantsoa to Ranohira

After breakfast, we continue our trip to Ranohira.

We will stop at ANJA Park, which is a sanctuary of ring- tailed lemurs and this reserve was created by the local village to protect the fauna in Madagascar. It's a perfect opportunity to come close to the lemurs, take some great photos and witness how local villages can make a positive impact on protecting the environment. After lunch we continue our trip till Ranohira by passing through the non man land plateaux of Horombe. Experience the amazing sunset at the naturel rock window of lsalo. Arrival at Ranohira by the end of the afternoon.

Overnight at: Motel de L’ lsalo or Orchidee Hotel (Midrange comfort)

DAY 8: Exploring lsalo NP

Today we will explore the natural wonders of Isalo NP which includes canyons, trekking, natural swimming pools and waterfalls. You will see 3 kinds of lemurs, such as the Ring-tailed lemur, Common Brown lemur and the Sifaka. Birds include the Madagascar Wagtail and Benson's rock thrush which is endemic in Isalo NP. There are also White throated rail, Madagascar kestrel and Madagascar coucal. The local guide will relate you the story & the beginning of the lsalo NP.

Overnight at same hotel.

DAY 9: Ranohira to Tulear

We will head directly to Tulear the capital of the South of Madagascar. This trip will take around 5 hours. We stop at the Arboretum of Antsokay to visit this private arboretum reserve. We have lunch there, then arrival in Tulear at the end of afternoon.

Overnight at: Paletuvier Hotel.

DAY 10: Tulear to Tana by plane

Transfer to the airport of Tulear following your flight schedule to fly back to Tana.

Overnight at Tana Jacaranda ( Midrange comfort).

DAY 11: Tana to Ste Marie by Plane

Transfer to the airport of Tana to fly to Ile Sainte Marie. Overnight to Hotel Libertalia.

DAY 12-15: At your leisure in Ile Sainte Marie, no guide escort.

DAY 16: Transfer to the airport of Sainte Marie to fly back to Tana. We will meet you at the Tana Airport and take you to your hotel at Tana Jacaranda.

DAY 17: Tana

We will give you the opportunity to visit the city of Tana m the capital of Madagascar . We will visit the Ambohimamga Queen`s Palace located 18 Km North of Tana, then the view point of Tana for a sunset photos. Overnight at the same hotel.

DAY 18: Home

Transfer to the international airport of Tana to fly back home. End of our services.

Tour cost includes:

  • Transfer from/to airport and hotels
  • Car + fuel during the duration of the tour
  • Experienced English speaking guide to escort you during the tour
  • Driver/guide + their food & room
  • National Parks & private reserve fees during the during the tour
  • Local guide fees during visits to National Parks & private reserves
  • City tour of Tana
  • All accommodations during the tour listed in the tour program based on mid-range comfort (excluding accommodations in Ile Sainte Marie)
  • Domestic air ticket flight (Tulear to Tana, Tana /Ile Sainte Marie / Tana)

Tour cost excludes:

  • Beverages and meals
  • International ticket flight
  • Gratuities/tips
  • Anything not listed in your tour program