Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. As you drive through the city, take in the beautiful landscape, including sprawling rice paddies, diverse architectural styles, and the lively scenes of daily life in Madagascar’s capital. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Dinner and overnight stay are provided at the hotel.

Day 2: Antananarivo

After breakfast, we’ll have a welcome briefing and begin our scenic journey to Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal palace of the Merina kings. Nestled in a peaceful setting with panoramic views, Ambohimanga offers insight into Madagascar’s cultural heritage and the royal history of the Merina people. After a morning tour, we’ll return to Tana for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon before dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Antananarivo to Antsirabe

Following breakfast, we head south through the picturesque highlands toward Antsirabe, known for its cool climate and thermal baths. En route, enjoy the views of traditional rice paddies, hills, and unique Malagasy architecture. Upon arrival, have lunch and embark on a pousse-pousse (rickshaw) tour to explore this charming town. Dinner and an overnight stay await at a local hotel.

Day 4: Antsirabe to Ranomafana

An early breakfast will start our long journey to the Ranomafana Rainforest. Our first stop is Ambositra, famous for its woodcarving artisans. After watching skilled craftsmen at work, we’ll continue south to the town of Ranomafana. Known for its thermal baths and now as a gateway to one of Madagascar’s best national parks, Ranomafana is a beautiful place to unwind after a long day of travel. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at your hotel.

Day 5: Ranomafana National Park

Today’s adventure leads us into the Ranomafana National Park, part of the UNESCO Rainforests of the Atsinanana, famous for its lush rainforest, waterfalls, and biodiversity. With an elevation between 2,600-3,900 feet, the park offers sightings of lemurs, including the rare golden bamboo lemur unique to this area. Enjoy a guided hike through the rich flora and fauna, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa

Today, a quick drive south brings us to Fianarantsoa, a town known for its educational and cultural significance. Located in a mountainous region, Fianarantsoa offers striking views and traditional Malagasy architecture. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the city, followed by free time to unwind before dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Fianarantsoa to Ranohira

After breakfast, we set off for a scenic drive toward Isalo National Park. En route, we’ll visit Anja Park for a short hike to see ring-tailed lemurs and enjoy a picnic lunch. The drive then continues as we leave the highlands and enter a desert-like landscape in the southwest, home to the stunning Isalo Massif. Dinner and an overnight stay await at a hotel near the park.

Day 8: Isalo National Park

We’ll spend today exploring Isalo National Park, a region known for its dramatic sandstone formations and semi-desert flora. Guided hikes reveal the fascinating “elephant’s feet” (pachypodiums) and hoodoo rock formations. We’ll have a picnic lunch at a scenic natural pool within the park. After a full day of exploring, we return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9: Ranohira to Toliara

After breakfast, we drive westward to Toliara, stopping en route at Zombitse National Park to see baobabs, orchids, and endemic birds like the Appert’s tetraka. Arriving in Toliara, we’ll visit the Arboretum Antsokay to explore the rare spiny forests. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore local shops or relax before dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10: Toliara to Fort Dauphin and Nahampoina

An early morning flight takes us to Fort Dauphin on the southeast coast, known for its beautiful beaches and mountain backdrop. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Fort Flacourt Museum, with historical displays and views over Libanona Beach. After lunch, we’ll continue to Nahampoana Reserve to observe lemurs, chameleons, and tortoises. Dinner and an overnight stay will be provided at the hotel.

Day 11: Fort Dauphin to Berenty

After breakfast, we drive toward Berenty Reserve, stopping to see unique native plants such as didieraceae (spiny succulents), baobabs, and sacred banyan trees. Berenty is one of Madagascar’s most famous reserves, and its tamarind forests are home to ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. Later, we’ll embark on a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Berenty to Fort Dauphin

In the morning, we continue exploring Berenty Reserve, one of the country’s best birdwatching sites, where 83 bird species and 26 reptiles reside. After lunch, we’ll drive back to Fort Dauphin, where you’ll have time to relax or explore before dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13: Fort Dauphin to Antananarivo

We fly back to Antananarivo, where we’ll have lunch before visiting the Queen’s Palace, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, you’ll have some leisure time to explore Antananarivo. Dinner and an overnight stay await at your hotel.

Day 14: Antananarivo to Andasibe

Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve in Andasibe, home to an array of endemic species. A guided nature walk through this lush reserve will reveal the area’s incredible biodiversity. Afterward, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Analamazaotra Reserve

We rise early for a guided hike to observe the Indri Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur species, and hear their haunting calls echo through the forest. The reserve is also home to grey bamboo lemurs, diademed sifakas, chameleons, and various amphibians. After a picnic lunch, visit Lemur Island for an up-close experience with these captivating primates. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 16: Andasibe to Antananarivo

After a relaxed morning, we’ll return to Antananarivo, where you’ll have free time for last-minute shopping or exploring the city. This day also includes a farewell event to mark the end of your Madagascar adventure. Lunch and dinner are flexible, with plenty of recommendations for local restaurants.