Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, the charming capital of Madagascar, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transported to your hotel. Known for its vibrant markets, historic sandstone churches, and royal residences, Antananarivo is a city with a unique charm. Dinner and an overnight stay will be arranged at your hotel.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe (130 km)

After breakfast, a wildlife specialist driver will pick you up for the journey to Vakona Lodge in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, located about 3.5 hours to the east. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Peyreiras Reptile Farm to see native reptiles such as chameleons, lizards, geckos, and frogs. After arriving at Andasibe in the late morning, you’ll have lunch at your discretion. Dinner and overnight stay will be provided at the lodge.

Day 3: Andasibe (Visit Mantadia & Vakona)

Begin the day exploring the Mantadia National Park, a pristine rainforest known for its Diademed sifakas, Black-and-white ruffed lemurs, insectivorous tenrecs, and ground rollers. Consider bringing a packed lunch to enjoy by a scenic waterfall. In the afternoon, you can visit Lemur Island, where you’ll get up close with lemurs in their natural habitat. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 4: Analamazaotra to Antananarivo

After breakfast, a morning visit to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve awaits. This reserve is famous for its lemurs, especially the indri, as well as orchids and other native plants. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Antananarivo for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Antananarivo to Morondava to Kirindy

Following breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for a flight to Morondava on the west coast. Morondava, once the center of the Sakalava Kingdom, is renowned for its intricately carved wooden tombs. Upon arrival, you’ll travel to the Kirindy Reserve, 50 km northeast of Morondava. Known for sightings of the elusive fossa, the reserve is also home to species such as the giant jumping rat and Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur. Enjoy an evening guided walk to see nocturnal lemurs and reptiles. Dinner and an overnight stay are arranged at the hotel.

Day 6: Kirindy to Bekopaka

After a morning in the reserve, you’ll take a ferry to the village of Belo sur Tsiribihina for lunch before continuing north to Bekopaka, passing scenic rice fields and villages along the way. Dinner and an overnight stay will be provided at the hotel.

Day 7: Tsingy of Bemaraha

Today, after breakfast, you’ll explore the Bemaraha National Park. With the help of a local guide, choose from a range of hiking trails in the Grand Tsingy, a limestone labyrinth of pinnacles and peaks. The park is home to unique flora like baobabs, orchids, and native Malagasy plants, and fauna including the stump-tailed chameleon and several lemur species. A picnic lunch will be arranged by the guide, followed by a visit to the Small Tsingy. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at the hotel.

Day 8: Bekopaka to Morondava

After breakfast, you’ll return to Morondava, stopping along the way at the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. These towering “Adansonia Grandidieri” baobabs make for a breathtaking view, especially at sunset. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel in Morondava.

Day 9: Morondava to Antananarivo

Following an early breakfast, set off for a long drive to Antsirabe. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Menabe region, known for its red hills and picturesque vistas. You’ll have a picnic lunch en route and make stops for photos and breaks. Upon reaching Antsirabe, explore the city known for its beer production, artisanal crafts, and a European feel due to its origins as a spa town established by Norwegian missionaries. Afterward, continue to Antananarivo, where dinner and an overnight stay await.

Day 10: Antananarivo to Ankarafantsika

Departing along the RN4 highway, you’ll journey to the northwest, passing the gold-rich town of Maevatanana, where you might see local gold panners. You’ll cross the Betsiboka River via one of the country’s largest bridges, offering views of cascading waterfalls. Dinner and an overnight stay will be provided at a hotel in the area.

Day 11: Ankarafantsika National Park

Spend the day exploring the dry forests of Ankarafantsika National Park. This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including 70 reptile species, eight types of lemurs (such as Coquerel’s sifaka), and a plethora of bird species. An evening walk offers the chance to observe nocturnal lemurs. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the hotel.

Day 12: Ankarafantsika to Majunga

After a morning forest walk in Ankarafantsika, you’ll head to Mahajanga (Majunga), a city known for its coastal atmosphere and laid-back charm. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at a comfortable hotel.

Day 13: Majunga to Antsanitia

From Majunga, you’ll drive to Antsanitia Beach, a beautiful location situated on the Morira River and known for stunning sunset views. The afternoon is free for you to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Days 14-15: Antsanitia

Spend two days at leisure on Antsanitia Beach, where you can partake in activities like canoeing along the Morira River to explore mangroves, learning about medicinal plants, or fishing. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy seafood dinners each night, with accommodations provided at the hotel.

Day 16: Antsanitia to Antananarivo

After breakfast, those opting to drive will begin the 9-hour journey back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, a guided walking tour of the old city will allow you to explore the Rova palace complex and learn about Madagascar’s royal history while enjoying panoramic city views. A farewell dinner will be served in the evening, followed by transportation to the airport for your departure flight.