Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon arriving in Antananarivo, you’ll be met at the airport for a transfer to the designated group hotel, where you’ll spend the night. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Please share your flight details with us. If you arrive before Day 1, you’ll need to arrange transportation to the hotel, although we can assist with private transfers for an additional fee.

Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe (130 km)

After a leisurely breakfast, your wildlife specialist driver will be ready to guide you on a scenic drive of about 3.5 hours along well-maintained roads to Vakona Lodge in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. En route, stop at the Peyreiras Reptile Farm, home to native chameleons, lizards, geckos, and frogs. You’ll arrive in Andasibe in the late morning, with time to settle in, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Andasibe – Visit Mantadia & Vakona

Today, explore the pristine rainforest of Mantadia National Park, where you may encounter the Diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, insectivorous tenrecs, and the unique ground rollers. You may want to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by a beautiful waterfall in the park. In the afternoon, visit Lemur Island for a close-up experience with these friendly creatures. You’ll arrange lunch on your own, with dinner and an overnight stay back at the hotel.

Day 4: Analamazaotra

Following breakfast, set out on a morning visit to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve, known for its diverse lemur population, especially the iconic indri. The reserve also hosts an array of indigenous plants and orchids. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch, with the afternoon free for leisure activities at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay are included.

Day 5: Andasibe to Antsirabe

After breakfast, depart for Antsirabe, journeying through the highlands of Madagascar. The drive offers scenic views of rice fields and traditional Malagasy architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy a late lunch and explore the quaint town of Antsirabe, situated at 4,900 ft (1,493 m), using pousse-pousse (rickshaw) transport. The afternoon is at leisure, with dinner and an overnight stay provided at the hotel.

Day 6: Antsirabe to Ranomafana

After an early breakfast, embark on a long drive toward the Ranomafana Rainforest. Along the way, stop in Ambositra, known for the skilled craftsmanship of local woodcarvers. Later, continue south to the charming town of Ranomafana, historically renowned as a thermal spa center, though now celebrated for its national park. Dinner and overnight accommodations are included at the hotel.

Day 7: Ranomafana National Park

The beautiful Ranomafana National Park, ranging from 2,600 to 3,900 ft (793-1,189 m), is a hilly rainforest nourished by many small streams feeding the Namorona River. Here, you’ll find 29 mammal species, including 12 types of lemurs, such as red-bellied lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, and Milne-Edwards sifakas. With some luck, you may even see the rare golden bamboo lemur, unique to this park. The flora includes orchids, tree ferns, palms, mosses, flowering plants, and giant bamboo. Ranomafana is part of the UNESCO-listed Atsinanana rainforests. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa

Today, take a short trip south to Fianarantsoa, often considered Madagascar’s cultural and academic hub. Dominated by the striking Mount Kianjasoa at 4,500 feet (1,372 m), this city offers a rich blend of history and culture. Enjoy a guided city tour in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Fianarantsoa to Ranohira

After breakfast, set off early for a day of travel toward Isalo National Park. Along the way, stop at Anja Park, known for its scenic landscapes and opportunities to spot ring-tailed lemurs. After a picnic lunch, continue south from the lush highlands to the arid regions of the southwest. Here, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Isalo Massif, known for its rugged beauty. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Isalo National Park

Spend the day exploring Isalo National Park, a Jurassic sandstone wonderland with flat plains, towering ridges, and striking palm-lined valleys. Natural forces have sculpted the landscape into whimsical formations, some resembling human faces. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, as the park is a place of spiritual significance. The day includes hikes, wildlife encounters, and a scenic picnic by a natural pool. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Ranohira to Toliara to Ifaty

After breakfast, journey to Toliara, passing through arid landscapes that appear almost desert-like. Before reaching the city, stop at the Arboretum d’Antsokay, a botanical garden showcasing native plants of southern Madagascar. After this visit, continue to Ifaty, a coastal fishing village, where you’ll pass through dry, sandy landscapes with local people gathering water. On the coast, observe Vezo fishermen returning from their day’s catch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Days 12–14: Ifaty

Relax on the beach at Ifaty, where you can partake in water sports like diving, snorkeling, and whale-watching (July–September). Bird watchers will find many species to observe in this area. Various optional excursions are available and can be arranged through the hotel at additional cost. Dinner and overnight accommodations are included each night.

Day 15: Ifaty to Toliara to Antananarivo & Departure

After an early breakfast, transfer to Toliara Airport for a return flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour of the historic parts of the city, including the Rova palace complex, offering panoramic views. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner before your airport transfer, where you’ll begin your journey home.