Madagascar is one of the best destinations on earth for discovering exotic wildlife. We encounter endangered lemurs in the forests of Andasibe, search for rare frogs and chameleons on night walks. We also visit traditional villages to learn about local life, walk through baobab forests and relax on tropical beaches.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Antananarivo
The heart of the capital Antananarivo or ‘Tana’ is an almost medieval looking labyrinth of flagstone streets and red brick houses. The city enjoys a pleasant climate in the Malagasy highlands and the highest point at the old Queen’s palace is 1468m. The city’s name translates as the ‘City of the Thousand’, apparently on account of the 1000 warriors who protected it from invasion. This afternoon we plan a visit to a nearby crocodile farm where there is a breeding population of mature crocodiles. At the Reptile Park will be able to see a large variety of chameleon and leaf tailed geckos along with butterflies and some caged fosa. There will also be some sifaka and common brown lemurs roamly freely in the grounds.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Swimming available
2
Drive to Andasibe
This morning we will drive north of Tana to Andasibe and check into our hotel. The afternoon will be free for you to relax. This evening we will have our first nocturanl walk in Mitsinjo forest to search for mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woollly lemur, chameleons and frogs.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
AM Visit Mantadia NP; PM Optional activities
This morning we will take a drive to Mantadia National Park which is a great example of primary rain forest. Here we will take a walk in the park where we have a chance to see black and white ruffled lemur, diademe sifaka and indri indri lemurs. This afternoon there are options to visit the local village of Andasibe, the orchid garden or the private lemur reserve of Vakona Lodge where it is possible to see the lemurs at close quarters.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
AM Visit Analamazoatra reserve; PM Optional activities
This morning we will have a nature walk in the nearby Analamazoatra reserve in search of lemurs, birds, snakes and chameleons. The afternoon is free for you to choose one of the optional activities not experienced yesterday
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Drive to Antananarivo
Leaving Andasibe after breakfast we return to Antananarivo. This afternoon is free for you to relax or maybe do some sightseeing in Tana.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
6
Fly Toliara, drive to Isalo National Park (Ranohira)
This morning we will take a flight to the southern city of Toliara. From here we will take a bus north to Isalo National Park. This region is known as Madagascar's 'Grand Canyon'. Natural erosion has produced fantastic canyons and bizarre outcrops of wind-blasted sandstone. Sparse dry deciduous forest, including species of dwarf-like baobab and succulents, are found in the park. This afternoon you may like to take a stroll around the rocky area surrounding the hotel or take a dip in the pool.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
7
Explore Isalo National Park
Today we have a full day to explore this hot sandstone massif where patches of forest shelter troupes of ring-tailed lemur, sifaka and brown lemur. We take in the stunning scenery and ease the heat of the day with a dip in the oasis swimming pool, a natural oasis known as ‘Piscine Naturelle’. We may also see tombs of the Bara people.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
8
Drive to Toliara, via Zombitse
This morning we continue our journey south. The temperature rises as we lose height and head for the coast, crossing the savannah plain, dotted with herds of Zebu cattle. The south of Madagascar is largely desert, and weird cactus-like plants unique to the island smother the land and make up the vast areas of so called ‘spiny desert’. Close to Sakaraha is the Zombitse National Park where we make a visit. This gives us a chance to see the great Za baobabs. Did you know that there are 8 species of baobab in the world and 6 are only found in Madagascar. We will look out for the wide eyed sleeping Sportive Lemurs and the attractive Standings gecko. We then continue our journey to Toliara where we stay for the night.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
9
Transfer to Anakao by boat
This morning we take a motor boat from Toliara and pass through the lagoons protected by a huge barrier reef to the south of Toliara and the isolated fishing village of Anakao. We may even see pods of dolphins en route. The sacred island of Nosy Ve is a good place to visit to see nesting red-tailed tropic birds and to enjoy the clear blue sea.
Please note: due to limited space on the boat it may be necessary for you to take a smaller overnight bag to Anakao and leave your main luggage in Toliara.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
10
Free Day in Anakao
Today is left free for you to enjoy your surroundings. You may wish to take a snorkelling trip to Nosy Ve or just relax on the beach.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Swimming available
11
Fly to Tana
Today we will fly back to the capital of Tana. The timings of this will be dependent on flight schedules. Your Tour leader will advise on arrival.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
12
AM Visit the Lemur park; PM Free
Today we will visit the Lemur Park which is located approximately 25km outside Tana. Nine species of lemurs coming from different regions of Madagascar wander freely in this botanical garden covering an area of five hectares of small forest situated by the Katsoaka River. The park also contains many species of the flora of Madagascar. In the afternoon you will have chance for some last minute sightseeing or shopping in Tana before our final night of the tour.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
13
Tour ends Antananarivo
This morning our tour ends in Tana.
Included meals: Breakfast