13-Day Immersive Journey in Madagascar's Highlands - Sea

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon arrival in Madagascar’s capital, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, a short city tour may be possible, allowing you to discover Antananarivo’s bustling streets, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Your guide will also provide a detailed briefing about the journey ahead, answering questions and preparing you for the adventure. This first day is about acclimating to the Malagasy atmosphere and recovering from your international flight. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner before resting at your hotel.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Le Fred Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Antananarivo to Antsirabe

After breakfast, depart along the RN7 road toward Antsirabe, a town known for its cool climate and colonial heritage. The drive offers spectacular scenery, with terraced rice paddies, rolling highland hills, and roadside villages full of activity. Stops will be made at craft workshops and small markets, where you can interact with artisans and taste local produce. On arrival in Antsirabe, take time to explore the lively streets, thermal springs, and handicraft shops that showcase gemstone carving and zebu horn art. The relaxed atmosphere makes for a gentle introduction to the central highlands.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Le Royal Palace Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Antsirabe to Ranomafana

Continue southward toward Ranomafana National Park, with several scenic stops along the way. The journey passes through highland plateaus and fertile valleys, providing excellent opportunities for photography. A stop for lunch on the way allows you to enjoy local Malagasy cuisine. Upon reaching Ranomafana, check into your lodge nestled on the edge of the rainforest. Your guide will brief you on the next day’s activities and the incredible biodiversity of the park. Evening at leisure with optional night walk.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, September, October and November (Mild weather, fewer rainy days)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather April, May, September, October and November

Wildlife in Ranomafana NP

Golden
Bamboo Lemur Common

Red-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Red-bellied
Lemur Common

Greater
Bamboo Lemur Common

Grey
Bamboo Lemur Common

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Giraffe-necked
Weevil Common

Parson’s
Chameleon Common

Milne-Edwards’s
Sifaka Occasional

Rufous
Mouse Lemur Occasional

Satanic
Leaf-tailed Gecko Occasional

Painted
Mantella Occasional

Spotted
Fanaloka Rare

Ring-tailed
Mongoose Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Exploring Ranomafana National Park

Spend the entire day immersed in the lush rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most celebrated biodiversity hotspots. Guided walks along forest trails will bring you close to multiple species of lemurs, including golden bamboo lemurs, as well as colorful chameleons and endemic birdlife. Your naturalist guide will explain the importance of conservation projects and the park’s role in protecting Madagascar’s unique ecosystems. The hike is both educational and inspiring, revealing the deep connection between wildlife and local communities. In the afternoon, you may relax at your lodge or enjoy the thermal baths nearby.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Ranomafana to Ranohira via Anjà Reserve

After breakfast, depart Ranomafana and head southwest toward Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park. On the way, stop at Anjà Community Reserve, where you can walk among granite boulders and observe ring-tailed lemurs in their natural habitat. Local guides will share stories of community-led conservation efforts that protect the reserve’s fragile ecosystem. The dramatic landscapes offer beautiful photo opportunities, making this a memorable stop. Continue driving through changing scenery, from green highlands to semi-arid plateaus. Arrive in Ranohira by evening and settle into your lodge.

Main Destination:

Ranohira (Town)

Accommodation:

Satrana Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Isalo NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Visit of Isalo National Park

Dedicate the entire day to exploring Isalo National Park, known for its striking sandstone formations, deep canyons, and hidden oases. Begin your hike with panoramic views, followed by descents into narrow gorges where endemic plants thrive. Refreshing natural swimming pools provide the perfect place for a picnic and a swim. Wildlife sightings may include sifakas, rock agamas, and numerous bird species. The ever-changing landscape, from desert-like plateaus to lush valleys, makes Isalo a highlight of the journey. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Best Time To Visit April to October (Best hiking conditions)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather June to August

Wildlife in Isalo NP

Ring-tailed
Lemur Common

Western
Plated Lizard Common

Verreaux's Sifaka Occasional

Red-fronted
Brown Lemur Occasional

Oustalet's
Chameleon Occasional

Show more

Jewel Chameleon Occasional

Stump-tailed
Chameleon Occasional

Merrem's
Madagascar Swift Occasional

Grey
Mouse Lemur Rare

Red-tailed
Sportive Lemur Rare

Painted
Burrowing Frog Rare

Blue-legged
Mantella Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Madagascar
Tree Boa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Satrana Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Isalo NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Ranohira to Ifaty

This morning, depart Ranohira and journey southwest toward the coastal town of Ifaty. The drive takes you through semi-arid landscapes dotted with baobab trees and small villages. Along the way, you will notice the change in vegetation as you approach the spiny forests unique to this region. On arrival in Ifaty, check into your beachfront lodge and enjoy a first stroll along the sandy shores. The turquoise waters and relaxed seaside atmosphere provide a stark contrast to the rugged interior. Evening free to enjoy a peaceful sunset by the ocean.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

La Bella Donna Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Ifaty (Town & Beach)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Ifaty to Anakao

After breakfast, take a boat trip along the coast to reach Anakao, a charming fishing village south of Tuléar. The boat ride itself is an adventure, offering views of the coastline and opportunities to spot marine life. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge by the beach and take time to soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Optional activities in the afternoon include snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing by the sea. The village’s Vezo fishermen add to the cultural charm, giving insight into traditional coastal life.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Lalandaka Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Anakao (Town & Beach)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Anakao

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Anakao, perfect for relaxation or optional excursions. You may choose to explore nearby islands such as Nosy Ve, known for its birdlife and pristine beaches. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. For those interested in culture, observing Vezo fishing practices offers a fascinating experience. Whether active or restful, the day is yours to enjoy the beauty of Madagascar’s southwest coast.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Lalandaka Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Anakao (Town & Beach)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Beach leisure in Anakao

Spend another free day in Anakao, allowing you to fully embrace the coastal paradise. Perhaps dedicate the morning to a boat excursion or diving, followed by an afternoon of rest on the beach. The area’s sunsets are particularly breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Alternatively, you may simply wander through the village, interacting with locals and enjoying fresh seafood. This unhurried pace provides a welcome break in the itinerary.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Lalandaka Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Anakao (Town & Beach)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Anakao to Tuléar

After breakfast, take a boat transfer back to Tuléar, the main coastal city in the southwest. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Tuléar’s markets, seaside cafés, and lively streets. The city reflects a unique blend of Malagasy and coastal cultures. Relax at your hotel or enjoy a short excursion in the surrounding spiny forests. The transition from the quiet beaches of Anakao to the bustling port town adds variety to the journey.

Main Destination:

Toliara (City)

Accommodation:

Bakuba

• Mid-range lodge located near Toliara (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Flight back to Antananarivo

Transfer to Tuléar airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your schedule, you may take a short city tour or enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Antananarivo’s artisan markets are ideal for finding Malagasy crafts such as wood carvings and raffia products. The evening is free to relax at your hotel and prepare for departure.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Le Fred Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Departure from Antananarivo

After breakfast, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your international departure flight. Your guide will assist with check-in procedures and bid you farewell. If time allows, you may stop for last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoy a coffee before heading to the airport. This marks the end of your Madagascar adventure, filled with wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes, and cultural insights.

Main Destination:

Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.