18-Day Highlights of Madagascar

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

Arrival in Antananarivo

Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, the capital city. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax after your flight or take a short stroll in the upper town for beautiful panoramic views. Antananarivo, or “Tana,” is known for its hilly landscapes, colorful houses, and lively markets. Your overnight stay will be at your hotel, resting up for the journey ahead.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Zara Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Antananarivo to Palmarium Reserve

After breakfast, you drive eastward toward the Pangalanes Canal. You'll enjoy scenic views of highland rice fields and local villages along the way. You’ll reach Manambato, where a motorboat will take you across the calm waters to the Palmarium Reserve. This peaceful area is home to lush vegetation and a variety of lemur species. You'll settle into your lodge and enjoy the serene lakeside atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Palmarium Reserve

Best Time To Go August to November (Less rainfall)

High Season July, August and December holidays (It gets very busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Palmarium Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Palmarium Reserve

Today is dedicated to discovering the Palmarium Reserve. You'll walk through the private forest to observe friendly lemurs up close — including the famous black and white ruffed lemur. The reserve also shelters rare plant species such as carnivorous plants and orchids. You’ll visit a nearby village to meet residents and learn about their way of life. You'll spend the evening at leisure by the lake.

Main Destination:

Palmarium Reserve

Accommodation:

Palmarium Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

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

Palmarium to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park + Night Walk

After breakfast, you’ll return by boat to Manambato and continue your journey by road to Andasibe. The landscape gradually changes to dense rainforest, home to the famous Indri Indri lemur. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge surrounded by nature. In the evening, you will enjoy a guided night walk to observe nocturnal species like mouse lemurs, chameleons, and frogs. Overnight in Andasibe.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, October and November (Best weather, less rain)

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

Best Weather April, May, October and November

Wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Indri Common

Common
brown lemur Common

Other
chameleons Common

Leaf-tailed geckos Common

Diademed sifaka Occasional

Show more

Red-bellied
lemur Occasional

Grey
bamboo lemur Occasional

Mouse lemurs Occasional

Sportive lemurs Occasional

Parson's
chameleon Occasional

Painted mantella Occasional

Black-and-white
ruffed lemur Rare

Madagascar tree boa Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Andasibe Cyperus Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Analamazaotra and Mitsinjo Reserves

Early in the morning, you will visit the Analamazaotra Reserve to hear the haunting calls of the Indri echoing through the forest. Your local guide will help you spot lemurs, endemic birds, and fascinating flora. After lunch, you will explore the Mitsinjo community reserve, managed by local conservationists. It’s an inspiring example of ecotourism supporting reforestation and wildlife protection. You will return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Main Destination:

Analamazaotra National Park (Andasibe-Mantadia NP)

Accommodation:

Andasibe Cyperus Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Andasibe to Antsirabe

Today, you’ll travel southwest through the central highlands toward Antsirabe. The drive passes rice terraces, brick-making villages, and scenic hills. You'll stop in Ambatolampy to visit an aluminum workshop where locals craft traditional cooking pots. You will continue to Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and colorful rickshaws. You will stroll around the lively town center before relaxing at your hotel.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

L'anis Etoile 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 + Night Walk

You depart Antsirabe after breakfast, driving through beautiful highland scenery toward Ranomafana National Park. Along the way, you’ll see small villages and fields of rice and eucalyptus. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel near the park. In the evening, you'll take a guided night walk along the forest edge to spot nocturnal wildlife. Your overnightstay will be in Ranomafana.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, September and November (Less rain)

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

Best Weather April, May, September 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

Show more

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:

Centrest Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Ranomafana National Park

This morning, you head into the rainforest with your local guide to explore one of Madagascar’s most biodiverse parks. Ranomafana is famous for its variety of lemurs, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. You’ll also encounter many bird species and endemic plants. The cool, misty forest offers a magical atmosphere for photography. You return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Centrest Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ranomafana - Ranohira

After breakfast, you will drive south to the Anjà Community Reserve near Ambalavao. This small reserve is known for its ring-tailed lemurs and impressive granite rock formations. After a short guided hike, you will continue through the southern highlands toward Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park. You will enjoy the changing scenery, from lush forests to dry savannah landscapes. Your overnight stay will be in Ranohira.

Main Destination:

Ranohira (Town)

Accommodation:

Orchidée de l'Isalo Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Ranohira (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Isalo National Park

You will spend the day hiking through the dramatic sandstone formations of Isalo National Park. You’ll discover canyons, natural pools, and rare vegetation such as the elephant’s foot plant. With luck, you’ll see sifaka lemurs leaping between rocks. You will enjoy a picnic lunch by a natural pool where you can swim. You return to your hotel and admire the sunset over the rugged cliffs.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Best Time To Visit April to October (Cooler, sunny days)

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:

Orchidée de l'Isalo Hotel

• Mid-range hotel bordering Isalo NP without fences

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ranohira to Ifaty

You depart Ranohira and drive southwest toward the coast, passing through the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka. The landscape changes to dry spiny forest dotted with baobabs. You arrive in Ifaty, a peaceful seaside village on the Mozambique Channel. You'll relax at your beachside hotel after the long journey. You will enjoy the sea breeze and perhaps a sunset walk along the shore.

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 Morondava

After breakfast, you depart from Ifaty and begin a full-day transfer north toward Morondava via a more direct inland route. Leaving the coastal track behind, the journey follows sandy and laterite tracks through dry spiny forests, open savannah, and remote rural villages. This alternative route avoids tidal constraints and allows for steadier progress than the coastal road. Along the way, you may encounter zebu herds, traditional Sakalava settlements, and vast, untouched landscapes. The drive is long but rewarding, offering a glimpse into Madagascar’s raw and authentic interior. Your arrival in Morondava is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on conditions.

Main Destination:

Morondava (Town)

Accommodation:

Vezo Beach Hotel Morondava

• Mid-range hotel located in Morondava (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Morondava – Sunrise at Baobab Alley – Kirindy + Night Walk

You rise early to witness the sunrise at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs — one of Madagascar’s most iconic sights. After breakfast, you will continue to Kirindy Reserve, a dry deciduous forest rich in wildlife. You will explore the forest trails in search of lemurs, birds, and the elusive fossa. After dinner, you will enjoy a guided night walk to spot nocturnal animals.

Main Destination:

Kirindy Forest

Best Time To Visit October and November (Fossa mating season)

High Season July and August (Many of the trails get busy)

Best Weather May to September

Wildlife in Kirindy Forest

Fossa Common

Verreaux's sifaka Common

Malagasy
giant rat Common

Northern
bokiboky

Common

Grey
mouse lemur Common

Show more

Red-fronted
brown lemur Common

Red-tailed
sportive lemur Common

Madame Berthe's
mouse lemur Occasional

Oustalet's
chameleon Occasional

Pale
fork-marked lemur Occasional

Fat-tailed
dwarf lemur Occasional

Coquerel's giant
mouse lemur Rare

Common tenrec Rare

Madagascar
ground boa Rare

Accommodation:

Relais du Kirindy

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Kirindy Forest

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Kirindy Diurnal Visit – Bekopaka

This morning, you will continue exploring Kirindy to observe diurnal species and learn more about the ecosystem. Then, you drive north toward Bekopaka, the gateway to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The journey involves crossing rivers by local ferries, offering a true sense of adventure. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Rest and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration.

Main Destination:

Bekopaka (Town)

Accommodation:

Orchidée du Bemaraha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Bekopaka (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha

Today, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsingy de Bemaraha. You'll walk along hanging bridges and sharp limestone formations carved by centuries of erosion. The views from the top are breathtaking. Your guide will explain the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this environment. You'll return to your lodge in the afternoon for a well-earned rest.

Main Destination:

Bemaraha National Park

Best Time To Visit May to October (Best hiking weather)

High Season July and August (Some of the trails get busy)

Best Weather July and August

Wildlife in Bemaraha NP

Decken's sifaka Common

Peter's
mouse lemur Common

Western Red
Forest Rat

Common

Leaf-tailed geckos Common

Bemaraha
sportive lemur Common

Show more

Madagascar
straw-colored
fruit bat Common

Bemaraha
woolly lemur

Occasional

Rufous
brown lemur Occasional

Fat-tailed
dwarf lemur Occasional

Stump-tailed
chameleon Occasional

Ring-tailed
mongoose Rare

Madagascar
ground boa Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Aye-aye Very Rare

Accommodation:

Orchidée du Bemaraha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bemaraha NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Bekopaka to Morondava

After breakfast, you begin your return journey south to Morondava. You will enjoy once again the ferry crossings and the scenic landscapes. You'll stop for photos along the way, especially if you missed the sunset at Baobab Alley on the way up. You arrive in Morondava in the evening and check into your hotel. You will relax after this adventurous journey.

Main Destination:

Morondava (Town)

Accommodation:

Vezo Beach Hotel Morondava

• Mid-range hotel located in Morondava (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Morondava to Antananarivo

This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local craft markets for souvenirs. You will enjoy a farewell dinner in a restaurant overlooking the city.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Zara Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Departure

After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Depending on your departure time, you may have a brief city tour or time for last-minute shopping. Your driver and guide will assist you with check-in formalities. End of services — we wish you a safe journey home and unforgettable memories of Madagascar!

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.