12-Day Highlights of Madagascar - Roadtrip

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

International Arrival in Antananarivo

Your Malagasy adventure begins today!

Upon landing at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be greeted with a warm
Meet-and-Greet by your local representative, who will then smoothly transfer you to your hotel.
Settle into your room and take some time to refresh after your journey.
Dinner and overnight at La Varangue Boutique Hotel.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue

• Budget hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Antananarivo - Antsirabe

After breakfast, you will head to Antsirabe (170 km, around 5 hours), stopping at the village of
Ambatolampy to see the traditional Malagasy craft of aluminum pot-making.

Visitors can witness the entire transformation of recycled metal—often salvaged from
car engine parts or hubcaps—into polished cookware.

Following the visit, you will continue to Antsirabe and enjoy a brief city tour of the town.

Antsirabe is Madagascar’s third-largest city and the heart of the Central Highlands.
Founded in 1869 by Norwegian missionaries, the city became a refined retreat under
French rule due to its thermal springs.

Stops may include Marché Sabotsy, the city’s main market, and the gemstone stalls
opposite Le Trianon Hotel, showcasing locally sourced stones.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tritriva Crater’s Lake.
A visit to Lac Tritriva (Tritrivakely) offers a journey into the heart of Highland mysticism.

Dinner and overnight at Plumerie Hotel.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Plumeria Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Antsirabe - Ranomafana via Ambositra

After breakfast, you will drive to Ranomafana with a stop at Ambositra, renowned as the center of Madagascar's wood-carving industry.

Known as the "Place of Many Zebus", Ambositra is the undisputed capital of Malagasy craftsmanship. Workshops produce carved sculptures, coffers, armchairs, statuettes, rosewood boxes, finely inlaid marquetry pieces, as well as raffia baskets and polished stones. Most artisans work and sell directly from workshops clustered around the western side of the town’s central ring road.

You will continue driving to Ranomafana.
In the evening, you will take part in a guided night walk outside Ranomafana National Park, offering the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Nocturnal Fauna:
Lemurs & Mammals, Chameleons and more.

Dinner and overnight at Thermal Hotel.

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

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:

Hotel Thermal Ranomafana

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana, meaning “warm water”, is a 43,550-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site and a crown jewel of Madagascar’s eastern escarpment.

Botanical Highlights & Flora: The forest is home to 938 plant species, including 705 endemics.

Wildlife Highlights:
● Lemurs (12–14 species): The park’s superstars are the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus).
● Avifauna: Over 115 species are recorded, including the pitta-like ground-roller (Atelornis pittoides).
● Reptiles & Amphibians: A hotspot for herpetology with over 100 frog species, chameleons and geckos.

In the afternoon, you may choose between optional visits or relaxing at your hotel.

Option 1: Canoe trip - Canoe trip on the Namorona River offers a unique perspective of the Ranomafana
rainforest.

Option 2: Visit to a vanilla farm - offering a deep insight into how local farmers are transitioning from traditional subsistence methods to sustainable, forest-friendly livelihoods.

Dinner and overnight at Thermal Hotel.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Hotel Thermal Ranomafana

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ranomafana - Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa

After breakfast, you will drive to Ambalavao, with occasional stops along the way.
Your first stop will be in Fianarantsoa, where you will visit the Upper City.

Founded in 1830 by Queen Ranavalona I to serve as the "southern twin" of Antananarivo, the Haute-Ville (Tanana Ambony) is the cultural and spiritual heart of the Betsileo capital.

Following the visit, you will drive further south to Ambalavao to explore local art, handicrafts,
and traditional know-how.

Visit the Antemoro Paper Factory to discover the traditional art of handmade paper.
The paper’s name refers to the Antemoro (Antaimoro) people of the southeastern coast. Descendants of Arab or Swahili settlers from the 15th century, they were the first to bring literacy to Madagascar.

You will then visit Soa Landy, known for its traditional silk production.
A visit to Soalandy ("Beautiful Silkworm") provides a rare look at the production of
Madagascar's prized wild silk.

Dinner and overnight at Betsileo Country Lodge.

Main Destination:

Ambalavao (City)

Accommodation:

Betsileo Country Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located near Ambalavao (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ambalavao - Ranohira

After breakfast, you will visit Anja Community Reserve, a community-run reserve known for its ring-tailed lemurs and scenic granite landscapes.

Located 11km south of Ambalavao on the RN7, Anja Community Reserve is one of Madagascar's most celebrated success stories.

The Iconic Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta):
Anja is world-famous for its highly habituated population of ring-tailed lemurs.
Since the reserve was established in 1999, the population has thrived, growing from 150 to over 400 individuals.

The Trails:
● Wildlife Walk (1–2 hours): focusing on lemur photography and birdwatching.
● The Summit Trek: For active travelers, a more strenuous scramble leads to the
top of the granite domes (1,300m altitude) for panoramic views of the highland
plains.

Following the visit, you will head to Ranohira.
In the evening, you will enjoy a sunset at Isalo Window.
The Isalo Window is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in
Madagascar.

Dinner and overnight at Jardin du Roy.

Main Destination:

Ranohira (Town)

Accommodation:

Le Jardin du Roy

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Isalo National Park

After breakfast, you will set out for a full day exploration of Isalo National Park.

Often called the "Grand Canyon of Madagascar," Isalo National Park is a breathtaking 810-square-kilometre sandstone massif that dates back to the Jurassic era.

Activities & Hiking:
● Natural Pools: The most iconic hike leads to the Piscine Naturelle, a crystal-clear green pool fed by a waterfall and shaded by tropical palms—a true oasis in the desert.
● Canyons & Gorges: Explore the Canyon des Makis and Canyon des Singes, where the vertical walls provide sanctuary for lemurs.
● Adventure: Beyond hiking, the park offers via ferrata (climbing routes), equestrian trails, and 4WD circuits through the Malaso area.
● Grand Tour: For serious trekkers, a 6–7 day circuit covers 80km, including a visit to the historic Portuguese Grotto.

Wildlife & Flora: Lemurs, Endemic Fauna, Specialized Flora

Sundowner, dinner and overnight at Jardin du Roy.

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:

Le Jardin du Roy

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ranohira - Ifaty

After breakfast, you will drive to Toliara, passing through the scenic landscapes of southern Madagascar.
The day’s highlight includes a visit to the Antsokay Arboretum, home to a collection of rare succulents and medicinal plants.

Located 12km southeast of Toliara (Tuléar) near the terminus of the RN7, the Arboretum d’Antsokay is the premier botanical destination in southwest Madagascar.

Established in 1980 by Swiss botanist Hermann Petignat, this 40-hectare reserve serves as a "distillation" of the region's bizarre and beautiful spiny forest flora, concentrating 900 plant species—90% of which are medicinal or endemic—in one accessible location. The collection features a lifetime of botanical collecting, including the "Napoleon’s Hat" (Kalanchoe beharensis), the Elephant’s Trunk Tree (Operculicarya pachypus), and the armored Pachypodium lamerei.

Following the visit, you will head to Ifaty.
Dinner and overnight at Le Paradisier.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Le Paradisier

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ifaty

Day at leisure on a half-board basis at Le Paradisier. You are free to explore at your own pace.

Here are some of the activities available during your stay (not included in the price)
● Whale Watching: Take a seasonal boat trip between July and September to observe humpback whales migrating through the Mozambique Channel.
● Reniala Reserve: Guided Visit Walk through this 60-hectare reserve to see a high concentration of ancient fony baobabs, "octopus trees," and specialized desert flora.
● Turtle Village: Visit this conservation sanctuary to observe over 1,000 endangered radiated and spider tortoises and see their hatchling nursery.
● Quad-Biking or Motorcycling: Hire a quad or motorbike to independently explore the sandy coastal roads and the unique spiny forest interior.
● Mosa Park: Guided walks through small private reserves offer chances to spot specialized wildlife, including the nocturnal grey-brown mouse lemur and various chameleons.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Le Paradisier

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ifaty

Day at leisure on a half-board basis at Le Paradisier. You are free to explore at your own pace.

Here are some of the activities available during your stay (not included in the price)
● Whale Watching: Take a seasonal boat trip between July and September to observe humpback whales migrating through the Mozambique Channel.
● Reniala Reserve: Guided Visit Walk through this 60-hectare reserve to see a high concentration of ancient fony baobabs, "octopus trees," and specialized desert flora.
● Turtle Village: Visit this conservation sanctuary to observe over 1,000 endangered radiated and spider tortoises and see their hatchling nursery.
● Quad-Biking or Motorcycling: Hire a quad or motorbike to independently explore the sandy coastal roads and the unique spiny forest interior.
● Mosa Park: Guided walks through small private reserves offer chances to spot specialized wildlife, including the nocturnal grey-brown mouse lemur and various chameleons.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Le Paradisier

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ifaty - Toliara - Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Toliara Airport for your domestic flight to Antananarivo.

Your driver and guide will meet you upon arrival in Antananarivo to take you straight to Lemurs’ Park.

In the afternoon, you will head to Lemurs’ Park for an up-close encounter with Madagascar’s iconic lemurs.
Lemurs’ Park is a private reserve that serves as a sanctuary for nine species of free-roaming lemurs. Set within 5 hectares of bamboo groves and botanical gardens along the Katsaoka River, it offers the most accessible wildlife experience for travelers arriving in or departing from the capital.

Free-Roaming Primates: The park is home to approximately 50 lemurs that roam freely. They are highly habituated to humans, allowing for guaranteed, up-close photography.

Key Species: * The "Dancing" Sifaka: Observe the elegant Coquerel’s sifaka, famous for its sideways leaping "dance."

Dinner and overnight at La Varangue Boutique Hotel.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Boutique Hôtel La Varangue

• Budget hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

International Departure from Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will visit the upper city of Antananarivo.

Perched at an altitude of 1,400m, the Haute-Ville (Upper City) is the soul of Antananarivo. It occupies the narrow, steep ridges where the Merina royalty first established their seat of power. Walking these cobblestone streets offers a journey through French colonial architecture and traditional two-story brick houses, all while overlooking the sprawling "City of a Thousand" below.

Rova Antananarivo (The Queen’s Palace):

The Crown of Tana
Architectural Evolution: Originally a wooden structure built for Queen Ranavalona
Sacred Grounds: - Cultural Tip: It is strictly fady to point your finger directly at the royal tombs or the palace; use a tucked-in knuckle if you must gesture.
Panoramic Vistas: The Rova offers the best 360-degree views

Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar:
A Visual Archive & Immersive Exhibits

Following the visit, you will be transferred to Ivato Airport for your international flight.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

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