18-Day Grand Wildlife Discovery Tour of Madagascar

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

Arrival in Antananarivo

Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel after your long journey or take a short introductory visit around the capital. Antananarivo, often simply called “Tana,” is a lively city built on a series of hills and offers interesting historical architecture and panoramic viewpoints.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Au Bois Vert Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Antananarivo-Kirindy Reserve

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Morondava, a coastal town on Madagascar’s west coast.
Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and you will begin the journey north to Kirindy Forest Reserve, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours (about 60 km) on sandy tracks.
Kirindy is one of Madagascar’s most fascinating dry forests and is famous for its unique wildlife. It is the best place on the island to see the Fossa, Madagascar’s largest predator, as well as several species of lemurs such as Verreaux’s sifaka and red-fronted brown lemurs.
In the late afternoon, you will explore the reserve with a local guide to discover its remarkable flora and fauna.
After dinner, you will return to the forest for a night walk, an exciting opportunity to observe nocturnal species such as mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs, chameleons, and giant jumping rats...

Main Destination:

Kirindy Forest

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

High Season July, August and December holidays (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 & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Kirindy-Bekopaka

Early in the morning, there is another chance to explore the forest and observe wildlife while it is most active.
After breakfast, you will depart for Bekopaka, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours including the crossing of two rivers by ferry.
Along the way you will travel through traditional Sakalava villages and spectacular landscapes typical of Madagascar’s western region.
Before arriving in Bekopaka, you will also stop at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes, where giant baobab trees line the dusty road creating a spectacular scene.
Arrival in Bekopaka in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:

Bekopaka (Town)

Accommodation:

Le Soleil des Tsingy

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Bemaraha NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

During your two days in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will explore both the Small Tsingy and the spectacular Grand Tsingy formations. The visit begins with the Small Tsingy, an accessible introduction to this extraordinary limestone landscape where sharp pinnacles rise from the ground, forming a maze of narrow passages, caves, and viewpoints. Along the trails, your guide will help you search for wildlife such as Decken’s sifaka, leaf-tailed geckos, and several endemic birds.

The following day is dedicated to the Grand Tsingy, the most impressive part of the park. This adventurous hike involves suspension bridges, ladders, and narrow pathways between towering limestone spires, offering breathtaking views over the dramatic “stone forest.” Hikes usually last 4–6 hours, and each afternoon you return to your lodge in Bekopaka to relax.

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:

Le Soleil des Tsingy

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Bemaraha NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bekopaka-Morondava

After breakfast, you will begin the return journey to Morondava, again crossing the rivers by ferry.
The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.
You will pass once again by the Avenue of the Baobabs, where you may stop to photograph these ancient trees in the soft afternoon light.

Main Destination:

Allée Des Baobabs (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Palissandre Antananarivo Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Morondava-Andasibe

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival, you will immediately continue east towards Andasibe National Park, located about 4 hours (140 km) from the capital.
The journey takes you through the green highlands and scenic landscapes of eastern Madagascar.
In the evening, you will participate in a guided night walk along the roadside forest to search for nocturnal species such as mouse lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and insects.

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:

Relais de Mantadia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Andasibe National Park

During your two days in the Andasibe region, you will explore both Andasibe–Mantadia National Park and the nearby Maromizaha Community Reserve, two of Madagascar’s richest rainforest ecosystems. In Andasibe, you will walk through lush forest in search of the Indri, the largest living lemur, famous for its haunting calls echoing through the canopy. The park is also home to diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, chameleons, orchids, and many endemic birds. In the afternoon, you may visit Vakona Private Reserve, where lemurs can be observed at close range. The following day is dedicated to Maromizaha Reserve, a remarkable biodiversity hotspot known for its high concentration of lemur species, including Indri, diademed sifaka, and bamboo lemurs, as well as numerous reptiles and birds. The peaceful forest trails provide an immersive wildlife experience. Overnight in Andasibe.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Accommodation:

Relais de Mantadia

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Andasibe-Tana-Toliara

After breakfast, you will drive back to Antananarivo (approximately 4 hours drive and an hour and half flight).
Upon arrival, you will take a domestic flight to Toliara, located in the southwest of Madagascar.
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight in Toliara.

Main Destination:

Toliara (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Moringa Tulear

• Mid-range hotel located in Toliara (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Toliara-Isalo

After breakfast, you will begin the drive inland to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular landscapes.
The journey takes approximately 4 hours (240 km) and passes through the fascinating Mahafaly Plateau, known for its traditional tombs and unique scenery.
Arrival in Isalo in the afternoon.
Overnight near Isalo National Park.

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:

Isalo Rock Lodge

• Mid-range lodge bordering Isalo NP without fences

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Isalo National Park

Today you will explore Isalo National Park, famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural swimming pools.
Your hike will take you through breathtaking landscapes including palm-lined oases and hidden waterfalls.
During the walk, you may encounter ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas, often seen resting on the cliffs.
After the hike, you can swim in the natural pools surrounded by lush vegetation.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Accommodation:

Isalo Rock Lodge

• Mid-range lodge bordering Isalo NP without fences

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Isalo-Anja Park

After breakfast, you will continue your journey south towards Anja Community Reserve.
The drive takes approximately 4 hours through spectacular highland scenery.
Anja Reserve is a successful community conservation project and is one of the best places in Madagascar to observe ring-tailed lemurs in their natural environment.
After a guided visit, continue to your hotel.

Main Destination:

Anja Community Reserve

Best Time To Go March to November (Less rain)

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

Best Weather

Accommodation:

The Anja Reserve Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Anja Reserve

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Anja-Ranomafana National Park

Today you will drive north to Ranomafana National Park, a journey of approximately 5 to 6 hours through lush landscapes and traditional villages.
Ranomafana is one of Madagascar’s most important rainforests and is home to twelve species of lemurs, including the rare golden bamboo lemur, discovered here in 1986.
Overnight near Ranomafana.

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:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ranomfana National Park

These two days are dedicated to exploring the rich rainforest of Ranomafana.
Guided hikes along forest trails will allow you to search for many wildlife species including red-bellied lemurs, Milne-Edwards sifakas, bamboo lemurs, and numerous reptiles and birds.
Night walks can also be organized to observe nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight near Ranomafana.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ranomafana-Antsirabe

After breakfast, you will drive to Antsirabe, a charming highland town known for its colonial architecture and thermal springs.
The journey takes approximately 7 hours.
Along the way, you will pass through scenic rice terraces and traditional villages.
Overnight in Antsirabe.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Couleur Cafe

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antsirabe-Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will return to Antananarivo, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours.
Depending on your international flight schedule, you may visit local markets or craft shops before transferring to the airport.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Madagascar adventure.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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