12-Day Beautiful Highland 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, you'll be warmly welcomed by our team, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax and explore at your own pace, enjoying the vibrant surroundings of Antananarivo.

Overnight stay with Half Board at Grand Hotel Urban or similar, offering a comfortable and relaxing environment to rest after your journey.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel Urban

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Antananarivo - Andasibe

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Andasibe. Upon arriving in Marozevo, visit the small reserve of "Madagascar Exotic" or "Peyrieras" for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a preview of chameleons, crocodiles, snakes, butterflies, bats, and your first contact with the cute lemurs.

Continue to Andasibe, arriving at lunchtime. Afterward, visit the Vakona Reserve for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Vakona features various species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as several endemic plants, especially an islet dedicated to lemurs.

Accommodation with half board at the Vakona Lodge or similar.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Vakona Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Andasibe-Mantadia NP

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Andasibe National Park- Antananarivo

Early breakfast, with luggage ready at the reception so the driver can load it onto the roof of the car. Departure and visit to Andasibe National Park at Analamazaotra for a 3-hour walk in search of the largest lemur in Madagascar and the world: the Indri-Indri, or "Babakoto," known for its loud, haunting call that carries over long distances. Other diurnal and nocturnal lemur species also inhabit the park, along with many birds and reptiles. The lush rainforest is home to endemic plants such as the Ravinala, or "traveler’s tree," and the Vakona. Over 100 species of wild orchids, all endemic, can also be found here.

Andasibe National Park: Famous for sheltering 14 species of lemurs, including the legendary Indri-Indri, the elusive Aye-Aye, and the striking Varecia variegata. The park teems with gentle and fascinating wildlife.

Return to Antananarivo after the visit. Overnight in half board at Grand Hotel Urban or similar.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel Urban

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Antananarivo - Antsirabe

Breakfast and departure southwards to Antsirabe, crossing a typical highland landscape of orange hills and two-storey houses in warm earthy tones.

Stop in Ambatolampy, a charming town at the foot of Madagascar’s central highlands, renowned for its traditional aluminum craftsmanship. We’ll visit workshops where artisans skillfully transform recycled aluminum into pots and utensils, reflecting the town’s artisanal heritage. Surrounded by green hills and volcanic peaks, Ambatolampy also offers scenic views and serves as a gateway to Antsirabe.

Upon arrival in Antsirabe, short city tour. Known for its thermal springs and historic sanatorium, the largest in Madagascar—Antsirabe was once a popular holiday spot for capital residents. We’ll enjoy a ride in the famous "pousse-pousse", the colorful rickshaws pulled by hand, for which the city is known.

Overnight in half board at Hotel Plumeria or similar.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Plumeria Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Antsirabe - Manandona Village- Ranomafana

Breakfast and short city tour to discover local crafts: hat pressing, embroidery, gem-cutting, and zebu horn carving.

Departure to Manandona, 22 km from Antsirabe, for a rural walk through traditional villages. Meet welcoming farmers, visit typical homes, walk through rice fields, and stop by a women’s association working with silkworms to support children’s education.

Continue to Ambositra, capital of Zafimaniry wood carving, with visits to workshops and art shops.

Free lunch. Road to Ranomafana. Evening walk in the park to see nocturnal lemurs (Microcebus).

Overnight in half board at Thermal Hotel or similar.

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’
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:

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

Rnomafana - Fianaratsoa

In the morning, visit the Ranomafana National Park, known for its wildlife and lush tropical flora. This park, a dense rainforest, houses 26 species of mammals, including 12 species of lemurs, not to mention the very rare Golden Bamboo Lemur, 96 species of birds, and hundreds of orchids.

Its endemic flora and fauna attract both foreign and local researchers, especially the Americans who created the Research Centre Valbio. In the afternoon, drive to Fianarantsoa, the capital of Betsileo and a connecting city between the South and the Highlands. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the city.

Overnight with half board at Zomatel or similar.

Main Destination:

Fianarantsoa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Zomatel

• Mid-range hotel located in Fianarantsoa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fianarantsoa – Ambalavao – Ranohira

After breakfast, heading to Ranohira. On the way, visit to winel cellars and tasting the Malagasy wines. Continuation to Ambalavao at the discovery of the creation of “Avoha” bark and decoratd with natural flowers. Ambalavao is also known for the famous “Zebus Market” that takes place every Wednesday.

Continuation and visit to the Anjaha Reserve which gives the opportunity to make acquaintance with a numoerous colony of Makis, approximately 80 elements divided into several famillies and to find the reptiles represented by chamaleons. Continuation to Ranohira across “the South Door” going through the savannah. Arrival and tranfer to the hotel. Overnight Half board or Jardin du Roy or similar.

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Ranohira - Parc National d' Isalo

Morning dedicated to the discovery of the ruiniform massif of Isalo, with its impressive sandstone reliefs and formations dating back to the Jurasic period.

Climbing through the canyons we come across the “lemurs fulvus rufus”, some desert plants such as the” Pachipodium rosolatum” or Dwarf Baobab measuring 50 to 60 cm adorned with nice yellow flowers.

Possibility to hike to the Natural Swimming pool formed by a small stream that flows among the leafy pandanus trees and other aquatic plants.

Pic nic lunch in the parc, overnight in Half board in your hotel Jardin du Roy or similar.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Accommodation:

Le Jardin du Roy

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Isalo NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ranohira – Tulear – Reniala reserve – Ifaty

After breakfast, departure to Tulear, passing through Ilakaka, the land of sapphire seekers, with a landscape typical of southern Madagascar: dry vegetation, baobabs, and thorny forests. Along the road, you’ll see various forms of aloalo (artistically carved wooden tombstones), and observe Mahafaly tombs and sculptures — eternal witnesses to the importance of ancestor worship in Malagasy culture.

Continuation to Ifaty with a stop at the Reniala Reserve, a unique sanctuary protecting the spiny forest ecosystem of southwestern Madagascar. Here, you can admire impressive baobabs and a rich variety of endemic plants and animals, including rare birds like the long-tailed ground-roller. This conservation area offers an authentic glimpse into Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity a true paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Continuation to the hotel. Overnight in half board at La Mira de Madiorano or similar.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Hotel La Mira de Madiorano

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Beachstay at Ifaty

Beach stay in Ifaty, with the possibility of organizing various excursions on site. You can enjoy a range of activities that showcase the beauty and culture of Madagascar’s southwest coast. Snorkeling and diving in the nearby coral reefs offer unforgettable underwater experiences with vibrant marine life. For a more relaxing option, you can simply unwind on the beach.

A highlight is joining local Vezo fishermen for a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe) excursion, where you can learn about their fishing techniques and enjoy the calm waters.

Overnight in half board at La Mira de Madiorano or similar.

Main Destination:

Ifaty (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Hotel La Mira de Madiorano

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ifaty - Tulear – Antananarivo flight with Madagascar Airlines

Embark on a scenic drive from Ifaty to Tulear Airport, where you'll catch a flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel, where you'll unwind in comfort. Spend the night with half-board included, offering a delicious meal and a restful stay before continuing your journey. Overnight in Hafl board Grand Urban Hotel.

Main Destination:

Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo)

Accommodation:

Grand Hotel Urban

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

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

Antananarivo – visit of King Palace Ambohimanga – Out

After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart for the final excursion of your journey: a visit to the Ambohimanga King’s Palace, located about 22 kilometers from the city center. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sacred and historically significant places in Madagascar. Once the spiritual and political heart of the Merina kingdom, the palace is a symbol of Malagasy identity.
Stroll through the ancient royal grounds and discover traditional thatched-roof structures, stone walls, and intricate wooden carvings that reflect the artistry of a bygone era. The site offers fascinating insights into the customs, rituals, and beliefs of Malagasy royalty, as well as the daily lives of the people who lived there. Exhibits and artifacts provide a deeper understanding of centuries-old traditions, from royal ceremonies to spiritual practices. S. After the visit, transfer to the airport for your return flight, filled with unforgettable memories of Madagascar.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

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.