12 Days in Madagascar Peaks Parks and Paradise
Overview:
Experience Madagascar’s highlights in 12 days. Trek through Andringitra’s peaks, explore Isalo’s stunning canyons and relax on Ifaty’s serene beaches. Discover iconic wildlife, baobabs, and vibrant local culture, ending with a historical tour in Antananarivo.
Lodge x 6 nights
Campsite x 2 nights
Highlights:
Authentic Encounters: Engage with local artisans, visit traditional workshops, and explore remote villages.
Breathtaking Landscapes: From Andringitra’s peaks to Isalo’s canyons and Ifaty’s pristine beaches, experience Madagascar’s diverse scenery.
Wildlife Adventures: Spot iconic lemurs, rare birds, and fascinating reptiles in world-renowned national parks.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrive in the vibrant capital of Madagascar, where your journey begins. After completing immigration and customs, meet your friendly English-speaking guide for a warm welcome. Exchange currency and relax as you're transferred to a hotel in the city's heart.
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa Hotel
Meals | Dinner
Day 2: Antananarivo – Ambositra
Set off for Ambositra, the artisanal capital of Madagascar. Stop at Ambatolampy to witness the traditional forging of aluminium crafts. Explore the charming city of Antsirabe, known for its rickshaws and handicrafts, before continuing to Ambositra, famous for its intricate woodcrafts.
Artisan Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Ambositra – Ambalavao - Andringitra
Travel through picturesque Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao, visiting the renowned Antemoro paper factory and silk workshop. Learn about ancient techniques that produce beautiful, handmade crafts. Continue your journey to the stunning Andringitra region, where adventure awaits.
Tsarasoa Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: High-Altitude Trekking in Andringitra
Begin an exhilarating trek in Andringitra National Park, known for its dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife. Traverse the Diavolana Circuit to reach Andriampotsy at 2100m. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you spot endemic birds and lizards along the way.
Tsarasoa Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Andringitra
Rise early for a challenging 3-hour trek up Pic Boby, Madagascar’s second-highest peak. Enjoy breathtaking views, descend through lunar-like landscapes, and relax with a riverside lunch. End the day at Iantaranaomby campsite with a refreshing river dip, warm dinner, and lively campfire songs.
Tsarasoa Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Relax and Recharge in Andringitra
Descend through the Sahanambo Valley, passing the Chameleon and Tsaranoro mountains. Stroll through charming villages before arriving at your lodge. The afternoon is yours to relax and reflect on your incredible trekking adventures.
Tsarasoa Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Andringitra – Isalo
Leave Andringitra and head south, passing through Ambalavao en route to Isalo, the gateway to the national park. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Isalo National Park Interpretation Center to learn more about the park.
Le Relais de la Reine
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Isalo National Park
Trek through Isalo National Park, marvelling at dramatic canyons, lush forests, and unique wildlife like ring-tailed lemurs. Pause for a picnic in nature and end the day at the iconic "Window of Isalo" for a spectacular sunset.
Le Relais de la Reine
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Isalo – Tulear - Ifaty
Travel south through Toliara, stopping at Ilakaka’s sapphire mines and Zombitse Forest. Arrive in Ifaty, a serene coastal village perfect for unwinding after days of adventure.
Le Paradisier Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Ifaty – Birdwatching into Reniala Spiny Forest
Embark on a morning exploration of the Reniala Spiny Forest. Admire majestic baobabs, spot rare birds like the long-tailed ground roller, and discover geckos, snakes, and chameleons. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach.
le Paradisier Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Ifaty – Tulear – Antananarivo
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your flight back to Antananarivo. Once there, relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace.
Le Louvre Hotel & Spa Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Antananarivo - Departure
Discover the rich history and culture of Antananarivo on a city tour. Visit local markets and historic sites before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Meals | Breakfast, Lunch
✓ What's included
Accommodation based on double/twin room
On half board during the tour
4 nights on full board at Tsarasoa Lodge
Domestic flight Tuléar – Antananarivo
All transfers to and from the airport
English Speaking guide during the tour
One bottle of water per person per day
Car with driver and fuel during the trip
✕ Not included
International flights
All lunches and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips
Travel Insurance
All extra activities not mentioned
ⓘ Need-to-know
ⓘ Entry & Visa Requirements
• A visa is required for most nationalities and can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Antananarivo.
• Visa fees (approx. $10-$45) must be paid in cash (USD or EUR). Please check the latest fees before you travel.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure.
ⓘ Flights
• The one-way domestic flight from Tuléar to Antananarivo is included in the tour price.
• Your international flights to and from Antananarivo (TNR) are not included.
• Please provide your passport details after booking so we can secure your domestic flight reservation.
ⓘ Health & Safety
• This is an active tour with a Moderate difficulty rating. A good level of fitness is required for the multi-day hikes in Andringitra and Isalo, which can involve steep ascents and uneven terrain.
• We strongly recommend consulting your doctor for travel health advice for Madagascar. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How difficult is the trekking in Andringitra National Park?
A: The trekking in Andringitra is rated as moderate to challenging. It involves multi-day hiking on mountainous terrain and includes an optional but strenuous pre-dawn ascent of Pic Boby, Madagascar's second-highest accessible peak. A good level of hiking fitness and stamina is required to fully enjoy this portion of the tour.
Q: What is the difference between Andringitra and Isalo National Parks?
A: This tour allows you to experience two of Madagascar's most spectacular but different landscapes. Andringitra National Park is a granite mountain range with high peaks, dramatic cliffs, and lush montane forest. Isalo National Park is a Jurassic-era sandstone massif, famous for its deep canyons, bizarre rock formations, and natural oasis-like swimming pools.
Q: What kind of cultural experiences are included?
A: The journey from Antananarivo south is rich in culture. You will visit Ambatolampy, known for its traditional aluminium pot workshops; Ambositra, the nation's woodcrafting capital; and Ambalavao, where you can see how Antemoro paper and silk are made using ancient techniques.
Q: What is the Reniala Spiny Forest?
A: Located near the coastal village of Ifaty, this is a unique and protected ecosystem found only in southern Madagascar. It is characterized by bizarre, drought-adapted "spiny" plants and is famous for its majestic baobab trees and excellent birdwatching opportunities for rare, endemic species.