12 Days Rainforest and Coastal Splendor
Overview:
Explore Madagascar’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Spot rare species, discover local traditions, and enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and beachside relaxation.
3 Stars Lodge x 2 nights
3 Stars Hotel x 5 nights
Highlights:
Antananarivo: Discover Madagascar's historic capital, rich in heritage and vibrant local culture.
Andasibe & Mantadia National Parks: Spot the Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, along with rare species like the Diademed Sifaka and leaf-tailed geckos.
Ranomafana National Park: Trek through lush rainforests home to golden bamboo lemurs, exotic birds, and medicinal plants.
Isalo National Park: Hike through dramatic Jurassic-era rock formations, deep canyons, and natural pools, while observing ring-tailed lemurs and other endemic wildlife.
Baobab & Spiny Forests: Marvel at iconic baobab trees and unique ecosystems, perfect for birdwatching rare species like the long-tailed ground roller.
Ifaty Beaches: Unwind on Madagascar’s serene western coastline, where white sands meet calm turquoise waters.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Meet your English-speaking guide at Ivato International Airport. Exchange currency and transfer to your 4-star hotel in the heart of the capital.
Accommodation | Royal Palissandre Hotel & Spa
Meals | Dinner
Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe
Drive east through scenic highlands to Andasibe (approx. 4 hrs). After lunch, visit a private reserve to spot lemurs, crocodiles, and birds. In the evening, enjoy a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation | Mantadia Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Mantadia National Park
Discover the dense rainforest of Mantadia National Park. Spot rare lemurs and endemic species. Picnic lunch in the forest, followed by a visit to a natural pool and an optional night walk for creatures like the leaf-tailed gecko.
Accommodation | Mantadia Lodge
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Analamazaotra – Antsirabe
Morning forest walk in Analamazaotra, home to the Indri, Brown Lemur, and Diademed Sifaka. Then journey south to Antsirabe with a stop for lunch along the way.
Accommodation | Arotel Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Antsirabe – Ranomafana
Visit Ambositra, known for its wood carving and local crafts. After lunch, continue to Ranomafana National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation | Thermal Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Ranomafana National Park
Morning trek in the rainforest to see golden bamboo lemurs, endemic birds, and other wildlife. Evening night walk for a chance to spot chameleons, mouse lemurs, and frogs.
Accommodation | Thermal Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Ranomafana – Isalo
Drive south through the highlands, with visits to a traditional Antemoro paper workshop and silk weaving artisans in Ambalavao. Continue to Isalo, arriving by evening.
Accommodation | Le Jardin du Roy Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Isalo National Park
Hike through Isalo’s dramatic canyons, forests, and rock formations. Look out for ring-tailed lemurs and birds. End the day at the famous “Window of Isalo” for sunset.
Accommodation | Le Jardin du Roy Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Isalo – Tulear – Ifaty
Morning trek in Isalo before heading south to Tulear. En route, pass through Zombitse Forest and the sapphire town of Ilakaka. Continue to the beach village of Ifaty.
Accommodation | Les Dunes d’Ifaty Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Ifaty & Spiny Forest
At sunrise, explore Reniala Spiny Forest, home to ancient baobabs, rare birds, and reptiles. Afternoon free for beach relaxation.
Accommodation | Les Dunes d’Ifaty Hotel
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Ifaty – Tulear – Antananarivo
Morning at leisure before your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening.
Accommodation | Royal Palissandre Hotel & Spa
Meals | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Departure from Antananarivo
Enjoy a short city tour if time allows. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Meals | Breakfast
✓ What's included
Accommodation based on double/twin room
On half board during the tour
All transfers to and from the airport
Boat transfer to and from Anakao
All visits mentioned in the program
English Speaking guide during the tour
One bottle of water per person per day
Car with driver and fuel during the trip
✕ Not included
All lunches and drinks
Personal expenses
Tips
Travel Insurance
International ticket flight
Any changes during the tour
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 must be paid in cash (USD or EUR).
• 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 not included in the tour price.
• Your international flights to and from Antananarivo (TNR) are also not included.
• Please provide your passport details after booking so we can assist with securing your domestic flight reservation.
ⓘ Health & Safety
• This tour is suitable for travelers with a standard level of fitness. It involves daily walks and hikes on varied terrain.
• We strongly recommend consulting your doctor for travel health advice (e.g., malaria prevention) for Madagascar. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
ⓘ Booking Information
• If booking less than 25 days before departure, please contact us first to confirm all service availability.
• This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.
ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main focus of this tour?
A: This is the quintessential Madagascar wildlife tour, often called the "classic route." It is specifically designed to maximize your chances of seeing a wide variety of lemurs and other unique wildlife by visiting three of the country's most famous and biodiverse national parks: Andasibe-Mantadia, Ranomafana, and Isalo.
Q: What is special about seeing the Indri in Andasibe?
A: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the best place in the world to see the Indri, the largest living lemur. Hearing its haunting, whale-like call echo through the rainforest canopy in the morning is a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Q: What is a "night walk" and why is it included?
A: Many of Madagascar's most fascinating creatures, including the tiny mouse lemur (the world's smallest primate), chameleons, frogs, and geckos, are nocturnal. Guided night walks along the park perimeters are a safe and magical way to spot this hidden world of wildlife when it is most active.
Q: Is this tour suitable for families and older travelers?
A: Yes, very much so. While the tour involves long driving days, the "Relaxation" difficulty rating reflects that the daily hikes in the national parks are on mostly well-maintained trails and can be tailored to a leisurely pace. It's an excellent choice for families, couples, and first-time visitors to Madagascar.