Days

11

Travel style 

Discovery & Adventure

From

$1 100  USD

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the south, where diverse and stunning landscapes meet an array of unique animal and bird species, all complemented by the breathtaking beaches of Ifaty. This adventure promises to captivate and delight every nature enthusiast.


Start

Finish

Travel style

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Discovery and Adventure

Physical rating

Group size

2 out of 5

Min 2

Highlights

  • Stay in a cozy cottage nestled deep within Ranomafana National Park, surrounded by lush rainforest and an abundance of diverse flora and fauna.
  • Challenge yourself to spot as many species of lemurs as possible in both Isalo and Ranomafana National Parks, home to 33 different types !
  • Discover the stunning landscapes of Isalo National Park, including its sandstone formations, deep canyons, palm-lined oases, and expansive grasslands.
  • Unwind at Ifaty, an Indian Ocean paradise, where you can relax by the beach, snorkel, or dive among vibrant reefs.

Helpful information

  • Guided day walks through the national parks can be hot and humid, so be prepared for the climate.
  • Some days will involve long and bumpy drives due to the road conditions.
  • Certain accommodations may not offer Wi-Fi or air conditioning, but you’ll be rewarded with charming, remote locations that feel almost unreal.

Gallery

Itinerary

Tonga soa ! Welcome to Antananarivo, the bustling yet captivating capital of Madagascar. Upon your arrival at Ivato International Airport, a member of our team will greet you with a sign displaying your name and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and overnight accommodation. Should you arrive early, we encourage you to explore the city. A visit to the vibrant Analakely markets is a great way to immerse yourself in local life. Your journey officially begins with a brief meeting at the hotel the following morning.

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

After breakfast, we depart for Antsirabe at 8 :00 AM. En route, we stop at Ambatolampy to observe the local artisans crafting aluminum pots and cultural items. We will also make several stops along the way to capture the breathtaking landscapes and rice fields. Lunch will be served in Antsirabe. Following lunch, we will visit two beautiful lakes and take time to explore the city. Antsirabe exudes a distinct Malagasy charm, coupled with the calm atmosphere of a small European town. The bustling street markets, thermal springs, and colonial architecture add to the town’s unique character. A popular spa town located in the highlands, Antsirabe is known for its hot springs and vibrant pousse-pousse rickshaws, which will be used during our city tour. We’ll discover tree-lined avenues, fascinating architecture, and diverse markets.

Included Activities:

  • Visit to aluminum workshops
  • Antsirabe lakes tour and city exploration

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

Today, we depart for Ambositra, traveling along the National Route 7. Ambositra is renowned for its wood carving, particularly by the Zafimaniry people, whose works have earned international acclaim. The Zafimaniry artisans are known for their skill in carving intricate geometric patterns into wood, a tradition that reflects both the Polynesian and Arab influences on Malagasy culture. You will have the opportunity to visit the Zafimaniry village of Antoetra before returning to Ambositra for the evening.

Included Activity :

  • Visit to the Zafimaniry village and wood carving workshops

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

After breakfast, we embark on a 4-hour journey to the renowned Ranomafana National Park. Upon arrival, lunch will be served. Ranomafana is a lush and dense rainforest with an altitude reaching 1300 meters, home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including several species of lemurs, orchids, and carnivorous plants. The park is also a sanctuary for 118 species of birds and 8 species of bats. In the afternoon, we will explore the town and visit the thermal baths. In the evening, we will take a guided night walk to observe nocturnal lemurs and camouflaged chameleons.

Included Activity :

  • Guided night walk in Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

We continue our exploration of Ranomafana with a guided walk through the park. Watch out for the unique wildlife, including lemurs, civets, geckos, frogs, and butterflies. With some luck, you might even spot the world’s smallest chameleon or a net-casting spider. After an exciting day, we return to our accommodation for another night within the park.

Included Activity :

  • Guided walk in Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive to Isalo, making a stop at the Anja Natural Reserve in Ambalavao to see more lemurs and chameleons, as well as visit traditional Malagasy tombs. We will enjoy lunch at the entrance of the reserve before continuing on a 5-hour drive to Isalo, where we will check in for the night.

Included Activity :

  • Guided walk in Anja Natural Reserve

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast and lunch

Today, we embark on a hiking adventure through Isalo National Park, following the renowned Namaza trail. Our first stop will be the Natural Pool, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Afterward, we’ll continue our hike for another 4 km to reach the camping site. After lunch, we’ll proceed to the Blue and Black Pools (Piscine Bleue et Noire), also known as the waterfall trail. Spanning 82,000 hectares, Isalo is home to 77 bird species, 14 nocturnals lemur species, and 98 amphibian and reptile species, including the endemic Benson’s Rock Thrush.

Included Activity :

  • Guided hike in Isalo National Park

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast and lunch

Today, we head towards the western coastal town of Ifaty, passing by spectacular baobab trees along the way. Between Tulear and Sakaraha, we will visit the Mahafaly tombs, famous for their intricate carvings depicting the daily life of the deceased. After a visit to the Arboretum in Tulear and lunch, we continue on to Ifaty.

Included Activities :

  • Visit to the Mahafaly tombs and baobabs
  • Visit to the Arboretum of Tulear

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

You’ll have two days to unwind on the beach, though there are numerous activities available at the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the fascinating Spiny Forest, home to unique plant species such as the Octopus tree, Euphorbia, and various species of baobabs. The area is rich in wildlife, including lemurs, and is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with rare species like the Running Coua, Madagascar Harrier Hawk, and several Vanga species. The nearby coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, and between June and August, you may even spot humpback whales off the coast.

Included Activities:

  • Guided walk in the Reniala Nature Reserve and Village of Tortoises

Accommodation :

  • Hotel (2 nights)

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

Sadly, today marks the end of your journey with Mada Discovery Travels. After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Tulear airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in the afternoon to explore the capital. For those on group flights, we will transfer you to the airport for the early morning flight the next day.

Accommodation :

  • None

Meals Included :

  • Breakfast

Inclusions

Transport

Air-conditioned Vehicles

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights) – Cottage (2 nights)

National Parks and Reserves Entrance Fees
Local Guides
Domestic flight (if booking includes flight)

Included activities:
  • Aluminium workshops visit
  • Antsirabe lakes visits and a city tour
  • Visit of the Zafimaniry village and their wooden carving scuptures
  • Night guided walk in Ranomafana
  • Ranomafana National Park – guided walk
  • Anja Natural Reserve – guided walk
  • Isalo National Park – guided walk
  • Mahafaly tombs and baobabs visit
  • Tulear Arboretum visit
  • Reniala Natural Reserve – guided walk
  • Village des tortues – guided walk

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights
  • Visa or vaccinations
  • Tips for the guides
  • Drinks and not listed meals