Suggested Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS
- Help mangrove habitats with a village in Madagascar’s coastal southwest.
- Hike through otherworldly canyons and springs in Isalo National Park.
- Go for an early-morning wildlife walk in Ranomafana National Park.
- Ride a rickshaw through the tree-lined streets of Antsirabe.
- Be dwarfed by groves of bulbous baobab trees at sunset.
Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg and overnight
The Residence, Johannesburg
Today you will arrive into Johannesburg and relax after your long flights. Enjoy a spa treatment while you unwind.
Day 2: Flight from Johannesburg to Madagascar
Sakamanga Hotel
Today you will take an afternoon flight from Johannesburg to Madagascar. Your English-speaking driver will be awaiting you at the airport and will then transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free, with a vehicle and driver at your disposal until 6pm. Dinner is on your own to explore Tana’s dining options (recommended: Restaurant of La Varangue).
Day 3: Flight from Tana to Tulear, Village Visit
Auberge de la Table
According to the flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for the domestic flight to Tuléar. If time allows, visit the Honko Mangrove Conservation & Education Project. Honko is a Belgian registered non-profit working in partnership with the coastal communities of southwest Madagascar to improve local livelihoods and quality of life by working with this fragile and amazing environment instead of against it.
Discover daily village life and learn about the customs and traditions of a local community at the mangrove’s edge. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4: Drive Tulear to Isalo
Relais de la Reine
After breakfast, you will go drive about three hours to Isalo, passing through a lush and unique landscape.
Arrive this afternoon and check in to Relais de la Reine, where you check with the hotel for fun afternoon activity ideas such as horseback riding or birdwatching, or just relax and enjoy the amenities of this beautiful lodge and its surroundings on your own.
Day 5: Isalo National Park
Relais de la Reine
Today is dedicated to discover the national park of Isalo, our Malagasy Colorado. A unique combination of sandstone rocks cut by deep canyons, bush plains and rare endemic plants make this park particularly rewarding. Covering an area of 81,540 hectares, Isalo National Park comprises the entire stretch of the Isalo Massif, a very spectacular mountain chain made up of eroded sandstone. This strikingly beautiful reserve is filled with golden plains punctuated by craggy pinnacles of terracotta rock, valleys, canyons and waterfalls.
Enjoy two half-day hikes in this surreal environment. In the morning we will walk to the Canyon of Lemurs and in the afternoon to a natural swimming pool in an oasis-like setting, punctuated by a picnic lunch in between. Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation at the hotel.
Day 6: Drive Isalo to Ranomafana
Setam Lodge
Head toward Ranomafana with stop in Ambalavao to visit the private reserve “Anja”, an interesting park for the close encounters with the ring tailed lemurs and Betsileo traditional tombs (entrance ticket and local guide are included – circuit for 2h). After the visit, you will continue to Setam Lodge to settle in. Relax and night at your hotel.
Day 7: Ranomafana National Park
Setam Lodge
Today is dedicated to explore the natural reserve of Ranomafana. We recommend waking up early for the morning walk in Ranomafana as it is the best time for animal viewing. Ranomafana National Park is full of originality and variety.
Botany, ornithology, herpetology, cultures are fascinating attractions which captivate you in this tropical rainforest. Flora and fauna are among the most varied in the region. Head back to the hotel after your visit for relaxation and dinner.
Day 8: Drive Ranomafana to Antsirabe
Couleur Care
In the morning, you will visit the thermal source of Ranomafana. Then, you will drive to Antsirabe, a beautiful city of the highlands of Madagascar. Antsirabe is the result of mixed cultures that built the city for two centuries. The city reflects the warmth of its people and the authenticity of its traditions still alive in the surrounding countryside. Famed for its “pousse pousse”, gemstones and handicrafts, the wide tree-lined avenues invite you to discover its workshops where people work on transforming natural materials like zebu horn (for cutlery) or wheat straw (for hats). On spot, you can organize a city tour by car or by rickshaw.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 9: Drive Antsriabe to Morondava
Chez Maggie Hotel
After an earlier breakfast, you will go to Morondava (approximately 9 hours driving). Morondava is a coastal town in the West of Madagascar. It is an ideal place for a relaxing stay. The beaches are good and extend far to the north side of town.
Morondava can also be used a base for trips to the fishing village of Belo sur Mer by pirogue (small boat) or to the wildlife park at Kirindy. Arrival late in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Kirindy Forest
Chez Maggie Hotel
Early morning, drive to Kirindy Forest through the baobab alleys. Kirindy is a privately managed forest in one of Madagascar’s most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests. It is famous for the giant jumping rat, but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of endemic reptiles. The flora is equally unusual. A number of unique species are found at Kirindy.
After the visit, go back to Morondava with a stop at “allée des Baobab” to observe the baobabs at sunset. Return to Chez Maggie for dinner.
Day 11: Flight from Morondava to Tana
Sakamanga Hotel
After your breakfast, transfer to Morondava airport and fly back to Antananarivo according to the schedule. Upon your arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer at your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, to relax or arrange visit around Tana. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 12: Depart Tana
According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back. Along the way, you will visit the craft market at Ivato.
Interested in booking this itinerary or customizing a trip to Madagascar? Get in touch with a private travel designer!
