Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of the gorgeous island nation of Madagascar. The fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar sits like a jewel in the crown of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Mozambique. Isolated for millions of years after breaking away from the Indian subcontinent, it evolved extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, making it one of the world’s true biodiversity hotspots.

Antananarivo, often called ‘Tana,’ is a very spread-out city and is split into upper, middle and lower town. At its heart lies Lake Anosy, once a royal lake of the Merina kings and now beautifully encircled by jacaranda trees that burst into purple bloom in season. This distinctive heart-shaped lake creates a striking focal point and reflects the city’s rich history, where traditional Malagasy culture blends effortlessly with French colonial influence.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive in Madagascar by 4:00 PM.

This evening you will meet our local guide over a welcome dinner.

Special Note: Poor road conditions are common in Madagascar, with potholes, cracks and rough, uneven surfaces frequently encountered. Some roads are unsealed and may lack proper drainage during rainy periods. In certain areas, heavy traffic can also contribute to delays. As a result, in some parts of the country, travelling 100 km may take three hours or more, so please be prepared for extended travel times.
Additionally, please keep in mind that the standards of service and accommodation may not always match those to which you are accustomed. To fully enjoy this journey, flexibility, a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace the adventure are essential.

Today we’ll journey towards the eastern side of the island, where lush rainforest and fascinating wildlife await. Our first stop will be the Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic. This small, privately run reserve at Marozevo may look modest at first glance, but it is home to many species of reptiles and amphibians found on the island, including elusive chameleons. The reserve was created to protect and showcase Madagascar’s endemic animals at a time when many species were under pressure from habitat loss. Over the years, it has become a favourite stop for visitors from around the world, and today we will have time to truly appreciate these fascinating creatures up close.

After a lunch stop, we’ll continue to Andasibe National Park, one of Madagascar’s oldest and most important protected areas. Established in the early 20th century, the park was created to safeguard its unique rainforest ecosystem and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.

This evening, we’ll go on a guided night walk in the park to discover some its fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Known for its rich biodiversity, Andasibe National Park is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The rainforest is home to numerous species of lemur, including the famous indri lemur, known for its beautiful calls that echo through the forest.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Passing through charming small villages early this morning, we’ll make our way to explore the Analamazaotra Special Reserve. What makes this reserve especially fascinating is its history. Established in 1970, it was the very first protected area created specifically to safeguard the indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur. Once part of the larger Mantadia National Park, this reserve is an absolute must-see for any nature lover! The rainforest here is teeming with life, including 108 species of birds, 14 lemur species and 84 types of amphibians.

Upon arrival, we’ll head into the rainforest for a guided hike in search of lemurs, including the magnificent Indri indri. We’ll listen for their haunting morning calls echoing through the trees and keep watch for other lemur species as well. Along the way, we will spot towering hardwood trees, delicate orchids, colourful chameleons, busy insects and perhaps a shy reptile or two along the trail.

Later, we will visit Vakona Private Reserve, home to the well-known Lemur Island.

This small island was created from a former swampland that was carefully reshaped into a safe sanctuary for rescued lemurs. It now plays an important role in conservation and education, offering close and memorable encounters.

We will end the day with dinner, sharing stories about our rainforest discoveries.

Your hiking time will be approximately 3 hours in hot and humid conditions.

Leaving the rainforest behind this morning, we’ll return to Antananarivo. As we travel through the Malagasy highlands, we’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional villages that showcase farming techniques practiced for generations. This region is historically significant as the heartland of the Merina people, who in the 19th century unified much of Madagascar under the Merina Kingdom, shaping the island’s culture and politics for years to come.

Once we arrive, the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to wander through the vibrant Analakely market, filled with local crafts, spices and textiles or visit the Queen’s Palace ruins at Rova, which offer insight into the royal history of the Merina monarchy as well as stunning panoramic views over the city.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Leaving the capital behind, we journey south along the famous Route Nationale 7, towards the town of Ambatolampy. Route Nationale 7, also known as RN7, is the primary highway running 980km through the centre of Madagascar going from the capital Antananarivo to Tulear on the country’s south-west coast. It is one of the country’s most important trade routes, and along the way we’ll be treated to some stunning views.

At Ambatolampy, the aluminium capital of the island, nestled in the Madagascar highlands, we’ll get a warm welcome from the locals. These friendly villagers are known for crafting beautiful traditional pots made from recycled aluminium, and we’ll have the chance to watch them work and learn about this unique art form. It’s a great way to connect with the community and experience local craftsmanship and resourcefulness firsthand.

Continuing along RN7, we’ll arrive in Antsirabe, which was founded in the late 19th century by Norwegian missionaries and later developed by the French as a thermal spa retreat. Sitting at about 1,500 metres above sea level, it is known for its cool climate and mineral-rich thermal springs, earning it the nickname ‘The City of Water.’

After lunch, the afternoon will be yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to explore its colonial architecture, browse artisan workshops or visit the famous thermal springs at a relaxed pace.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Today’s journey takes us through the vibrant world of Madagascar’s unique craftsmanship. We’ll start by exploring an eco-friendly twist on recycling in this region, understanding how locals creatively transform materials into remarkably detailed model bicycles, cars and trucks.

Next, we’ll visit a workshop where skilled artisans turn Zebu horns into beautiful souvenirs. The Zebu is central to Malagasy culture, symbolising wealth, status and tradition. The polished horn is shaped into bowls, jewellery and decorative pieces, each one completely unique in colour and pattern.

We’ll then make our way to a shop filled with dazzling precious stones. Madagascar is one of the world’s richest sources of gemstones, including sapphires, tourmalines, garnets and amethysts, many found in the highlands.

Later this morning, we’ll continue our journey south through the stunning highlands, making a stop in Ambositra, the handicraft capital of Madagascar. This town is famous for its unique Zafimaniry woodcarving, a traditional craft so special it’s been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. While there, we’ll explore local craft workshops, watch talented artisans create their masterpieces and have the chance to pick up some beautiful souvenirs to bring home.

In the late afternoon sit back, relax and enjoy the passing scenery on the way to the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Ranomafana National Park is one of Madagascar’s great natural treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was created after the rediscovery of the greater bamboo lemur and the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur. Today, it protects more than 41,000 hectares of tropical rainforest and an astonishing variety of rare plants and animals.

We’ll be up early this morning for an exciting adventure through this remarkable rainforest, accompanied by a park ranger and tracker. As we wander through this stunning park, we’ll be surrounded by incredible wildlife, from 12 species of lemur to 115 species of birds. The variety of flora and fauna here is truly awe-inspiring, and we’ll be treated to some amazing wildlife sightings along the way. It’s a chance to immerse ourselves in Madagascar’s natural beauty and experience the magic of one of its most biodiverse parks.

Following a local lunch, we'll have the afternoon at leisure to relax and unwind before we head out on an incredible nocturnal visit along the Route Nationale 7. With our expert guide leading the way, we'll search for nocturnal lemurs like the microcebe or mouse lemur and other nocturnal animals including chameleons.

We'll then return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Today involves approximately 4 hours of hiking in hot and humid conditions.

Today, we say goodbye to the lush Madagascan highlands and head into the dry, semi-desert landscapes of southern Madagascar. Our first stop is Ambalavao, a town renowned for its high-quality handmade silk and paper, still crafted using ancient techniques.

While here, we’ll visit the fascinating Antemoro Paper Mill, which has a rich history that dates back to the Arab influence on the region and preserved by the Antemoro people. This special craft uses the bark of the avoha plant to create beautifully textured handmade paper. Once used for sacred writings and royal correspondence, it remains an important part of the region’s cultural heritage today.

After exploring the paper mills, we’ll continue to Anja Community Reserve, an inspiring conservation success story managed entirely by the local village community. This reserve protects granite outcrops and patches of natural forest that are home to ring-tailed lemurs, known scientifically as Lemur catta. With a local guide, we’ll hear the legend of the three brothers linked to these rocky hills while enjoying the chance to spot these charismatic animals up close.

After enjoying a picnic lunch, we’ll continue to Isalo National Park, famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, shaped over millions of years and its deep cultural significance to the Bara people.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Isalo National Park is a vast sandstone massif shaped during the Jurassic period. Over millions of years, wind and water have carved this remarkable landscape into dramatic canyons, rocky plateaus and hidden oases that feel almost otherworldly.

As we hike through the park, we’ll visit the fascinating Baras Tombs, perched high in the cliffs. These burial sites belong to the local Bara people and remain deeply significant today, offering insight into ancestral traditions and spiritual beliefs that are still honoured. We’ll also stroll through a lush botanic garden, soaking in the stunning natural beauty of Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna species all around us.

After exploring the canyons, we’ll enjoy lunch with locals while soaking up the quiet beauty of the region.

After a big day, we’ll head back to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon. You can unwind by taking a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy the calming natural spring. It’s the perfect way to recharge and soak in the peaceful surroundings!

Today involves approximately 4 hours of hiking in hot and humid conditions.

After breakfast we will set off along Route Nationale 7, heading southwest towards the stunning coast. Along the way we’ll pass through Ilakaka, a small market town of Sapphire diggers. Just a few decades ago, this area was sparsely populated, but when sapphires were discovered in the 1990s, Ilakaka transformed almost overnight into a bustling mining town. Today, market stalls, miners and a lively energy now define the town. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how natural resources can shape communities and livelihoods in a remarkably short time.

We’ll also stop to visit the captivating Zombitse National Park. This unique park offers a fascinating mix of dry forests, marshes and savannahs, where we’ll explore towering baobabs and get up close to the playful Sifaka dancing lemurs. Zombitse is one of the best place to see them leap across the forest floor with their signature sideways hopping, which resembles a graceful dance, creating one of the island’s most delightful wildlife spectacles.

Next, we’ll head to the port city of Toliara, where we’ll have some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch at our own expense. From there, we’ll continue our journey towards the stunning shores of the Mozambique Channel, to the peaceful fishing village of Ifaty, a hidden gem with a gorgeous palm-fringed beach. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and soak in the beauty of Madagascar’s coastline, drink in hand.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of hiking in hot and humid conditions.

Early this morning, we’ll head to the Reniala Private Reserve, also known as the Baobab Forest. This enchanting place is home to some of Madagascar’s most iconic trees, the giant baobabs, which can live for hundreds of years and seem to grow upside down with their broad, gnarly branches reaching towards the sky.

As we stroll through the reserve, we’ll learn about their importance to the local ecosystem. The reserve is also home to a variety of unique plants and wildlife, making it a perfect spot to appreciate the natural wonders of Madagascar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the island’s fascinating ecology.

After our walk, we’ll return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast, with fresh morning air and sweeping coastal views to enjoy. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Ifaty is known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for a relaxing stroll, lounging in the sun or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Feeling a little more adventurous? You might choose to try snorkelling, fishing alongside a local fisherman or visiting the nearby tortoise village to learn more about these reptiles and their conservation.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of hiking in hot and humid conditions.

This morning, we say goodbye to Ifaty as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the capital, Antananarivo. On arrival, we’ll visit the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, also known as the Blue Hill. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is considered the cradle of Merina Monarchy and holds a deeply important place in Malagasy history. As we wander through its royal compounds, sacred tombs and terraced gardens, we’ll gain insight into the traditions, ceremonies and daily life of the Merina kings and queens. The views from the hill are magnificent, stretching across the surrounding countryside that has shaped the island’s history for centuries.

Madagascar’s food culture is as rich and diverse as its landscape and history. Influenced by African, Asian and European traditions, local cuisine is known for fresh seasonal vegetables, fragrant rice dishes, seafood and a variety of species and herbs. This afternoon, we will enjoy a hands-on culinary experience.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Antananarivo. You could stroll through the markets, try some local cuisine or simply take in the lively atmosphere.

Please note: The airline ticket for the flight between Ifaty and Antananarivo is issued locally by our operator.

Your flight time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Get ready to discover Madagascar’s charming capital on a guided city tour this morning. One of the highlights is the Old Upper Town, perched on a granite hilltop with sweeping views of the Ikopa River Valley. Known for its impressive baroque-style palaces and gothic cathedrals, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past, with buildings dating back centuries.

We’ll stroll through the city centre, soaking in the unique mix of old and new, before visiting a local craft market. Here, we’ll have the chance to pick up souvenirs for family and friends and interact with skilled artisans.

Can’t get enough of Antananarivo? The afternoon is all yours to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you’re discovering hidden gems or simply sitting back and relaxing, it’s a perfect way to end our journey through breathtaking Madagascar! Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner.

Our tour concludes after breakfast, and we bid farewell to our new friends. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.