Madagascar trip from September 14th to October 3rd, 2023

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

After completing the visa formalities, you will be picked up by one of our guides or by us directly at the airport. Depending on the arrival time, either a hotel transfer and well-deserved rest are on the agenda, but if time allows, various activities will also be offered. Overnight stay at "Villa Sibylle."

Day 2: From Antananarivo to Andasibe

Early in the morning, you will drive eastward on the winding RN 2. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous private reserve "Madagascar Exotique" of the renowned researcher Andre Pereyras, where you can discover an incredible variety of reptiles, amphibians, and lemurs posing fearlessly for the camera in a nearby forest. Moramanga is the next stop before heading to the nearby area of Analamazoatra. Upon arrival near Andasibe National Park, you will check into your accommodation at the "Eulophiella Lodge" and have the chance to listen to the calls of the Indri-Indris, which often venture into the hotel grounds. Night walks in the rainforest are possible from the lodge.

Day 3: Andasibe / Mitsinjo

Today, after breakfast, we will visit the Mitsinjo Reserve. During the several hours hike, you will have the chance to see Indri-Indris and other highly rare animals and plant species. Upon return to the hotel in the late morning, we will head to the "Vakona Zoo": on the famous Lemurs Island, which is accessed by boat, you will encounter numerous lemurs that were once taken from illegal captivity and "reintroduced" here. The animals, however, have lost all shyness and will literally hop around visitors, so it is highly recommended to wear washable rain gear. The nearby forest is home to a large number of crocodiles, the rare "Fossa," and other unique zoological features of Madagascar, which can be explored on a 1-2 hour guided tour. Night walks in the rainforest are possible from the lodge.
Stay at the "Eulophiella Lodge"

Day 4: From Antananarivo to Antsirabe

Traveling between Andasibe and the suburbs of Antananarivo can be challenging due to poor infrastructure. Expect another 3 to 4 hours of driving before arriving in Antsirabe in the afternoon.

Founded in the 19th century by Norwegian missionaries, Antsirabe has a more "European" feel compared to other cities in Madagascar, with its magnificent colonial villas and orderly urban planning.

The hotel's garden is home to numerous chameleons hiding in the trees, and you may spot some radiant tortoises on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Overnight stay at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel.

Day - 5 Antsirabe and Surroundings

Antsirabe is the highest city in the country, this former spa town is located at an altitude of about 1600m. There are beautiful lakes of volcanic origin and countless hiking opportunities, as well as the option for bike tours which can be organized upon request. After breakfast, we head west towards Betafo. Near the town are not only the two famous volcanic lakes Lac Tritriva and, which we will not visit, but we also start a 2-hour hike through the fertile fields of the area, enjoying the unique mountain panorama of the surroundings. Brave souls can take a refreshing dip at the enchanting Antafofo waterfall.

Today also includes visits to the city, the huge market is particularly lively on Saturdays but is worth a thorough visit on any other day of the week.

This well-known spa town is incomparable to any other city in Madagascar, with its wide avenues. From the train station in pure colonial style, the Freedom Avenue leads straight to the huge "Hotel des Thermes," an imposing building from the colonial history of the city.

Overnight at the Hotel "Chambres du Voyageur"

Day - 6 Antsirabe to Ranomafana

On the sixth day of the journey, you will have the opportunity to visit an exciting reforestation project. Orange trees are cultivated in this project for reforestation efforts. Afterwards, we will drive directly to the nearby town of Ambositra, known for its artisanal wood carvings. After lunch, we head to Ranomafana National Park. On the way, you will once again witness breathtaking landscapes and increasingly lush vegetation. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing bath in a thermal swimming pool and stay overnight at Hotel Grenat.

Day - 7 Ranomafana National Park

On this day, your journey through Madagascar will take you to Ranomafana National Park. Covering over 40,000 hectares, the park is situated at an altitude of around 1,300 meters above sea level. A variety of lemur species, insects, birds, frogs, and reptiles call the montane rainforest home, and with a bit of luck, you may encounter some particularly spectacular specimens to capture on camera. The specific activities you'll enjoy in Ranomafana National Park will depend on your individual preferences and physical condition.

Stay overnight at Hotel Grenat

Day - 8 Ranomafana to Manakara

After exploring the rainforest, we continue our journey through the unique hilly landscape near Irondro, until we can smell the sea air in the afternoon: palm trees and the typical stilt houses indicate the proximity of the rainy East coast. In Manakara, we will see the Indian Ocean for the first time, with its wide beaches stretching out before us.

After barely three hours of travel, we catch sight of palm trees and the blue, endless expanse of the Indian Ocean. In the coastal town of Manakara, we visit the bustling market for the first time, where we can purchase the famous Madagascar pepper and other locally produced spices such as cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and of course, top-quality vanilla at affordable prices.

Accommodation at Hotel "La Vanille"

Day - 9 Manakara and Surroundings

After breakfast, we head north along the "Pangalan Canal," which is actually the longest artificial canal in the world with an original length of over 600 km. On a peninsula, away from all the usual tours, there is a place where the canal meets the roaring Indian Ocean. Home to numerous wild lemurs, you will be surrounded by them as long as there is hope of grabbing bananas and other treats.

Tropical fruits that are locally endemic, pepper, cloves, breadfruit, jackfruits, vanilla grow here all year round, and lychees and mangoes during your winter. In the afternoon, return to Manakara.

Overnight at the hotel "La Vanille-Trou du Commissaire."

Day - 10 Manakara to Ambalavao

Continue your journey through a diverse landscape that leads up to the highlands, passing through various vegetation zones.

Drive through many small villages, where the colors range from red earth tones to vibrant red with a green backdrop. The landscape is lush green, with rice fields creating a mosaic of various shades of green reflecting in countless ponds.

After Fianarantsoa, the drive continues south on a well-paved road. Massive granite rocks, increasingly barren red laterite soil, and sparse grass can be seen as the landscape dramatically changes when you reach the pass with the beautiful viewpoint. From there, you can see far down into the valley of Ambalavao, peacefully nestled between the tall mountains. The road now winds downhill, with vineyards appearing on both sides of the road, surrounded by a truly unique mountain scenery.

Overnight stay at the "Tsienimparihy Lodge" hotel.

Day 11 - Anja Park to Isalo

The eleventh day starts with a hike in a private reserve called Anja Park. This reserve, covering about three hectares, is home to numerous lemurs eagerly waiting to greet you with their lively antics. In addition to lemurs, Anja Park also offers the opportunity to discover various reptiles, burial caves, and spiritual gathering places of the Betsileo tribe. After the visit, we continue our journey by car towards the south. We are expected to arrive in Ranohira by the afternoon, a stopover leading us to the Isalo National Park, which will be our destination the following day. First, we enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the "La Reine d'Isalo" hotel.

Day - 12 Isalo and Surroundings

On this day, you will explore one of the most famous national parks in Madagascar, the Isalo National Park. This vast mountain range features granite and sandstone sculptures, along with waterfalls and tropical nature.

The entire national park covers over 80,000 hectares of land and offers a maximum of landscape diversity.

Amidst the barren and mineral landscape, you will find beautiful natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

This somewhat overpriced park can be replaced after the hike in the lodge's surroundings, through the lodge's private area, offering the same landscape to be enjoyed in peace. Various activities such as horseback riding are also offered on-site.

The difficulty level and length of the tour through the park will be tailored to your personal preferences and physical condition. After an exciting day trip, you will return to overnight at the "La Reine d'Isalo" hotel.

Day - 13 Isalo to Ifaty

On this day of the journey through Madagascar, you will say goodbye to the Isalo Mountains and continue further south by car. Along the way, there are various opportunities for excursions: The sapphire mines of Ilakaka, the Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, or the giant baobab trees are just three possible examples. You will leave Tulear behind and drive directly to Ifaty. Accommodation will be at the Hotel Belladonna.

Day 14 and 15 Ifaty and Surroundings

Take the opportunity to relax from the beach drive, go snorkeling/diving, take a boat trip, or explore the thorn forests and vegetation under the Tropic of Capricorn.

The inland area also has a variety of attractions to offer: The famous "Reniala Reserve" provides insights into the flora and fauna of the south, in the "Village des Tortues" you can see an interesting breeding and protection program for rare rays and spider tortoises. The cuisine here is naturally "maritime", with seafood lovers in for a treat.

Overnight stay at Hotel Belladonna

Day 16: From Ifaty to Sarondrano

After breakfast, we head south on the sandy track towards Tulear, the major port city on the Mozambique Channel. Explore the city, catch up on internet, and do some shopping after the long drive through remote areas. Before approaching the peninsula of Sarondrano, which stretches between sand dunes and mangrove forests into the turquoise blue lagoon, things get exciting. Between Tulear and Saint Augustin lies one of the most pleasant guesthouses I know on this island, "Résidence Eden Lodge." It's still a hidden gem, but word is spreading fast and accommodation options are limited.

Accommodation at Residence Eden Lodge

Days 16 to 19 Sarondrano and Surroundings

Every day, a variety of visits and activities are offered, with competent and knowledgeable guides available and planning & logistics taken care of under the best possible conditions. Outrigger canoes, motorboats, 4x4 vehicles, visits to a huge protected area, and even paragliding are available. For those who just want to relax, they can enjoy the over 32°C warm sea and uninterrupted sunshine.

Boat trip to the island of Nosy Ve, inhabited by very rare seabirds that breed there. Wonderful picnic on the island and opportunities for snorkeling. Activities at Eden Lodge are optional and not included in the price.

All activities are offered by Eden Lodge and are optional and not included in the price.

Accommodation at "Residence Eden Lodge"

Day - 19 Tulear to Antananarivo (Domestic Flight)

This day is filled with a sense of adventure: after relaxing days in Ifaty, we head back to Tulear and then take a flight directly to the capital city of Antananarivo. Depending on the time of day, you can explore the surrounding area, or head straight to the Hotel Villa Sybille or an exceptional restaurant with excellent dining options.

Day 20 Antananarivo or Flight to Sainte Marie

From this day onwards, you have the option to extend your trip by 10 days and take an internal flight to the island of Sainte Marie (not included, can be organized upon request).

If you choose to end your journey here, a driver and Villa Sibylle are available for Day Use.

Transfer to the airport included.