Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
The first day is all about your arrival in Madagascar. We will pick you up at Ivato Airport in the Madagascan capital, Antananarivo, and take you to your accommodation at Villa Sibylle. If you have any specific food and beverage requests for your arrival, please let us know in advance so we can take care of it. |
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Day 2 - The Journey to Antsirabe
The former spa town of Antsirabe was once a pilgrimage site for the well-to-do colonial lords and therefore boasts numerous impressive buildings that enrich the city's panorama. The architecture is much more European than in most other parts of the island. This is why European visitors especially love to return to Antsirabe time and time again. The surrounding area of the city offers breathtaking views of the highland mountains. During a short hike along lush fields, you can admire the Antafofo waterfall. Back in the city, the tour takes you to some of the most beautiful buildings – such as the Hotel des Thermes – as well as the vibrant market of Antsirabe. Afterwards, you will return to your accommodation for the night. |
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Day 3 - From Antsirabe to Sahambavy
Embark on a journey through a diverse landscape, passing through various vegetation zones until reaching the tropical gardens surrounding the Lac Hotel. Spend the night in one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, located on the shore of a lake. Accommodation options include a treehouse, a luxury apartment in an iron wagon, bungalows on the lake, all set in a very relaxing atmosphere. If desired, a visit to the nearby tea factory can be arranged. Overnight stay at Lac Hotel***. |
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Day 4 - Ranohira – The Gateway to Isalo National Park
On this day, you will first travel to the village of Ranohira. Located in the southern highlands of the island, Ranohira is the gateway to the famous Isalo National Park. Here, rugged rock formations, picturesque waterfalls, and mysterious canyons will cross your path. The Piscine Bleu and the Piscine naturelle are among the most beautiful natural pools that the park has to offer. The Piscine Noir is also worth a visit, although swimming is not recommended as you cannot see the bottom. Away from the vast savannas, with a bit of luck, you may spot one of the seven lemur species that call this park home. |
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Day 5: Explore the South of Madagascar
For the next few days, you will be staying on the Sarondrano Peninsula in the south of Madagascar. Your accommodation will be at the well-known Residence Eden Lodge. Get ready to enjoy tropical beaches with white sand and crystal clear water, a vibrant culture, and exquisite regional cuisine. While the south of Madagascar is mainly known for its dry, desert-like landscapes, these areas have developed a rich biodiversity of both flora and fauna like the rest of the island. The people living here have to deal with harsher climates compared to those on the fertile east coast, but they are just as warm and welcoming. Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to explore and understand the hot south of Madagascar better, along with its people. |
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Day 6: Sarondrano - The Place of Unlimited Possibilities
From Sarondrano, there are numerous activities that will make your stay unforgettable. You can choose from daily activities offered. Local guides will accompany you to one of the surrounding islands or provide canoes for sports enthusiasts. The wide beaches and the sea, which is warm all year round at over 30°C, invite you to swim and relax for hours on the beach. A day trip to one of the surrounding protected areas or coastal towns like Fort Dauphin can be taken with an off-road vehicle. Or visit the former pirate hideout of St. Augustin. Even adrenaline junkies will find the opportunity for paragliding. Your daily schedule is therefore entirely up to your wishes. We have selected some options for you as a guide, but we are happy to provide individual and on-site advice. |
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Day 7: Explore the Enchanting Island of Nosy Ve
Embark on a boat trip to the small island of Nosy Ve in southwestern Madagascar. As the island is uninhabited today, it is an ideal habitat for the many rare seabirds that have made it their breeding ground. Enjoy the tranquility of Nosy Ve with a picnic on the island. The whole island is surrounded by a reef, providing excellent conditions for snorkeling. Confident swimmers can dive underwater to inspect the island from below. Return to Sarondrano for dinner in the evening. |
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Day 8: Discover the Mysterious Mangroves
Located in close proximity to the Residence Eden Lodge, there is a bay filled with mangrove forests. Experienced guides will accompany you in canoes during high tide to explore this unique ecosystem where land meets water. Majestic trees and bushes rise directly out of the sea, astonishingly adapted to the challenging conditions of saltwater. Across from the lush green mangroves, you will find the dry thorn forests of the south, creating an incredible contrast that you won't want to miss. |
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Day 9 - Drive from Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa to Ambalavao
Day nine of your Madagascar adventure is all about various day trips and individual activities. During these three days, you will be exploring Sarondrano and its surroundings, staying at the lovely Résidence Eden Lodge throughout. You have the freedom to customize your daily itinerary, with our assistance if needed: Whether you prefer relaxing hours at the beach, sailing excursions, diving trips, or a boat ride to see humpback whales, we can tailor a program package to meet your specific desires. Just let us know and we'll make it happen! |
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Day 10-From Ambalavao to Ranohira to Isalo National Park
The tenth day starts with a hike in a private reserve called Anja Park. This reserve is about three hectares in size and is home to numerous lemurs, who are eagerly waiting to greet you with their lively personalities. In addition to the lemurs, you can also explore various reptiles, tombs, and spiritual gathering places of the Betsileo tribe in Anja Park. After the hike, we will continue our journey by car heading south. We are expected to arrive in Ranohira by the afternoon. This stop will lead us to the Isalo National Park, our destination for the next day. For now, we will enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Isalo Rock Lodge (4****). |
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Day 11: Tulear and the Isalo National Park
Traveling on the RN7, you will pass through Tulear and head towards the Isalo National Park in the center of the island. Deep canyons, bizarre rock formations, and mysterious caves await you in this stunning park. Enchanted streams wind their way through rugged rocks, flowing into small bright blue ponds. When the sunlight hits the various minerals of the mountains, a dazzling display of colors unfolds, enhancing your travel experience in unimaginable ways. |
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Day 12: Exploring the Depths of Isalo National Park - Ambalavao
To truly appreciate the unique Isalo National Park, it is recommended to allocate about two days to explore its untouched and breathtaking landscapes. While you may have already gained some first impressions of the scenery yesterday, today you will embark on a hike into the depths of Isalo National Park. Barren rock formations alternate with lush green landscapes here. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the lemurs living here in their natural habitat. At the end of the hike, you will travel on to Ambalavao, where you will find your carefully selected accommodation for the night. Accommodation: Betsileo Country Lodge |
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Day 13: The Anja Park in Ambalavao
Just a stone's throw away lies the Anja Park - A small village reserve in Madagascar. The locals operate and protect a small reserve here. On just 9km², you can admire vibrant orchids and other wondrous plants. The park is also home to around 300 adorable ring-tailed lemurs, who, unlike most other lemurs, prefer to stay on the ground rather than in trees. Inside the park, you can enjoy a rejuvenating picnic, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural spectacle around you. Nearby is also Village 13. During a visit to the village, we would like to show you the impact of targeted humanitarian aid. We have personally contributed by building a well in the village and providing financial resources to enable children to receive an education. The boundless gratitude of the population and the warm welcome we receive during our visits are gifts that we want to share with you. Despite having to make do with simple means, the villagers are incredibly hospitable and generous, offering deep insights into their culture. |
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Day 14: Manakara - The Gateway to the World of Spices
You will continue your journey to Manakara, a multicultural port city on the east coast of the island. In the colonial era, many luxury goods such as vanilla and cloves were grown on the fertile soils of the eastern regions of Madagascar and then shipped to Europe. The former plantations still exist today, and the spices of extraordinary quality are still shipped to the world. Manakara, with its many Europeans and Asians living here, is the epitome of a vibrant port city. |
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Day 15: Cruise on the Pangalanes Canal
Today, you will embark on a boat tour on the Pangalanes Canal. Built by the French colonizers to transport colonial goods quickly and efficiently, this impressive waterway runs parallel to the Indian Ocean, connecting ports with plantations. With Madagascar's independence, the canal lost its economic significance, and many parts are no longer navigable today. However, in Manakara, you can still enjoy boat rides on this once magnificent achievement of the colonial rulers. |
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Day 16: Impressive Rainforest in the Highlands – Ranomafana
After getting a breath of city air, continue your journey towards the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. Here, you will visit one of the last mountain cloud forests on Earth. The dense greenery of the forest is home to an incredible variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. The forest opens up to reveal the lushly wooded mountain ranges. The park is located near the main town of Ranomafana and is extremely visitor-friendly. You will be staying at the Hotel Thermes in Ranomafana. In the town, you can also visit a soothing thermal spa to recharge and gather strength for the last exciting stages of your journey. |
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Day 17: Return to Antsirabe
Continuing your journey north on the RN7, you will return to Antsirabe once again. Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to get to know the city better. During your first visit, you may have already gained a first impression of the city. Now, you have time for a thorough city tour in the relaxing atmosphere of this former spa town. |
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Day 18: Antsirabe and Surroundings
Antsirabe is the highest city in the country, this former spa town is located at around 1600m above sea level. There are beautiful lakes of volcanic origin and countless hiking opportunities in the area, cycling tours are also possible and can be organized upon request. After breakfast, we head out towards the west to Betafo. Near the town, not only are the two famous volcanic lakes Lac Tritriva and nearby, which we will not visit, but we also start a 2-hour hike through the fertile fields of the area and enjoy the unique mountain panorama of the surroundings. At the enchanting Antafofo waterfall, the brave have the opportunity for a refreshing swim. Today also includes visits to the city, the huge market is particularly lively on Saturdays but is worth a 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 Avenue de la Liberté leads straight to the huge "Hotel des Thermes", an imposing building from the colonial history of the city. Overnight at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. |
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Day 19: From the Highlands to the Misty Mountain Forest
Early in the morning, you drive east on the winding and well-maintained RN 2. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit the famous private reserve "MadagascarExotique" owned by the renowned researcher Andre Pereyras, where an incredible variety of reptiles, amphibians, and lemurs – who are not shy to pose for the camera in a nearby forest. Moramanga is the next stop before heading to the nearby area of Analamazoatra. Located near Andasibe National Park, you settle in and already have the chance to listen to the calls of the Indri-Indris, who often venture into the hotel grounds. Overnight stay at the " Eulophiella Lodge". |
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Day 20: Andasibe and Mitsinjo Reserve
In the morning, you can explore another area of the Andasibe National Park, or you can leisurely drive towards Antananarivo. Along the way, there are several opportunities to visit places of interest, which will be suggested on site depending on the participants' preferences. Overnight stay at the "Villa Sibylle." |
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Day 21: Departure towards Europe
Today marks the end of your adventure journey through Madagascar. Typically, flights to Europe are in the evening, allowing you to pack your bags and make all necessary travel preparations in peace. You may also have time to make any last-minute purchases. Rest assured, we will organize your transfer to the airport and are delighted to have introduced a new traveler to the unique beauty of the island. |
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