Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
The first day is all about your arrival in Madagascar. We will pick you up from Ivato Airport in the capital city of Antananarivo and take you to your accommodation at Villa Sibylle. If you have any special requests for food and drinks upon your arrival, please let us know in advance so we can take care of it for you. Welcome to Madagascar! |
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Day 2: Drive from Antananarivo to Andasibe
Early in the morning, you will drive east on the winding and well-maintained RN 2. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous private reserve "MadagascarExotique" owned by the renowned researcher Andre Pereyras, where you can see an incredible variety of reptiles, amphibians, and lemurs posing fearlessly in a nearby forest. Moramanga is the next stop before heading to the nearby area of Analamazoatra. Close to the National Park of Andasibe, you will check into your accommodation and have the chance to listen to the calls of the Indri lemurs, which often venture into the hotel grounds. Overnight at the "Eulophiella Lodge or equivalent". |
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Day 3- Andasibe / Mitsinjo
Today, after breakfast, we will visit the Mitsinjo Reserve. During the several-hour hike, you will have the opportunity to see Indri-Indris and other highly rare animal and plant species. Upon returning to the hotel in the late morning, we will head to the "Vakona Zoo": on the famous Lemur Island, which is accessed by boat, you will encounter numerous lemurs that were once taken from illegal captivity and "rehabilitated" here. However, these animals have lost all fear and will literally jump on 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 wonders of Madagascar, which can be explored on a 1-2 hour guided tour. Night walks in the rainforest are also possible from the lodge. Overnight at the "Eulophiella Lodge." |
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Day 4 - Andasibe to Mahanoro
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest but the landscape remains lush green and the air is warm and humid. In Antsapanana, there is a huge selection of tropical fruits to buy on the roadside. The road becomes more winding until you reach Vatomandry, a town located on the Indian Ocean. From Vatomandry, it's another 90 km on a not very good road to reach Mahanoro. |
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Day 5 - Mahanoro to Ambohitsara
Departure on the Pangalanes Canal by motorboat. After breakfast, the crew of the "Ravintsy" motorboat awaits, equipped with a dining room, a panoramic terrace with sun loungers for observation, and a kitchen and toilet on board. The boat leaves Mahanoro and sails through an area known for its birds, then crosses the Mangoro River and continues up the narrow canal to the lake before docking in Ambohitsara. At sunset, you will enjoy the terrace lounge bar under the pandanus trees and in front of the sea. The accommodation is simple and extraordinary, surrounded by 100% wilderness. Dinner and overnight stay at the Pangalanes forest hut (category "bush comfort," with bucket shower and dry outdoor toilet). Meals: lunch and dinner on board included. Boat transfer distance: 60 km - Duration: +/- 3h30 |
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Day 6 - Amdranotsara - Nosy-Varika - Ambahy
Departure towards the south on the canal, with wide and narrow passages. Small villages along the riverbanks, forests, and peaceful landscapes along the canal which then connects to Lake Analampotsy. The lake is crossed and then the Sakaleona River must be used to continue the journey. This river leads to the small town of Nosy-Varika, where we stop to stretch our legs. After this land break, we continue south until we reach the village of Ambahy. Here, we have a "jungle camp" set up for overnight stay, with each bungalow made of a roof of local plants that are water-resistant and sturdy. Underneath, there is a comfortable safari tent with two single beds. Showers are taken with a bucket like the previous day, and there is an outdoor toilet. Meals: Lunch on board / Dinner at the campBoat transfer distance: 160 km - Duration: +/- 6h30 and walk: +/- 1 hour |
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Day 7 - Ambahy - Mahela - Ambohitsra - Mananjary
After breakfast at the lodge, we will visit the school and the bush clinic and pharmacy. Here, you can make targeted donations (medicines, clothing, supplies) that will be very helpful. Visits to the village to meet the local population are also possible. After another three hours on the boat heading south, we will reach the village of Ambohitsara. Optional visit to the East coast, which is very interesting. Ambohitsara is known for a white marble elephant facing east, whose origin is still unknown and controversial. A mystery. After lunch on board, we will continue our journey south. By the end of the afternoon, we will reach Mananjary where the boat tour ends, a small, peaceful harbor at the end of the world, surrounded by coconut palms and bougainvillea. Overnight stay at the luxurious Vahini Lodge. |
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Day 8 - Mananjary - Sahambavy
Continue your journey through a diverse landscape, passing through various vegetation zones up to the highlands. Spend the night in one of the island's most beautiful hotels, featuring a huge tropical garden on the shore of a lake. Choose from accommodations like a treehouse, a luxury apartment in a railway carriage, or bungalows on the lake. Overnight at Lac Hotel***. |
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Day 9 - Sahambavy to Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa
Start your day with a guided walk through small rice fields and the beautiful Betsileo landscape. After leaving the city of Fianarantsoa, we will arrive at a small village where we will be treated to a typical Malagasy meal. You will also have the opportunity to meet with the local villagers. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey towards Ambalavao, a significant town known for its Zebu trade. The landscape transitions into mountainous terrain, with vineyards adorning the valleys and massive boulders surrounded by lush greenery. |
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Day 10 - Tsaranoro Mountains
Today is dedicated to hiking in the Tsaranoro mountain range. After breakfast, we will slowly make our way up into the Tsaranoro Valley, following ancient Zebu trails, through vegetation that is distinct from what we are used to: palms and other tropical plants indicate that we are in a completely different climatic zone than the day before. In the afternoon, we will return to the Tsarasoa Camp and enjoy cold drinks and the hospitality of the staff there. Depending on the guests' preferences, there can be day hikes from the lodge, or setting up a camp in the mountains for an overnight stay, allowing for longer hiking tours. Accommodation at the Tsarasoa Lodge or in tents. |
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Day 11 - Tsaranoro from Isalo
Today, we continue our journey southward as we leave the fertile highlands behind and enter a landscape dominated by huge granite rocks. After a short stop in Ihosy, we will arrive in Ranohira after about 2 hours of driving, located in the vast plains of Horombe. Here, we will stay at the famous Isalo National Park, which we will explore the next day. Accommodation at the "Isalo Rock Lodge****" hotel. |
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Day 12 - The Isalo National Park
Experience the wonders of the Isalo Massif on this day of exploration, with its unique granite and sandstone sculptures, as well as its extraordinary flora and fauna. The Isalo National Park covers a large part of the massif to the north of the RN7. It is made up of continental sandstone from the Jurassic period, with shapes, colors, and natural sculptures varying greatly in different areas of the park. Isalo is a vast area, spanning almost 82,000 hectares with an average elevation of 1000 meters. Amidst the barren and mineral landscape, you will find stunning natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The duration and difficulty of the day hike will be tailored to the participants' abilities. If desired, this somewhat overpriced park can be easily replaced with a hike in the private area of Isalo Rock Lodge after the Andringitra hike, offering the same serene landscape to enjoy. Overnight stay at Hotel Isalo Rock Lodge **** |
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Day 13 - Drive from Ranohira to Sarondrano via Ilakaka
On this day of your journey through Madagascar, you will bid farewell to Ranohira and head 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 then drive directly to Sarondrano. Here, a breathtaking peninsula stretches into the sea and beautiful dream beaches await you. You will be staying at Résidence Eden Lodge, an excellent guesthouse that is still considered a hidden gem on the island. |
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Day 14 - Stay in Sarondrano and Surroundings
Your days on the Mozambique Channel on your Madagascar journey are all about various day trips and individual activities. During these three days, you will exclusively stay in Sarondrano and the nearby area, spending your nights at the wonderful Résidence Eden Lodge. You can customize your daily itinerary, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you prefer relaxing hours at the dream beach, sailing trips, diving, or a boat ride to see humpback whales, just let us know and we will create a program package tailored to your individual wishes. |
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Day 15 - Flight from Tulear to Antananarivo
This day is filled with excitement: After relaxing days in Sarondrano, it's time to head back to Tulear and from there 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 Villa Sybille hotel or an exceptional restaurant with excellent dining options. |
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Day 16 Stay in Antananarivo and Surroundings
On the penultimate day of your exciting journey through Madagascar, the capital of the island state is once again on the agenda: In Antananarivo, you will have numerous opportunities to go on a discovery tour. One example of a real attraction is the Lemurs Park, where many of the adorable animals can be closely observed. For this day, we have planned a Day Use at Villa Sybille so that you can store your luggage there and freshen up in the evening if needed before we take you to the airport. |
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Day 17 - The Return Flight to Europe
On the final day of your 17-day vacation in Madagascar, you will be focused on the journey back. You will spend this day on the airplane to Europe, likely dreaming about the various experiences and impressions from your trip through Madagascar. |
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