Madagascar trip from September 19th to October 12th, 2023 with German-speaking tour guide

Day 1: The journey begins in Antananarivo

The first day is all about arriving in Madagascar. Upon landing at Ivato Airport in the capital city of Antananarivo, we will pick you up and take you to your accommodation at Villa Sibylle. If you have any specific food or beverage requests for your arrival, please let us know in advance so we can take care of it for you.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe

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

Overnight at the "Eulophiella 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 the Indri-Indris and other highly rare animals and plant species. Upon returning to the hotel in the late morning, we will head to the famous "Vakona Zoo": on the Lemurs Island, reached by boat, you will encounter numerous lemurs that were once illegally kept in captivity and are now being "reintroduced" here. These animals have lost all fear and may 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 zoological wonders unique to Madagascar, which can be explored on a 1-2 hour guided tour. Night walks in the rainforest are also available from the lodge.

Overnight stay at the "Eulophiella Lodge"

Day 4: Journey from Brickaville to Ankanin’y Nofy

After a thorough tour of the cloud forest yesterday, today brings a different itinerary. After breakfast, you will leave the Analamazoatra area and drive towards Brickaville. After a stop in the town, a boat transfer is scheduled to take you to the Canal des Pangalanes, from where you will continue directly to Ankanin’y Nofy. Here, you will find a delightful resort right on the famous canal. Relax with a refreshing swim and spend the night at the Palmarium.

There are only two places in Madagascar where you can see the rarest and most peculiar lemurs, the Aye-Aye, on a night walk, and one of them is on a small island near the Palmarium.

Day 5 and 6: Ankan'y Nofy and Surroundings

Known as the Nest of Dreams, this peaceful and relaxing area is situated between the Ampitambe Lake, the Indian Ocean, and the Pangalan Canal.
White sandy beaches, lakes, lush vegetation with mangroves and orchids.
Many native plants and mainly palm trees grow there, but there are also Carnivorous Plants like Nepenthes and many species of orchids to see. These mainly bloom from November to January.
Ankanin'nofy is mainly known for the tame lemurs living in the reserve there, but there are also reptiles, frogs, and crocodiles.
What is particularly interesting is that you can see and experience different rare lemur species up close. A very special attraction is that it is one of the two places in Madagascar where you can observe the very rare Aye-Aye Lemurs at night, and a night hike there can be organized.

Day 7: Heading Back to Antananarivo

Early in the morning, we will first take a motorboat ride across the vast Rasoabe Lake and then travel on a very rough road until we reach the main road that you are already familiar with from the journey here.

Poor infrastructure, heavy traffic between the port in Tamatave and the capital Antananarivo - caution is advised, and that's why this return journey will likely take up the whole day.

Accommodation at Villa Sibylle

Day 8: Antananarivo to Ampefy

After leaving the city, the landscape becomes pleasant as we start the day with a visit to the Lemur Park. We then continue our journey on less traveled roads until we reach Analavory.

The small town of Ampefy is located by Lake Kavitaha, west of Antananarivo in the heart of Madagascar. The area of Ampefy is characterized by its volcanic landscape, with volcanoes formed two million years ago scattered over an area of 400 km². The region is very fertile due to its volcanic origins, and the overall ambiance is peaceful and relaxing.

Day - 9 Ampefy and Surroundings

Ampefy is the perfect place to discover unique and extraordinary landscapes. Its volcanic scenery and lakes offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Traditional houses and cereal fields add to the overall charm of the area.

Throughout the area, there are a variety of hotels, inns, and cozy guest rooms ready to welcome visitors.

Exploring the countryside around Ampefy provides endless opportunities for enjoying nature walks. Hiking allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rural surroundings and get to know the friendly, albeit shy, locals. Mountain bike rentals are also available for those looking to cover more ground, and fishing is a popular activity in Ampefy.

Covering an area of over 3500 hectares, Lake Itasy is the third largest lake in Madagascar.

The 23-meter-high Lily Waterfalls are a must-see attraction, surrounded by legends that locals share with visitors on guided tours.

Just a few hours away from Ampefy, there are even more discoveries to be made. The highlight is the Island of the Virgin Mary, considered the geographical center of Madagascar, and the geysers of Analavory are also worth a visit.

Day - 10 Ampify to Antsirabe

This journey starts with 10 km of potholes until Soavinandriana, and from there, the drive goes through one of the coldest areas of Madagascar on a newly renovated road through a mountainous region until Faratsiho where the beautiful new road ends. Then, continue on a dirt track to Sambaina, where the track merges into National Highway No. 7. This area is known for its abundant rice cultivation, often in intricately designed rice terraces. Enjoy stunning views and drives at over 2000 m altitude.

Day - 11 Antsirabe to Ranomafana

On the eleventh day of the trip, you will have the opportunity to visit an exciting reforestation project. Orange trees are cultivated in this project for reforestation purposes. Afterwards, we will drive directly to the nearby town of Ambositra, a small town known for its artistic wood carvings. After lunch, we head to Ranomafana National Park. On the way there, you will once again see breathtaking landscapes and vegetation getting greener. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a thermal swimming pool and stay overnight at Hotel Grenat.

Day - 12 Ranomafana National Park to Manakara

On the eighth day of your journey through Madagascar, you will visit the Ranomafana National Park. This park covers more than 40,000 hectares and is located around 1,300 meters above sea level. Various species of lemurs, insects, birds, frogs, and reptiles call the mountain rainforest home, and with a bit of luck, you may encounter some particularly spectacular specimens. The specific activities in Ranomafana National Park will depend on your individual preferences and physical condition.

Afterwards, we will continue 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, and in Manakara, we will finally see the Indian Ocean rolling onto the city's wide beaches.

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

Overnight stay at the "La Vanille" hotel

Day - 13 Manakara and Surroundings

After breakfast, we head north along the "Pangalan Canal," which is actually the longest man-made canal in the world with an original length of over 600 km. On a peninsula, away from 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 snatching bananas and other treats.

Tropical fruits that are locally endemic, pepper, cloves, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla grows here all year round, and litchis and mangos during your winter. In the afternoon, return to Manakara.

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

Day - 14 Manakara to Sahambavy

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

Stay overnight at one of the island's most beautiful hotels, with a huge tropical garden on the shore of a lake. Choose from a treehouse, a luxury apartment in a railway carriage, or bungalows on the lake.

Stay at the Lac Hotel***

Day - 15 Sahambavy to Ambalavao

Embark on a journey through many small villages, where you can get a glimpse of the daily life of the Malagasy people, and through extraordinary landscapes that change rapidly. In Fianarantsoa, we will take a break, giving you the opportunity to explore the city and, if you wish, observe the internationally renowned photographer Pierrot Men at work. Continuing southwards, you will see massive granite rocks, blood-red laterite soils, and increasingly sparse grasses, indicating that you are approaching the southern part of Madagascar. Upon arrival in Ambalavao, you will have various options available. Visiting a nearby village where a project for a drinking water well has been implemented by us for over ten years is one of the possible stops, as well as exploring the local Zebu Market, which is always a spectacle. Accommodation for the night will be at the Tsienimparihy Lodge Hotel.

Day 16 - Anja Park to Isalo

The sixteenth day starts with a hike in a private reserve called Anja Park. This reserve covers about three hectares and is home to numerous lemurs, eagerly awaiting your visit with their playful nature. In addition to lemurs, you can also discover various reptiles, burial caves, and spiritual gathering places of the Betsileo tribe in Anja Park. After the hike, we continue our journey by car heading south. We are expected to arrive in Ranohira by afternoon. This stop leads us to the Isalo National Park, which will be our destination the following day. For now, we will enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the "La Reine d'Isalo" hotel.

Day - 17 Isalo and Surroundings

On the seventeenth day, you will visit one of the most famous national parks in Madagascar, the Isalo National Park. This massive mountain range features granite and sandstone sculptures, waterfalls, and tropical nature.

The entire national park covers over 80,000 hectares of land, offering a wide variety of landscapes.

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

This somewhat overpriced park can be replaced with a walk around the lodge's private area after the hike, offering the same landscapes to enjoy in peace. Various activities like horseback riding are also available 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 spend the night at the "La Reine d'Isalo" hotel.

Day - 18 Isalo to Sarondrano

On this day of your journey through Madagascar, you will bid farewell 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 head directly to Sarondrano. Your overnight stay will be at the Eden Lodge Hotel, an excellent hotel that is still considered a hidden gem on the island.

Day - 19 to 21 - Sarondrano and Surroundings

Every day, a variety of visits and activities are offered, with knowledgeable and local guides available to assist. Planning and logistics are taken care of under the best possible conditions. Options include outrigger canoes, motorboats, 4x4 vehicles, visits to a vast protected area, and even paragliding. For those looking to relax, there's the opportunity to enjoy the warm sea and uninterrupted sunshine at over 32°C.

Boat trip to Nosy Ve Island, home to very rare seabirds that breed there. Enjoy a wonderful picnic on the island and the opportunity to snorkel. Activities at Eden Lodge are optional and not included in the price.

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

Accommodation at "Residence Eden Lodge"

Day - 22 Tulear to Antananarivo (Domestic Flight)

This day is filled with excitement: After relaxing days in Ifaty, we head back to Tulear and 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 Hotel Villa Sybille or an exceptional restaurant with excellent dining options.

Day - 23 Antananarivo and surroundings

On the penultimate day of your exciting journey through Madagascar, the capital of the island nation is once again on the agenda: in Antananarivo, there are numerous opportunities for exploration. One example of a real attraction is the Lemurs Park, where many of these adorable animals can be closely observed. For this Day, we have planned a Day Use at Villa Sybille, where you can store your luggage and freshen up in the evening before we take you to the airport.

Day - 24 Return Flight

The final day of your long vacation in Madagascar is dedicated to your return journey. You will spend this day on the plane back to Europe, likely dreaming of the various experiences and impressions from your trip through Madagascar.