Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Your adventure in Madagascar begins in Antananarivo, the capital of the island nation. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our team and escorted to your accommodation. At the Villa Sibylle, you will receive a warm welcome and enjoy a delicious dinner that can be tailored to your personal preferences. After dinner, you can relax in the cozy rooms to rest from your flight and journey. |
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Day 2: Journey to Antsirabe
The former resort town of Antsirabe was once a pilgrimage site for well-off colonial lords and therefore boasts numerous impressive buildings that enrich the city's skyline. The architecture is much more European than in most other parts of the island, which is why European visitors especially enjoy returning to Antsirabe. 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 return to your accommodation for the night. |
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Day 3: Antsirabe to Sahambavy
Embark on a journey through a highly diverse landscape that passes through various typical vegetation zones in the highlands. Ambositra is known for the wood carving art of the Zafimaniry, and a stop can be made there upon request. Stay overnight at one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, with a huge tropical garden on the shore of a lake, a treehouse, a luxury apartment in a train car, bungalows on the lake. Stay at Lac Hotel*** |
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Day 4: Ranohira - The Gateway to Isalo National Park
On today's Day, you will first travel to the village of Ranohira. Located in the southern highlands of the island, you will find 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 the bottom cannot be seen. Away from the vast savannas, you may be lucky enough to spot one of the seven lemur species that call this park home. |
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Day 5: Ifaty - The Most Beautiful Thorn Forests on the Island
Located on the west coast of Madagascar, the town of Ifaty offers the perfect setting for beachgoers. Here, you can relax under coconut palms or embark on an underwater adventure at one of the numerous diving spots. You can also visit the nearby Baobab Forest, where the imposing prehistoric giants never fail to captivate visitors and provide a perfect photo opportunity. |
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Day 6: Exploring the Baobab Forest
Today, you will embark on a hike through Madagascar's famous Baobab forest. The southwest of the island is spared from the rainy season, allowing only plants that require little water to thrive. The woody plants of the Baobab forest are mostly leafless and, as the name suggests, often covered in thorns for protection. Bottle trees and dry-looking shrubs dominate the landscape here. Despite the harsh conditions, the vegetation in this region is unusually rich, but quite different in appearance compared to the flora of the fertile east coast. |
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Day 7 From Ifaty to Ambatomilo
After a few days of relaxation, the journey continues northward on the N9. The adventure begins now. Driving through the Reniala Thorn Forest on sandy tracks, we reach Ambatomilo. This stretch of road offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar. I haven't seen any more stunning than these. The turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the pristine white sandy beaches covered in fine coral sand. The landscape is vast and almost deserted. Even by Malagasy standards, the area is extremely dry and sparsely populated with very few villages along the way. Just before Ambatomilo, there are clusters of huge Baobabs, some growing in groups resembling giant bonsais. Amidst this wonderful and impressive nature, we settle in at a bungalow hotel which even has hot water. Overnight at Hotel "Shangri La." |
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Days 8 and 9 - Ambatomilo
Experience the Shangri-la Lodge, offering delicious food, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and one of the most spectacular beaches in Madagascar! Located near the small village of Ambatomilo, 125 km north of the city of Tulear, this resort is the perfect destination for nature and sea lovers. Discover one of Madagascar's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by typical vegetation of the Malagasy bush. Enjoy fishing, exploring the island and reef, and many other activities. At Shangri-la Lodge, we prioritize relaxation and tranquility - the perfect escape for your holiday. |
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Day 10 - Ambatomila to Ifaty
Leaving Ambatomilo in a southerly direction, we drive on a track parallel to the coastline through a jungle-like dry forest. Located on a wide bay, Ambatomilo with its stacked houses appears remote and picturesque. After a break at one of the restaurants on the shore, we continue south, always along the coast through a sublime dune landscape. Passing small villages of Vezo fishermen and driving slowly on the bumpy track, we finally arrive at the Bay of Ifaty in the afternoon. Huge forests of baobab trees surround the blue shimmering bay, while kilometers of sandy beaches offer unparalleled "postcard-worthy" views. |
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Day 11: From Tulear to Isalo National Park
On Day 11, you will travel from Tulear towards the stunning Isalo National Park in the center of the island. As you drive along the RN7, you will encounter deep canyons, towering rock formations, and mysterious caves. Enchanting streams wind their way through rugged rocks, forming small, bright blue ponds. When the sunlight hits the various minerals of the mountains, a breathtaking display of colors unfolds, enhancing your travel experience in unimaginable ways. |
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Day 12: Explore the Depths of Isalo National Park
To truly appreciate the unique Isalo National Park, it is recommended to allocate about two days to explore its pristine and breathtaking landscapes. While you may have gathered some initial 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 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. |
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Day 13: 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 by themselves. On just 9km², you can admire vibrant orchids and other wondrous plants. The park is also home to around 300 adorable ring-tailed lemurs, which, unlike most other lemurs, prefer to stay on the ground rather than in trees. Inside the park, a revitalizing picnic awaits you, allowing you to soak in the natural spectacle around you. Nearby, you will also find Village 13. During a visit to the village, we want to show you the profound impact of targeted humanitarian aid. We ourselves have contributed by building a well in the village and providing financial support to enable children to receive an education. The boundless gratitude of the population and the warm welcome we receive from the people during our visits are a gift that we also want to share with you. Despite having to make do with simple resources, the villagers are very hospitable and generous, offering deep insights into their culture. |
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Day 14: Manakara - The Gateway to the World of Spices
Continue your journey to Manakara, a multicultural port city on the east coast of the island. In the colonial era, the fertile soils of the eastern regions of Madagascar were used to cultivate luxury goods such as vanilla and cloves, which were then shipped to Europe. The former plantations still exist today, and the spices of exceptional quality are still being shipped all over the world. With its mix of Europeans and Asians living here, Manakara is the epitome of a vibrant port city. |
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Day 15: Cruise on the Canal des Pangalanes
Today, you will embark on a boat tour on the Canal des Pangalanes. 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 great economic significance. Many parts of it are no longer navigable today. However, in Manakara, you can still enjoy boat rides on this former showpiece of the colonial rulers. |
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Day 16: Impressive Rainforest in Ranomafana
After enjoying some city air, continue your journey towards the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. Here, you will visit one of the last montane rainforests 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 densely forested mountain ranges beyond. The park is located in close proximity to the main town of Ranomafana and is extremely visitor-friendly. You will be accommodated at the Hotel des Thermes in Ranomafana. In the town, you can also visit a soothing thermal spa to recharge and gather strength for the remaining exciting journey ahead. |
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Day 17: Returning to Antsirabe
Continuing north on the RN7, you will once again return to Antsirabe. Over the next few days, you will have the opportunity to get to know the city better. During your first visit, you were able to get a first impression of the city. Now, you have time for a leisurely stroll through 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 an altitude of about 1600m. There are beautiful lakes of volcanic origin and countless hiking opportunities, bike tours are also possible and can be organized upon request. After breakfast, we head west to 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 and enjoy the unique mountain panorama of the surroundings. At the enchanting waterfall of Antafofo, 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 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 "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel. |
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Day 19: From the Highlands to the Misty Mountain Forest
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 renowned private reserve "MadagascarExotique" owned by the famous researcher Andre Pereyras, where you can see 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. You will check in at your accommodation near Andasibe National Park, where you can already listen to the calls of the Indri lemurs, who often venture into the hotel grounds. Overnight at the "Eulophiella Lodge". |
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Day 20: Andasibe and Mitsinjo Reserve
After breakfast, we will visit the Andasibe or Mitsinjo Reserve. During the several-hour hike, you will have the opportunity to see Indri-Indris and other highly rare animal and plant species. After returning, we will leisurely drive towards Antananarivo. Along the way, there will be various optional visits based on the interests of the participants. 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. Normally, flights to Europe depart in the evening, allowing you to pack your bags and make all necessary travel preparations in peace. There is also time to make any last-minute purchases. We will arrange your transfer to the airport and are delighted to have convinced a new traveler of the unique beauty of the island. |
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