Day 1 - Arrival in Antananarivo
The first thing you need to do in Madagascar is complete the visa formalities at Ivato Airport. Right after that, your Madagascar adventure begins. We will greet you at the exit of Antananarivo-Ivato Airport and provide continuous assistance throughout your stay. Depending on the time of day, you can either explore Tana or rest at our Villa Sibylle. Overnight stay at "Villa Sibylle". |
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Day 2 Antananarivo-Antsirabe
As we stop for lunch in Behenjy or Ambatolampy, the outskirts of Tana are already behind us and we find ourselves in the middle of the famous N7. Antsirabe, which we reach after about 170km on a well-maintained road, was originally founded in the 19th century by a Norwegian missionary. The construction style of some buildings in the older part of the city still reflects its origins. In a beautiful and peaceful hotel, you can process the first experiences of your trip and with some luck, spot the first chameleons in the garden. Overnight at the Hotel "Chambres du Voyageur". |
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Day 3 Antsirabe-Ranomafana
As the journey continues, the excitement builds up for what lies ahead. Today, we will drive on a winding yet well-maintained road to Ranomafana, home to the eponymous National Park. Along the way, we will introduce you to a hidden gem of sustainable tourism. The privately-owned "Ialatsara Camp" is a sanctuary for numerous rare lemur species, which can be spotted and observed on a short nature walk. As the landscape transitions into a dense rainforest with lush vegetation and the road cuts through the forest, we know we are nearing our destination for the day. The gates of Ranomafana National Park open for us to explore. Overnight stay at "Hotel Thermal." |
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Day 4 Ranomafana National Park-Ambalavao
After an early wake-up call, today's agenda includes hikes in Ranomafana National Park. We drive up the winding, almost serpentine-like road to the park entrance. There, you will be greeted by our guide who will lead you through the park. Depending on your fitness level and preferences, various hikes in the cloud forest can be booked. Immerse yourself in this experience and absorb the energy of the forest. Afterwards, we pass through small hidden villages with red and earth-colored huts and houses, making our way back to the highlands. From there, our journey continues on the N7 towards Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao. Rice fields in various shades of green line the road like mosaic fields. In Fianarantsoa, we visit the photo studio of the world-renowned photographer Pierrot Men, whose works are internationally known but can only be found in his studio in Fianarantsoa on the island. After this visit, we continue on a well-maintained section of the N7. The landscape will drastically change on the way to Ambalavao. Huge granite rocks and barren laterite landscapes line the road. We take a break at a viewpoint above the city, soaking in the vastness of the landscape. From here, the destination of today's journey is already visible. Ambalavao lies between high mountains covered with vineyards before us. Overnight at the "Tsienimparihy Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 5 Ambalavao-Anja Park-Ranohira
We leave Ambalavao early in the morning and drive through landscapes that strongly resemble African savannas. Our first stop of the day is at the privately owned and very well-organized "Anja Park." The park is home to numerous chameleons and reptiles that can be easily observed. The highlight of the visit is encountering families of ring-tailed lemurs that live in the park. After a few kilometers, we pass through the gateway to the south and after the capital of the Bara tribe, Ihosy, we continue on straight roads for kilometers until we reach Ranohira. We stay at a first-class 4-star hotel with an incredible view of the Isalo Mountains and relax in the evening in a pleasant atmosphere. Overnight at the "Isalo Rock Lodge." |
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Day 6 Ranohira-Sarondrano
As we continue our journey south, we will pass through savannas and desert landscapes until we reach Tulear. The Tropic of Capricorn is now within close proximity. There are various activities that can be arranged along the way. Consult with your driver and companions to discuss the options. For example, a visit to a sapphire mine in Ilakaka or a detour to Zombitse Vohibasia National Park are possible. The southern regions are known for their unique vegetation, attracting visitors and botanists alike. Along the road, you will also see the famous Mahafaly tombs and the "Aloalos", wooden steles adorned with geometric motifs that describe, in a simple and naive way, the important aspects of the deceased's life.
From Tulear, the road turns into a sandy track that will lead us to a very remote area. This track will take us to one of the most beautiful guesthouses I have ever seen on the island. The "Résidence Eden Lodge" is still a hidden gem, but word is spreading fast and accommodation options are limited.
Overnight stay at the "Résidence Eden Lodge" hotel. |
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Day 7 to 10 - Sarondrano and Surroundings
The landscape and opportunities in the area around Eden Lodge are, in my opinion, unparalleled in Madagascar. You can choose from outrigger canoes, motorboats, canoes, off-road vehicles, visits to a huge protected area, and even paragliding. No matter which activity you decide on, reliable and competent guides are available. For relaxation, you can retreat and enjoy the sunshine with excellent food and 32° warm water. I recommend taking a trip to Nosy Ve Island, inhabited by very rare seabirds. An unforgettable picnic awaits you in this environment. Stay at "Residence Eden Lodge" for a truly unique experience. |
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Day 10 Sarondrano-Tulear-Ambatomilo
After a few days of relaxation, our journey continues north on the N9. The adventure begins as we drive through the Reniala Thorn Forest on sandy tracks to Ambatomiloha. This stretch of the journey offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Madagascar – I have yet to discover any that compare. The turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the white sand beaches covered in fine coral sand. The landscape is vast and almost deserted, even by Madagascan standards, with very few villages due to the extreme dryness of the area.
Just before Ambatomiloha, you'll see clusters of huge Baobab trees that are a rare sight. Some grow in groups, resembling gigantic bonsais. Amidst this wonderful and impressive nature, we find ourselves at a bungalow hotel that even has hot water.
Overnight stay at the Shangri La Hotel. |
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Day 11 and 12 Ambatomilo
Skipping a rest day here would be almost criminal. The location is simply too impressive to just drive through. Take two days to relax in the shade of Baobabs and recharge your energy for the further journey north along the coast. Enjoy the stunning scenery and get ready for the next adventure! |
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Day 13 Ambatomilo-Morombe
Our journey takes us through the territory of the Mikea, the legendary smallest ethnic group in Madagascar, along the coast through fantastic spiny forests towards Morombe. The road no longer deserves its name here, instead it is a deep and difficult to navigate sandy track. The driving sensation in our car is similar to driving on a closed snowy road that you may be more familiar with. Giant baobabs and euphorbias line the way and will leave you in awe. This part of the route allows our driver to showcase his skills with the 4x4 vehicle. A precise understanding of what is achievable, but also what is not achievable, is essential for deep sandy tracks and river crossings. You are in good hands and can fully enjoy the adventure. Finally, we reach Morombe where we will be staying in a very simple and lovely guesthouse. Overnight at "chez Katia" in Morombe. |
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Day 14 Morombe-Belo sur Mer
To avoid having to spend a night in terrible conditions that I wouldn't necessarily want to subject any of my guests to, we must tackle the longest stretch of the journey today. We start our journey at 5 am in the darkness, crossing the dry landscape characterized by solitary thorn forests, dideraceae, baobabs, euphorbias, cacti, and sometimes even deciduous trees. After about 70km, we leave Manja behind and continue deeper into the wilderness. After a total driving time of 8.5 hours over sand, rocks, and several river crossings, we reach the salt flats of Belo sur Mer. After this exhausting day, we enjoy dinner in traditional accommodations at Ecolodge du Menabe, complete with sanitary facilities, hot water, a friendly atmosphere, and pretty good food served at a communal table with all the guests. |
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Day 15 Belo sur Mer - Morondava
Today, after a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, we embark on our last day on the trails of Terra Incognita. While there are still a few river crossings ahead, one of which is quite challenging, our driver navigates them with ease. Suddenly, an asphalt road appears out of nowhere, and we gladly take advantage of it. We drive all the way to Morondava and check into our accommodation at the "Kimony Resort." Get ready for a comfortable stay after a day of adventure! |
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Day 16 Morondava-Kirindy National Park
From Morondava, it's only a 50km drive on the road until we reach Kirindy National Park. The road consists of both asphalted roads and sandy tracks, but after the experiences we have gathered in the past weeks, it doesn't pose a big challenge for us or our driver anymore. On the way to the park, we pass by one of Madagascar's most photographed locations - the Baobab Alley, which awaits us with all its splendor and unique appearance.
In the park itself, there is a very rare opportunity to see Madagascar's largest predator - the Fosas. These elusive creatures can still be found in this area and can be observed daily, although they are very rare and shy. Kirindy is the ideal and almost only place in Madagascar where these animals can be seen in the wild.
Tonight, a night walk is recommended here, as many of the lemurs are only active in the darkness and therefore are best spotted during that time. Accommodation is at the Kirindy Resort. |
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Day 17 Kirindy N.P.-Antsirabe
After another visit to the Kirindy National Park as part of a very early day tour that lasts at least two hours, we slowly make our way towards Antsirabe. You can expect a very long drive. Upon arriving in the highest city in Madagascar, we can enjoy the refreshing cool air of the thermal town. Overnight stay at "Chambres du Voyageur" in Antsirabe. |
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Day 18 Antsirabe - Antananarivo
After a long time in nature, in the heat of the deep south, and along the untouched southern east coast, we return to the bustling capital of Madagascar. This final stage of this extraordinary tour gives guests a different perspective than at the beginning, where the same route was driven in the opposite direction. These were the first impressions of Madagascar, three weeks full of unforgettable experiences have been lived since then. We return to the starting point of the journey, Antananarivo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse "Villa Sibylle". |
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Day 19 Antananarivo and Surroundings
Welcome to the last day of what has surely been an unforgettable journey through landscapes and locations that are truly unique, not just in Madagascar. Today, you have the option to explore the city of Antananarivo once more, or visit nearby attractions such as Lemurs Park. Alternatively, you can relax in the tropical garden of Villa Sybille guesthouse. Enjoy the final day of your adventure! |
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Day 20 - The Return Flight
In the evening, we will take you to the airport. The return flight is usually after midnight, so you will appreciate the opportunity for a "Dayuse" at the hotel to prepare for your flight in peace.
Overnight stay at the guesthouse of "Villa Sibylle" |
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Special Notes
You have the option to book this trip as an individual journey on your preferred dates.
This tour is only available from mid-May to mid-November. The southern and eastern regions of Madagascar can get very hot, with the coolest months being June to August. However, the tour is still feasible during the other months it is offered.
This is an adventurous journey through remote and sparsely populated areas. We strive to provide the best possible accommodations wherever possible, but please be aware that some accommodations may be more basic due to limited alternatives in these remote areas.
While this is not a physically strenuous trip, participants should be in good health as medical assistance may be limited in remote locations. Vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis are not required, but it is advisable to have some basic tropical medication on hand. Good physical condition is essential, and guests with heart problems should not participate in this tour.
The climate is mostly warm to hot, but it can get cold during the winter months (June to August) in the highlands. Pack both light summer clothing and warmer attire accordingly.
Although chargers and voltage converters are available in the vehicle, we recommend bringing your own power bank or extra batteries.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us. |
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