This 13-day “A Taste of Madagascar” itinerary takes you from the capital, Antananarivo, through tropical rain forests of the east, to Andisabe where lemurs will throw themselves at you for some banana. Witness essential oil distillation, go for a night hike and chill out on the deck marvelling at the rainforest. After returning to Antananarivo, you will journey south to Antsirabe, the industrial and agricultural capital of Madagascar, whereafter you will head to the famed hot springs of Ranomafana. With the hilltop churches of Fianarantsoa beckoning, you will walk the town’s historic streets before watching a magical sunset painting the churches in golden hues. The next two days will be spent at the Isalo National Park, marvelling at the grandeur and majesty of the rock formations. On your way to Ifaty, you will pass through the “wild-west” of Madagascar, Ilakaka, which is one of the largest artisanal sapphire-producing towns in the world. Indulge your senses and relax on the beaches of Ifaty before catching a return flight to Antananarivo.
This itinerary should serve as inspiration and provide a starting point of what can be tailored to suit your particular travel needs.
If this itinerary has caught your eye, email Robin at madagascar@fleewinter.com or call us at (UK) 020 7112 0019. We specialise in private, bespoke holidays to ensure that you make the most of your time on this magical island.
Upon arriving at the Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, your guide will escort you to the 4-star Maison Galliant Boutique hotel with its spectacular hilltop views of the city.
We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight, so relax and enjoy the views.
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Today you will depart for Andasibe (150km/3h30). On the way, you will stop off at an insect and reptile captive breeding centre at Marozevo. A guided walk through the Vakona Private Reserve will see you marvel at numerous lemur species, including the largest and noisiest lemur, the indri. After dark will see you go on a guided walk through the VOIMMA Reserve.
Full board.
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Today will all be about exploring the fascinating rainforests. Take a guided morning walk through the Andasibe National Park in search of lemurs. After lunch will see you explore the Vohimana Reserve which contains the richest diversity of frogs found anywhere in the world. The afternoon would not be complete without a visit to an essential oil distillery.
Full board.
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An early departure to Antananarivo (150km/3h30) will see your arrival back in the capital by lunchtime, whereafter you will go on a guided tour to discover the upper town.
Full board.
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Today you will travel south and visit an artisanal aluminium foundry in Ambatolampy. Keep an eye out for the age-old cattle drives which bring zebu to market. Upon arriving in Antsirabe, the agricultural and industrial capital of Madagascar, catch a pousse-pousse (a local rickshaw) for an afternoon city tour and try out a Three Horse beer, brewed in town at the local Star Brewery.
Full board.
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Today has a long drive through dramatically changing landscapes as you head towards Ranomafana National Park (300km/7h30).
En route, you will stop at a local wood-carving market in Ambositra and have lunch at an artisanal restaurant.
A guided nocturnal visit on the outskirts of the park will provide an insight into the lives of nocturnal forest residents.
Full board.
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Today enjoy either a morning visit to the Ranomafana National Park or indulge in the geothermal springs found within the hotel grounds. After lunch, you will travel to the quaint town of Fianarantsoa, where you will go on a guided walk through this historic town.
Full board.
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Today will see you head towards Isalo National Park (260km/6hr). En route, stops will include the Anja Park, where you will get to see ring-tailed lemurs (as in “King Julian” fame) and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards in Ambalavao.
Full board.
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A full-day visit to the Isalo National Park is on the cards for you today. This is Madagascar’s most popular national park due to its dramatic sandstone formations and deep canyons.
Take a guided hike, swim in crystal clear pools and enjoy a lunch served in the forest.
Full board.
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Leaving the park will see you experience dramatically changing landscapes as you make your way to Ifaty (260km/6h30). Witness the sprawling town of Ilakaka where sapphires are artisanally mined. A guided tour through the Antsokay Arboretum will reveal a myriad of Madagascar’s strange plants. Take a late afternoon guided walk through the Reniala Reserve to see baobabs over 1000 years old.
Full board.
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Today is a day to take time out, so either you’ll have time to relax on the beach, or go for a guided tour to see some of the town’s highlights.
Full board.
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Depart from Toliara Airport and fly to Ivato Airport, Antananarivo.
Today you will have a guided downtown city tour, visiting local markets and historic attractions.
Full board.
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Depending on your flight, you may be able to start the journey home late at night on your 12th day. Otherwise your driver will take you to the airport today for your flight home. Safe travels!
This itinerary costs from £5,900 per person full board (except Days 1 and 13) based on 2 sharing, including all private transfers and domestic flights but not international flights.
You can get flights from as little as £700 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively, we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.
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