Welcome to Antananarivo, the capital and largest city of the gorgeous island nation of Madagascar. The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar sits like a jewel in the crown of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Mozambique. Antananarivo is a very spread-out city and is split into Upper, middle and lower town, known for its heart-shaped lake surrounded by jacaranda trees in the middle of the city centre. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive in Madagascar by 3.00pm. This evening you will meet our local guide over a welcome dinner this evening.

Today is a travel day which will take us towards the eastern side of the island and Andasibe National Park. Along the way we’ll stop at the Reserve Peyrieras Madagascar Exotic to marvel at the many species of reptiles found on the island. After a lunch stop in Marozevo, we continue to Andasibe National Park where we’ll arrive later in the afternoon. The rainforest here is home to 11 species of lemur and many other endemic rare and endangered animals. After our arrival, we’ll embark on an evening excursion to the park to discover some of the fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

Today we’ll visit Analamazaotra Reserve, once part of the larger Mantadia National Park. This protected forest is home to 108 different species of bird, 14 species of lemur and 84 types of amphibians. We’ll enjoy the wonders of the rainforest as we hike, tracking lemurs, spotting exotic plants, trees, insects and Madagascan reptiles along the way. If we are lucky, we may even spot the iconic 'Indri Indri' lemur, the largest species of lemur in the world.

Special Experience

Immerse yourself in the iconic Lemur Island's wildlife as you encounter these fascinating creatures up close.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Leaving the rainforest behind this morning we continue south along the famous National Road 7, towards the town of Ambatolampy. Here we have the chance to meet the villagers who handmake traditional pots from recycled aluminium. We’ll continue our travels to arrive in Antsirabe this afternoon, famous in Madagascar for its warm thermal waters and colourful rickshaws.

Special Experience

Visit a workshop where the locals craft miniature vehicles from recycled materials and witness an informative demonstration.

Next, we make our way to a workshop where local artisans create beautiful souvenirs out of Zebu horns, before visiting a precious stone shop.

Later this morning we continue south through the highlands, stopping at the town of Ambositra, the handicraft capital of Madagascar. This town is well known for its unique type of woodcarving, called Zafimaniry Art, which has been added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. During our visit to Ambositra, we'll have the chance to explore different craft workshops, witness the artisans at work, and purchase some souvenirs to take home.

In the late afternoon sit back, relax and enjoy the passing scenery on the way to the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park.

It’s an early start this morning as a park ranger and a tracker take us on a scenic hike through the lush Ranomafana National Park. We'll be awestruck by the stunning variety of unique flora and fauna, including 12 species of lemur and 115 species of birds that make this park their home. Following a local lunch, we'll have the afternoon at leisure to relax and unwind before we head out on an incredible nocturnal visit along the National Road. With our expert guide leading the way, we'll search for nocturnal lemurs like the microcebe or mouse lemur and other nocturnal animals including chameleons. We'll then return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today, we bid farewell to the spectacular Madagascan highlands and enter the dry bushland and semi-desert of southern Madagascar. The people in Ambalavao are specialists in handmade high-quality silk and paper products using old traditional methods. Here we’ll have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Antemoro Paper Mill, which has a rich history dating back to the Arabs. After visiting some of these mills, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the Anja Reserve. Managed by the local village community, this reserve is home to many unique species of lemurs, including the very famous ring-tailed lemur.

Get ready for a Jurassic-age adventure today, experiencing the wonders of the Isalo National Park. Accompanied by a park ranger we’ll hike through awe-inspiring canyons and oases, taking in the lunar landscape. Along the way, we'll visit the Baras Tombs and the botanic garden, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the park. Formed during the Jurassic period, the unique flora and fauna of this region have evolved to adapt to the local conditions.

Special Experience

Accompanied by a park ranger, hike through awe-inspiring canyons and oases of Isalo National Park taking in the lunar landscape.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

After breakfast, our sightseeing continues as we head towards the stunning shores of the Mozambique Channel, passing through several villages formed during the Sapphire Rush. We’ll stop at the captivating Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a landscape of dry forest, marshes and savannahs. Here we'll explore the majestic baobabs and encounter the playful Sifaka dancing lemurs before continuing to the port city of Toliara for lunch and some time to explore. Later this afternoon we’ll make our way to the quiet fishing village of Ifaty, home to a beautiful palm-fringed beach.

Early this morning, we'll visit the Reniala Private Reserve, which is famously known as the Baobab Forest. Prepare to be amazed by the unique beauty of these ancient trees as we wander through the reserve. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the ecology of the region and appreciate the natural wonders of Madagascar. After we return to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and unwind, or to explore more of this colourful seaside town at our own pace.

This morning we say goodbye to Ifaty as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the capital, Antananarivo. On arrival we’ll visit the Blue Hill (or Ambohimanga). This UNESCO Heritage Site is considered the cradle of Merina Monarchy and is steeped in fascinating history and cultural significance.

Special Experience

Discover the culinary delights of Antananarivo during a lunch time cooking class.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax.

Discover Madagascar’s pretty capital on an orientation city tour this morning. Here, we’ll see some gems of the city, including the Old Upper Town and the city centre before visiting a local craft market. This afternoon is yours at leisure before enjoying the group farewell dinner this evening.

Our tour concludes after breakfast, and we bid farewell to our new friends and to incredible Madagascar. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.