Madagascar welcomes you to explore its beautiful lands covered with thick forests and big trees like baobabs, and fields of crops. You might see the biggest meat-eating mammal in Madagascar called the Fossa.
You will also meet the famous ring-tailed lemur (called Katta or Maki), and the largest lemur called the Indri-Indri when you visit Andasibe National Park.
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Your plane will land at the international airport in Antananarivo (Tana). There, your English-speaking tour guide will meet and welcome you.
After the usual airport formalities and money exchange, you will be driven safely to your hotel in the city center. You can rest and spend the day at your own pace.
Day 2: Travel to Antsirabe & Pottery Visit
Today the real adventure begins as you travel south to Antsirabe. Along the way, you will see many interesting things, including red mud houses and wide open lands.
You will stop at a pot-making factory where you can see how Malagasy pots are made from aluminum. Later, you will reach your hotel and rest.
Day 3: Rickshaw City Tour & Journey to Miandrivazo
After a tasty breakfast, you will enjoy a rickshaw city tour in Antsirabe. Then you will take National Road 34 toward Miandrivazo.
On the way, stop at Betafo for a short hike and a visit to a local school. You will arrive in Miandrivazo late in the afternoon.
Day 4: Travel to Kirindy & Night Walk
Prepare for the trip to Kirindy. You will stop a few times to stretch your legs and see the western part of Madagascar’s countryside.
In the evening, take a night walk in Kirindy Reserve where you can see small animals like the Berthae and Murinus mice, snakes, and the giant rat called Vositse, which lives only here.
Day 5: Explore Kirindy Reserve & Avenue of the Baobabs
After breakfast, explore Kirindy Reserve. Look for the famous Fossa, several types of lemurs such as the sifaka and the red-fronted brown lemur, and birds like the paradise flycatcher. You will also see the narrow-striped mongoose and plants like baobabs and young palissandres.
After the visit, return to Morondava. On the way, stop at the famous Avenue of the Baobabs to enjoy its special atmosphere.
Don’t miss a photo of the “Grandidieri Adansonia,” one of the seven types of baobab trees in Madagascar. Watch the beautiful sunset that lights up the trees and plants in warm colors.
Day 6: Return to Antsirabe
Today you will travel back to the city of Antsirabe. Along the way, there will be several stops for photos and to rest. After some hours of driving, you will arrive and settle in your hotel.
Day 7: Journey to Ambalavao & Cultural Tour
After breakfast, start your journey to Ambalavao. When you arrive, take a cultural city tour including a visit to a paper factory where paper is made from the Havoha tree.
This kind of paper-making was introduced by Arab traders. You will check in to your hotel and can decide how to spend the rest of the day.
Day 8: Visit Anja Park & Travel to Ranohira
Today’s goal is Ranohira. On the way, stop at Anja Park where you will see many ring-tailed lemurs (kattas). Continue to Ranohira.
On the road to Ihosy, notice the change from green highlands to the dry south.
See the huge granite formation called the “Gateway of the South” and the Bishop’s Hat, a local sacred place. Finally, reach the village of Ranohira in the Isalo mountains.
End the day by watching the sunset over the Isalo area.
Day 9: Explore Isalo National Park
Ranohira is known for Isalo National Park. Spend the day walking through sandstone formations, deep gorges, and clear pools.
The park’s rocks shine in the sunlight, and the calm air makes this a peaceful place. After the hike, cool off in a natural swimming pool.
Day 10: Travel to Ranomafana National Park
Head to Ranomafana, home of a famous national park. Ranomafana is one of the last mountain forests left. It offers many views and chances to see different plants and animals.
Finish the day with a night walk.
Day 11: Walking Safari in Ranomafana & Return to Antsirabe
Take a walking safari in Ranomafana National Park to see many types of lemurs like the golden bamboo lemur and the black-and-white ruffed lemur.
You may also see colorful frogs and the giraffe weevil insect. After the visit, travel toward Antsirabe, stopping to rest and enjoy the landscape. Arrive late afternoon.
Day 12: Travel to Andasibe & Night Walk
Today you leave for Andasibe in the east, home of Perinet Reserve. Arrive in the afternoon. Many lemurs live here and are active both day and night.
In the evening, you can join a night walk to spot frogs, chameleons, and other animals that come out after dark.
Day 13: Wildlife Watching in Andasibe & Visit to Vakona Reserve
After breakfast, enjoy wildlife watching in Andasibe National Park. Look for the indri, the largest living lemur. You will also see many plants and animals like geckos and other lemurs.
After lunch, visit Vakona Reserve, a small park with lemurs and crocodiles. The lemurs are used to visitors and will come close. You may also see brown lemurs.
Day 14: Return to Antananarivo & Visit Peyrieras Exotic Farm
After breakfast, travel back to the capital. On the way, visit Peyrieras “Madagascar Exotic” private farm.
Madagascar has about 3000 types of butterflies, including the biggest butterfly in the world called the comet with a 30 cm wingspan, which you might see here.
You will also see many types of chameleons, lizards, snakes, bats, and other animals. In the afternoon, return to your hotel.
Day 15: Museum Visit, Market Shopping & Departure
Your journey ends today. Before you leave, visit the Andohalo Photography Museum to learn about the highlands’ history during the royal era.
After the museum, visit local markets to buy souvenirs.
Finally, you will be driven to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of Madagascar’s natural beauty.
