17-Day Highlights of Madagascar – Discover Antananarivo’s rich architecture, hike in rainforests, see lemurs in Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks, explore Isalo National Park, stay in a luxury tent along the Mandrare River, and relax on the white sandy beaches of Nosy Komba.
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
You will be picked up from Ivato International Airport and meet your English-speaking guide. Then take a 4-hour drive to the east.
You’ll check in at Maison Gallieni, a restored colonial house with stylish décor, located on a hill. You can relax by the pool, enjoy the city views, or walk around and see the old buildings of Tana.
Day 2: Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
After breakfast, your guide will drive you 4 hours to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This rainforest has two parts: the Perinet Reserve and Mantadia National Park. It is home to many lemurs.
On the way, you will pass rice fields, red-brick houses, and fruit stalls. After lunch at Mantadia Lodge, you will visit a private reserve managed by Mitsinjo, a local conservation group.
This group runs reforestation and education projects. You will see many animals and plant trees along the reforestation trail.
Day 3: Explore Mantadia National Park
After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Mantadia National Park. This park has many lemur species, including Indri, Grey Bamboo, Red-Bellied, White Ruffed, and Diademed Sifaka. The trails are rough but rewarding.
The forest is higher and thicker here. You may also see rare birds like the Breasted Coua and Scaly Ground Roller. After your picnic lunch at the Rianasoa waterfall, return to your lodge.
In the evening, take a night walk to see lemurs such as Woolly Lemur, Mouse Lemur, and Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur.
Day 4: Visit Perinet Reserve and Return to Tana
After breakfast, visit the Perinet Reserve. It is known for the Indri lemur with its loud call and teddy bear-like face. You may also see brown lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs, and more.
The reserve also has reptiles, orchids, and birds like the blue coua and velvet asity. After lunch in Andasibe, drive back to Tana and stay at Maison Gallieni.
Day 5: Fly to Toliara and Drive to Isalo
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport for a flight to Toliara. On arrival, your English-speaking driver will take you on a 4-hour drive to Isalo National Park.
Check in at Jardin du Roy for 2 nights. You can rest or swim in the pool with views of the park. Isalo has sandstone canyons, natural pools, and rare plants like pachypodium and aloe.
The Bara people use the park as a sacred burial site.
Day 6: Full Day in Isalo National Park
Spend the day hiking in Isalo National Park. Your guide will help you choose a trail that fits you. A popular route is Canyon des Singes, which leads to the natural pool called Piscine Naturelle.
The park has unusual rock shapes and a few lemurs. It is also home to reptiles, frogs, and over 80 bird species, including the rare Benson’s rock-thrush.
Day 7: Travel to Bakuba Lodge
After breakfast, take a 1-hour drive to your next stay at Bakuba Lodge. This lodge is in a large forest area between two habitats. It’s a great spot for bird lovers.
You may see the rare Appert’s greenbul, crested coua, and giant coua. After a 2-hour walk in the forest, drive 4 hours back to the lodge, stopping for lunch.
In the afternoon, relax, walk on the beach, or swim in the sea. You can also snorkel or dive for an extra cost.
Day 8: Back to Antananarivo
Fly back to Antananarivo. A Wayfarer representative will meet you and take you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa. Relax by the pool or explore the city.
Day 9: Fly to Fort Dauphin and Transfer to Mandrare River Camp
After breakfast, fly to Fort Dauphin. A guide will meet you and take you for lunch. Then take a 4-hour drive to Mandrare River Camp. Stay 3 nights in a luxury tent with river views.
At around 5 p.m., enjoy a night walk in Zenavo forest. You may see sleeping lemurs, mouse lemurs, white-footed sport lemurs, and chameleons.
Day 10: Explore Sacred Gallery Forest
After breakfast, head south to Sacred Gallery Forest. Depending on the water level, you may walk or boat across the river. Watch ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux Sifaka.
Return to camp for lunch and a swim. In the evening, walk through the sacred spiny forest and learn about the Antandroy people from your local guide. Enjoy a sunset drink by the river.
Day 11: Sunrise Walk and Village Visit
Wake up early for tea or coffee and take a walk through the forest at sunrise. Look for birds like running caca, crested caca, and vanga species.
After breakfast, visit a nearby village and meet the Antandroy people. You can also visit the market on Thursday or Saturday. Spend the afternoon relaxing on your terrace.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional music and dance show by the local villagers.
Day 12: Return to Fort Dauphin and Fly to Tana
After lunch, drive 4 hours to Fort Dauphin and fly back to Tana. A representative will meet you and take you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa for the night.
Day 13: Fly to Nosy Be and Transfer to Nosy Komba
In the morning, take a 1.5-hour flight to Nosy Be. A staff member will meet you and transfer you by road and boat to a lodge on Nosy Komba. Stay for 3 nights with full board.
The lodge is a 4-star eco-hotel with a peaceful setting and beautiful nature. Enjoy fresh food, relaxing views, and support sustainable tourism.
Day 14-15: Beach and Island Activities
Enjoy different activities like boat trips to nearby islands, nature walks, fishing, quad biking, island tours, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Everything is close to the hotel and easy to reach.
Day 16: Return to Tana
Take a boat back to Nosy Be, then fly to Tana. Your guide will meet you and take you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa for your last night. You can relax or shop for souvenirs.
Day 17: Departure
After breakfast, go to Ivato International Airport for your flight home. Your Madagascar journey ends here, but you’ll leave with special memories and many stories to share.
