Overview
Much of Madagascar's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on Earth. This tour offers an opportunity to discover the island's extraordinary natural history along with its stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and fascinating culture, which is based on a mix of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.
Itinerary
Day 1 – To Antananarivo
Fly overnight from London to Antananarivo, via Nairobi, on Kenya Airways. (N)
Day 2 – Antananarivo
Morning arrival and transfer to the Le Royal Palissandre or similar for 1 night. Afternoon tour of Antananarivo, the lively capital of this island nation, home to a mix of cultures, street markets and crumbling red brick houses. (L, D)
Day 3 – To Andasibe
Morning drive to Andasibe via Peyreras, a farm that houses reptiles and insects. On arrival in Andasibe, transfer to Vakona Forest Lodge, or similar, and stay for 2 nights. Visit the Vakona Private Reserve, including its small island sanctuary for lemurs. Take an evening walk in the Mitsinjo Forest where you may spot nocturnal lemur species, such as mouse, greater dwarf and eastern woolly lemurs. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Andasibe
Morning visit to the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the largest living lemur, the indri indri. Other lemur species to be found here include common brown lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs, grey bamboo lemurs and red bellied lemurs. This park is also one of the best sites in the country for spotting endemic birds, such as red breasted couas, Madagascar buzzards and blue vangas. Afternoon walk through the primary forest of the Mantadia National Park. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – To Antisirabe
Morning drive back to Antananarivo and continue south to Antsirabe. Stop at Antsahabe, a village typical of the Merina tribe. After lunch, continue to the spa town of Antsirabe and stay 1 night at Vatolahy or similar. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – To Ranomafana
Take a tour of Antisirabe, centre of the gem trade and home to hundreds of pousse-pousse (rickshaws), a legacy of the Chinese labour imported to work on the railways. Continue south to Ambositra, known as the handicraft capital of Madagascar and for wood carving. Following a short stop here, travel to Ambositra where you will break for a typical Malagasy lunch accompanied by folklore entertainment. Late afternoon arrival into Ranomafana and stay 2 nights at Setam Lodge or similar. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Ranomafana
Morning walk in the Ranomafana National Park where you may spot three species of bamboo lemur; the grey, the golden and the greater. Endemic birding here is also excellent with a chance to see brown mesites, Crossley’s babblers and pygmy kingfishers. Afternoon visit to the village of Ranomafana before returning to the park to see nocturnal wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – To Ranohira
Morning drive via Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo tribe, to the vineyard of Lazan’ny Betsileo. After a short visit here, continue on to Ambalavao. Visit the Antemoro paper factory and the Anja Reserve, where ring-tailed lemurs are easily seen. Continue to Ranohira, with photo stops en route, and stay 2 nights at Satrana Lodge or similar. (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Ranohira
Isalo National Park’s breathtaking landscape of eroded sandstone has given rise to a variety of local superstitions. In the morning, visit the Namza sites, including the black and blue pool and the cascade des nymphes. In the afternoon, visit the museum and see sunset at the natural rock window of La Fenetre de l’Isalo (time allowing). (B, L, D)
Day 10 – To Ifaty via Tulear
Continue towards the west coast, stopping at villages and seeing the landscape change from rugged mountains to grassy plains. This region is known for its large baobabs and traditional family tombs, central to the Malagasy beliefs and culture. Stay 2 nights at Les Dunes d’Ifaty or similar. (B, D)
Day 11 – Tulear
Day at leisure. (B, D)
Day 12 – To Antananarivo
Morning flight from Tulear to Antananarivo. Transfer to Le Royal Palissandre or similar and stay overnight. Stop off at La Digue handicraft market en route to the hotel. After lunch, there will be a tour of Ambohimanga, one of the 12 sacred hills of Antananarivo. Farewell dinner at Villa Vanille. (B, L, D)
Day 13 – To London
Transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Nairobi, with Kenya Airways (B)
Day 14 – London
Early morning arrival. (N)
Meal Basis
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
