The Extreme South of Madagascar

Day notes

Welcome to Madagascar!

Upon your arrival at Ivato Airport, we will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Once you are settled in, you can relax comfortably.

Depending on your arrival time, we will organise a briefing about your itinerary in the evening. If you arrive late, the briefing will be rescheduled for the following morning.

Day notes

In the morning, you will visit the high town of Tana and its Rova, the Queen’s Palace.  After the visit, you will head to Antsirabe, located 170 km south of Tana. You will travel along the National Road number 7, which connects the capital to the city of Tuléar, 1000 km further south. You’ll be in the Malagasy highlands, at an altitude of about 1600 meters, where the green of the rice fields contrasts with the red laterite soil, and traditional villages typical of the highlands are scattered throughout.

Situated in the heart of a volcanic region, Antsirabe is renowned as the gemstone capital of Madagascar.

Lunch will be on your own along the way.

Day notes

After breakfast, we leave early in the morning, and continue to the National Road 7. After 25km, we will leave the main road to join the village Manandona. We visit a public school. The School counts about 200 pupils from 3 to around 10 years old. We will discover the dailylife of the farmer during our walk to join the school. After sharing moments with kids and the staff, we take the road back again to Ranomafana.

70 kms after Manandona, we arrive in Ambositra, gate of the Betsileo country. It’s a small town playing a prominent part in Malagasy arts and crafts. It is even considered as the capital of traditional Malagasy furniture; this is due to the majestic nature and the beauty of the works achieved by the Zafimaniry, a small group of a few thousand, part of the Betsileo ethnic group. The town of Ambositra is therefore one of the most creative Malagasy towns for craft industry, and maybe the most productive. We will visit some shops and craft workshops, before continuing our road.

We carry on to Ranomafana through the Betsileo country. The villages match around the rice culture because it is the most dynamic ethnic group in this field. The typical landscapes of this region are the paddy fields — sometimes as far as the eye can see — dominated by the villages. In certain more hilly parts the rice fields are organized in terraces. 

We arrive at Ranomafana by late afternoon. Ranomafana means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy. Indeed this volcanic region has quite a few thermal sources.

Day notes

The morning is dedicated to the discovery of the park of Ranomafana with a local guide. This green and luxuriant forest shelters a dozen species of lemurs, about a hundred of species of endemic birds, reptiles and amphibians and numerous varieties of unique plants in the Park. Created in 1991, 40,000ha approximately of this park are spread out at a height oscillating between 800 and 1,200m.

Lunch on your own in the village of Ranomafana

After the visit and lunch, then, we continue to Manakara, where we will arrive by late afternoon.

Day notes

The day will be dedicated to the Pangalanes Canal, a historic and commercial waterway along the East Coast of Madagascar stretching for 700 kilometers. We will board a covered canoe to witness the bustling scene of albizia canoes, observe fishermen returning, and taste fruits from the Indian Ocean. We will visit several villages nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Canal, possibly learning fishing techniques while engaging with the local population.

Lunch will feature grilled seafood.

The afternoon will be spent swimming. We will return to Manakara by late afternoon.

Day notes

Get ready for an unforgettable day blending land and sea experiences. Early in the morning, we embark on an exploration of the inland regions, renowned for their diverse crops such as coffee, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and sought-after essential oils like ravintsara, niaouli, and citriodora.

Later, we'll reach a quaint village named Loharano, named after its abundance of freshwater sources. Local residents will recount its history, dating back to before the First Republic, when it consisted of just a few houses centered around fishing in Lake Bevola and the sea, as well as agriculture.

Day notes

As you leave Manakara, you'll find yourself immersed in a scenic landscape adorned with coffee, vanilla, clove, and lychee plantations lining the roadside. Just 25 kilometers away, you'll discover the Manombo Special Reserve, a protected area spanning 5,320 hectares, and the town of Vohipeno, renowned for its skilled craftsmanship in basketry and mats, along with its vibrant local market. Along the route, you'll pass by the Matitanana River and the historic Amporoforo Palace.

You'll have a relaxed lunch break during your journey.

The adventure continues towards Farafangana, a peaceful town during the day that comes alive after sunset.

Day notes

In the early morning, under often rainy skies, you'll encounter schoolchildren heading to school and cheerful adults making their way to work, armed with ravinala leaves as makeshift raincoats and umbrellas. Their infectious good spirits will give you the courage needed to face the 150 kilometers of track that await you.

Your highly anticipated adventure begins 22 kilometers after Vangaindrano: the first ferry crossing over the expansive Masianaka River, a scenic 10-minute journey where you can engage and laugh with local residents who share this unique mode of transport with you. The atmosphere is truly unforgettable!

You'll have a leisurely lunch break along the way.

En route to Manantenina, you'll meet locals and cross five rivers by ferry, perhaps even picking up a bit of their dialect if you're inclined.

Cap off the day with a delightful dinner at a Malagasy restaurant before retiring to your bungalow for a well-earned night's rest after this long yet enriching day.

Day notes

Your accommodation for these two nights is the Nepenthes Village Hotel in Evatraha

After successfully crossing the "bac + 10" ferries, your journey continues towards Fort-Dauphin. Making a detour to the famous Lokaro Bay is a must, located 40 km from Fort-Dauphin. At the entrance of Mandromodromotra, you will head towards the village of Evatraha, which is 12 km away.

Get ready to be amazed by the combination of pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea.

Day notes

Your stay in Evatraha and Lokaro will be especially highlighted by the wild, deserted beach, far from the waves of tourists. And perhaps a visit to a small island, accessible only at low tide via a tongue of fine white sand, beautiful coves and lots of wind, especially at the viewpoint. If you want to reach Le Camp Pirate, you'll need to hike for around 5 hours over 15 km. But after the effort, the comfort.

Day notes

To reach the famous city of Fort-Dauphin, you'll board a motorboat sailing along the shores of Lake Lanirano. The crossing takes about an hour and a half, a charming excursion where you can observe mangroves, baobab trees, ravinala palms, niaouli trees, and various bird species.

Lunch will be on your own in Fort-Dauphin or at Nahampoana.

Vous débarquez à Fort-Dauphin le matin, puis vous visitez en premier lieu la Réserve de Nahampoana, qui s'étend sur 50 hectares. Trois circuits sont proposés dans cette réserve où vous pourrez observer quatre espèces diurnes et deux nocturnes. Vous aurez également l'occasion de visiter une distillerie de feuilles de ravintsara.

Day notes

In the morning, you head towards the Berenty Reserve. The road presents a striking contrast between the edge of the humid region, with fruit trees such as lychees, and the beginning of the arid Southern region, characterized by dry, spiny forests. Sisal plantations stretch as far as the eye can see along the way to Berenty.

Berenty is a reserve that hosts a dry, spiny forest along the Mandrare River, home to various animal species including lemurs and birds, as well as endemic plants. Nearby, you'll find Antanosy villages adorned with funerary sculptures on graves, showcasing reverence for the deceased.

Lunch on your own along the way

You arrive in Berenty in the afternoon. After checking in, you start the tour with local guides. In the evening, after dinner, they take you on a night excursion in the park, perfect for observing lemurs that only come out at sunset.

Day notes

Heading west towards Lavanono via "The Tomb Track". As the name suggests, this route is dotted with tombs and steles. Lavanono, inhabited by fishermen, is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts and surfers from neighboring islands. Renowned for its magnificent waves, this picturesque village offers a taste of paradise for those seeking tranquility and a change of scenery. Culinary-wise, you'll delight in seafood dishes and seasonal fruits.

Lunch is on your own along the way.

Day notes

In the morning, you leave Lavanono for a day of exploration. You head towards Tanjona Vohimena, also known as Cape Sainte-Marie, the southernmost point of Madagascar, traveling via a rocky track from Tsihombe. This Reserve covers an area of 1,750 hectares.

The Tanjona Vohimena Special Reserve is home to sea turtles and land turtles, including the famous Geochelone radiata, or radiated tortoise, known as "sokatra" in Malagasy, and the spider tortoise, or Pyxis arachnoides, locally called "kapila". The radiated tortoise is the emblem of Cape Sainte-Marie, boasting an impressive density of 3,000 individuals per square kilometer.

Lunch will be served between visits.

From the top of the lighthouse, you'll have a breathtaking view of the turbulent ocean and the dividing line between the Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel.

Swimming is not recommended in this beautiful location, as the beaches along the high cliffs directly face an ocean populated by sharks.

After this visit, return to the hotel to relax.

Day notes

Very early in the morning, you leave Lavanono for a long day of track driving towards Ambola, a beautiful place south of Toliara. The track winds through a semi-arid landscape where the blue of the sea, which you follow alongside, brings a touch of freshness to this desert-like environment. One of the highlights of the day is crossing the dry Menarandra River.

Lunch is on your own along the way.

You arrive in Ambola by the end of the day, after this long day of driving. Take some time to relax and enjoy the evening.

Day notes

Ambola is the perfect destination to escape and relax far from the world. Time seems to stand still in this paradise, where white sandy beaches line a sea with water temperatures ranging from 28 to 30°C. Its tourist attractions include stunning beaches, walks along the shore, canoe tours, and the option to visit the Tsimanampesotsa Reserve, which can be arranged through the hotel. It's sure to be a highlight that will make your stay even more memorable.

Activities, the day, and lunch are free to enjoy at your leisure.

Day notes

In the morning, you will leave Ambola to reach Sarodrano, a Vezo fishing village located near the mouth of the Onilahy River ("male river"). First, a car transfer will take you to Anakao, where you will board a boat to reach Sarodrano.

This village is famous for its sacred cave, located about 15 km from Toliara, which contains freshwater despite its proximity to the sea. This natural pool attracts many travelers. The residents here not only rely on fishing for their livelihood but also cultivate algae.

You will arrive in Sarodrano by late morning. After lunch on your own, enjoy the rest of the day relaxing on the hotel's stunning beach.

Day notes

According to history, this site was once a haunt of pirates. While tourists flock in large numbers to Ifaty, Mangily, or Anakao, those seeking tranquility, diving enthusiasts, or trekking lovers prefer Sarodrano.

The warm welcome of the locals and the hearty dishes, carefully prepared by the villagers, are sure to charm you and delight your taste buds.

The day is free with activities and lunch to be organized through the hotel.

Day notes

In the morning, you head towards Toliara, known as the "city of the sun" and the capital of the region. You will take a tour of the city and its markets, then visit the Reniala Park with its baobab forest. Afterwards, you'll explore the Honko Reserve, immersing yourself in the heart of the mangrove with its unique fauna and flora. By the end of the day, you will return to your hotel.

Lunch on your own.

In Toliara, our adventure comes to an end. For those who wish and have the time, the return journey to Antananarivo can be made along the stunning 1000 km road that connects Toliara to the capital, with possible stops, including at the beautiful Isalo National Park, located a day's drive from Toliara.

Day notes

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Toliara Airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in Tana, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we may make a stop at the craft market to allow you to buy souvenirs.

Lunch is free in Toliara or in Antananarivo.

Day notes

You will have the opportunity to visit the Rova or Palace of Ambohimanga, located 25 km from the capital. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this place is the cradle of Madagascar's unification and a highly esteemed cultural site among Malagasy people.

As an option, we can visit downtown and ascend to the Upper Town to see the Queen's Palace, or Rova, which overlooks the entire city and offers a stunning panorama of the capital and its surroundings.

We can also take a tour of the craft market in Tana to purchase some souvenirs.

Lunch is free during the day.

After a dinner on your own, you will be transferred to Ivato for your international flight.