The South: diversity and uniqueness

Day notes

Tongasoa in Madagascar! 

Arrival at Ivato international airport. You will be met at the airport by our team and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, your travel designer in Madagascar will meet you at the hotel for a general briefing on your stay and activities. In the event of a late flight, the briefing will take place tomorrow.

Day notes

Leaving the bustling capital of Antananarivo, you begin your adventure heading south. Soon, the urban landscape gives way to green hills and rice terraces, typical of the Malagasy Highlands. 

Your first stop is Ambatolampy, a town renowned for its aluminum foundry workshops. Here, you'll visit a local workshop where you can observe the artisanal process of making aluminum pots, a specialty of the region.

To round off the day, you'll arrive in Antsirabe, a renowned thermal spa town. Known for its hot sources and serene atmosphere, Antsirabe offers an ideal setting for relaxation and exploration. The town is famous for its colorful rickshaws, which you'll have the opportunity to use. You'll discover the historic railway station, colonial-style hotels, local markets and craft workshops.

Day notes

After breakfast, your journey continues south, passing through Ambositra, a town renowned for its Zafimaniry handicrafts. Here, you'll stop to explore local workshops and discover magnificent wood carvings and traditional handicrafts, testifying to the exceptional skills of local artisans.

Continuing your journey, you begin to descend from the Highlands into lower, wetter regions. The landscape gradually changes, with the green hills giving way to denser, more luxuriant vegetation. Thick forests and winding rivers herald the approach of Ranomafana.

The arrival at Ranomafana, in the heart of a tropical rainforest, marks the end of this stage. 

Day notes

Your day begins with a visit to Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park, famous for its tropical rainforest and unique biodiversity, offers an immersive experience of Madagascan nature. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll set off on a hike through winding trails, discovering a multitude of endemic plants, orchids and giant ferns. The park is also home to several species of lemur, including the golden bamboo lemur, the brown lemur and the red-fronted lemur. 
If you're lucky, you'll be able to observe these primates in their natural habitat, as well as many species of birds, reptiles and insects unique to Madagascar. Waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers add a touch of magic to this wilderness adventure.

After this rewarding exploration, you'll hit the road again, heading for Fianarantsoa. The journey offers spectacular views of the region's varied landscapes, from lush forests to rolling hills and rice terraces. You'll pass through traditional villages where the inhabitants live in harmony with their environment, growing rice, coffee and other local produce.

Day notes

After breakfast, you'll be back on the road. In Ambalavao, you'll visit the Antemoro silk and paper workshops. Watch the craftsmen at work and learn more about the history and traditions of this unique craft.

Your journey continues to the Parc Villageois d'Anjà, a remarkable natural and cultural site near Ambalavao. This community park is famous for its lemur population, notably the maki catta lemur, which can be observed up close in their natural habitat. You'll also have the opportunity to discover the daily life of the village's inhabitants and learn more about their traditions and way of life. 

Finally, your day ends in Ranohira, a small town at the gateway to Isalo National Park. 

Day notes

Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar's most iconic destinations, offering spectacular scenery, unique biodiversity and fascinating cultural richness. The park is famous for its unique rock formations, deep canyons, verdant oases and natural pools.

One of the park's most famous attractions is the Black Pool, a natural swimming pool lined with black rocks and surrounded by lush vegetation.  The Makis Canyon is another must-see site in the park, where visitors can observe maki catta lemurs moving nimbly along the rock faces. The park is also home to a variety of endemic birds, reptiles and plants, offering unique opportunities to observe Malagasy flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural beauty, Isalo National Park is also steeped in a rich cultural heritage. The park's cliffs and caves are adorned with ancient rock paintings, bearing witness to human presence in the region for thousands of years.

A visit to Isalo National Park offers an unforgettable experience, combining outdoor adventure with the discovery of Madagascar's history and culture. Whether for a day hike or a longer excursion, this magnificent park is sure to amaze travelers with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

At sunset, we'll admire the marvellous colors on the ISALO window.

Day notes

After exploring the spectacular canyons and rocky landscapes of Isalo, you head south towards Ifaty.

On the way, you pass through picturesque rural villages, where you can observe the daily life of the local inhabitants and discover their unique culture. Fields of sisal and herds of zebus punctuate the landscape, adding a touch of charm to your journey.

Your next destination is Ifaty, a coastal village renowned for its pristine beaches and unspoilt coral reefs. 

Day notes

Free day in Ifaty. You can take part in the activities offered by your hotel at your own expense. 

Day notes

At your scheduled domestic flight time, the hotel team will transfer you to Toliara  Airport. 
Once you arrive in Tana, we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. 

Day notes

Day to be organized according to your flight schedule. 
Your travel designer will visit you to debrief the trip before your return flight. We then transfer you to the International Airport at your scheduled check-in time. 

Thank you for traveling with us and for making a positive impact throughout the trip.