Highlights of the South

Day notes

Welcome to Madagascar! 

We will have the pleasure of welcoming you at Ivato Airport and transferring you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will receive a briefing about your stay and can enjoy some free time activities. In case of late arrival, the briefing will be conducted the following morning before the start of the tour

Day notes

Today marks the start of your exploration of southern Madagascar.

Flight schedule for the guaranteed departure from January Tana to Tuléar : MD712 Take-off at 06:20 and landing at Tuléar Airport at 08:05 

Flight schedule for the August guaranteed departure Tana to Tuléar: schedule not yet available 

On arrival, you'll be welcomed at the airport by your bus. 

The drive to Madiorano will give you a glimpse of Madagascar's wild beauty and lively coastal villages.

Check-in at your hotel. 

Day notes

Today, you have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely morning to relax and explore at your own pace. Take time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Ifaty, whether strolling along the white sandy beach or indulging in a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

In the afternoon, embark on a journey to discover Reniala Park, a renowned nature reserve celebrated for its unique biodiversity and majestic baobabs. Explore the shaded trails of the dry forest and encounter a variety of endemic plants, as well as fascinating animal species such as lemurs and colorful birds.

Marvel at the baobabs, some of which are centuries old, and listen to the local legends surrounding these iconic trees. Reniala Park also offers a unique opportunity to understand the importance of conservation and preserving Madagascar's fragile ecosystem.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day notes

Today, your journey takes you from the tranquil coast of Ifaty to the spectacular landscapes of Ranohira, at the heart of Isalo National Park.

Upon arrival in Ranohira, located at the gateway to Isalo National Park, you will be greeted by the majestic rock formations that characterize this unique region.

Day notes

Today, you'll discover the famous Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar's natural gems. After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be driven to the park for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Isalo National Park is renowned for its spectacular scenery, including deep canyons, impressive rock formations, natural pools and exceptional biodiversity. You'll start your visit with a hike through the park, where you can admire the wild and varied beauty of this unique region.

Along the way, you'll discover breathtaking vistas, refreshing waterfalls and natural swimming pools.  You may also be lucky enough to encounter some of the park's endemic species, such as lemurs and rare birds.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature, surrounded by the park's majestic scenery. After recharging your batteries, you'll continue your exploration, visiting some of the park's iconic sites. 

Day notes

Today, you leave Ranohira for a drive to Fianarantsoa.

On your way, you'll stop off at the Parc Villageois Anjà, a true gem nestled in the heart of Madagascar's spectacular landscapes.

The Parc Villageois Anjà is much more than just a nature park; it's a remarkable example of community conservation. Managed by the local inhabitants of the Anjà community, this park is home to an impressive biodiversity, with endemic species such as lemurs, chameleons and a multitude of colorful birds.

Arriving in Ambalavao, you'll have the opportunity to discover two local craft treasures: the silk workshop and the Antemoro paper workshop.

At the silk workshop, you'll discover how Malagasy silk is produced: from the rearing of silkworms to the transformation of cocoons into precious threads used to create textiles of great finesse and beauty.

Afterwards, you'll visit the Antemoro paper workshop, where craftsmen perpetuate ancestral techniques to produce paper from local plants.  

After these visits, continue to Fianarantsoa. 

Day notes

Your day starts early with a journey to Ranomafana, where you will discover one of Madagascar's natural treasures: Ranomafana National Park.

Nestled in the heart of the country's eastern mountains, this park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and richness in endemic species, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the lush canopy of the rainforest, where trails wind through a mosaic of natural habitats. Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore shaded paths in search of Madagascar's iconic lemurs, such as the golden bamboo lemur and the collared lemur.

Marvel at the crystalline waterfalls and murmuring streams that traverse the forest, offering moments of peace and contemplation in the heart of pristine nature. Listen to the melodious songs of endemic birds perched in the branches, while your guide unveils the secrets of the local flora and fauna.

Day notes

Today we leave Ranomafana for Ambositra.

Ambositra is renowned as the capital of traditional Malagasy craftsmanship. 

In Ambositra, discover the workshops where local craftsmen have worked precious woods such as ebony and rosewood to create sculptures and decorative objects of exceptional beauty. Explore the colorful stalls where unique pieces, from fine marquetry to traditional musical instruments, bear witness to ancestral know-how handed down from generation to generation.

Useful info : 

The Zafimaniry, a sub-ethnic group living in the remote regions around Ambositra, have developed a unique expertise in carving and woodworking, which has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Their mastery of wood is expressed through complex carving and marquetry techniques, used to decorate homes, furniture and various everyday objects.

The geometric and symbolic patterns found in Zafimaniry works are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also rich in cultural and spiritual significance. Each piece, whether a finely carved door or a piece of handcrafted furniture, tells a story and conveys ancestral knowledge handed down from generation to generation.

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you leave Ambositra for Antananarivo.

Stop in Antsirabe for a brief city tour. 

After the city tour, you'll take the road to Antananarivo.  The route takes you through varied landscapes, green hills and picturesque villages, offering magnificent views of the Malagasy countryside.

Day notes

Today, you'll be heading for Andasibe, known for its exceptional biodiversity. 

Arriving in Andasibe, check into your hotel. 

The afternoon will be devoted to reforestation in the Maromizaha forest, in partnership with GERP: Groupe d'Etude et de Recherche sur les Primates. 

• GERP works to learn about lemurs and their way of life, and to preserve them from extinction. It also works to manage natural resources sustainably, raise awareness, educate and encourage the population to conserve the environment, combat poverty, protect cultural values and encourage the leadership of local communities. 
• The Maromizaha reserve, once degraded by tavy (agriculture-on-bulis) and unsustainable exploitation, is now flourishing as a mecca where nature and local communities thrive hand in hand, offering promising eco-tourism potential. 

Day notes

Today, you'll plunge into the heart of Madagascar's exceptional biodiversity. 

In the morning, you'll start your day with a visit to Analamazaotra National Park, a tropical rainforest home to an astonishing variety of endemic flora and fauna. Wander the winding trails in search of Indri-indri lemurs, the largest lemurs in the world, as well as other unique species such as the chameleon and various species of colorful birds.

In the afternoon, visit the Vakôna Reserve. During your visit, you'll have the unique opportunity to experience direct interaction with several species of lemur. These privileged encounters not only allow you to observe these fascinating creatures up close, but also to better understand their behavior, their way of life, and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. The lemurs, often curious and playful, don't hesitate to approach visitors, creating memorable moments of interaction.

Return to hotel. 

Day notes

Today, journey to Manambato followed by a boat transfer to Ankanin'ny Nofy, which translates to "Nest of Dreams."

The serene and remote atmosphere of Ankanin'ny Nofy makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers seeking an authentic experience in Madagascar's breathtaking landscapes.

Optional: If you wish to explore further and weather permits, there's an opportunity for a night excursion in search of a very rare lemur species called the Aye-Aye. The cost is 15€ per person.

Day notes

Akanin'ny Nofy, literally “Dream Nest”, is an inspiring name that stimulates the imagination. Nature lovers will discover wonders to match their expectations.

In the morning, visit the Palmarium Reserve. This natural setting, covering some 50 hectares, reveals the full beauty of Madagascar's flora and fauna. You'll find a variety of endemic lemur species, including the famous Maki, symbol of the island, as well as the Aye-Aye, Sifaka and Indri Indri. For a close-up look at the reserve's lemurs, a visit to the Palmarium is a must. This thirty-hectare site owes its name to the 100,000 palm trees it houses, including endemic and rare species such as Dypsis, Orania and Lemurophoenix. Passionate guides will be delighted to accompany you on your exploration, providing detailed information on every species, from lemurs and palms to orchids, carnivorous plants and much more. 

In the afternoon, visit the Vohibola Reserve, one of the last vestiges of the island's coastal forests, a unique and fragile ecosystem. You'll discover a multitude of endemic plants, some with medicinal properties known for centuries to local communities. The reserve is also a sanctuary for several species of rare birds and lemurs, offering a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. However, this precious reserve is threatened by several alarming factors. Deforestation, mainly due to illegal logging, is gradually reducing the forest cover, endangering the species that live there. Poaching, illegal hunting and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources further exacerbate the situation. 

Angélique Decampe, president of the association Razan'ny Vohibola, is an environmental rights activist who has been actively involved in protecting the Vohibola forest, often at great personal risk, for some twenty years. 

Day notes

Today marks the return of your unforgettable getaway from Ankanin'ny Nofy to the capital Antananarivo. 

The journey begins with a boat transfer to Manambato, where you meet your vehicle for a scenic drive through the landscapes of eastern Madagascar. 

We offer you dinner at the Café de la Gare for your last night in Madagascar. 

Day notes

The day will be organized according to your flight schedule.

If time allows, you will visit artisan markets and, if possible, some shops specializing in local products such as vanilla and pepper.

You will be transferred to Ivato Airport for your international flight. 

Soava dia !