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Highlights of Madagascar

4.9Based on
14 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
16 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
2 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Search for lemurs and unique wildlife.

Learn about native flora and fauna in world-famous national parks.

Visit local artisan workshops.

Lounge on beautiful beaches.

Savour a traditional lunch in a highland village

Itinerary

Madagascar’s wild spirit is yours to discover on the Highlights of Madagascar trip—a 14-day small group wildlife adventure for young and experienced travelers alike. Start in Antananarivo, then journey through rainforests, rural villages, and sun-drenched beaches, all with your local CEO guiding the way. Meet lemurs, hike wild landscapes, and experience village culture rarely found elsewhere. The unique selling point? Unfiltered access to Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and a rich tapestry of local life—making every day an unforgettable exploration.

day 1 - Antananarivo

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. If you arrive early, we recommend speaking with the hotel reception to learn more about available activities around the area.

Accomodation:Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Queen’s Palace Visit Belonging to a complex of seven monuments, the Queen's Palace (also called Manjakamiadana) was destroyed in a fire in 1995. Take a wander around the lasting stone walls of this site, 200m above the city centre. Admission includes entry fee and guide., The Prime Minister’s Palace Visit Located on the highest hill in Antananarivo, the Andafiavaratra Palace was the residency of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony of Madagascar, who governed the island kingdom in the late 19th century. The site has now transitioned into a museum boasting over 1400 artifacts rescued from the fire at the Rova of Antananarivo, giving visitors insight into Malagasy history., Tsarasaotra Bird Park Take a wander around this quiet park located near the city centre. Hang around the lake to catch a glimpse of this park's abundant aquatic bird life., Antananarivo City Tour Follow a local guide on a tour of history-rich Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar. Get to know the real "Tana" (as locals call it) on a 3-hour walking tour. Explore the colorful, bustling market, and sites such as the Cathedral, and Queen's Palace. *Note: You will need to book pre-night to do this activity, due to this activity starts at 8 am on Day One. *

day 2 - Antananarivo/Ifaty

Travel by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Ifaty. Upon arrival there will be free time for optional activities in this gorgeous beach area. From diving and snorkelling, to quad biking and the well-known Spiny Forest, there are so many opportunities for adventure.
Continue on to Ifaty today via plane where you will get to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beaches of the Mozambican Channel.

While in Ifaty, opt to ride in a dugout canoe, visit the spiny forest reserve, go snorkelling or diving on the reef, or simply relax on the beach.

Accomodation:Bamboo Club (or similar)
Transport:Plane Duration : 2.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 30 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 25 km
Optional Activities:Snorkelling Grab a mask and some fins and check out what's living just under the water., Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit , Dugout Canoe Ride Head out in a traditional dugout canoe to see the area from a new perspective., Quad Biking Hop on an ATV to explore Ifaty. Rates will depend on duration, and if you'd like a guide to accompany you.

day 3 - Ifaty

Sit back for a full Day of free time for optional activities in paradise. Opt for some hiking or hit the beach.

Accomodation:Bamboo Club (or similar)
Optional Activities:Quad Biking Hop on an ATV to explore Ifaty. Rates will depend on duration, and if you'd like a guide to accompany you., Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit , Dugout Canoe Ride Head out in a traditional dugout canoe to see the area from a new perspective., Snorkelling Grab a mask and some fins and check out what's living just under the water.

day 4 - Ifaty

Take advantage of one last free Day in Ifaty and participate in one of the many area excursions. Perhaps try some diving off the coast in search of colourful life under the sea, or simply relax in the sand for one more awesome beach day.

Accomodation:Bamboo Club (or similar)
Optional Activities:Snorkelling Grab a mask and some fins and check out what's living just under the water., Diving Hook up with a local outfitter and get up close and personal with the marine life in the area., Quad Biking Hop on an ATV to explore Ifaty. Rates will depend on duration, and if you'd like a guide to accompany you., Dugout Canoe Ride Head out in a traditional dugout canoe to see the area from a new perspective., Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve Visit

day 5 - Ifaty/Ranohira

Drive through the desert landscape, viewing Mahafaly tombs and giant baobab trees en route from the beautiful Mozambican Channel beaches of Ifaty to Ranohira. In the afternoon, visit the G Adventures supported tree planting project which is creating a green corridor to protect the biodiversity of Isalo National Park.
Drive to Ranohira and through a landscape characterized by vast Savannah stretching to the horizon and lined by impressive mountain ranges crossing the centre of the sapphire region. According to experts of precious stones, this area is among the few places on Earth that is still rich in precious stones. On the way, you will also notice a number of Mahafaly tombs—belonging to a local tribe in Madagascar—they were built for chiefs and kings, and are covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues the tomb is adorned with. As those tombs ares sacred sites, we will just be passing by, and photography is not/rarely permitted. While here, please follow the instructions of your CEO carefully.

Accomodation:ITC Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 9.0 hr Distance : 280 km
Included Activity:Soa Zara Tree Planting Project Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

day 6 - Ranohira

Spend the Day exploring Isalo National park on foot. After a short trek in a small canyon, the group will take a break from the sun and stop at a fresh natural swimming pool. Then, continue walking to the "cascades", considered among the best waterfalls in Madagascar and boasting another large natural swimming pool. If you are lucky you may see sifaka, brown lemurs, or ring-tailed lemurs.
In the morning, pack a lunch to take into the park with you to eat during a picnic break later in the day - your CEO can help you arrange this. Between September and October (in the most arid zones), you can witness the pachypodium blooms.

Accomodation:ITC Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Isalo National Park Visit Duration : 7.0 hr

day 7 - Ranohira/Ambalavao

Enjoy a scenic journey heading north. Stop along the way at Anja Park to observe the wildlife in a reserve managed by the local community with many historical and cultural ties.
As you travel to your next destination, stop for a visit of Anja Park and enjoy the area's wildlife. Continue enjoying the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao.

Visit a little paper factory where the locals will share their traditional methods of producing this unique, hand-made paper.

If time allows, opt to visit a silk factory in town and learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk, and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes.

Accomodation:Aux Bougainvillees (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.5 hr
Included Activities:Anja Reserve Walk, Paper Factory Visit
Optional Activities:Silk Factory Visit Visit a silk factory in town to learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk and the process of dyeing cloth with natural dyes.

day 8 - Ambalavao/Ranomafana

Travel to Ranomafana today, a little village named after the hot springs in the valley. The nearby national park is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar. Set out on a short or long hike through the forest of the park and get a feel for the incredible wildlife of the area. In the afternoon enjoy free time to soak in one of the hot springs, explore on your own, or relax at your accommodations.

Accomodation:Manja Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 150 km
Optional Activities:Ranomafana National Park Visit , Thermal Pool Swim Take a dip into a pool heated naturally by the hot springs surrounding the Namorona River. Opt for a massage on site to deepen your relaxation., Town Visit Take a trip into town to get a feel for the local hustle and bustle. Stroll around the open market, or shop for a locally-made handicraft.

day 9 - Ranomafana/Antsirabe

Leave the rainforest of Ranomafana behind and travel by private vehicle to the colonial town of Antsirabe passing rice paddies along the way. To break up the drive the group will stop in Ambositra, a quaint town known for its woodcrafts. Spend free time here and eat lunch on your own before continuing onwards to the thermal city surrounded by volcanic lakes.

Accomodation:Hotel VATOLAHY (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 9.0 hr - 10.0 hr Distance : 360 km

day 10 - Antsirabe

Spend the whole Day exploring the local life and communities of the Antsirabe highlands. Travel to Anjazafotsy for the start of the group walk. Choose between the longer or shorter option for this trail and visit villages along the route where you'll witness daily activities. Enjoy a traditional Madagascar lunch and in the afternoon opt for a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare famous Koba. Arrive back to Antsirabe in the early evening for free time.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Hotel VATOLAHY (or similar)
Included Activities:Walking Near Antsirabe, Cooking Class - Antsirabe Duration : 2.0 hr

day 11 - Antsirabe/Andasibe

Travel to Andasibe and Perinet National Park with scenic stops en route. Stay in a quiet area near Andasibe which is great base for exploring the Indri Special Reserve section of this massive landscape. The journey will take most of the day, but upon arrival, the group will have the option to go on an easy night walk alongside the park to observe wildlife like, frogs, reptiles, mice, and lemurs.

Accomodation:Feon'ny Ala (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 10.0 hr Distance : 320 km

day 12 - Andasibe

Spend the Day exploring Andasibe-Analamazaotra national park and the Indri Special Reserve located 1.5km (0.93 mi) from the town of Andasibe. One of the park’s primary purposes is to protect the natural habitat of the indri, a large black and white diurnal species that feeds on leaves and fruit. In addition to the indri, the park has 10 other diurnal and nocturnal lemur species, large chameleons, and the rarely seen blue coua.
The flora in this park is just as spectacular, with numerous species of trees, palms, and orchids (which flower in October/November).

Accomodation:Feon'ny Ala (or similar)
Included Activity:Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk
Optional Activities:Vondron’olona Ifotony Reserve Take a walk through this nature reserve. Managed by the locals in the area, this area works to preserve species of native plants and animals., Andasibe-Perinet National Park Guided Walk Want to continue your rainforest exploration? Return to Andasibe-Perinet National Park in the afternoon for a walking tour led by a local guide for a chance to spot more animals., Mitsinjo Park

day 13 - Andasibe/Antananarivo

Travel by private vehicle to Antananarivo. Spend free time here before an optional last night out on the town with the whole group. There are many places to choose from and your CEO can help you with suggestions.

Accomodation:Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr Distance : 180 km
Optional Activities:Tsarasaotra Bird Park Take a wander around this quiet park located near the city centre. Hang around the lake to catch a glimpse of this park's abundant aquatic bird life., The Prime Minister’s Palace Visit Located on the highest hill in Antananarivo, the Andafiavaratra Palace was the residency of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony of Madagascar, who governed the island kingdom in the late 19th century. The site has now transitioned into a museum boasting over 1400 artifacts rescued from the fire at the Rova of Antananarivo, giving visitors insight into Malagasy history., Queen’s Palace Visit Belonging to a complex of seven monuments, the Queen's Palace (also called Manjakamiadana) was destroyed in a fire in 1995. Take a wander around the lasting stone walls of this site, 200m above the city centre. Admission includes entry fee and guide.

day 14 - Antananarivo

Depart at any time.

Included Activity:Departure Day
Optional Activities:Queen’s Palace Visit Belonging to a complex of seven monuments, the Queen's Palace (also called Manjakamiadana) was destroyed in a fire in 1995. Take a wander around the lasting stone walls of this site, 200m above the city centre. Admission includes entry fee and guide., The Prime Minister’s Palace Visit Located on the highest hill in Antananarivo, the Andafiavaratra Palace was the residency of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony of Madagascar, who governed the island kingdom in the late 19th century. The site has now transitioned into a museum boasting over 1400 artifacts rescued from the fire at the Rova of Antananarivo, giving visitors insight into Malagasy history., Tsarasaotra Bird Park Take a wander around this quiet park located near the city centre. Hang around the lake to catch a glimpse of this park's abundant aquatic bird life.
Highlights of Madagascar

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels (13 nts).
Meals
1 lunch
Note: Allow USD400-520 for meals not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, plane, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer), driver throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Soa Zara Tree Planting Project, RanohiraYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: IfatyAndasibe Indri Special Reserve guided walkPaper Factory VisitAnja Reserve walkIsalo National Park visitWalking Near AntsirabeAndasibe-Perinet National Park Guided WalkFree time in IfatyInternal flight

What's Excluded

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Easy, secure booking process. Trip itinerary was laid out in detail and very specific. I’m a solo traveler and appreciated that it was clear to me exactly how much the single supplement was and not a problem for the tour.
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