Madagascar Signature Tour Lemurs Landscapes and Beach

Day 02 Antananarivo – Andasibe – Mantadia National Park

Depart from the Madagascar capital, Antananarivo, and travel along the hillside twisty roads towards the Eastern part of the island. The first scheduled stop will be in Marozevo at the Pereyras reserve for the first glimpse of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and fantastic Chameleon Sanctuary. Continue along to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and start the discovery tour of the nocturnal animals and primates that inhabit this unique and distinctive National Park.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge

The Vakona Forest Lodge has been designed in an authentic, traditional Malagasy manner, boasting the architectural characteristics on the local buildings. Each of the 28 bungalows which have been built in a Madagascan style and has its own terrace. The dining room also offers a spectacular view of the forest as wells a cozy, warming fireplace. There is a pool and sun deck and a number of paths and sign-posted trails lead you to the middle of the primary forest. The Vakona Forest Lodge has a unique setting in the heart of the Malagasy rainforest. You can enjoy many activities, visit the private park or simply relax.

Day 03 Andasibe – Mantadia National Park

A private vehicle with driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Begin the day with a hike through the rainforest to discover the natural Malagasy flora and fauna, as well as the famous Indri lemurs. The Indri lemur is one of the largest in size and has a lovey thick black and white coat. The Indri is well known for its loud, distinctive songs, this helps you to locate them within the forest. Other lemurs which can be seen in this area include the red-bellied lemur, brown lemur and the lesser bamboo lemur. The park is also a place of habitat for some nocturnal lemur species including the brown mouse lemur, greater dwarf lemur, eastern woolly lemur, sportive lemur and if you are lucky, the elusive nocturnal Aye Aye. During your rainforest exploration enjoy a stop for some relaxation at a picturesque waterfall. This day tour is filled with beautiful landscapes and a variety of habitual wildlife.

Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge

Day 04    Andasibe – Mantadia National Park – Antsirabe

Today, hop into your privately driven vehicle as you depart towards Andasibe, making route to Tana and then southwards to Antsirabe. You will cross the highlands via the famous national RN7, which leads to the South of Madagascar. A lunch-stop is scheduled in Ambatolampy where the opportunity presents itself to meet the passionate villagers who make handmade pots and other frequently used household items. In the afternoon, you will reach the town of Antsirabe, known as the “Vichy Malgache” and famous for its thermal waters and rickshaws.

Accommodation: Plumeria Hotel

Welcome to Plumeria Hotel, a warm and inviting space decorated with sustainable hardwood, local sculptures, and Malagasy art pieces. The hotel is a charming boutique space with an open concept and modern design. Conveniently located in Antsirabe, only steps from the train station and a short drive to Lake Andraikiba, Lake Tritriva, and Mount Ibity.

Day 05 Antsirabe – Ranomafana

Continue this Madagascar adventure with a drive in a Southern direction, in the comfort of a private vehicle with your expert guide. Pass through the scenic highlands area as you make way towards the Ranomafana Rainforest. Upon your arrival you will head out to explore the rainforest activity in the evening hours. This exploration is done outside the park gates, due to park regulations. It is during this time of the day in which the wildlife is most active. A variety of creatures can be spotted including the Fosa, various chameleons, frogs, and the smallest lemur in the world; the Mouse Lemur (Microcebus).

Accommodation: Setam Lodge

The Setam Lodge is set above river valley, in a heavily forested area just inside the boundaries of the Ranomafana National Park. Arriving at the Setam Lodge on the edge of Ranomafana National Park, the first thing you will notice are the magnificent views of the mountains and rainforest. The lodge has been built to make the most of its location, so the restaurant has huge windows to allow in as much of the view as possible and all of the rooms have small terraces facing down over the valley. Each of the 10 bungalows provide scenic views from the perched hilltop location of the dense rainforest and river below. Each of the 20 chalet rooms are located within the 10 bungalows.

Day 06 Ranomafana

A private vehicle with driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Today you will visit the Ranomafana forest; this forest is known for species of bamboo lemurs found in Madagascar. The most common is the lesser bamboo lemur which can also be seen in Andasibe. The greater bamboo lemur is very rare and only known to be found in two locations. You may find them by hearing the crack of big bamboo stems as they feed. The star of Ranomafana is the golden bamboo lemur “Hapalemuraureus” which was only discovered in 1986 whilst researchers were trying to find the greater bamboo lemur. The park was created soon after this discovery.  The largest lemur in the park is the elusive Milne-Edwards sifaka, often spotted high up in the forest canopy. You should also look out for red bellied lemurs which live in couples with their offspring and red fronted brown lemurs which live in large groups. Ranomafana is also a birding hotspot but finding birds in the dense forest can be very tricky.

Accommodation: Setam Lodge

Day 07      Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa

Start the day off bright and early as you head out on a hike through the forest for a day of exploration. Set out on foot, accompanied by your expert guide, to the deep regions of the National Park of Ranomafana to view the diverse variety of Lemurs living here. The park’s star attraction is the golden bamboo lemur, often found grazing amongst the bamboo thickets. Marvel at the colorful bird-life and uniquely beautiful flora and fauna of this rich natural habitat.

Enjoy your private vehicle transfer from Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa. The drive will take approximately two hours.

Today enjoy your private guided tour of old town Fianarantsoa. It is perched onto the hills with its beautiful traditional architecture reflecting the different stages of colonization. You will walk through the streets of Fianarantsoa and stop at the major landmarks to know more about the connection between the Betsileo and the period of colonization.

Accommodation: Tsara Guest House

The Tsara Guest House is a quaint little boutique hotel located in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar’s second largest city, consisting of buildings with traditional highland architecture. The main building is a restored church, and it now boasts comfortable and functional rooms, all with en-suite bathroom facilities. The property has a bar, restaurant and small garden.  Here, guests will enjoy an atmosphere of a simple but elegant “Art de vivre”.

Day 08     Fianarantsoa – Isalo National Park

This adventure continues as you depart the highlands area in the comfort of a privately driven vehicle, and travel further South towards the semi-dry landscapes this truly diverse island country. The first scheduled stop of the day is in the small town of Ambalavao, one of the cultural hubs of the country, boasting a variety of architectural treasures and quaint veranda-lined houses. Enjoy a visit to the entirely natural Paper Factory in Antemoro.  Here, inlaid paper is created from plants and flowers which are exported nowadays all over the globe to create some of the world’s most famous and beautiful greeting cards. The day’s journey is completed upon your arrival into Ranohira the main town outside Isalo National Park. Isalo National Park is home to some of Madagascar’s most stunning scenery, with barren landscapes, twisted rock formations and extraordinary plants life.

Accommodation: Isalo Rock Lodge

The Isalo Rock Lodge is a modern and stunning 60 Room Retreat, positioned high in the Sandstone Mountains, overlooking the Isalo National Park in south western Madagascar, providing guest with some breathtaking views. Whilst luxury abounds in the hotel with all modern amenities, Isalo is home to many species of flora and fauna, including, the Giant Chameleon and the renowned Lemurs. A discerning destination for the world traveller offering a travel experience in its own right. Isalo Rock Lodge is a destination rather than just a hotel and guests will leave having experienced one of the most memorable adventures one can imagine.

Day 09 Isalo National Park

Spend the day exploring the almost lunar landscapes of the Isalo National Park. With an expert guide at your side, travel through the deep canyons of this stellar location.  Visit the wonderful waterfalls and natural pools as they pass, providing an ideal opportunity for a refreshing swim or to take some memorable photos.  As your day comes to an end enjoy watching the natural beauty of the sun-setting below the horizon of this stunning national park.

A private vehicle with driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Accommodation: Isalo Rock Lodge

Day 10 Toliara (Tulear) Isalo National Park – Anakao

Depart this morning bright and early on a drive to the city of Toliara. En route your driver will explain the importance of the numerous villages that were formed during the period of the sapphire rush. You will then go to the Tuliara port and meet your awaiting boat to transfer to the beaches of Anakao. This water transfer will take approximately 45 minutes.

Accommodation: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa

Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa is a magical place that by strange and fortunate circumstances has remained an uncontaminated corner away from the more chaotic mass tourism routes. If a seaside holiday has to offer more to be held as the most memorable, you will discover a cultural travel experience that is enlivened by an indomitable passion for always finding destinations where you can once again savour authentic values and a now-forgotten pace, then Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa will provide you with great excitements.  In the central area there is a bar, a restaurant, various relaxation zones within the “little square” – fulcrum of the Lodge, a TV/library room and a boutique where you can find not only articles of clothing, costumes and beach wraps but also many small craft objects, from ethnic necklaces to important wooden sculptures, strong expressions of the local culture.

Day 11 Anakao

This morning, bright and early, your guide will take you out on an exclusive island adventure. Not far off the coral reef coastline emerges the beautiful island of Nosy Ve, an uninhabited island boasting a variety of bird species. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride to get to this small island before taking a short stroll around exploring the unique birdlife and native flora and fauna. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the picturesque, isolated beach. This day trip will make you feel as if you were in the world of Robinson Crusoe.

Accommodation: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa

Day 12 Anakao

Today, enjoy some time doing whatever pleases you, reading on the beach, snorkelling and diving, a visit to the nearby village, or taking a quad-bike excursion. Anakao provides a variety of options for your leisurely enjoyment.

Accommodation: Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa

Day 13 Anakao – Toliara (Tulear) – Antananarivo

A speed boat will provide transportation between Anakao and Madagascar. Please note, this transfer is shared and operated by Anakao Ocean Lodge & Spa. This transfer will take approximately 45 minutes.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to/from the airport.

Enjoy your flight from Toliara (TLE) to Antananarivo (TNR), the flight will take 1 hour and 5 mins. Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for checked luggage, the bag must not exceed 158cm (62 inches) in total.  You can have one piece for your carry-on, weighing maximum 6kg (13lb), it must not exceed 115cm (45 inches).

Enjoy a private vehicle transfer to/from the Antananarivo International Airport.

Accommodation: Le Relais des Plateaux

Le Relais des Plateaux Hotel is surrounded by a small interior garden and access to the hotel is exclusively pedestrian. Le Relais des Plateaux in Antananarivo is conveniently located at the gateway of the city. If you are coming from the airport by driving, it will take you just about 15 minutes. In the close proximity to the hotel, you can find supermarkets, shops and entertainment venues. There is a wooded park with numerous exotic scents of jacarandas which covers the ground like a gorgeous blanket in the month of November and many others. Le Relais des Plateaux, Antananarivo is counted as one of the most important Hotels in Antananarivo. To render the guests a worthwhile experience, Le Relais des Plateaux offers a host of world class facilities like room facilities, dining facilities, business facilities, and recreation facilities.

Day 14  Antananarivo

Begin this Madagascar adventure by exploring the capital and largest city in Madagascar. Discover the colonial history of this ancient city, and find out the reason why Antananarivo was once named “the city of a Thousand.” Marvel at the goings on and the daily life routines of these Malagasy people.  Highlights of this tour include a visit to the Old City sections, and the palace of the Queen, which will introduce you to the architecture and urbanism of this dynamic African city. No tour of the town is complete without a moment’s pause on one of the hills to take in the view over the city.

A private vehicle with driver will be at your disposal for the day.

Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard)

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.