Madagascar Trip: 22 Days In-depth Wildlife Trip & Private Guide
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About This Experience in Antananarivo
Why Visit Antananarivo?
Antananarivo, Madagascar offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Antananarivo provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Antananarivo
You can reach Antananarivo, Madagascar by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Tourist taxes at all hotels and in the park.
- Ferry boat transfer where needed.
- All government applicable taxes and service charges
- Entrance fees in all parks and reserves visited
- Speed boat fee of Ankify/ Nosy Be
- A private guide throughout the trip for 6 pax or more.
- Private transfer in air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation with breakfast at hotels/lodges
- Service of English speaking driver guide for 1-5 travelers
What's Not Included
- International flights into and out Madagascar
- Personal expenses (travel insurance, laundry, drinks, etc.)
- Tips or gratuities for guide and driver
- Madagascar visa fee
- Domestic flights: Antananarivo/ Morondava, Ifaty/ Antananarivo/ Antsiranana, Nosy Be/ Antananarivo.
- Festival or holiday peak season surcharges
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Itinerary
Arrival in Antananarivo, Airport Pick-up
After you land at the airport of Antananarivo... 30 minutes
After you land at the airport of Antananarivo (aka Tana), meet your driver guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and spend the remaining time of today as you like. ► Note: Considering tomorrow’s flight to your next destination Morondava, please arrive in Tana on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you have your own plan, please let us know so we can tailor a trip perfectly fit your schedule.
Fly from Antananarivo to Morondava
This morning, fly to Morondava, a city on western coastal Madagascar 1 hour
This morning, fly to Morondava, a city on western coastal Madagascar. On arrival, be picked up from the airport and continue on to your hotel for check-in. If time allows, take a stroll around this port city on your own.
Drive to Kirindy, Visit Krindy Forest, Transfer to Bekopaka
After an early breakfast, drive to Kirindy and... 1 hour
After an early breakfast, drive to Kirindy and start your safari in the Kirindy Forest. You will pass by dry deciduous trees, shrubby plants, and many fat baobabs that make up a unique environment for native animals. Follow your spot guide to spot “crocodile trees” whose skin has curious conical spikes all over, as well as lemurs, their only predator and Madagascar’s largest carnivore fossae, reptiles, and more. Keep an eye on those small tree holes to search for alert big eyes gazing you back, and be charmed by the fuzzy white-black tails of ring-tailed lemurs from a long way away. Afterwards, hit the road northwards to Bekopaka, with a boat trip through the Tsiribihina River to Belo sur Tsiribihina. Check in at the hotel after arrival in Bekopaka.
Bekopaka: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
We will spend the major part of today... 5 hours
We will spend the major part of today at Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of the three UNESCO heritage sites in Madagascar. Here, marvel at the karst spectacle of countless limestone spikes - “Tsingy” in local language - reaching skywards and the contrast set by the lush wildlife sanctuary at their foot. 11 species of lemurs are there to fascinate you. If you come around July, you are more likely to see a baby sifaka clinging to its mother’s back among leaves. Have a self-prepared picnic lunch this noon and continue to explore the park afterwards. We will transfer back to hotel about 16:00. ► Please Note: We will cancel the excursion to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park from December to April, when the park is closed for heavy rainfall. If you have an alternative you’d like to experience, feel free to let us tailor your agenda and add it in.
Bekopaka - Morondava, Stop at Avenue of the Baobabs
Today, we will have an 8 hours’ drive back to Morondava 30 minutes
Today, we will have an 8 hours’ drive back to Morondava. En route, boat cross the Tsiribihina River and stop by the Avenue of the Baobabs, where a sunset is waiting for you. If you’ve ever seen many baobabs in a single frame on social media, you are being introduced to none other than the avenue, which is lined by hundreds of sentinels of the towering trees, some having stood there for over 800 years. We will take you to a perfect spot to wait for the sun setting, the dreamy backdrop to capture silhouettes of those awe-inspiring giants. After hotel check-in, take your time to stroll Morondava Beach in front of your hotel.
Morondava - Antsirabe; Stop by Villages in Betafo
This morning, hop in your driver guide’s car for a 9-hour ride to Antsirabe 30 minutes
This morning, hop in your driver guide’s car for a 9-hour ride to Antsirabe. On the way, enjoy a visit to villages in Betafo, UNESCO-preserved for their traditional rice-growing culture. On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Antsirabe - Ambositra – Ranomafana
After breakfast, continue off south to Ranomafana National Park via RN7 road 30 minutes
After breakfast, continue off south to Ranomafana National Park via RN7 road. On the way, stop by the town of Ambositra, nicknamed the “Capital of Woodworking” for its exquisite wooden carvings from boxes, chessboards, sculptures to coffins and tombs. Your guide will teach you how to appreciate the patterns carved on those wooden works, most beautifully geometric or depicting daily affairs. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Explore Ranomafana National Park
This morning, a local guide will take the... 4 hours
This morning, a local guide will take the lead from your driver guide at the entrance of Ranomafana National Park for a 4-hour hike. The park is the perfect spot for a rainforest exploration as it sits in the mountainous area with the largest rainfall. Here, you will spot from 12 lemur species and other countless kinds of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Encounter black ruffed lemur applying the fluid secreted from giant millipede which they use for repelling insects. Transfer back to your hotel after the hike.
Ranomafana - Anja Community Reserve – Ranohira
This morning, leave for Ranohira 1 hour
This morning, leave for Ranohira. We will have a stop at Anja Community Reserve for you to get your fix of ring-tailed lemurs where there are over 400. The chance is high to see those fuzzy critters in their habitual “meditation”, sitting and resting their claws on knees, towards the sun - that’s why these lemurs are also called monk lemur.
On arrival in Ranohira, if time permits, go... 30 minutes
On arrival in Ranohira, if time permits, go on to see a wonderful sunset from Isalo Window, a frame-like hole through a sandstone rock carved over millions of years. Check in and enjoy dinner at the beautifully-designed hotel we’ve prepared for you.
Ranohira: Isalo National Park Excursion
Start today with a drive to Ranohira village... 5 hours
Start today with a drive to Ranohira village for an entire day’s adventure at Isalo National Park. Taking up 815 square km (315 square mi), this geological miracle enjoys a landscape made up by nature-carved sandstone formations and canyons, an ensemble of ponds, and an abundant array of wildlife in forests. At least 14 species of lemurs consider here their home and ring-tailed lemurs are still the mostly seen, and seen in groups! Also be ready to spot sifakas and brown lemurs. After the excursion, return to the hotel with your driver guide.
Ranohira - Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park – Ifaty
This morning, drive 1 1 hour
This morning, drive 1.5 hours to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park for a visit. The park is where you can find both dry and moist forests and we will guide you through the southern dry one to see wildlife who take this area as their home. More ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, and brown lemurs will be shown to you, among total 8 lemur species, not to mention colorful birds, chameleons, and geckos. Next, continue with a 5-hour ride to the coastal town of Ifaty. After hotel check-in, spend the rest of the day as you like.
Ifaty: Reniala Reserve
This morning, a 20-minute drive will first take... 4 hours
This morning, a 20-minute drive will first take you to Reniala Reserve for a short wildlife tour. Witness super bulgy Fony Baobab, Octopus Tree among other cacti, and, of course, lemurs and other wildlife unique to the reserve! A special lemur species here is the cutie white-footed sportive lemurs - don’t “ew” if you see them eating their own droppings, which are just to be re-digested for more nutrients. As the visit finishes, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest time of today freely. ★ Optional Whale Watching Tour from July to September As July to September sees groups of humpback whales swimming to the warm waters off Madagascar to mate and breed, the chance comes for you to observe at a close distance! If you are interested, we can tailor your agenda in Ifaty or Nosy Be and add a whale-watching tour which would take 2-3 hours.
Fly from Ifaty (Toliara Airport) to Antananarivo
Transfer to Toliara’s airport and take a flight back to Tana 1 hour
Transfer to Toliara’s airport and take a flight back to Tana. Meet your local driver guide in Tana and be escorted to your hotel.
Fly from Antananarivo to Antsiranana, Visit Three Bays
In the morning, you will be driven to... 1 hour
In the morning, you will be driven to the airport for a flight to Antsiranana at the northern tip of Madagascar. On arrival, hop in the local driver guide’s vehicle for the unspoiled picturesque Three Bays, namely Pigeon Bay, Dunes Day, and Sakalava Bay, before heading to the hotel for check-in.
Drive to Joffre Ville, Visit Amber Mountain National Park
After breakfast, continue driving forward to Joffre Ville 3 hours
After breakfast, continue driving forward to Joffre Ville. After check-in at the local accommodation, meet your local guide who will then accompany you to hike in Amber Mountain National Park. Where the best-preserved rainforest in the north, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls and crater lakes form a paradise for biodiversity, you get to view some of 7 lemur species, 75 bird species, and over 1,000 species of plants among other wildlife. Spot the world’s smallest lemur and chameleon, or madame Berthe’s mouse Lemur and Nosy Hara leaf chameleon.
Visit Red Tsingy, Road Trip to Ankarana
Today’s highlight is Red Tsingy, which is 2 30 minutes
Today’s highlight is Red Tsingy, which is 2.5 hours’ drive away. As the name suggests, the little world of Red Tsingy is Mars-like, known for the wind-sculpted red laterite soil pinnacles in clusters scattered all over. To have a 360° panoramic view where the formations are most dense, you will climb stairs to reach a tree-shaded platform surrounded by them. Onwards to Ankarana, another 5 hours’ drive away. Check in at the lodge on arrival.
Ankarana National Park Trekking
Today will see you trekking through Ankarana National... 5 hours
Today will see you trekking through Ankarana National Park, where you will hike dry forests, a karst limestone forest with caves and subterranean rivers, and canyons to find rare wildlife. Here you will be introduced to the Perrier Baobabs different than all the baobabs you’ve seen before, as well as the Grey Tsingy of Ankarana. Of course, dive into cool caves for bats and look for new lemurs like Ankarana and Northern sportive lemurs. After a whole day’s trip, transfer back to the hotel for a good rest.
Drive to Ankify Harbor, Boat to Nosy Be Island
Today, drive 2 2 hours
Today, drive 2.5 hours to Ankify Harbor and jump in a speed boat to Nosy Be Island. Spend the rest of today as you wish after hotel check-in. Nosy Be is the largest coastal island of Madagascar and one of the country’s biggest tourist cards, with local life to experience and natural beauties to take in. Why not take a tuktuk to travel around or rent a motorbike for rustic charms?
Free Time at Nosy Be
Here is another day for you to fully relax on this paradisaical island 6 hours
Here is another day for you to fully relax on this paradisaical island! Take a stroll, bathe yourself in the tranquil sunlight, or ask concierges about reserving self-financed adventures like a boat trip to nearby islets. Visit Nosy Tanikely for snorkeling or scuba diving, see tropical fish playing hide and seek among coral reefs, as well as encounter glowing manta ray and whale shark, which normally turns up here July to September.
Free Time at Nosy Be
Maybe spend a majority of today exploring Nosy... 6 hours
Maybe spend a majority of today exploring Nosy Iranja, which enjoys one of the most beautiful white sands in the world. What sets this islet apart is the sandbank that peeps out every now and then from a blue jelly of the sea water between Big Iranja and Small Iranja, a photogenic view that makes each photo stand out. Visit Iranja between October and April if you find it so much fun to watch green turtles nesting and laying eggs on the beaches.
Fly from Nosy Be back to Antananarivo
This morning, you will catch a flight back to Tana
This morning, you will catch a flight back to Tana. Upon your landing, your driver guide will take you to the hotel. ► As mentioned above, the schedules of Madagascar’s domestic flights are unstable, so is your flight back to Tana. That’s why we leave a whole day to accommodate any delay, so as not to impact your departure tomorrow.
Departure from Antananarivo
Today sees the end of your Madagascar wildlife safari 1 hour
Today sees the end of your Madagascar wildlife safari. You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe journey!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
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Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
