Classic Sights of Madagascar

Discover the South of Madagascar: an immersive journey through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and natural treasures. Starting from Antananarivo, perched high on its hills, hit the legendary National Route 7 and travel through villages and craft workshops — seeing Zafimaniry woodcarvings, semi-precious stone markets, weaving, and Antemoro paper. Nature reveals its striking contrasts: the humid forests of Ranomafana, the canyons and natural pools of Isalo, and the baobabs and lagoons of Ifaty. Parks and reserves offer the chance to observe endemic species — indri-indri, sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs — alongside rich birdlife, reptiles, and amphibians. Experience unforgettable human encounters: a homestay night with the Zafimaniry, a rickshaw ride in Antsirabe, and outings with Vezo fishermen. This 15-day odyssey combines hiking, cultural discoveries, and moments of seaside relaxation, featuring authentic stops and carefully selected accommodations for your comfort. Embark on a memorable voyage between living heritage and unique landscapes.

Day 1 – Antananarivo

Welcome at Ivato International Airport according to your flight schedule. Transfer to the center of the Malagasy capital for your first immersion at Antananarivo.
Havana Resort Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Antananarivo → Antsirabe 180 km – approx. 4 hrs drive

Morning departure heading south along the legendary National Route 7. The landscape unveils vast rice paddies, small red brick houses, and the rolling hills of the Highlands. Arrival in Antsirabe, famous for its thermal springs and craftsmanship. Enjoy a rickshaw ride, visit the grand market, silk workshops, zebu horn carving studios, and the semi-precious stone market—the most renowned in the country.
Royal Palace Hotel or similar.

Day 3 – Antsirabe → Ambositra → Antoetra 120 km – approx. 4 hrs drive + 5 hrs walk

Drive to Ambositra, the Malagasy capital of woodcraft, then continue to Antoetra, the main village of the Zafimaniry people, whose woodcarving tradition is recognized by UNESCO. Hike towards Mount Laibury, overlooking the valley and the village of Sakaivo. The descent to Sakaivo, slightly technical, offers magnificent landscapes.
Homestay night in a traditional Zafimaniry house.

Day 4 – Sakaivo → Antoetra → Anjozorozoro 15 km + 15 km – approx. 6 hrs walk + 1 hr dirt track

Hike through rice fields, forests, and Zafimaniry villages such as Antetezandrota and Faliarivo, discovering a living cultural heritage and an authentic way of life. Return to Antoetra, then transfer to Anjozorozoro for the night.
Ivato River Lodge or similar.

Day 5 – Anjozorozoro → Ranomafana 150 km – approx. 4 hrs drive

Drive to Ranomafana, in the heart of a lush and hilly landscape. In the afternoon, visit the Ranomafana Arboretum, a reforested site hosting extraordinary botanical diversity. Stroll through the village and immerse yourself in a region rich in traditions and luxuriant nature.
Centrest Sejour Hotel or similar.

Day 6 – Ranomafana → Ambalavao Approx. 4 hrs drive

In the morning, explore Ranomafana National Park, one of the most beautiful tropical rainforests in the country. Possible sightings of the golden bamboo lemur, the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, the black-and-white ruffed lemur, as well as numerous reptiles, amphibians, and rare birds.
After the visit, head south. Stop in Fianarantsoa to discover the Upper Town, before reaching Ambalavao, known for its Antemoro paper and vineyards.
Betsileo Country Lodge or similar.

Day 7 – Ambalavao → Ranohira Approx. 4 hrs drive

Morning visit to the Anja Reserve, famous for its numerous families of ring-tailed lemurs playing among rocks and giant ficus trees. Continue to Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park, with a stop in a Bara village, a people of zebu herders.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.

Day 8 – Isalo National Park

Full day dedicated to discovering Isalo National Park, a spectacular sandstone massif sculpted by erosion. Hike for about 6 hours on the Natural Pool circuit, alternating between deep canyons, rocky plateaus, endemic vegetation, and shaded oases. Swimming in the natural pool is possible.
In the late afternoon, watch the sunset at the Isalo Window, an iconic site.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.

Day 9 to 11 – Ranohira → Ifaty 270 km – approx. 7 hrs drive

Drive south with a stop at Zombitse National Park, a transition zone between dry forest and savanna, home to the Zombitse sifaka and many endemic species. Continue to Toliara, then Ifaty, a seaside village on the Mozambique Channel.
Free time: relaxation, diving, traditional Vezo dugout canoe outings, visiting the Reniala botanical garden or the baobab forest.
Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.

Day 12 – Ifaty → Toliara → Antananarivo → Andasibe Approx. 5 hrs drive

Early morning transfer to Toliara airport. Arrival in Antananarivo, then drive east on the RN2 to Andasibe. In the afternoon, visit the Mitsinjo Private Reserve, renowned for its chameleons, amphibians, and insects.
After dark, enjoy a night walk at the VOIMMA Reserve to observe nocturnal lemurs.
Longoza Lodge Hotel or similar.

Day 13 – Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Day dedicated to exploring Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, sanctuary of the Indri-Indri, the largest of lemurs. Hike into the heart of a dense forest harboring exceptional biodiversity: 14 lemurs, 51 reptiles, 84 amphibians, and exuberant tropical flora.
In the afternoon, visit the Vakona Reserve, where several species of lemurs live in semi-freedom.
Longoza Lodge Hotel or similar.

Day 14 – Andasibe → Antananarivo Approx. 4 hrs drive

Return to Antananarivo. Check-in at the hotel. Free afternoon in Antananarivo.
Havana Resort Hotel or similar.

Day 15 – Antananarivo – Departure

Transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule. End of our services.

Location

Andasibe

The small village of Andasibe is worth the detour for its oriental charm and pretty wooden houses. It serves as the gateway to one of the most visited national parks in Madagascar, Andasibe-Mantadia.

Antsirabe

Antsirabe is located not far from the Malagasy capital, at an altitude of over 1,400 meters: it must be said that in the austral winter, it gets cold for Madagascar. This former spa town has retained its charming colonial style. Antsirabe is peaceful and calm, perhaps a little sleepy. You can enjoy beautiful mountain bike rides or horseback riding in the Vakinankaratra region. Moreover, the city counts thousands of beautifully decorated rickshaws. Ideal for hikers, Lake Tritriva and Mount Ibity are superb destinations.

Ambositra

90 km from Antsirabe and at an altitude of 1,350 meters lies Ambositra, a pretty town with beautiful adobe and brick houses. Numerous ox-carts pulled by zebus roam the town. Ambositra is a large, charming, and relaxing peasant market town. The surrounding mountains and visits to craft villages can provide pleasant walks.

Ranomafana

Ranomafana is a small village lost in the mountains, hidden at the bottom of a large deep valley and immersed in the dense eastern forest. It would have remained anonymous if its natural thermal spring hadn’t made it known towards the end of the 19th century. Today, it is undoubtedly the access town to Madagascar’s most famous national park.

Ambalavao

Ambalavao is a charming town with several very beautiful Betsileo-style buildings. It is the center of the zebu trade in the region. The beasts crossing the town every day create a lively atmosphere. The Ambalavao region is known for its vineyards, wild silk, and chewing tobacco. From here, one can visit Andringitra National Park.

Ranohira

The village of Ranohira is situated in the Isalo massif. It is the starting point for exploring the Malagasy “Colorado”. Ranohira is just a small town with little tourist interest outside the park.

Ifaty

Ifaty is a peaceful seaside resort on the Mozambique Channel, renowned for its beaches, coral reefs, and nearby baobab forest. It is an ideal spot for diving, snorkeling, dugout canoe trips, and relaxing by the sea.