This 15-day journey in Madagascar is a complete immersion into the nature, culture, and authenticity of the Red Island. From Antananarivo, the capital perched on the highlands, we follow the legendary National Road 7 southwards, crossing the charming towns of Antsirabe and Ambositra, famous for their craftsmanship and wood carving traditions.
The adventure continues through the Zafimaniry villages of Antoetra, Sakaivo, Faliarivo, and Ankidodo, where ancestral traditions and warm hospitality shape everyday life.
We then head toward the lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, a biodiversity sanctuary home to lemurs and orchids, before reaching Ambalavao and the majestic Andringitra Massif for an unforgettable trek to Pic Boby, the highest peak in southern Madagascar. The landscapes then transform into the arid scenery of Isalo National Park, a spectacular canyon of golden rock formations, before opening onto the beaches of the Ifaty Lagoon.
An exceptional itinerary combining mountains, tropical forests, and ocean—each stage revealing a unique face of Madagascar, a land of contrasts and emotion.
Day 1 — Antananarivo
Arrival at the airport, welcome by our team, and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Time to rest after the flight. Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 — Antananarivo – Ambositra – Antaniditra | approx. 290 km – 8 hrs
Departure at 7:00 AM along the famous National Road 7, the backbone of the Malagasy Highlands. Landscapes of terraced rice fields and highland villages reflect the Indonesian origins of the Merina people.
Lunch stop in Antsirabe, followed by a visit to the Tsara Sabotsy Market and a city tour by pousse-pousse. Continue to Ambositra, capital of Zafimaniry wood carving, then on to Antaniditra.
Ivato River Lodge or similar.
Day 3 — Antaniditra – Antoetra – Sakaivo | trek
After breakfast, drive to Antoetra, main village of the Zafimaniry people, renowned for their wood sculptures.
Begin a trek through valleys, rivers, forests, and rice fields, crossing several Zafimaniry villages whose cultural heritage is listed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Arrival in Sakaivo, installation in a traditional Zafimaniry house.
Traditional dinner and overnight in the village.
Day 4 — Sakaivo – Faliarivo – Ankidodo | trek
A full day of trekking (6–7 hours) through forests and rice terraces, passing sculptor villages and panoramic viewpoints. Evening arrival in Ankidodo.
Overnight camping.
Day 5 — Antoetra – Ranomafana | approx. 170 km – 6 hrs
Morning walk back to Antoetra, then drive south toward Ranomafana, one of the last remaining humid forests of the Highlands.
Setam Lodge or similar.
Day 6 — Ranomafana – Ambalavao | approx. 120 km – 3 hrs
Morning visit of Ranomafana National Park, home to 12 lemur species, rich birdlife, orchids, and medicinal plants. Afternoon drive to Ambalavao.
Aux Bougainvillées or similar.
Day 7 — Ambalavao – Namoly – Andriampotsy | trek
Start of the most demanding trek: entry into Andringitra National Park. Climb to Andriampotsy Camp (2050 m).
Overnight camping.
Day 8 — Andriampotsy – Pic Boby – Iantaranomby | trek
Early ascent of Pic Boby (2,658 m), Madagascar’s second-highest peak. Descent via the surreal “extraterrestrial plateau.”
Overnight camping.
Day 9 — Iantaranomby – Tsaranoro Valley
Final trek day descending into the spectacular Tsaranoro Valley, famous for its 800 m granite cliff.
Tsarasoa Lodge or similar.
Day 10 — Tsaranoro – Ranohira | approx. 210 km – 5 hrs
Drive across the Ihorombe Plateau with a visit to a Bara village.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 11 — Isalo National Park
Full-day hike through Isalo National Park: canyons, oases, natural pools, and sunset at the Isalo Window.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Days 12–13 — Ranohira – Ifaty | approx. 270 km – 7 hrs
Drive to Ifaty on the Mozambique Channel. Two full days at leisure by the lagoon.
Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.
Day 14 — Ifaty – Tuléar – Antananarivo
Domestic flight back to the capital and overnight near the airport.
Chat’o Park Hotel or similar.
Day 15 — Antananarivo
Transfer to the international airport.
End of services.
Prices per person
1 traveler: €2,000 (single room)
2 travelers: €1,600 (1 double/twin room)
3 travelers: €1,450 (1 triple room)
4 travelers: €1,300 (2 double/twin rooms)
5 travelers: €1,200 (1 triple + 1 double/twin)
6 travelers: €1,100 (3 double/twin rooms)
Best time to travel: May – November
Included:
Domestic flights | Private vehicle with English-speaking driver | All excursions mentioned | Camping equipment | Hotels listed or similar | All meals during multi-day treks | Local trekking guides
Not included:
Visa (€35) | Lunches | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not listed above
Antsirabe
Set at over 1,400 meters above sea level, Antsirabe is Madagascar’s elegant high-altitude spa town. Known for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and tree-lined avenues, it is ideal for relaxed exploration by bicycle or colorful pousse-pousse. Nearby volcanic lakes, artisanal workshops, and lively markets give the city a charming blend of nature, culture, and everyday Malagasy life.
Ambositra
Ambositra is the cultural heart of the Malagasy highlands and the capital of Zafimaniry craftsmanship. Renowned for its intricate wood carving and geometric motifs, the town offers a deep insight into traditional skills passed down through generations. Surrounded by rice terraces and hills, Ambositra provides an authentic glimpse into highland life and rural traditions.
Ranomafana
Ranomafana is the gateway to one of Madagascar’s most biodiverse rainforests. The national park protects lush vegetation, waterfalls, and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including rare lemur species. The village is also known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing end to forest walks while staying immersed in a cool, misty mountain atmosphere.
Ambalavao
Ambalavao is a vibrant Betsileo town known for its strong cultural identity. Famous for its large zebu market, traditional silk weaving, local wine production, and Antemoro paper workshops, it is a key cultural stop in southern Madagascar. The town lies between mountains and plains, making it a natural crossroads of trade, tradition, and daily life.
Andringitra National Park
Andringitra National Park is one of Madagascar’s most spectacular mountain regions, dominated by dramatic granite massifs and deep valleys. It offers outstanding trekking routes ranging from gentle hikes to challenging ascents, including Pic Boby, the island’s second-highest peak. The park shelters diverse ecosystems, endemic plants, lemurs, and breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.
Tsaranoro Valley
Nestled at the western edge of Andringitra, Tsaranoro Valley is famous for its towering granite cliffs and vast open scenery. The valley is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers, with trails leading through savanna, villages, and forest patches. Traditional Betsileo communities and peaceful rural life add a strong human dimension to the landscape.
Isalo & Ranohira
Often called the “Malagasy Colorado,” Isalo National Park surrounds the village of Ranohira with striking sandstone formations. The park features deep canyons, natural swimming pools, rocky arches, and wide savannas. Scenic hikes reveal unique flora, lemurs, and panoramic viewpoints, making Isalo one of Madagascar’s most iconic and photogenic regions.
Ifaty
Ifaty is a laid-back coastal destination on Madagascar’s southwest coast, ideal for relaxation after inland adventures. The area combines long sandy beaches, Vezo fishing villages, and offshore coral reefs suitable for snorkeling. Nearby, the Reniala baobab forest and spiny vegetation showcase a unique ecosystem, blending sea, culture, and desert-like landscapes.
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