Madagascar Adventure
Madagascar Adventure
Madagascar Adventure
14 Days Starting and ending in Antananarivo
Visiting: Antananarivo, Ifaty, Isalo National Park, Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana, Ambositra, Antsirabe, Andasibe National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
YBSN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium, Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3820
$3158 (USD)
Operator discount: -$573
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$89
-17%
Tour Overview
Create your own wildlife-filled jungle jaunt through Madagascar on this 14-day adventure to the island’s hotspots. You’ll be lazing on white-sand beaches, exploring tropical rainforests and spending time with a huge variety of local wildlife, including the lemur – the island's most popular animal inhabitants. Dig a little deeper throughout your journey and interact with local communities, getting an insight into the day-to-day life of Malagasy and Betsileo peoples. Discover the French colonial influences in Antananarivo and Antsirabe, and get the chance to chill out in your own time. An eco escapade in Madagascar awaits, with local wildlife, beaches and a little adventure at every turn.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
Location: Antananarivo
Accommodation: Hotel
Tonga Soa! Welcome to Madagascar. You'll start your journey in the country's capital – the bustling Antananarivo – a fun place to explore among rolling hills. You might like to check out the Musée de la Photographie, a small museum showcasing the history of Madagascar between 1850 and 1870 through a series of old photographs that have been assembled into short videos. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, but if you arrive early, why not head to Analakey to visit the street markets or perhaps seek out a cafe to soak up the atmosphere? After, why not keep the introductions going with an optional dinner with your group at a local restaurant?
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Ifaty
Location: Ifaty
Accommodation: Bungalow
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast this morning and before your flight (if time permits, as flight schedules are subject to change) you’ll enjoy a heritage walking tour of the Old City, where you’ll learn a little more about the country’s history, marvel at the interesting architecture of the traditional highland houses and watch on as finely dressed locals pop in and out of Sunday church services. After exploring Antananarivo, we’ll board a flight to Tulear and onward to your hotel in Ifaty for the evening. The night is yours to sit back and relax or go out and explore the town – you’ll be delighted by your accommodation with a swimming pool, snack bar and restaurant, so you may choose to stay in, rest up and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Ifaty
Location: Ifaty
Accommodation: Bungalow
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is free for you to explore, adventure or relax as you wish. You might like to visit Reniala Private Park – meaning ‘mother of the forest’. This private nature reserve was opened in 2001 as a botanical garden, ornithological park and incredible baobab forest. Maybe you’d like to visit the Village des Tortues, a turtle breeding and conservation project or drop into the Honko Project and see the protected mangrove area that’s been set up to help reverse the degradation of the ecosystems here. Explore the Recycling Museum, which is dedicated to environmental protection, providing educational awareness for locals and tourists to learn about the efforts of waste management in the country and encouraging green and responsible consumption. Up for something a little more active? Take a traditional dugout (speedboat) out to the nearby reef and snorkel the day away on a guided excursion. As if this wasn’t already enough to choose from, if you’re visiting from July to August, you can also join a humpback whale-watching excursion in the lagoon.
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Isalo National Park
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Bungalow
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave Ifaty in the early morning and head to Tulear, where you will stop to pick up food for lunch. Then, drive to the Antsokay Arboretum for a visit. The Antsokay Arboretum is a botanical garden with over 900 species of plants from southwestern Madagascar, 90% are endemic to the region and 80% are medicinal. Among these, many succulents are considered endangered. You can also see creatures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, like chameleons, boas, tenrex and birds, as well as other endemic species. In the afternoon, continue on to Isalo National Park.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Isalo National Park
Location: Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Bungalow
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast today, you’ll make tracks to Isalo National Park, for a full day of exploration within the park with your leader. Isalo is known for its variety of landscapes, from rainforests and rolling plains teeming with life to strange geological formations and deep-cut canyons. The park is home to over 80 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and 14 species of mammals, including three lemur species – ring-tailed, red-fronted and the dancing sifakas lemur.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Fianarantsoa
Location: Fianarantsoa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll kiss Isalo National Park goodbye as you hit the road for Fianarantsoa – a colourful town known for its heritage site. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Anja Community Reserve. The forest in Anja was designated a protected area reserve by the Government of Madagascar in 1999. The reserve extends over 30 hectares and is enriched with all kinds of flora and fauna species, most notable for its dense population of semi-tame ring-tailed lemurs. Anja has become a vital example of how community management of natural resources can both effectively protect the area and benefit the community. Based on their individual skill sets, some locals work as guides, others work as spotters, and some perform administrative tasks associated with the reserve. The villagers will be your local guides as you explore the reserve.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ranomafana
Location: Ranomafana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today you’ll explore the long, paved roads, labyrinths of small paths and old houses with flower-studded balconies and tiled roofs in the historical old city of Fianarantsoa. Then, visit a typical Malagasy village for an insight into how most of the island's population live, Explore the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with rice paddies and vineyards that produce Fianarantsoa's famous wine. You'll get a chance to sample local cuisine with a lunch stop in the villages. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Ranomafana National Park. The area is a haven for small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, as well as palms, bamboo, orchids and carnivorous plants. This park is home to several rare species, including 13 species of lemur, including the famous golden bamboo lemur, which was first reported in the area in 1985. Its presence is one of the main reasons why the government decided to protect this forest.
With a little free time, you might consider visiting the thermal springs which the town is named after – located across the Namorona River. The outdoor swimming pool fed by the springs is also a popular spot to take a dip.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Ranomafana
Location: Ranomafana
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you’ll explore Ranomafana National Park on a four-hour guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs, and butterflies. You may even spot an incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Ambositra
Location: Ambositra
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After breakfast, head to Valbio Research and Conservation centre, an international research station on the edge of Madagascar's beautiful and abundant Ranomafana National Park. Under the direction of renowned primatologist Patricia C. Wright, the centre works to protect Madagascar’s unique and biologically diverse ecosystems through conservation projects that directly benefit local communities. You’ll get a chance to tour the centre with a researcher and sit down for an informal session to learn about the work they do. After lunch, make the journey to Ambositra, home to the third-largest ethnic group in Madagascar – the Betsileo people. Ambositra is known as the arts, crafts, and wood carving capital of Madagascar. You’ll stop by a workshop and learn more about this local art.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Antsirabe
Location: Antsirabe
Accommodation: Gite
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, you'll visit the nearby Sandrandahy association to learn about the process of silk production, which is an important part of Malagasy culture. When a Malagasy is buried, their body is wrapped in a large silk sheet known as a 'lambamena' and, after a few years, the family traditionally returns to the tomb to exchange the sheet for a new one. The association supports over 40 women from neighbouring villages, a holistic approach to community development—economic, environmental, and medical—with traditional silk weaving as its hub. After learning more about this wonderful initiative, we’ll drive to Antsirabe. Located in the Malagasy highlands. This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the gazebo within the grounds of the guest house.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Andasibe National Park
Location: Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is a long travel day as we make our way to Andasibe – but once you arrive, you’ll see why this place is worth the drive. Andasibe is the most visited park in Madagascar and famous for the 11 species of lemur that call it home. Aside from lemurs, you'll find endemic birds including the long-eared owl and the rufous-headed ground roller, as well as the smallest living chameleon – brookesia minima – and countless types of reptiles, insects and frogs.
Day 12: Andasibe National Park
Location: Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Wake up with excitement as you’ll have the opportunity to discover all the unique wildlife during a guided walk through Andasibe National Park today. Then, you'll take a night walk through the forest at Mitsinjo – a privately-owned neighbouring reserve, where you'll encounter nocturnal species including endemic butterflies and lemurs. This forest was formed in 1999 by residents of the village of Andasibe in east-central Madagascar. Today, the organisation is composed of more than 50 members from the local community who focus on conservation, research and sustainable development initiatives. However, in total, the reserve positively impacts more than 400 households in the Andasibe area.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 13: Antananarivo
Location: Antananarivo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
You’ll kiss Andasibe goodbye after breakfast this morning for your final stop in Antananarivo. Once you arrive back in Antananarivo, you’ll take part in a hands-on Madagascan chocolate workshop led by a local chocolate maker. You'll learn about the ingredients used in chocolate-making, the refinement process and some of the secrets as to why malagasy chocolate is so unique and delicious. After preparing your own take-home chocolate creations (yum!), malagasy pastries will be served with a selection of local teas, coffees, and for the most courageous ones – rhum arrangés (flavored rum). This evening, why not enjoy a final dinner with your new travel companions – maybe toast to your Madagascar adventure with a local beer or two.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Antananarivo - Departure Day
Location: Antananarivo - Departure Day
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no activities planned for today, your adventure ends today after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policy. Departure transfers are available, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Isalo National Park - guided walk
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Andasibe National Park - Mitsinjo night walk
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Andasibe Nationa Park - Pereyras Private Reserve
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Andasibe National Park - guided walk
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Ambositra - Village Visit
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Ambositra -Manandriana Village Lunch
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Fianarantsoa - Betsileo: village visit and walk
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Ranomafana National Park - Rainforest walk
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Ambalavao - Anja Community Reserve
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Ambalavao - Antemoro Paper Factory visit
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Transport
- Private Vehicles , Boat , Plane
Included Activities
- Andasibe National Park - Mitsinjo night walk
- Andasibe Nationa Park - Pereyras Private Reserve
- Andasibe National Park - guided walk
- Ambositra - Village Visit
- Ambositra -Manandriana Village Lunch
- Ranomafana National Park - Rainforest walk
- Fianarantsoa - Betsileo: village visit and walk
- Ambalavao - Anja Community Reserve
- Ambalavao - Antemoro Paper Factory visit
- Isalo National Park - guided walk
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. An internal flight is included on this trip. Baggage allowance is as follows:
- - Checked: 1 Bag, max 20kg
- - Carry-on: 1 bag, max 5kg.
- 3. Internal flights in Madagascar are often delayed and or cancelled at short notice.
- 4. A copy of your passport is required at least one month before departure to book flights.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Is this trip right for you
Although anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to partake in this itinerary, there are several challenging aspects: guided day walks through the many national parks can be hot and humid. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
Road conditions in Madagascar are also notoriously poor. This means some of the driving days will be long as well as bumpy.
Sometimes you’ve got to rough it to get amongst it. Some accommodation inside the national parks is basic and may not have the creature comforts of hotels in bigger towns and cities. Be prepared for no wi-fi or air conditioning. But also for charming, tucked away locations you won’t quite believe are real. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, flight back to Antananarivo
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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