Madagascar rainforest & island escape

13 days
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Private Guided
There’s no question that Madagascar’s main draw is its wildlife. Splitting off from the rest of the world millions of years ago, it evolved its own array of species that you’ll find nowhere else on Earth. After visiting this large island and exploring its habitats, our specialists have become captivated by its rich ecosystem. They’ll plan your holiday to Mada...
From$4,347
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    There’s no question that Madagascar’s main draw is its wildlife. Splitting off from the rest of the world millions of years ago, it evolved its own array of species that you’ll find nowhere else on Earth. After visiting this large island and exploring its habitats, our specialists have become captivated by its rich ecosystem. They’ll plan your holiday to Madagascar using their first-hand experiences. Madagascar’s national parks and reserves ensure the protection of its unique inhabitants. Walking through deciduous forests and rainforests, you might hear the haunting call of an indri (the largest species of lemur), see a chameleon blending into its surroundings, or encounter the island’s only predator, the fox-like fossa. Our Madagascar specialists can also plan your trip around seeing migratory humpback whales, or so you can experience local culture with a riverboat cruise past tiny villages.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityAntananarivo
End CityAntananarivo

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Game Drive
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Snorkeling
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Antananarivo.

Day 2 : Antananarivo

On arrival at Antananarivo's Ivato Airport, you're met by your private driver and driven to your hotel. Depending on traffic and the location of your hotel, this can take up to an hour and a half. You have the rest of the day to relax at your lodgings or, depending on your time of arrival, explore the city's historic old town and vibrant markets with a guide.

Day 3 : Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

This morning your driver-guide meets you from your hotel and drives you for around four hours through the Malagasy countryside to Andasibe National Park on the edge of the rainforest. A great option during your stay here is to take an evening guided walk, watching out...

Day 4 : Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

You have all day to explore the rainforest on foot with your private guide, searching for the various lemur species found in the area. This includes indri, the largest species of lemur, which have a very distinctive, haunting cry that you can sometimes hear as you hik...

Day 5 : Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Today you're driven for around 45 minutes into Mantadia National Park, whose beautiful, untouched forest provides a home for even more lemur species, including diademed sifakas, black and white ruffed lemurs and the elusive aye-aye, which is notoriously difficult to spot and only comes out at night. Make sure you wear good walking shoes as the hiking trails here can be a little more difficult.

Day 6 : Antananarivo

This morning you might like to head to Lemur Island, where you can get up close to a number of habituated lemur species, including ringtail and indri. While the lemurs here aren't wild, a visit gives you a wonderful opportunity to see these incredible animals at close...

Day 7 : Ile Sainte Marie

Your private driver collects you from your hotel this morning to take you back to Ivato Airport - a journey of up to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. From here, you take the hour-long flight over to Île Sainte-Marie. Depending on the weather, you may reach yo...

Day 8 : Ile Sainte Marie

Today you can take your time exploring this sleepy island. We recommend hiring a bicycle to get around, stopping at some of the island's small villages, cafes and beaches. The beaches themselves are often deserted, and you may see fisherman paddling offshore in wooden...

Day 9 : Ile Sainte Marie

Enjoy another day at leisure on the island. Snorkeling and diving is excellent here, with coral reefs providing a habitat for damselfish, whale sharks, eagle rays, tuna and many other marine species. The waters are calm and clear, with visibility of between 10m and 30m (33ft and 98ft) all year round. There are several PADI dive establishments and we can arrange this for you.

Day 10 : Ile Sainte Marie

You have another day to spend exploring and relaxing on Île Sainte-Marie. If you're visiting during the whale season (June to September), you have the opportunity to see humpback whales, who migrate to Madagascar's shores to have their young. You can often see them from the beach, or you may wish to go out with a research boat for the day in order to get a closer look and learn more about them.

Day 11 : Ile Sainte Marie

On your last day on Île Sainte-Marie, you could explore the tiny capital, Ambodifotatra. This is the hub of island life, with a bank, some shops and a small harbour. It's a pleasant place to walk around and take in island life, visiting the local market, the Catholic Cathedral and some of the cafes that line the streets.

Day 12 : International return flight

Today you're met by your private driver for the 10 to 15 minute trip back to the airport. The flight back to Antananarivo takes around an hour. If necessary you will have the use of a day room in a city hotel before your onward flight.

Day 13 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,347
Price per day$334
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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