Highlights of Madagascar

14 days
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Cut off from mainland Africa, Madagascar is a dream come true for intrepid explorers. Understandably, the wildlife is the main draw (much of it found nowhere else on Earth) and it’s the animals, and particularly lemurs, that take centre stage on this trip. Accompanied by experienced local trackers, we visit Andasibe in search of the indri, the largest lemur, ...
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$5,265
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Overview

Trip type
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover the best of Madagascar, one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations
    • Team up with skilled local trackers for unforgettable encounters with wild lemurs
    • Marvel at the amazing rock formations, spectacular canyons and natural swimming holes of Isalo National Park
    • Discover the otherworldly spiny forest of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
    • Unwind with beach time in Anakao and a gentle walk along the white sands of Nosy Ve island

What's this trip about?

    Cut off from mainland Africa, Madagascar is a dream come true for intrepid explorers. Understandably, the wildlife is the main draw (much of it found nowhere else on Earth) and it’s the animals, and particularly lemurs, that take centre stage on this trip. Accompanied by experienced local trackers, we visit Andasibe in search of the indri, the largest lemur, and the cloud forest of Ranomafana National Park to look for rare golden and greater bamboo lemurs. We also search for ring-tailed lemurs in Anja Reserve and have a final day wildlife-watching in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park.Discover an island nation like no other, joining expert trackers in search of unique wildlife and unforgettable adventures

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAntananarivo
End CityAntananarivo

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Antananarivo

Our adventure starts in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar, which is often shortened to Tana. There will be a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner for those who would like to join. Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)

Day 2 Antananarivo city tour; drive to Andasibe

This morning, we embark on a city tour of the capital. With busy markets, friendly people and an ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is a magnificent place to explore. We then drive to Andasibe through the green vegetation of th...

Day 3 Morning trek in Andasibe National Park and afternoon visit to Vondron’olona Miaro Mitia Ala Reserve

Day 4 Return to Antananarivo; continue to Antsirabe

We drive back to Tana, and head south to Antsirabe, across the highland landscape of beautiful rice fields. The spectacular eroded hills called lavaka remind us of the Far East with rice fields and a green landscape or vegetables and fruit trees. Antsirabe, or the Pl...

Day 5 To Ranomafana

After breakfast, we drive for approximately 12 hours to Ambositra, the centre of the wood-carving industry in Madagascar. We are still in the highlands, where the houses are decorated with ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly coloured shutters. Further on we ...

Day 6 Full day in Ranomafana National Park

Parc National de Ranomafana, with rainforest hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of the highlights in Madagascar, and is one of the most heavily visited national parks here. The entrance is about 4mi (7km) from Ranomafana village, while altitudes...

Day 7 Drive to Ranohira, visiting Anja National Park en route

We have an early start as we leave Ranomafana National Park. The scenery changes dramatically as we head to the small town of Ranohira, a journey of approximately nine hours. We stop near Ambalavao to visit Anja National Park along the way, a small reserve where several families of ring-tailed lemurs can be seen among the vegetation. Accommodation: Orchidee de l’Isalo (or similar)

Day 8 Full-day trek in Isalo National Park visiting Monkey Canyon and natural swimming pools

After an early start, we spend our day exploring Isalo National Park, a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases often described as Eden. If the conditions are right, we walk in the magnificent Canyon des Makis in sear...

Day 9 To Tulear, visiting Zombitse National Park en route

After breakfast, we continue to Tulear. This brings us new scenery, among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south. On the way, admire the different Mahafaly tombs and the Antandroy tombs from the road and visit Zombitse National Park for a few ho...

Day 10 Boat transfer to Anakao; free day for optional activities

This morning, we take a boat transfer to Anakao arriving at around 9am. This Vezo (meaning the people who fish) fishing village lies on the southwest coast of Madagascar and has white-sand beaches. The rest of the day is free for optional activities, including snorkelling, diving, pirogue (a small boat similar to a canoe) excursions, swimming and more. Accommodation: : Prince Anakao (or similar)

Day 11 Full day in Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

An early 4x4 transfer (approximately two hours) takes us to Tsimanampetsotsa for a full day in the national park. A large, shallow soda lake is the standout feature here, while a large limestone plateau has some of the most striking spiny forest vegetation in Madagasc...

Day 12 Excursion to Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds nesting on this small island

Today, we take a boat excursion to the small island of Nosy Ve to see red-tailed tropic birds (white seabirds with red bills and long, thin, red tails). If we are lucky, we may see the females roosting under small shrubs, well hidden from airborne predators such as ha...

Day 13 Fly to Antananarivo

Today, we transfer to Tulear airport for our flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have free time in the afternoon to explore Tana on your own. Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Visit to Ambohimanga; end Antananarivo

This morning we visit Ambohimanga, the fortified village and its royal palace. Ambohimanga, otherwise known as Blue Hills, was for a long time forbidden to Europeans. The kings and queens returned to this hilltop village for rest and relaxation. From here began the li...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,900
Price per day$279
Last Updated: 12/6/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
18 May 2025
31 May 2025
$3,900
$4,530
15 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$4,050
$4,680
17 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$3,975
$4,605
24 Aug 2025
06 Sep 2025
$3,975
$4,605
31 Aug 2025
13 Sep 2025
$3,975
$4,605
07 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$4,050
$4,680
21 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$4,050
$4,680
28 Sep 2025
11 Oct 2025
$4,125
$4,755
05 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$4,125
$4,755
12 Oct 2025
25 Oct 2025
$4,125
$4,755

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Flights

Accommodation

In Madagascar, we spend 13 nights in hotels, each well located for our activities and in beautiful settings. The daily itinerary has the accommodations normally used; below are a few example properties. Antsirabe: Les Chambres du Voyageur (night 4) In Antsirabe, we stay at this husband and wife-owned hotel. They exhibit arts and crafts from the Zafimaniry ethnic group and there is a beautiful garden home to many endemic plants. Ranomafana: Centrest Hotel (nights 5-6) The Centrest Hotel is 10 minutes from the entrance to Ranomafana National Park and has enviable views of the park’s mountains and rainforest. The 18 spacious rooms are among the delightful gardens and there is an open-air restaurant and a bar to enjoy. Anakao: Prince Anakao (nights 10-12) On a secluded beach, Prince Anakao offers privacy at the end of a thorough tour of Madagascar. Rooms are spacious and have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. There are a number of water sports that can be booked if you don’t feel like relaxing on the white-sand beach, plus the hotel restaurant serves freshly caught seafood and traditional Malagasy dishes.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

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
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Food standards in Madagascar can vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. The cuisine has been strongly influenced by the French and a three-course meal should cost 43,000-70,000 ariary (US$10-US$16). A one-course lunch should cost (US$4.40-US$7.60). Please allow approximately 1.4m ariary (US$325) for the meals not included, plus a little more if you enjoy a drink with dinner. Malagasy lager is reasonably priced and easily available. Malagasy wine is also reasonably priced but is not to everyone’s taste. It is sometimes possible to get hold of French or South African wine. A delicacy in Madagascar is flavoured rums, which are widely sold and very reasonably priced. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Travel by private bus, boat and internal flight
  • Some long drives on poor roads
Trip ID
exodus-WZIA3

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