Trekking in Madagascar

15 days
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Small Group Tour
This exciting itinerary allows us to experience the incredible diversity of Madagascar, predominantly on foot. We trek in Andringitra National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse parks on the island, and in Isalo National Park, which has a unique landscape of rock formations, deep canyons, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. We search for lemurs...
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$5,063
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • Trek in Isalo National Park
    • Climb Peak Boby, the second-highest peak in Madagascar
    • See lemurs in their natural habitat
    • Relax on the beach in Ifaty

What's this trip about?

    This exciting itinerary allows us to experience the incredible diversity of Madagascar, predominantly on foot. We trek in Andringitra National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse parks on the island, and in Isalo National Park, which has a unique landscape of rock formations, deep canyons, waterfalls and natural swimming pools. We search for lemurs in Anja Reserve and visit Ranomafana National Park, walking through spectacular scenery in the hope of spotting endemic lemurs, including dancing sifakas. Throughout the trip, the unique wildlife of this island will enchant and amaze.Discover national parks, mountains and incredible wildlife

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAntananarivo
End CityAntananarivo

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Madagascar

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Antananarivo

Our adventure starts in Antananarivo, known locally as Tana. There is a group meeting and briefing in the evening followed by an optional group dinner for those who wish to join. Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere (or similar)

Day 2 Morning city tour; transfer to Ambositra

We take a morning walk to the upper part of Antananarivo, ascending to Antaninarenina (the commercial and administrative part of town) and walking to the main entrance of the Queen’s Palace, with outstanding views over Tana. We drive to Ambositra in the afternoon, whe...

Day 3 To Antoetra; full-day trek through hills and rice fields, visiting local villages

A full day walking to Antoetra allows us to discover and explore Zafimaniry villages. The Zafimaniry people are renowned for their woodcarvings; in their villages, even the houses are works of art! In 2003, the Zafimaniry people and their woodwork were considered to b...

Day 4 Transfer to Ranomafana National Park

Today we head south and east to the well-visited national park of Ranomafana. The drive takes us through spectacular scenery, past neat Betsileo rice paddies and thick forests. We reach our destination in the afternoon and, after a rest at the hotel, we take an evening walk along the roadside of Ranomafana to spot nocturnal wildlife. Accommodation: Hotel Le Grenat (or similar)

Day 5 Morning visit to Ranomafana National Park; transfer to Ambalavao in the afternoon

We visit Ranomafana National Park in the morning, a mountainous rainforest park with elevations ranging from 1,970ft to 4,595ft (600m to 1,400m). It contains many different forest types (from lowland rainforest to cloud forest and high plateau forest) and provides the...

Day 6 Early transfer to Andringitra National Park to start the three-day trek to climb Peak Boby

We have an early transfer to Andringitra National Park,  one of the most beautiful and biodiverse parks in Madagascar. Andringitra has been managed by the WWF since 1993 and has three distinct eco-zones: low-altitude rainforest, montane rainforest and high-altitude ve...

Day 7 Andringitra National Park

On our longest trekking day, we begin our climb to the summit of Peak Boby early to avoid climbing in the full heat of the day. Keep your camera handy as the trek climbs higher, giving unrivalled views and superb high-altitude flora. Although this is the highest acces...

Day 8 Andringitra National Park

On our final day of walking in Andringitra National Park, we leave the mountains after breakfast, exploring villages on foot. With the decreasing altitude, we pass many forms of succulent plants, such as the pachypodium (which looks like a mini baobab tree), euphorbia...

Day 9 Visit Anya Reserve to look for ring-tailed lemurs; to Isalo National Park

We drive to the little town of Ranohira today, the base for visiting Isalo National Park. Along the way, we visit the small reserve of Anja, where ring-tailed lemurs (otherwise known as kattas) can be observed in their natural habitat. Accommodation: Les Toiles de l’Isalo (or similar)

Day 10 Exploring Isalo National Park

We spend two days exploring Isalo National Park – a trip highlight. Isalo is a vast region of wind-polished and water-scoured rock towers, deep canyons, gorges and oases, often described as Eden. We start by walking along a relatively flat path, following the foot of ...

Day 11 Continue exploring Isalo National Park

Today is our second day discovering Isalo National Park. We visit Namaza waterfall, once again in search of ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. We then head to the Piscine Naturelle (natural swimming pool), a beautifully lush spot in such an arid landscape, whe...

Day 12 To west coast and beaches; overnight at Ifaty Beach

We drive to Tulear after an early breakfast, among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south, and pass both the Mahafaly and Antandroy tombs, briefly observing their ornate decorations. Antandroy and Mahafaly are reputed to be the most impressive o...

Day 13 Free time for relaxation or optional activities at Ifaty Beach

We have a free day at Ifaty Beach. Running all the way around the southwest Malagasy coastline, Ifaty Beach lies on one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, which makes it an excellent venue for scuba diving. Between late June and early September, whales can be ...

Day 14 Fly to Antananarivo

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

Day 15 End Antananarivo

Depending on your flight times, you may have the opportunity to embark on an optional short visit to Ambohimanga, the fortified village and royal palace. Ambohimanga, otherwise known as Blue Hills, was forbidden to Europeans for a long time. The kings and queens retur...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,750
Price per day$250
Last Updated: 4/23/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
31 Aug 2024
14 Sep 2024
$3,750
8 spots left
14 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$3,855
8 spots left
05 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$4,200
8 spots left
02 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$4,200
8 spots left
16 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$4,200
8 spots left
30 Aug 2025
13 Sep 2025
$4,200
8 spots left
13 Sep 2025
27 Sep 2025
$4,350
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

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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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 huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

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

Accommodation

,We spend 10 nights in hotels. We also have four nights of full-service camping, with some basic campsites, all with shared facilities. We use tourist-class hotels, which are simple and comfortable, except during the treks where we camp in the national parks. Most of the hotels have mosquito nets in the rooms. Worth knowing All of the hotels are said to have a reliable electricity and water supply. However, there may be instances in which you experience some gaps in supply. This is more a reflection of life in Madagascar than the hotel standard. During the camping portions, we camp in small and mobile two-person tents. The camping is full service so the tents are put up for you. Campsites in Madagascan parks usually offer only very basic facilities. Do not expect hot showers, flushing toilets and Western standards of cleanliness at some of the places we stay. Some toilets may be long drops. Please come prepared. All camping equipment is provided except sleeping bags.
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
All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners are included. Food standards in Madagascar vary and are probably not of the same standard you are used to at home. A one-course lunch/dinner should cost 23,000-34,000 Madagascan ariaries (US$5-US$7.50) while a three-course lunch/dinner should cost 50,000-67,000 ariaries (US$11-US$15). Please allow approximately 890,000 araries (US$195) for 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 the various flavoured rums, which are widely sold and very reasonably priced. Please note, if you eat neither fish nor meat, your food options are rather limited (ie omelette, cheese, pasta, vegetables and rice) on this trip. Breakfasts are usually simple: eggs, a baguette, jam and coffee or tea, and sometimes fruit. You may wish to bring something to supplement your morning meal (eg spread, peanut butter etc).
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • 10 nights in hotels, four nights of full-service camping, some basic campsites, all with shared facilities
  • Five days of walking with full porterage
  • Three shorter daywalks
  • Altitude maximum: 8,720ft (2,658m); average: 1,640ft (500m)
Trip ID
exodus-TZMA3

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