Madagascar Adventure

Intrepid Travel Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
14 days
From: $ 2,808 $ 201 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • A wildlife lover's dream – count how many species of lemur and other exotic animals you can spot as you explore the Anja Community Reserve, Ranomafana National Park and Andasibe National Park.
  • Connect with nature during a stay in a cottage deep within the Ranomafana National Park, surrounded by lush rainforest and countless species of fascinating plants and animals.
  • Learn more about the important Malagasy process of silk production with a visit to local village industries in Manandriana where a cooperative of silk weavers are using their craft both to preserve local tradition and to provide for the future.
  • Explore Mitsinjo Forest – a privately-owned reserve that’s giving back to the local community and promoting conservation – on a guided night walk where you’ll be lucky to catch glimpse of nocturnal species likes endemic butterflies and lemurs.
  • Take a hands-on chocolate making class with a local chef and learn the secrets that make Malagasy chocolate so unique and delicious – and then get to sample your creations!

Short Description

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.

Style Small group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Antananarivo
End City Antananarivo

Destinations

Madagascar

Attractions & Cities Visited

N/A

Activities & Interests

Wildlife viewing

Age Requirement

15-99

N/A
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Itinerary

Day 1 Antananarivo

Welcome to Madagascar. We'll meet in the country's capital – the bustling Antananarivo – a fun, hilly place to explore. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, but if you do happen to arrive early, why not head to Analakey to visit the street markets or perhaps seek out a cafe to soak up the atmosphere. After your important briefing, where you’ll meet up with your group leader and fellow travellers, why not keep the introductions going with an optional dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Ifaty

After breakfast this morning, 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 highland traditional houses and watch on as finely dressed locals pop in and out of Sunday church services. With fewer cars on the road and the streets bustling with friendly church goers, a Sunday is the perfect time to wander about this city. Your walking tour will conclude at 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. 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.

Day 3 Ifaty

Today is free for you to explore, adventure or relax as you wish. You might like to visit Reniala Private Park, the name means ‘mother of the forest’, this private nature reserve was opened in 2001 as a botanical garden, ornithological park, and incredible baobab forest. Perhaps, you’d like to visit the Village des Tortues, a turtle breeding and conservation project or drop in to the Honko Project and see the protected mangrove area that’s been set up to help reverse degradation of the ecosystems here. 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. With plenty to see and do for nature-lovers like you, your choices for today are endless – go out and enjoy it!

Day 4 Isalo National Park

Leave Ifaty in the early morning and head to Tulear, where you will enjoy a city tour led by your Tour leader. And 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% of which are endemic to the region and 80% of which are medicinal. Among these, many succulents are considered endangered. You can also see creatures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world; Chameleons, boas, tenrex and birds but also other endemic species. In the afternoon continue on to Isalo National Park.

Day 5 Isalo National Park

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. And of course, there are a variety of lemur species roaming around the place because – well, this is Madagascar. You’re lucky to be spending a couple of days exploring the park, which 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 Verreaux's sifakas lemur.

Day 6 Fianarantsoa

Today, you’ll kiss Isalo National Park goodbye as you hit the road for Fianarantsoa – a colourful town known for its heritage site. It is a must-see, with its long, paved roads, labyrinths of small paths and old houses with flower-studded balconies and tiled roofs. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Anja Community Reserve – a great spot to observe lemurs and learn a little more about the local culture. 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 skillsets some locals work as guides, others work as porters while some perform administrative and management tasks associated with the reserve. The local villagers will be your local expert guides as you explore the reserve, and your leader will be able to translate all the knowledge they can pass on to you.

Day 7 Ranomafana

Today you’ll visit the historical old city of Fianarantsoa on foot. Then, visit a typical Malagasy village for an insight into how most of the island's population live, then take a local walk to 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, located in the southeastern part of Madagascar. Ranomafana means 'hot water' in the Malagasy language and the area is 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 with 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. You may want to consider taking an optional night walk once the sun goes down. Your accommodation tonight is a small cottage located within the park's boundaries. 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.

Day 8 Ranomafana

Today, you’ll get another chance to continue exploring Ranomafana, this time on a guided walk. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, striped civets, mongooses, goshawks, geckos, frogs and butterflies. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an incredible net-casting spider or the world's smallest chameleon. Relax into the day, and once again spend the night within the park.

Day 9 Ambositra

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, craft and wood carving capital of Madagascar. You’ll get the opportunity to stop by a workshop and learn more about this local art.

Day 10 Antsirabe

This morning you'll visit the nearby Sandrandahy villages and explore 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 return to the tomb to exchange the sheet for a new one. This custom is known as famadihana, and each village specialises in one step of the production. You’ll be lucky enough to visit the Firaisankina silk weavers cooperative – whose name means “solidarity” in Malagasy – an association of more than 100 women based in the village of Soatanana. For generations mothers have passed down to their daughters the craft of making silk shawls, called lambas. You’ll learn about the formation of the co-operative and how collaboration with NGO’s has allowed the women to share the labour across the wider community. 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. Antsirabe maintains a Malagasy touch with all the tranquillity of a small European town, thanks to the contrast of its bustling street markets and Colonial-style facades. Located in the highlands, it's a popular spa town thanks to the hot springs and thermal baths, and the colourful rickshaws known as 'pousse-pousse' are a popular form of transport. This evening, you’ll enjoy a group dinner in the Gazebo within the grounds of the Guest House.

Day 11 Andasibe National Park

Today is a long travel day as we make our way to Andasibe – but trust us, 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

Wake up with excitement as you’ll have the opportunity to discover all the unique wildlife during a guided walk through Andasibe the national park today. Then, this evening, 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 organization 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.

Day 13 Antananarivo

You’ll kiss Andasibe goodbye after breakfast this morning for our 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 – perhaps toast to your Madagascar adventure with a local beer or two.

Day 14 Antananarivo - Departure Day

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 for pre-booking with Intrepid Travel or your booking agent.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 2,808
Price Per Day: $ 201 per day
Checking price
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Jun-03-2023Jun-16-2023$ 3,334Sold Out Reserve
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Nov-02-2024Nov-15-2024$ 3,65012 spots left Reserve
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Nov-16-2024Nov-29-2024$ 3,65012 spots left Reserve
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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.

4,325 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,265
Great 678
Average 136
Disappointing 71
Terrible 175
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Madagascar Adventure

An amazing trip through this beautifully stunning and diverse country!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
An amazing trip through this beautifully stunning and diverse country! Perfect balance between wildlife, culture and relaxation on the beach in the end! Andry, the tour guide, was so well organized and always concerned about us! Can only recommend this trip!!
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The country of Madagascar is amazing!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The country of Madagascar is amazing! The landscape and lemurs are fantastic but what really made the trip for me was the Malagasy people. So happy, helpful and friendly. As others have mentioned - Just Go. You will not regret it!
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Madagascar is an amazing experience.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Madagascar is an amazing experience. However, be prepared to spend the vast majority of time on this holiday sat down, either in a boat, minibus or in 4 x 4s. Trip notes mention maybe 7hours of travelling per day, but we spent two days in minibuses and 4 x 4s that were 13 hours on the road (minus an hour stop for lunch). This amount of time on such incredibly bumpy roads meant that one of our group was physically sick, so if you're easily travel sick, this tour is not for you. We only had 2 days of decent physical activity, both of which were in the Tsingy and were completely awesome.
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Amazing sights and experiences

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
In a short time this trip takes you to a number of amazing sights and experiences. Meeting the lemurs and kameleons is magic, but driving and especially walking through the amazing landscapes and lively colorful villages, with the ingenious people and enthousiastic kids, makes this trip unforgettable. The stay in relaxed paradiselike Anakoaa adds a great finishing touch. Our tourleader Barnabas, knowledgeable, very responsible and patient made our Mada adventure extra worthwile.
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Overall a fabulous trip with some amazing experiences.

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
Overall a fabulous trip with some amazing experiences. Highlights included getting up close to chameleons and lemurs, interacting with the local people in rural areas, learning about the Malagasy culture and traditional ways from our Intrepid guide and exploring parts of the Isalo NP. Think about pre booking if you want to seeTsimanampetsotsa NP. Bring sun protection and good walking shoes. Early rising and some long travel days.
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This trip exceeded our expectations in all respects.

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
This trip exceeded our expectations in all respects. We saw an incredibly rich diversity of nature and wildlife, and our frequent opportunities to meet and to move amongst the wonderful people of Madagascar added immeasurably to the richness of the experience. Although we had long road journeys, the scenery along the way kept us enthralled and the cultural stops were always interesting.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Private Vehicles,Boat,Plane

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 12

Accommodations

Hotel (6 nights) Lodge (3 nights) Cottage(2 nights) Eco Lodge (2 nights)

Guides

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. On this trip for small groups of 1-3 travellers your leader will also be your driver. For sustainability and a lower carbon footprint, we will also use a 4x4 SUV or similar, rather than a van or coach.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 15

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Belvedere
  • Lot IF 27 bis Isoraka
  • Antananarivo
  • 101
  • MADAGASCAR
  • Phone: +261 347986638

Trip ID#:

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