Madagascar - Land of the Lemur

Day 1 - Antananarivo

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Royal Palissandre Hotel, Antananarivo (4-star)

Day 2 - Antananarivo - Antsirabe

Our adventure begins in the colourful capital of Antananarivo, known by most as Tana. Nestled in the greenery of the highlands, Tana enjoys a cool climate - perfect for our sightseeing tour this morning. We’ll then wend our way south, through landscapes of terraced rice fields and eroded hills, known locally as lavaka. Take in the bright colours and bustling atmosphere at a local market in Ambatolampy, where unusual fruits and local snacks are sold. We arrive in Antsirabe this afternoon, an elegant city with European flair. The colonial architecture, turn-of-the-century villas and wide tree-lined avenues will have you thinking you’re somewhere else entirely.

Le Royal Palace Hotel, Antsirabe (3.5-star)

Day 3 - Ambositra - Ranomafana

The highland landscapes of pine and eucalyptus forests continue, as we journey to Ambositra, popular for its wood-carving and handicraft workshops. After a lunch accompanied by folkloric dancing, the scenery changes to lush green tropical forests and Ranomafana National Park - home to some beautiful waterfalls.

Setam Lodge, Ranomafana (3-star)

Day 4 - Ranomafana

Wildlife is a huge focus when it comes to holidays in Madagascar. The greater bamboo and the golden bamboo lemurs are the island’s characterful and most rare inhabitants - and they’re the top of today’s watch list as we venture into the steamy jungle of Ranomafana National Park, their only confirmed habitat on the planet. The jungle hums with the sounds of insects and the wail of wildlife in the distance. As well as the lemur, we’ll be on the lookout for different species of bird, lizard and butterfly. The name Ranomafana means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy and is named because of the thermal springs dotted around the area. This afternoon you can choose to explore on an afternoon walk, or relax in the famed hot springs.

Setam Lodge, Ranomafana (3-star)

Day 5 - Fianarantsoa - Ambalavao - Ranohira

Depart for a tour of Fianarantsoa, the cultural capital of Madagascar and the capital of the Betsiloo people. Later in Ambalavao, we get a close-up view of Antaimoro making - papyrus-based paper containing wild flowers. If we’re lucky, our visit will coincide with the weekly zebu cattle market - a lively meeting of people from all over. We also visit Anja Park, run by the village to raise funds for local teachers. Our arrival in Ihosy signifies the end of the highlands and we pass through the vast red-soiled savannah of Plateau de l’Horombe before reaching Ranohira - the gateway to Isalo National Park.

Satrana Lodge, Ranohira (3.5-star)

Day 6 - Isalo National Park

We take a walking tour through Isalo National Park, encompassing 815 square kilometres of rugged sandstone rocks, hewn by rain and wind erosion into dramatic canyons, impressive gorges and stalagmite pinnacles. As the area is used as a burial place of the Bara people, we may spy tombs inside the rocks as we walk. Keep your eyes peeled for Sifaka, brown and ring tailed lemurs en route. The day will come to a memorable end as we watch the setting sun turn the sky shades of deep purple, orange and red through La Fenêtre de l’Isalo’ rock formation.

Satrana Lodge, Ranohira (3.5-star)

Day 7 - Ranohira - Tuléar - Ifaty

We visit Ilakaka, the village which exploded in population with the discovery of sapphire deposits in 1998. Traversing Zombitse National Park, we enter the dry south and pass the ‘plateaux des baobabs’ of Andranomaintso - these upside-down looking trees are an icon of Madagascar - before arriving in Tuléar for a city tour. The city was one of the main harbours of the colonial-era and now a cosmopolitan collection of cultures and traditions. Continuing along the sandy coastal road lined with mangroves and dunes, we’ll see many fishing villages; in this area the men fish twice a day in their dugout canoes known as pirogues, for the women and children to collect and deliver to Tuléar. We’ll stay overnight in Ifaty.

Hotel La Mira de Madio Rano, Ifaty (3.5-star)

Day 8 - Ifaty

An early morning start is required for a visit to Reniala Reserve, filled with different types of baobab and thorny bush. It’s also an excellent spot to search for some of Madagascar’s unique bird species. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free to spend as you wish - perhaps on the beach, watching the fisherman earning their living.

Hotel La Mira de Madio Rano, Ifaty (3.5-star)

Day 9 - Tuléar - Antananarivo

Journeying back to Tuléar, a flight then returns us to Antananarivo.

Royal Palissandre Hotel, Antananarivo (4-star)

Day 10 - Andasibe

Our journey to Andasibe takes us into humid landscapes of rainforest and lakes, rich in plants and wildlife. We meet members of the predominant tribe of Madagascar’s east coast - the Betsimisaraka people. An evening walk is a perfect opportunity to look for nocturnal animals.

Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe (3-star)

Day 11 - Andasibe

For wildlife lovers, today is likely to be a big highlight, as we explore Andasibe National Park. The large tropical rainforest is home to nine species of lemur, including the largest - the critically endangered indri. Known for its distinctively loud call, it’s no surprise that it features in Malagasy myths and legends. There are plentiful other unique species, orchids, chameleons and birds. Returning to the lodge, its private park is one of the best spots for photographing lemurs. Maybe you’ll spot a bamboo or brown lemur.

Vakona Forest Lodge, Andasibe (3-star)

Day 12 - Antananarivo

Our journey back to Antananarivo includes a stop at Peyrieras Reptile Reserve, a small reserve home to a collection of reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. Continue to UNESCO-listed Ambohimanga - a sacred royal city of immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Royal Palissandre Hotel, Antananarivo (4-star)

Day 13 - Antananarivo

After two incredible weeks, it's time for our Madagascar holiday to come to an end. Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Antananarivo