Day 1 Arrive Antananarivo (Tana)
Arrive in Antananarivo at any time.
Day 2-3 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Depart the capital and continue to this world-renowned upland rainforest, also known as Perinet Reserve, home of the unique Indri, the world's largest lemur.
Day 4 Antsirabe
Travel to Antsirabe, "Vichy Malgache", a French colonial town. Along the road discover Merina tombs, and locals cultivating rice paddies. We'll make a stop at a local artisan workshop to gain en insight of some unique handicraft traditions of the region.
Day 5 Ambositra
Visit Lake Andraikiba or take some free time to explore the quaint town of Antsirabe on your own, by foot, bicycle, or in a famous "pousse-pousse". Ambositra is home to some of Madagascar's best wood carvings.
Day 6 Ranomafana (L)
Explore the magical Ranomafana National Park, home to 12 species of lemur. Discover the bewildering diversity of endemic plant and animal life including the golden bamboo lemur and red-bellied lemur.
Day 7 Ambalavao
Head south through Madagascar's wine-producing region and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscape along the way. In Ambalavao, we visit a local paper factory where the local artisans share with us their traditional methods of producing a unique, hand-made paper.
Day 8-9 Ranohira/Isalo (B,2D)
Before departing southbound, we stop at the beautiful Anja Reserve to take a short guided walk in search of the resident ring-tailed lemur. We continue travelling through south-central Madagascar to Ranohira on the edge of Isalo National Park. Enjoy the fascinating countryside, with the day's drive culminating in impressive views of the Isalo Mountains. Explore the semi-arid Isalo National Park, with its rocky cliffs, archaeological relics and funeral sanctuaries that create a magical atmosphere of strong contrasts. This park is home to a plethora of endemic flora and fauna, including the ring-tailed lemur.
Day 10 Antananarivo (B)
Journey across fascinating open landscapes of the south-western desert, from Ranohira to Tulear, where we fly back to the capital Antananarivo. En route, visit Mahafaly's tomb and see the remarkable fire-resistant Baobab trees.
Day 11 Diego (B)
From the capital, fly to the beautiful northern tip of island to Diego (Antsiranana). This traditional and lively port town is known for its fishing, and is located on a picturesque bay surrounded by coconut trees, traditional huts, pirogues (dug out canoes), and of course white sand beaches.
Day 12 Montagne d'Ambre National Park (B,L,D)
En route to Montagne d'Ambre, a wide expanse of lush tropical montane fores, we stop to explore the truly fascinating geologic oddity known as Red Tsingy. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in this ecologically rich region, notable for its tree ferns, lianas, and orchids.
Day 13 Ankarana Special Reserve (B,L,D)
Continue south to this reserve, where you'll spend the afternoon on a guided forest walk. Marvel at the grand limestone karst pinnacles called "tsingy", and spot many varieties of the renowned lemur, including Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur and dwarf lemurs.
Day 14 Ankify (B)
Enjoy a drive past pepper, vanilla, cacao, and ylang ylang plantations as we make our way to the western coastal town of Ankify. Options for your free time in the afternoon include a bike tour of the surrounding villages, enjoying the sunset view from your hotel, or relaxing on the beautiful beach.
Day 15-16 Nosy Be (2B)
Take a short ferry ride over to Nosy Be, the most well known of the Malagasy Islands. Relax, snorkel or take an optional boat tour through some of the best waters and beaches of Madagascar.
Day 17 Depart Antananarivo (Tana) (B)
Fly back to Antananarivo where the tour ends upon arrival. Free to depart anytime after 8pm.
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