Madagascar In-Depth Tour

AAfter you arrive at Ivato International Airport, our English-speaking driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for rest.

► Note: In order to meet the domestic flight arrangements involved in the itinerary, it is recommended that you land in Madagascar on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If it does not match your schedule, our travel consultant will be glad to customize the tour for you.

If it is still early after hotel check-in, go downtown to get to know the multi-faceted Madagascar from the capital Antananarivo, commonly known as Tana! The first sight will be colorful houses built on the hill, looking like a fairytale scene. However, it is only when you steep yourself in it that you will find that behind the beauty is actually a tragic reality of poverty - vagrants and beggars are encountered from time to time, and some streets are messy and dilapidated with garbage scattering around. But you can still feel the simplicity of locals and their zest for life - street vendors are selling their wares with enthusiasm and teenagers singing and dancing freely to the indigenous music… Malagasy ancestors are the Austronesians from Indonesia, so you will see that most locals look similar to Southeast Asians, which would surprise you if you haven’t been introduced to the history; as for their darker skin tone, it is because they have African heritage.If there is a plan to visit a restaurant or a bar, remember to take your passport with you in case it gets checked.

► Guidance for Visa Application:
You can apply for a visa to Madagascar in one of the three ways. First, if you want to get it before you go, just apply at the Consulate of Madagascar near where you live. Next, to make things even easier, for most countries, you can apply for your visa on arrival at international airports in Madagascar with your passport and return flight ticket. Generally, it costs EUR 10 (MGA 50,870) for less than 15 days; EUR 35 (MGA 178, 045) for 16 to 30 days and EUR 40 (MGA 203,480) for 31 to 60 days. The last one is E-visa, which is less recommended as you have to identify the real official website (you may be scammed by a fake webpage) and the payment can only be done by Visa and Master Credit cards. Anyway, you can ask our travel consultant for help if you encounter any problems during your application.

Accommodation: Asia & Africa Hotel - Ivato Airport, Antananarivo (4 stars) or similar

Today, the driver guide will take you to the airport for a flight to the western city Morondava. Once you get there, there will be another driver guide waiting at Morondava Airport to take you to the hotel for check-in. 

► Note:
1. Be aware that some of the hotels especially lodges in the wild in Madagascar may cut off the power at night or even in the daytime due to scarce power resources, so if you need to power special devices like a breathing machine during night, please let us know before your trip. Also it’s essential to manage to charge your phones as soon as you get settled into the hotel. Pack a backup power resource and a flashlight in advance, which will come in handy.
2. Most remote areas of Madagascar have poor Internet penetration, which means you may be unable to communicate with others for some time. Hotels often claim to have Wi-Fi in their lobbies and restaurants, but actually there may be none. Since there may also be no signal, don’t expect too much of your mobile data either. It’s better to finish your work or contacts in the capital Antananarivo in advance and then devote yourself fully to the journey.

► Recommended Restaurant for Dinner:
It is recommended to walk north from your hotel for about 7 minutes to Le Corail, a well-known restaurant in Morondava that specializes in fresh seafood. The restaurant is in a thatch-roofed hut with a few tables. But don’t be put off by its humble appearance, as you can enjoy overdose seafood at low prices, as well as live music played by local bands. Royal Plate, a variety of seafood on a platter, is a must try and costs only USD 11 / MGA 50,000. Malagasy flavors like zebu skewers are features too. The menu has English on it and you can also find their staff speaking English to help you. There is also another a little more expensive option - Bleu Soleil - for you in case you want to gaze out to sea over dining. Your guide would be glad to offer you more advice.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Laguna Beach, Morondava (3 stars) or similar

In the early morning, drive about 2 hours to Kirindy to explore the Kirindy Forest, which is covered by a large dry deciduous forest. It is an area where seasonal change is evident - the landscape takes on a lush vibrancy in the rainy season from November to April and features leafless skeletal trees in the dry season from May to October. The dry season also enjoys cool weather when animals are most active and you can spot them more easily without the cover of leaves. The fossa is one of Madagascar’s national treasures and the largest carnivore, whose preferred prey - you might not expect it - are lemurs, another national treasure! What also makes this creature interesting is its solitary lifestyle, as well as a curious ability to climb down trees head-first with its cat-like claws embedded into trunks, which is rare in the mammalian kingdom. There is also a good chance of seeing the endangered Verreaux’s sifaka, whose hairless black face stands out against the all-white furry body. It is also nicknamed the “dancing lemur” because of its comical sideway leaps. Besides, your guide will point to you various species of birds and reptiles unique to the area. 

► Wildlife Observing Guide:
1. Thin long sleeves that can prevent mosquitoes and sunlight exposure and sturdy waterproof hiking shoes are the best choices for observing wildlife in any natural environment of this tropical country. It is also necessary to carry eco-friendly sunscreen, mosquito spray and rain poncho.
2. In order to have a safer wilderness experience, please always stay close to our professional guide and avoid petting or feeding wild animals lest they be startled and suddenly react in an unknown and aggressive way to harm you.

After the visit, we will head to Bekopaka. En route, take a boat to cross the Tsiribihina River to Belo sur Tsiribihina, then continue driving to Bekopaka and check in at the local hotel for rest.

► Recommended Restaurant for Lunch:
As you will have an hour for lunch at Belo sur Tsiribihina, why not pay a visit to Mad Zebu, the best local restaurant? Here, not only can you find local zebu dishes, but also seafood, and other western food. All of these delicacies are exquisitely plated and served at popular prices - around USD 3 - 5 / MGA 14,000 - 23,000 per dish. And expect English-speaking staff to solve any problems you may encounter during the meal in a prompt manner. Booking ahead is highly recommended, as it is always crowded. If you are interested, let your guide know in advance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Olympe de Bemaraha, Bekopaka (3 stars) - the best local hotel

Today we will explore the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, one of Madagascar’s three UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites. Known for the Tsingy (‘where one cannot walk barefoot’ in Malagasy), the lofty, blade-shaped limestone forest, the park has one of the world’s most spectacular karst landforms. The Big Tsingy, which the guide will accompany you to explore, is particularly amazing. Test your mettle to cross a narrow suspension bridge, which spans over the numerous blade-like rocks. Speaking of which, we have to make you aware that there will be a dangersome and strenuous climb before we get to the bridge. Of course if your physical condition does not allow you to be too adventurous, we can take you to another gentler route to climb up. Either way, you will always be protected by a safety rope, and your guide will definitely show you how to use it to move along. Other adventurous activities include exploring caves for stalagmites and creatures that live in the humid darkness and hiking through surrounding lush forests for sifakas, red-fronted lemurs and bamboo lemurs. Enjoy a self-prepared picnic lunch inside the park. After the expedition, transfer back to the hotel for rest.

► Note:
1. Every year from November to April, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is closed due to continuous heavy rain. During this time, the roads to the park become too muddy and slippery to drive on, so this attraction arrangement will be cancelled. Of course the tour can be customized to your preferences, and if you want to visit some alternative destinations, such as the Betania fishing village in Morondava, just feel free to contact us.
2. Pay special attention to your personal valuables when traveling through the Tsingy part. It’s risky to put them even in your room’s safe, so we recommend that you keep them on you wherever you go.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Olympe de Bemaraha, Bekopaka (3 stars) - the best local hotel

Today we will drive 8 hours back to Morondava for an overnight stay. Cross the Tsiribihina River again by boat, and stop over at the Avenue of the Baobabs to appreciate a sunset. The 260-meter-long (853-inch-long) avenue is the best spot in the world to see baobabs, with hundreds of towering baobabs standing sentinel on both sides of it. When the sun sets, it seems that these giants are all that is left between the fiery sky and the horizon, looking particularly marvelous. It is interesting to know that baobabs are also called the “upside-down trees”, as the branches on their huge canopy are similar to the tree roots.

► The Inevitable Poor Road Conditions in Madagascar:
Madagascar is one of the least developed countries in the world, so please have reasonable expectation of its road construction. Throughout the journey, we will pass through many long bone-rattling dirt roads, which can be muddy and slippery on rainy days. But don’t worry too much; we will try our best to make you comfortable as much as possible by keeping you in a well-equipped 4WD vehicle. You can also find masks in our vehicle to protect you against inevitable dust when on the dirt roads.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Laguna Beach, Morondava (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will leave Morondava and drive to Antsirabe, taking about 9 hours. En route, pay a short visit to Betafo Villages. Take a stroll through vast expanses of rice paddies to admire stunning hydraulic waterscapes and perhaps make a small talk with local farmers to soak in rural life. You can also see a large waterfall which feeds water to the reservoirs and ditches around it used for irrigation. After that, continue our drive and arrive at the hotel to check in.

► Recommended Activities in Antsirabe for Your Reference:
One of the must-dos in Antsirabe is to take a ride on a distinctive pousse-pousse (a kind of rickshaw) that can be seen on all streets and lanes and can be easily hailed in front of the hotel. Let a puller guide you to explore the Madagascar’s highest city, and stop on the way to see the Antsirabe Cathedral, whose most appealing feature is the wooden carvings hanging between stained glass windows that show the story of how Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross in Golgotha. It’s important to note that Antsirabe can be freezing at night from June to August, so be sure to pack warm clothes if you plan to go out at night.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Arotel, Antsirabe or similar

In the morning, drive from the hotel to the entrance of the Ranomafana National Park, where our local park guide will be waiting for you and accompany you to sightsee the park. With approximately 41,000 hectares (101,313 acres) of rainforest, Ranomafana National Park is one of the three major rainforest ecoregions in Madagascar and houses diverse endemic wildlife such as birds, butterflies and 12 species of lemurs. It is worth mentioning that the golden bamboo lemur, the only primate that feeds on bamboo, was first discovered here, and its name comes from its most distinctive feature - the golden hair on body. After the visit, go back to the hotel and take a break.

► Enjoy a Hot Spring Bath at the Hotel to Relieve Tiredness:
Ranomafana, which means “hot water” in Malagasy, is one of the areas boasting the richest geothermal resources in Madagascar. The handpicked hotel features two natural private Jacuzzis, perfect for loosening up your muscles after a long day of hiking in the rainforest. Book with the hotel in advance as they are very popular among guests.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana (3 stars) or similar

Today, we will leave Ranomafana for Ranohira, passing through Fianarantsoa and Ambalavao on the way, and swinging by Anja Community Reserve, the kingdom for more than 400 ring-tailed lemurs. This lemur species loves to gather in groups and is quite distinguishable from others by its long tail with 11 to 12 black and white rings. After that, continue to drive forward and enter the Big South Region. Arrive in Ranohira village and check in at the design-conscious lodge whose brick-and-stone style would enchant you.

If there is time, our guide will take you to witness the Isalo Window - a very famous magically-shaped boulder in the arid savannah, named for the hole in it. Wait to watch the sunset glow through this large natural frame and take a photo with it from a good angle. Moreover, not far away is another boulder that looks like a queen standing sideways, and its silhouette is equally fascinating.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin du Roy, Ranohira (3 stars) or similar

After breakfast, let’s head to Isalo National Park for a full-day excursion. The geopark features complex and varied landforms formed during the Jurassic period. Sandstone massifs, primitive forests and hard-featured rocks eroded by wind and rain stand on this flat prairie, making it a perfect place to feel and explore the wonders of nature. It is also home to many rare and endemic wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs, white sifakas and red-fronted lemurs. The most apparent feature of the red-fronted lemur is the fur’s color from which you can tell its gender, with males’ being grayish-brown and females’ being reddish-brown. After the visit, the driver guide will accompany you back to the hotel for rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin du Roy, Ranohira (3 stars) or similar

Today, we will take a 5.5-hour drive to Ifaty on the southwest coast. On the way, we will pay a visit to the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a transitional area where you will find both moist and spiny forests. The park is an attractive spot especially for the diversified unique bird species that consider here their home. If you see a pair of birds featuring green feathers, they are definitely grey-headed lovebirds. They often show up in pairs, with the green head being female and the grey head being male. Also meet many lemurs, such as Verreaux’s sifakas and the newly-discovered Zombitse sportive lemurs. Then we will continue driving to our destination, Ifaty. After arrival, check in at the hotel.

► Have an Enjoyable Night at the Handpicked Hotel!
Hotel La Mira de Madiorano has two restaurants with small bars, serving typical Malagasy dishes as well as all kinds of fresh seafood. It will be almost dinnertime when we arrive at the hotel. It’s likely that you get to try the traditional national dish of Madagascar, Romazava, which is made of beef, tomatoes, pureed sweet potato leaves and other vegetables. One thing to be aware of is that don’t try raw vegetables and unstamped bottles of water in Madagascar because of poor hygiene. (Hotels are strict about food handling generally, but it’s always good to be prudent.) Then relax with a cocktail to soothing indigenous music at the bar.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Mira de Madiorano, Ifaty (3 stars) or similar

This morning, our driver guide will escort you to visit the spiny forests of Reniala Reserve. Reniala means “mother of the forest” and refers to baobabs. This is where you can find the baobab shaped like a teapot, which is the largest and oldest in Ifaty, with a history of more than 1,500 years. It is also worth mentioning that the reserve has taken two major biodiversity conservation measures - it has developed alternative livelihood projects such as beekeeping to avoid deforestation and worked out a plan to protect ring-tailed lemurs. In addition, the forests is the well-preserved home to a large number of birds, lemurs, and reptiles. Afterwards, drive back to the hotel and enjoy some free time.

► Recommended Activities:
After having a nap at the hotel, walk a few steps to the nearby village to learn about the Vezo people’s fishing life. Follow local fishermen out to sea in their homemade pirogues if possible or just simply watch them trading their catches. Ifaty is also welcomed by diving enthusiasts, with popular diving sites such as La Fourche and Le Grand Tombant featuring disparate coral formations, underwater caves and sea creatures. The hotel offers services of diving, kitesurfing, motorboat and dhow entertainments, and if you are interested, consult the hotel staff for reservation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Mira de Madiorano, Ifaty (3 stars) or similar

We will take you to Toliara’s airport for a flight back to Antananarivo based on the flight schedule. When you get there, the local driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the time is up to you.

► Recommended Free-time Activities:
If the flight leaves late, perhaps take a walk on the palm-filled white beach in front of your hotel and browse stands for some local wood carvings, seashells and handmade jewelry by the way. And if it lands early in Antananarivo, you can take a 15-minute ride from the hotel to the Croc Farm to get a closer look at thousands of captive-bred crocodiles, including Africa’s largest Nile crocodile that can measure up to 6 meters (20 feet) long! There are also lemurs, snakes, turtles and chameleons that can feast your eyes.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Serviced Apartments Antananarivo City Centre (4 stars)

Today we are going to fly north to Antsiranana. Upon arrival, the local driver guide will escort you to Three Bays to appreciate breathtaking seascapes and fringe forest landscapes with wild beauty. Three bays are composed of Pigeon Bay, Sakalava Bay and Dunes Bay, among which Sakalava Bay enjoys an international reputation and is considered a kitesurfing mecca. Along the way you can also see some artilleries and fortifications, which are remains of a historic Franco-British battle. The remaining time of today all belongs to you after you are escorted to the hotel. You will want to wind down in the pool while admiring the beautiful view of the islet Pain de Sucre not far away, and take the opportunity to interact with a lovely crowned lemur named Kiki, which the hotel adopted!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Suarez Hotel, Antsiranana or similar

In the morning, drive to Joffre Ville first and check in at the hotel. Then follow our local guide to explore Amber Mountain National Park. Situated on an ancient volcanic mountain range, the park owns a vast expanse of lush rainforest with several scenic volcanic lakes and huge waterfalls. It houses a wealth of rare species and new ones are discovered almost every year. The rainy season (November to April) is the best time to observe reptiles and amphibians, and the dry season (May to November) is perfect for bird watching and clear mountain scenery, so you won’t be disappointed whenever you come. Lemurs here include crowned lemurs, bamboo lemurs and brown lemurs. What’s more, Brookesia, the world’s smallest nail-sized chameleon, and rock thrush with blue-gray and orange feathers, can only be found here. After the exploration, drive back to the hotel for rest.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nature Lodge, Antsiranana or similar

After breakfast, let’s drive around 2.5 hours towards the Tsingy Rouge (Red Tsingy) for a visit. It is a special red landform, with sprawling laterite pinnacles formed by natural erosion over centuries. The most magical scene would be how these pinnacles would change their color between reds and yellows at different times of a day on this barren land, embellished with only a few green plants growing on the surrounding cliffs. The whole scene would make you feel as if you are on the desolate but living Mars. Here is a viewing platform for a panorama, where you will marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature! After finishing the tour, continue to drive 5 hours to the hotel in Ankarana for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Ankarana Lodge, Antsiranana (standard bungalow) or similar

Today, accompanied by the local spot guide, you will visit Ankarana National Park, which also contains Tsingy stone karst landform, and although it is not as spectacular as that of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, its not-so-sharp stone formations make it easier to explore. The Tsingy divides the park into savanna and dry forest landscape, and the diverse landscape contributes to the rich biodiversity. 14 types of bats, 11 lemur species and other various birds await you to discover. The main lemur resident here is the crowned lemur, who gets its name from the shape of two different colors on its head that together resembles a bright brown crown. After a whole day's trekking, we will drive you back to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Ankarana Lodge, Antsiranana (standard bungalow) or similar

After having breakfast, we will drive 2.5 hours to Ankify Harbor to take a speed boat to Nosy Be Island. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, and then freely spend the rest of the day.

► Recommended Free-time Activities:
Perhaps hail a local tuk-tuk (a kind of taxi) or ask the hotel staff to rent a scooter to explore this attractive volcanic island. Pass through Hell Ville to trace the history and culture of Madagascar by delving into the remains of military installations like forts, churches and lighthouses built during the early French colonial era in the 19th century. Then head southwest to uncover the mystery of the 200-year-old-plus giant “Sacred Tree”, which is said to be planted by the queen of the Sakalava Tribe in 1836. As the sun sets, climb to the top of Mont Passot, the highest point in Nosy Be, for a fantastic view of the island as the sky changes to dreamy colors. For dinner, why not take a tuk-tuk again for about 7 minutes from the hotel to the top-rated Chinese Restaurant? This place contrasts against the Malagasy surroundings and is a world of its own. Here, you can dine on the outside terrace or indoors, both clean and atmospheric. You will be welcomed by traditional Chinese food such as dumplings and spring rolls, as well as a variety of seafood at affordable prices - two large crabs only cost you USD 6.5 / MGA 30,000!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: L'heure Bleue, Nosy Be - standard bungalow (4 stars) or similar

Today is a leisure day. We won't arrange any activities.

► Recommended Activities:
Take some time to explore the small islets around Nosy Be that are popular with tourists. Perhaps go to Nosy Komba, a volcanic island covered with lush tropical vegetation, for an observation of a rich diversity of chameleons, geckos, as well as black lemurs. In the late afternoon, take a speedboat for about 15 minutes to Nosy Tanlkely, to enjoy water activities such as sea bathing, scuba diving or snorkeling.

► Go on a Whale Watching Trip Between July and September! 
From July to September every year, a large number of humpback whales migrate from the polar region to the nearby waters to mate and breed, which is a great opportunity to watch whales. Locals also hold a week-long Whale Festival with vibrant activities such as beach parties, parades, and concerts. If you come during this time, let us tailor and add an exciting whale-chasing tour for you!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: L'heure Bleue, Nosy Be - standard bungalow (4 stars) or similar

Enjoy another free day and get totally relaxed.

► Recommended Activities:
Wandering along the beach, you may be surprised to see some women have wheat or flower patterns on their faces. It is actually a local traditional facial decoration named Mpanampy, which uses a kind of paste made from plants and natural pigments and is applied as sunscreen and insect repellent. If you are interested, find an Mpanampy-offering stand and just give it a try! With your skin protected, take a short canoe trip to spend a good amount of time on nearby Nosy Iranja, a world-class beach destination. Go take instagrammable photos with that 2-kilometer-long (1.2-mile-long) white sand bank that peeps out from time to time between Iranja Be and Iranja Kely. What’s more, plenty of hawksbill turtles, colorful coral reefs and tropical fish can be found in the shallow waters. For information on how to get there, you can ask the hotel staff for help.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: L'heure Bleue, Nosy Be - standard bungalow (4 stars) or similar

Today we will fly back to Antananarivo. When you arrive at Ivato airport, our driver guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel to check in.

► Friendly Reminder:
We’d be remiss if we don’t remind you again that your flight back to Antananarivo today is subject to delay or even cancellation if it encounters bad weather conditions, so we will return a day early to avoid unnecessary impacts on your departure flight tomorrow.

► Recommended Free-time Activities:
The handpicked hotel in Nosy Be is right on Ambatoloaka beach, where you can enjoy your last leisurely beach time. Take a walk or soak up in the sun if the flight leaves late. If you arrive in the early afternoon, as the hotel in Antananarivo is in downtown, you can walk a few steps to the largest market at the foot of the hill to find some very Malagasy souvenirs, such as baobab woodcarvings and lemur fridge magnets.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Serviced Apartments Antananarivo City Centre (4 stars)