14-Day The Pristine Forests of Madagascar

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Tana

Upon arrival, your professional English speaker guide will welcome you at the airport. Your English guide will assist you if needed in any formalities at the airport and then accompany you to your hotel. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you please.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

San Cristobal Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hiking in the Heart of Nature, Exploring the Ankafobe Reserve (132 km)

Today, you'll be heading for Ankafobe, the harbor of Tampoketsa. You'll stop off in the small village of Ambohimanarina to visit a charcoal stove workshop. The manufacture of these stoves has become the culture of the people living in this village. In addition to farming and livestock breeding. Afterward, you'll continue your journey to reach the Ankafobe Reserve. This is where the Sohisika or “Schizolaena Tampoketsana” grows, considered to be one of the rarest trees in the world. Several animal species also live in this prodigious reserve, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and the Eulemur fulvus: all live freely in the reserve. After an exciting hike, you'll catch a glimpse of the famous Andriamamovoka waterfall. In the evening, you'll be invited on a night hike to discover the unique biodiversity of this ecosystem. After the hike through the primary forest, you'll set out for camp in the heart of the reserve.

Main Destination:

Ankafobe Reserve

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Ankafobe Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ankafobe Forest to the Highlands of Antsirabe (302 km)

After a night in a tent, you can watch the sunrise over the forest —a truly magical experience. The road to Antsirabe is an adventure on its own. You'll pass through a varied landscape, from rice fields to verdant forests. You'll stop off in Ambatolampy, a town renowned for its aluminum pot workshops. You'll take the opportunity to visit these workshops and admire the skills of local craftsmen. In Antsirabe, the artisans' expertise is renowned, enough to make a visit worthwhile. The miniature and horn workshops are a veritable institution. You'll be amazed by the meticulousness and creativity of the craftsmen who transform raw materials such as zebu horn or tin cans into veritable works of art. You'll explore these workshops and discover the different stages of production.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Arotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

City to Nature (252 km)

Our adventure starts in Antsirabe, the "City of Water". An emblematic means of transport is a must: the rickshaw! Comfortably seated, you'll wind your way through the town's streets, admiring the colonial architecture, red-roofed houses, and numerous artisan stalls. You'll be heading for Ranomafana after the visit. A nocturnal visit to Ranomafana is an unforgettable experience for any nature lover. Equipped with a flashlight and accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll set off to discover a fascinating nocturnal world, populated by unsuspected creatures.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, September and November (Less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather April, May, September and November

Wildlife in Ranomafana NP

Golden
bamboo lemur Common

Red-fronted
brown lemur Common

Red-bellied
lemur Common

Greater
bamboo lemur Common

Grey
bamboo lemur Common

Show more

Giraffe-necked
weevil Common

Parson's
chameleon Common

Milne-Edwards’
sifaka Occasional

Rufous
mouse lemur Occasional

Satanic
leaf-tailed gecko Occasional

Painted
mantella Occasional

Spotted
fanaloka Rare

Ring-tailed
mongoose Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Exploring the Ranomafana National Park

You'll embark on a guided hike through the lush rainforest. Your experienced guide will lead you along well-marked trails, pointing out the park's diverse flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for lemurs, chameleons, and a variety of bird species. If you're interested in experiencing the unique culture and way of life of the Tanala people, visiting one of their villages is a rewarding experience. The local villagers will be delighted to introduce you to their culture and traditional dances.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ranomafana to Ambositra, Nature and Crafts (160 km)

You'll depart from Ranomafana towards Ambositra, the Ankazomivady reserve is a must-see on your trip. This primary forest is home to exceptional biodiversity. You'll be able to observe numerous species of birds, lemurs, and endemic plants. A guided hike will enable you to discover the riches of this nature reserve. Upon arrival in Ambositra, you'll check into your accommodation and explore the town's main attractions. You'll climb to the hilltop Rova, the ruins of the former royal palace, for panoramic views of Ambositra and the surrounding countryside. After visiting the Rova, you'll admire the craftsmen at work in their workshops and discover the techniques and history of their products.

Main Destination:

Ambositra (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Artisan

• Mid-range hotel located in Ambositra (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Driving back to the Capital (260 km)

The return trip from Ambositra to Antananarivo offers a unique opportunity to rediscover Madagascar's varied landscapes. This trip will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Highlands and immerse yourself further in Malagasy culture. You'll arrival in Antananarivo in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

San Cristobal Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Adventure in Akanin'ny Nofy (275 km + 45 min of Navigation)

Akanin'ny Nofy, meaning “ The Nest of Dreams ” in Malagasy, is an increasingly popular destination for travelers in pursuit of authenticity and nature. Located on Madagascar's east coast, this region offers varied landscapes, rich wildlife, and an authentic culture. On arrival in Manambato, an impressive boat ride on the Pangalanes Canal awaits you. Aboard a motorboat, you will go to Akanin'ny Nofy, which translates as the "Nest of Dreams". You'll check in at your hotel for a pleasant stay.

Main Destination:

Palmarium Reserve

Best Time To Go August to November (Less rainfall)

High Season July, August and December holidays (It gets very busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Palmarium Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Immersion in Betsimisaraka Nature and Culture

The Palmarium Reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. Nestling in the heart of a lush tropical forest, it is home to exceptional flora and fauna, and the stars of the reserve are without doubt the lemurs. You can observe several species of these primates endemic to Madagascar, including the Indri Indri, the largest lemur in the world. After lunch, you'll set off to discover a typical Betsimisaraka village. Located near the Palmarium reserve, Andranokoditra is a small fishing village. You'll have the opportunity to discover the traditional Malagasy way of life and share a special moment with the locals. A nocturnal excursion to observe the Aye-aye is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your stay at Akanin'ny nofy. This nocturnal lemur, with its singular appearance and mysterious habits, is an endemic species of the island and one of Madagascar's natural treasures.

Main Destination:

Palmarium Reserve

Accommodation:

Palmarium Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Leisure in Akanin'ny Nofy

Akanin'ny Nofy is the right place to break away from the stresses of everyday life and recharge your batteries in the heart of nature. The whole day is at your disposal, you are free to spend the day as you wish on this relaxing site. You can take another tour of the park or enjoy a quiet moment by the lake for a day of relaxation.

Main Destination:

Palmarium Reserve

Accommodation:

Palmarium Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located inside Palmarium Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Indri Indri's Footsteps (130 km)

After breakfast, you'll embark on a boat for a crossing of the Canal des Pangalanes to Manambato. This crossing offers magnificent scenery and the chance to observe local life. Continuation to Andasibe. Once there, you will first visit Vakona Reserve which is a private reserve of the Vakona Forest Lodge Hotel. The reserve's main attraction is, of course, the opportunity to get up close to several species of lemur such as Madagascar’s dancing lemurs also called Sifaka, the small bamboo lemurs, and the black and white ruffed lemur. In addition to lemurs, the reserve also boasts a crocodile farm where you can observe these fascinating reptiles. We end the day with a nocturnal visit. Many animal species are particularly active at night. You'll have the opportunity to observe nocturnal lemurs such as microbes, chameleons, and frogs with their beautiful sounds.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, October and November (Best weather, less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather April, May, October and November

Wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Indri Common

Common
brown lemur Common

Other
chameleons Common

Leaf-tailed geckos Common

Diademed sifaka Occasional

Show more

Red-bellied
lemur Occasional

Grey
bamboo lemur Occasional

Mouse lemurs Occasional

Sportive lemurs Occasional

Parson's
chameleon Occasional

Painted mantella Occasional

Black-and-white
ruffed lemur Rare

Madagascar tree boa Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Longoza Ecolodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

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+11 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Andasibe, In the Heart of Madagascar's Forest

Analamazaotra National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is renowned for its diverse lemur population, including the iconic indri, and offers a variety of activities for visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Indri lemur, the largest lemur species in the world. These majestic creatures are known for their powerful vocalizations, which can be heard from a distance. You'll continue this day with a visit to the VOI MMA Community Reserve. Despite its small size, the reserve is an unspoiled paradise for endemic animals and plants where visitors can easily spend a whole day enjoying nature. Some groups of Indris can be seen here in their natural habitat, as can its white-headed cousins, the sifakas, which often leap between the treetops. Other lemurs such as woolly lemurs can also be seen.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Accommodation:

Longoza Ecolodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Back to the Capital (145 km)

After breakfast, you'll head back to Antananarivo. Once again, you'll be able to enjoy the magnificent green landscape of the east throughout the journey. You'll stop at Peyrieras private farm “Madagascar Exotique” for a one-hour tour. Indeed, you will discover some endemic species of Madagascar including reptiles, Geckos, and butterflies including the largest butterfly on earth called a comet. Here's the best place to see these incredible creatures up close. You'll resume the road to Tana. Arrival is planned in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

San Cristobal Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Goodbye Madagascar

This is the day for you to say goodbye to the Treasure Island of Madagascar. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed the adventure with us and hope to have the opportunity to meet you again soon for a new adventure. Veloma!

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.