Popular Routes Where Wildlife Viewing Is a Major Part of the Tour
Madagascar is deceptively large and the roads are often in poor condition. This means that, to make the most of your time, many tour itineraries include at least one domestic flight. Most people choose between the country’s north or the south of the island. But with internal flights and enough time, you could combine both.
Southern Madagascar (1.5 to 2 weeks)
This popular itinerary takes in some of the main highlights of Madagascar. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park can be done at the beginning or the end as it is a side trip from the capital city Antananarivo (Tana), which will be your point of entry to the country.
Destinations:
- Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (2 to 3 days) is home to the most sought-after of all diurnal lemur species, the indri
- Antsirabe (1 day) is a vibrant highland town and the perfect place to break up the journey south
- Ranomafana National Park (2 to 3 days) is a biodiversity hot spot with 13 lemur species present in rolling hills of thickly vegetated rainforest
- Anja Community Reserve (half day) is a community-managed ecotourism destination and protects a large population of ring-tailed lemurs
- Isalo National Park (2 to 3 days) is a prime dry-country hiking destination and a photographer’s dream
- Ifaty or Anakao (3 to 4 days) are beach destinations near Toliara (Tuléar) that are ideal for ending the tour with swimming, snorkeling, relaxation and maybe even some whale watching
Popular add-ons:
- Taolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) and Berenty Private Reserve for lemurs and ecotourism possibilities
- Avenue des Baobabs and Kirindy Forest to see impressive baobabs and the secretive fossa
- Bemaraha National Park for incredible limestone landscapes
Northern Madagascar (1.5 to 2 weeks)
After arriving in Antananarivo at Ivato International Airport (TNR), you take a scheduled flight to Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez. This itinerary takes in rainforest hikes, the tsingy of Ankarana and beach relaxation on Nosy Be.
Destinations:
- Antsiranana (1 to 2 days) is steeped in French colonial history and is the base for the popular day trip covering Les Trois Baies (The Three Bays)
- Amber Mountain National Park (2 to 3 days) is a magnificent rainforest with waterfalls, crater lakes and a wealth of chameleons
- Ankarana Special Reserve (3 to 4 days) protects a limestone plateau eroded to form tsingy
- Nosy Be (3 to 4 days) is a beautiful volcanic island that ranks as Madagascar’s most popular beach destination
Popular add-ons:
- Andasibe-Mantadibe National Park for seeing more lemur species, including the teddy-bear look-alike indri
- Ile Sainte Marie for a more off-the-beaten-track beach and island retreat, and a chance to see humpback whales in season
Exclusive Madagascar (1 to 2 weeks)
This itinerary is centered on two contrasting properties, one in the dry spiny forest of the south and the other in the lush rainforest of the north. Both offer all-inclusive experiences in rustic luxury accommodations with excellent service and guiding. Transportation to and from the properties is part of the package.
Destinations:
- Ifotaka Forest (3 to 4 days), in the remote south, is the setting for Mandrare River Camp, which offers loads of activities including lemur viewing
- Masoala National Park (3 to 4 days), on a peninsula in the north, is home to Masoala Forest Lodge, from where you can explore Madagascar’s largest and arguably wildest park on foot and by boat
Popular add-ons:
- Andasibe-Mantadibe National Park for seeing the cuddly-looking indri and other lemur species
- Avenue des Baobabs and Kirindy Forest to see the rare fossa
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