Arrival in Madagascar’s hilltop capital, where terracotta houses climb the surrounding hills and rice paddies fill the valleys below. After airport formalities, transfer to the hotel and time to settle in.

Antananarivo—often called “Tana”—is the historic heart of the Merina kingdom and remains the political and cultural center of the island. The city spreads across a series of ridges and hills, offering sweeping views over the highlands and an introduction to Madagascar’s distinctive architecture and lively urban atmosphere.

Driving distance: ~170 km
Estimated transfer time: ~5 hours

The journey south begins along the famous RN7 highway, one of Madagascar’s most scenic routes through the central highlands. The road passes terraced rice fields, traditional brick villages, and bustling roadside markets where farmers display seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Arrival in Antsirabe, a charming highland town known for its cool climate, wide avenues, and colonial heritage. Colorful pousse-pousse rickshaws move through the streets, while small artisan workshops produce handcrafted souvenirs and miniature vehicles made from recycled materials.

Driving distance: ~240 km
Estimated transfer time: ~6–7 hours

Today’s drive continues through the fertile landscapes of the Betsileo region, known for its impressive rice terraces carved into the hillsides. The route passes through lively rural towns and the artisan center of Ambositra, renowned for traditional Malagasy wood carving.

As the journey progresses, the scenery gradually transforms into lush green hills and dense tropical forest. Arrival in Ranomafana, a small village nestled beside the rainforest and gateway to one of Madagascar’s most biologically rich protected areas.

A full day is devoted to discovering the remarkable biodiversity of Ranomafana National Park. Guided walks lead along forest trails shaded by tall bamboo groves, giant tree ferns, and dense tropical canopy.

The park is home to several species of lemurs, including the rare golden bamboo lemur first discovered in this region. Numerous birds, reptiles, frogs, and colorful insects inhabit the forest, while orchids and medicinal plants flourish in the humid environment, making the park one of Madagascar’s most important conservation areas.

Driving distance: ~300–330 km
Estimated transfer time: ~7–8 hours

Departure from the rainforest region of Ranomafana National Park and journey south through the Betsileo highlands toward the drier landscapes of southern Madagascar. The road passes the historic town of Fianarantsoa and continues through fertile valleys and traditional villages where terraced rice fields shape the surrounding hillsides.

Near the town of Ambalavao, a short stop is made at the celebrated Anja Community Reserve. This small community-managed forest sanctuary is well known for its thriving population of ring-tailed lemurs that inhabit the granite outcrops and woodland valleys of the reserve. A brief guided walk offers the opportunity to observe these charismatic lemurs in their natural habitat while also supporting one of Madagascar’s most successful local conservation initiatives.

The journey continues south across increasingly arid terrain where grasslands and rocky hills dominate the landscape. By late afternoon, arrival in Ranohira, the small frontier town located at the entrance to Isalo National Park.

Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular landscapes of Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most visually striking natural areas. The park is famous for its sculpted sandstone massifs, deep canyons, and hidden valleys formed by centuries of erosion.

Guided walks lead through narrow gorges and palm-lined streams to natural pools where clear water gathers beneath towering cliffs. Ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas are often seen among the rocks, while the vast open landscapes provide sweeping views across the southern plateau.

Driving distance: ~240 km
Estimated transfer time: ~5–6 hours

The journey continues southwest through the arid landscapes of southern Madagascar. The road passes dry savannah and sparse forests where baobabs and hardy vegetation dominate the scenery.

Arrival in the coastal region near Toliara, followed by a short drive north to the seaside village of Ifaty. Located along the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel, the area is known for its tranquil beaches and the maritime traditions of the Vezo fishing communities.

A relaxed day along the tranquil coast of Ifaty, a small fishing village overlooking the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. The area is known for its peaceful beaches and the maritime traditions of the Vezo people, whose wooden pirogues sail the lagoon in search of the day’s catch.

Optional excursions may be arranged to explore the nearby Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve, one of the best places to experience Madagascar’s remarkable spiny forest ecosystem. Guided walks through this unique habitat reveal a striking landscape of baobabs, octopus trees, thorny shrubs, and drought-adapted plants found nowhere else on earth. The reserve is also home to several endemic bird species, reptiles, and small lemurs that inhabit this arid coastal forest.

Traditional wooden sailing canoes can often be seen returning from the sea with the day’s catch, reflecting the centuries-old maritime culture of the Vezo people. The nearby lagoon and reefs also support a rich variety of marine life.

oad transfer: Ifaty → Toliara
Driving distance: ~27 km
Estimated transfer time: ~45 minutes

Morning transfer from Ifaty to the airport in Toliara for the domestic flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to the hotel.

Later in the day, time is set aside to explore local markets and specialty shops in Antananarivo, where Madagascar’s renowned agricultural products can be found. The island is famous for producing some of the world’s finest vanilla, along with aromatic spices and gourmet products derived from locally grown cocoa. Visitors often enjoy browsing stalls offering handcrafted chocolates, spices, and other Malagasy delicacies that reflect the country’s rich agricultural heritage.

Pink Pepper:
Madagascar is one of the world’s principal sources of pink pepper, the dried berry of the Schinus tree. Although commonly used as a spice, it is not a true pepper like black or white pepper. The berries have a delicate aroma and a mildly sweet, slightly fruity flavor that enhances seafood, salads, and gourmet dishes. Their vibrant pink color also makes them a popular decorative ingredient in culinary presentations.

Transfer to the international airport for the onward flight.

Departure concludes a memorable journey through the diverse landscapes of southern Madagascar—from the cool highlands and tropical rainforests to the dramatic sandstone canyons and the tranquil shores of the southwest coast.

• Adult passengers from all countries.
• Minors must be accompanied by an immediate relative/guardian.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the start date of the tour.
• Entry permit as required for various Nationalities.
• Madagascar visa policy.
• Health insurance valid for the duration of the journey, preferably "cash free" policies.

• As safe as safe could be.
• With no large carnivores, nor poisonous reptiles, outdoors are very safe.
• The population is very friendly and easy going.
• Public Transportation is erratic and is not recommended for tourists on short holidays.

• Not everywhere.
• Many vendors do not accept Master Card, and will insist on payment with VISA only or cash.
• Other popular cards like Amex, Diners, etc are also scarcely accepted.

• It is advisable to keep at least 100~200 $/EUR in local currency - Malagasy Ariary.
• The exchange rate is approximately 4400MGA = 1US$  / 4700MGA =1EURO [April 2024]
• The best place to get it changed is on arrival at the airport.
• Please request assistance from our team on arrival.
• Arirary will be required to make local purchases, for restaurants, tips etc...

• Visitors and residents can import up to MGA 400,000 and an unlimited amount of foreign currency. Sums of money greater than EUR 7500 will need to be declared at the customs department.
• Visitors and residents can also export up to MGA 400,000 in local currency and an unlimited amount of foreign cash providing a written declaration is made at the customs department.

• Free import
  • 500 cigarettes or
  • 25 cigars or
  • 500 grammes of tobacco
  • 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages
• Prohibited
  • Illegal drugs
  • Weapons, explosives and ammunition
  • Knives and deadly weapons
  • Plant and plant products – unless permission has been obtained
  • Meat and meat products
  • Pets and animal products – unless permission has been obtained
  • Electronic equipment
  • Counterfeit money and goods
  • Pornographic materials
• Restricted
  • All passengers planning on re-exporting guns and ammunition will be required to apply for an export permit from their local “Chef de Province”.
  • All perfume is subject to duty regulations and cannot enter the country for free.
  • Fruit and vegetables will need to be declared and an entry permit obtained before being granted entry into the country.
  • Protected plant and plant materials are prohibited from entering the country.
  • All animals entering the country will be forced to undergo a sanitary inspection upon arrival. The creatures will require a veterinarian health certificate from the country of origin specifying the creature’s condition and lack of any contagious diseases. Dogs over three months and cats over six months old will need to be specifically vaccinated against rabies less than one month and over three months respectively prior to their entry into the country.

• Yes they are and it is a mandatory requirement to travel with us.

• The cost of a tour package is a function of various services; viz, class of accommodation, period of travel, meal plan etc.
• Please make a booking and we will send a price offer for your consideration.