AntananarivoMorondavaAntsirabe FianarantsoaIsaloNosy Ve
This incredible journey into the western and southern regions of Madagascar will show you some of the amazing wonders that the island has to offer—starting in the colonial city of Antananarivo with its French-influenced architecture and cobbled streets. Visit the Vezo people, a unique local tribe. Travel to the Kirindy reserve and see the largest carnivore mammal on the island, the Fosa. Explore the rice fields and the traditional villages of the highlands before travelling to the desert. Of course, no visit to Madagascar would be without many opportunities to see the famous Lemurs.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Spend time with local tribes
Lemur tracking
Explore the Captial of Tana
Relax by the beach in Nosy Ve
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
11
Nights
Price Guide
$10,000 – $15,000+ pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Antananarivo
Day 1
Antananarivo
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in Antananarivo. Once in town, you will drive or walk the neighbourhoods with your guide to enjoy the picturesque ambience of the noblemen’s residence area, with well-kept traditional houses, colonial houses, palaces, and cathedrals. You will enjoy the charm of the narrow, curved, upslope cobblestoned streets.
Day 2
Morondava
Take a flight to Morondava and visit the Vezo fishermen’s village of Betania. The Vezo are seminomadic coastal people of southern Madagascar who have become accustomed to living from sea fishing. Enjoy the beach of the Mozambique Channel in this laid-back town.
Day 3
Kirindy Reserve
Spend some time in the Kirindy reserve, home of the Fossa, the largest mammal carnivore in Madagascar. Kirindy is one of Madagascar’s most threatened ecosystems: its dry deciduous forests. It is also famous for the giant jumping rats, but is also home to seven species of lemur and a number of endemic reptiles. We will spend a full day here to spot the wildlife and discover the flora before stopping at the world famous Baobab Alley to photograph the dramatic sunset over these endemic trees.
Day 4
Antsirabe
We leave the region of the Menabe to return to the highlands. En route, we will have the opportunity to make several stops to enjoy the hilly landscapes of Madagascar’s Midwest, the views over the rice fields and the traditional villages of the highlands. This region is dedicated to the agriculture and we will see villagers with their colourful stands stocked with products. Overnight in the town of Antsirabe, known for its thermal waters and rickshaws.
Day 5
Fianarantsoa
Continue our journey heading south across the highlands to reach Ambositra, the Malagasy handicrafts’ capital located 105 km from Antsirabe. In this city known for its woodcarving Zafimaniry Art. Overnight in the town of Fianarantsoa, which, thanks to the richness of the architecture of its old buildings, shows the different stages of colonization and evangelization of Madagascar.
Day 6
Anja Reserve
Leave the highlands of Madagascar and enter a new microclimate: the dry bush and semi-desert of southern Madagascar. We will visit the Anja Reserve, managed by the local community of villagers. This reserve is home to many unique species of lemurs including the very famous ring-tailed lemur. We will continue our road trip to the rock formations of Isalo.
Day 7
Isalo Massif
Hike through the canyons and oases of Isalo and its lunar landscape. This environment was formed during the Jurassic age and where the unique flora has evolved adapting to the existing conditions. After the canyons, we will see panoramic views of the landscape and have several opportunities to take a dip or simply admire the natural swimming pools and waterfalls. To end our day, we contemplate the sunset over the famous window of Isalo.
Day 8
Zombitse National Park
Start with an early drive to the Zombitse National Park which constitutes the most important remnant of the dry deciduous forest of Madagascar. Zombitse-Vohibasia acts as a transition zone between the dry and the humid forests of Madagascar. Therefore the fauna and flora are especially rich within the protected area. Baobabs and several orchids are particularly common. On the way, you will cross one the numerous villages formed by the sapphire rush.
Day 9
Anakao
Travel to the port of Toliara in time for a speedboat transfer to Anakao. Anakao is a small fishermen’s village located 45km south and only easily accessible by boat. Forget crowded places and be seduced by the beautiful Andovoke bay, an over a kilometre and a half long white sand beach with turquoise waters. Clearly visible on the horizon are the breakers that smash against one of the stretches of the longest coral reefs in the world.
Day 10
Lake Tsimanampetsotsa
Opting for a different mean of transportation, we embark on some quad bikes or a 4×4 truck through small villages and sandy roads to get to one of the largest lakes of Madagascar. This off-the-beaten-track national park is home to pink flamingoes, century-old baobabs, lemurs and blind fish. After a picnic, we spend the afternoon on the magnificent and desert beach of Ambola.
Day 11
Nosy Ve
Sail to Nosy Ve, a small 1km long inhabited island. It is a sacred place for people of Anakao. The crossing takes less than 1 hour to go depending on the winds. The island is one of the few places in the world known as a place of reproduction of red-tailed tropic bird (Phaethonrubricauda). Here you can observe adults nesting with baby birds. This island is also a goodsnorkeling spot and has an amazing beach. For once in your life, you may feel like you are Robinson Crusoe.
Day 12
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $10,000 – $15,000 per person
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Madagascar offers a tropical/subtropical climate with two seasons, summer from November to April and winter from May to October. Summer is extremely hot and rainy in Madagascar with January to March experiencing particularly heavy rainfall and there is a risk of storms and cyclones to the east and north. The winter months are very pleasant and offer cooler temperatures and much less rain. The best months to travel to Madagascar are April, October and November.
This is the peak of the summer season in the country, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions experience even higher temperatures, reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. January is also wet in Madagascar, with frequent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. The central highlands and eastern regions tend to receive more rainfall than the country's western and southern parts.
The weather in Madagascar during February is typically warm and humid, as it falls within the country's rainy season. The average temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, with occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The island's eastern part experiences heavier rainfall than the western regions.
As the country transitions from the rainy to the dry season, the weather becomes drier and more stable. Temperatures typically range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it a favourable time to visit the island. However, it is worth noting that some regions may still experience occasional rainfall during this month, especially in the central highlands.
The weather in Madagascar during this time is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures and a decrease in rainfall compared to the previous months. The coastal regions, such as Antananarivo and Toamasina, enjoy average temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, the highlands, including Antananarivo, experience cooler temperatures, averaging around 17 degrees Celsius.
The weather during this month is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions of Madagascar enjoy slightly higher temperatures, while the central highlands tend to be cooler. Rainfall decreases significantly during May, although some regions may still experience occasional showers.
It is the beginning of the cooler season in the country, following the end of the rainy season in April. In June, the average temperature ranges from 17 to 26 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Rainfall decreases significantly during this month, with very limited chances of precipitation. The skies are often clear, allowing for ample sunshine throughout the day.
The island experiences its dry season during this time, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity levels. The average temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to visit and explore the country. The coastal regions enjoy slightly higher temperatures, while the highland areas offer cooler weather.
The weather in Madagascar during this time is generally mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures in the highlands can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius at night. Rainfall is significantly lower than in other months, with occasional showers occurring mainly in the eastern coastal regions.
As the country transitions from winter to spring, the weather becomes more favourable for outdoor activities. The average temperature ranges between 20°C and 25°C, making exploring the island's diverse landscapes and wildlife pleasant. While some regions may experience occasional showers, overall, September is considered a dry month in Madagascar.
As the country enters spring, temperatures rise, with average highs ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can vary across different regions of Madagascar. In the northern part of the country, particularly in Antsiranana and Nosy Be, October is known for its warm and sunny days, with occasional tropical showers. In contrast, the central highlands experience cooler temperatures, with occasional rainfall. Along the eastern coast, including the capital city of Antananarivo, October marks the beginning of the rainy season, with increased precipitation and higher humidity levels.
The weather in Madagascar during this month can be characterised by increased rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. The eastern and northeastern regions of the country receive the most rainfall, while the western and southern parts experience relatively drier conditions. The average temperature in Madagascar in November ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant climate for locals and tourists.
As the country enters its summer season, the average daily temperature ranges between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions experience higher temperatures, often reaching 35 degrees Celsius. However, the high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter. December also marks the start of the rainy season in Madagascar, with frequent showers and thunderstorms occurring throughout the month. The rainfall contributes to the lush greenery and vibrant flora observed across the island during this time.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of options to add to your Madagascan journey. From visiting the secluded beaches of Nosy Be and its surrounding islands to the Rainforests where you can see Flora and Fauna only found on the island.
Because of Madagascar’s location, mainland Africa is only a short flight. Visit Tanzania, Kenya or Ethiopia and make your holiday a memorable one.
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