Ultimate Madagascar Adventure image
Operated by G Adventures

Ultimate Madagascar Adventure

From
Price on request
Duration
22 days
Countries
Madagascar
Activity
active

The adventure

Home to mind-blowing scenery, lush rainforests, curious lemurs, and all the outdoor splendour you could possibly ask for (and then some), Madagascar was made for adventure travel. This comprehensive tour takes you deep inside Africa’s amazing jungle island for close encounters with both wildlife and humans over 22 incredible days. Sit down for dinner with a ghost-talker at a homestay near Lake Andraikiba, swim in natural pools and splash about under waterfalls, encounter the unique trees of Baobab Alley, and soak up nature at its finest in some of the island’s national parks. Madagascar is so incredible it feels like another planet. Get out there.

At a glance

Duration
22 days
Route
Antananarivo → Antananarivo
Countries
Madagascar
Activity level
active
Style
Beach & Islands, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Ultimate Madagascar Adventure image

Day by day

Breathtaking aerial view of Fianarantsoa's lush highlands, showcasing rural landscapes and rolling hills in Madagascar.
Your journey through

Madagascar

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Travel through the Madagascar Highlands to the village…Journey through Antsirabe, the spectacular eroded hills called 'lavaka', and the lush green landscape before arriving at the farming town of Miandrivazo for the night.
Journey through Antsirabe, the spectacular eroded hills called 'lavaka', and the lush green landscape before arriving at the farming town of Miandrivazo for the night.
Day 3Drive to Kirindy Forest Reserve
Drive to Kirindy Forest Reserve, where you may be lucky enough to spot the giant jumping rat, or Fossa, the largest carnivore on the island. This evening, enjoy a night walk, the highlight of a visit to Kirindy.
Day 4Continue to BekopakaLoad into 4x4's and head out on sandy roads heading north to Bekopaka, before arriving cross the Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers by local ferry.
Load into 4x4's and head out on sandy roads heading north to Bekopaka, before arriving cross the Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers by local ferry.
Day 5Morning canoe adventure on the Manambolo River
Morning canoe adventure on the Manambolo River, with an afternoon exploring the Little Tsingy's.
Day 6Enjoy a full day exploring the peculiar rock…
Enjoy a full day exploring the peculiar rock formations of the 'Great Tsingy'.
Day 7A full day driving back to MorondavaThe sandy track leads back to Morondava passing through Baobab Alley in time for sunset.
The sandy track leads back to Morondava passing through Baobab Alley in time for sunset.
Day 8Free day in Morondava to relax on the beach
Free day in Morondava to relax on the beach, visit the local market, or explore five species of mangroves in a dugout canoe.
Day 9Free morning in Morondava, then fly to TanaMeet the group for the rest of your trip, at a welcome meeting in the evening.
Meet the group for the rest of your trip, at a welcome meeting in the evening.
Day 10Travel to Andasibe-Perinet National Park with scenic stops…Depart the capital and continue east, with stops along the scenic rainforest route of world-renowned Andasibe-Perinet National Park. Continue on to the national park. With free time over the next two days, opt to visit other small private or community reserves around Andasibe, and go on guided night walks inside those reserves or along the main road. Walk to the little town of Andasibe or simply enjoy the relaxing tranquility of the surrounding forest.
Depart the capital and continue east, with stops along the scenic rainforest route of world-renowned Andasibe-Perinet National Park. Continue on to the national park. With free time over the next two days, opt to visit other small private or community reserves around Andasibe, and go on guided night walks inside those reserves or along the main road. Walk to the little town of Andasibe or simply enjoy the relaxing tranquility of the surrounding forest.
Day 11Spend the day exploring this national parkExplore the Indri Special Reserve and national park located 1.5km (0.93 mi) from the town of Andasibe. One of the park’s primary purposes is to protect the natural habitat of the indri, a large black and white diurnal species that feeds on leaves and fruit. In addition to the indri, the park has 10 other diurnal and nocturnal lemur species, large chameleons, and the rarely seen blue coua. The flora is just as spectacular with numerous species of trees, palms, and orchids (which flower in October/November).
Explore the Indri Special Reserve and national park located 1.5km (0.93 mi) from the town of Andasibe. One of the park’s primary purposes is to protect the natural habitat of the indri, a large black and white diurnal species that feeds on leaves and fruit. In addition to the indri, the park has 10 other diurnal and nocturnal lemur species, large chameleons, and the rarely seen blue coua. The flora is just as spectacular with numerous species of trees, palms, and orchids (which flower in October/November).
Day 12Travel to the colonial city of AntsirabeTravel to the ancient colonial town of Antsirabe. Along this stretch of road you will see Merina tombs and the labour-intensive cultivation of rice paddies. Antsirabe is known as a thermal city because of its volcanic lakes. It's also famous for its precious and semi-precious stones and handicrafts. Opt to explore this quaint little city upon arrival.
Travel to the ancient colonial town of Antsirabe. Along this stretch of road you will see Merina tombs and the labour-intensive cultivation of rice paddies. Antsirabe is known as a thermal city because of its volcanic lakes. It's also famous for its precious and semi-precious stones and handicrafts. Opt to explore this quaint little city upon arrival.
Day 13Visit Lake Andraikiba before continuing to the small…After a short visit to Lake Andraikiba, continue on to the small village of Fiadanana. This beautiful village is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of rice fields and panoramic views of the nearby mountains. Get to see how the villagers live by interacting with them and enjoy a chance to learn their rituals during an authentic community experience.
After a short visit to Lake Andraikiba, continue on to the small village of Fiadanana. This beautiful village is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of rice fields and panoramic views of the nearby mountains. Get to see how the villagers live by interacting with them and enjoy a chance to learn their rituals during an authentic community experience.
Day 14Learn traditional rituals from the local villagersEnjoy a local breakfast and take in stunning views of Mt Ifasina. After, hike back out to the bus (about 3.5km/2.2 mi) and continue to Ranomafana, a little village named after the hot springs in the valley. The nearby national park is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar.
Enjoy a local breakfast and take in stunning views of Mt Ifasina. After, hike back out to the bus (about 3.5km/2.2 mi) and continue to Ranomafana, a little village named after the hot springs in the valley. The nearby national park is one of the most important mammal sites in Madagascar.
Day 15Opt for an early morning forest walk…In the morning go for a forest walk, a swim in a hot spring, visit the local town and market, or get a massage. Enjoy the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. Visit a little paper factory where the locals will share their traditional methods of producing this unique, hand-made paper. If time allows, opt to visit a silk factory in town and learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk, and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes.
In the morning go for a forest walk, a swim in a hot spring, visit the local town and market, or get a massage. Enjoy the wonderful changes of landscape along the way to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao. Visit a little paper factory where the locals will share their traditional methods of producing this unique, hand-made paper. If time allows, opt to visit a silk factory in town and learn about the local way of making fabric or clothing from silk, and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes.
Day 16Stop at Anja Community ReserveJourney from Ambalavao to the Anja Community Reserve and on through diverse scenery. Travel through the savannah before the massif of Isalo becomes clearly visible.
Journey from Ambalavao to the Anja Community Reserve and on through diverse scenery. Travel through the savannah before the massif of Isalo becomes clearly visible.
Day 17Spend the day exploring Isalo National park on footIn the morning, pack a lunch to take into the park with you to eat during a picnic break later in the day - your CEO can help you arrange this. After a short trek within a small canyon, take a break from the sun and stop at fresh natural swimming pool. Continue on to the "cascades", considered to be amongst the best waterfalls in Madagascar and has a large natural swimming pool. With a little luck, you may see sifaka, brown lemurs, or ring-tailed lemurs.
In the morning, pack a lunch to take into the park with you to eat during a picnic break later in the day - your CEO can help you arrange this. After a short trek within a small canyon, take a break from the sun and stop at fresh natural swimming pool. Continue on to the "cascades", considered to be amongst the best waterfalls in Madagascar and has a large natural swimming pool. With a little luck, you may see sifaka, brown lemurs, or ring-tailed lemurs.
Day 18Drive through the desert landscapeEn route to Toliara, drive through the magnificent wide-open and vast desert landscape. Pass through several unique frontier-style sapphire mining towns, and babobab trees en route. This drive will also pass by the tombs of the Mahafaly; a local tribe in Madagascar known predominantly for their large tombs. They were built for chiefs and kings and are covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues the tomb is adorned with. One of the largest tombs has over 700 zebu horns! As this is a sacred site we will just be passing by, and photography is not permitted. Continue on to Ifaty to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beaches of the Mozambican Channel. While in Ifaty, opt to ride in a dugout canoe, visit the spiny forest reserve, go snorkelling or diving on the reef, or simply relax on the beach.
En route to Toliara, drive through the magnificent wide-open and vast desert landscape. Pass through several unique frontier-style sapphire mining towns, and babobab trees en route. This drive will also pass by the tombs of the Mahafaly; a local tribe in Madagascar known predominantly for their large tombs. They were built for chiefs and kings and are covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues the tomb is adorned with. One of the largest tombs has over 700 zebu horns! As this is a sacred site we will just be passing by, and photography is not permitted. Continue on to Ifaty to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beaches of the Mozambican Channel. While in Ifaty, opt to ride in a dugout canoe, visit the spiny forest reserve, go snorkelling or diving on the reef, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 19Spend a full free day enjoying this gorgeous area
Spend a full free day enjoying this gorgeous area. Opt to do some hiking or hit the beach.
Day 20Enjoy another free day in Ifaty to partake…
Enjoy another free day in Ifaty to partake in any of the optional activities you didn't have time for yesterday.
Day 21Travel to Toliara for a flight to Antananarivo…Due to the unpredictability of local flights, if we are unable to secure your domestic flight, we will instead transport you in 4x4 vehicles. This journey can take approximately 10 hours.
A vibrant aerial view of Antananarivo, Madagascar showcasing diverse architecture and bustling streets.Antananarivo
Due to the unpredictability of local flights, if we are unable to secure your domestic flight, we will instead transport you in 4x4 vehicles. This journey can take approximately 10 hours.
Map showing Antananarivo
Day 22Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Madagascar

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Explore the vast landscapes and vibrant colors of the Andringitra mountain range in Madagascar.
Breathtaking view of rocky terrain and lush greenery under a cloudy sky in Ambatomanga.
Beautiful rice fields in Ankililoaka, Madagascar with a clear blue sky backdrop, showcasing lush greenery.
Car driving on a winding road through red-hued mountainous landscape under a clear sky.
A beautiful rural scene featuring a traditional house and expansive red soil landscape under a clear blue sky.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More Africa adventures

Rwanda Gorilla Adult Jungle
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Gorillas to Vic Falls

Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 42 days · Moderate5.0(2)

fromCAD 8,904
Next: 27 Jun
Elephants getting a drink in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Zanzibar to Cape Town

Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 40 days · Easy4.9(29)

fromCAD 6,486
Next: 22 Jun
Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping image
G Adventures
Save 15%

Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping

Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia · 40 days · Moderate

fromCAD 6,719
Next: 29 Jun