12-Day Authentic Madagascar Mid-Range Tour Itinerary
This 12-day Authentic Madagascar mid-range tour offers an incredible journey through the island’s most stunning locations. You’ll have the chance to explore local handcrafts and visit several national parks and reserves. The itinerary includes unforgettable landscapes and a special opportunity to meet lemurs in the Ankafobe Reserve.
The itinerary is summarized for you
- Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar
- Day 3: Journey to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
- Day 4: Exploration of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
- Day 5: Journey Back to Antananarivo with a Visit to Peyrieras Reserve
- Day 6: Departure to the City of Water
- Day 7: Heading to Fianarantsoa
- Day 8: Road to the Bara Village
- Day 9: Visit to Isalo National Park
- Day 10: Return to Ambalavao
- Day 11: Return to Antsirabe
- Day 12: Farewell to Madagascar
Detailed Itinerary: 12-Day Authentic Madagascar Mid-Range Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon your arrival, a professional English-speaking guide will greet you at the airport and assist with all airport formalities. You will then be escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore. Enjoy your first day on the Big Island!
- Main Destination: Antananarivo (City)
- Accommodation: San Cristobal Boutique Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Encounter with Lemurs
While in the capital, take the opportunity to visit an eco-tourism gem. We’ll venture to Ankafobe Reserve, pausing at Ambohimanarina village to observe the crafting of clay charcoal stoves, a vital part of the local economy alongside farming and livestock. At Ankafobe Reserve, history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will appreciate the 30-hectare forest, home to the sohisika or schizolaena tampoketsana, among the rarest trees on earth. The reserve also hosts a variety of species, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and the common brown lemur. Post-hike, unwind at the Andriamamovoka waterfall, perfect for a scenic picnic. This day promises stunning views and a profound connection with nature. We’ll return to the hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.
- Main Destination: Ankafobe Reserve
- Accommodation: San Cristobal Boutique Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Journey to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Our journey continues along National Route 2, heading eastward through Madagascar’s verdant rainforest, past rice fields, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages. Upon arrival in Andasibe, an evening tour presents a special chance to witness the region’s nocturnal wildlife and diverse plant life.
- Main Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Lodging: Grace Lodge Andasibe - Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Exploration of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Embark on an adventure to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, a haven of tropical biodiversity in eastern Madagascar. The park is celebrated for its rich flora and fauna and is an essential visit for those passionate about nature and wildlife. The highlight of the park is lemur observation. These regal creatures, known for their distinctive black and white fur, can grow up to a meter tall. Witness their remarkable agility as they navigate the treetops, propelled by their strong hind legs. Later, you’ll explore the Vakona Reserve, part of the Vakona Forest Lodge Hotel, approximately 6 kilometers from Andasibe village. This reserve is home to a crocodile lake, a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and numerous native plant species. Here, you’ll meet the acrobatic sifaka lemurs, the diminutive bamboo lemurs, and the maki vari.
- Primary Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Lodging: Grace Lodge Andasibe (Budget) - Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Journey Back to Antananarivo with a Visit to Peyrieras Reserve
Post breakfast, we return to Antananarivo, taking in the lush eastern landscapes en route. A detour to the Peyrieras private reserve, also known as Madagascar Exotique, offers a one-hour exploration. This reserve showcases Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including various reptiles, geckos, and the Earth’s largest butterfly, the comet moth.
- Primary Destination: Antananarivo (City)
Lodging: San Cristobal Boutique Hotel (Mid-range, located in Antananarivo City) - Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Departure to the City of Water
Following breakfast, embark on a journey along National Road 7 to Antsirabe, 171 kilometers away. The trip includes a stop at Ambatolampy to experience the local population’s unique craftsmanship.
- Primary Destination: Antsirabe (City)
- Lodging: Arotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Heading to Fianarantsoa
Today, we’re setting out for Fianarantsoa. Before departing, we’ll explore Antsirabe by rickshaw. Starting at the grand Independence Square Station, we’ll discover this ‘city of water,’ characterized by its large, tranquil green avenues and views of the historic Antsirabe Station. Our tour will include visiting the half-century-old cathedral and the nearby Hôtel des Thermes, a landmark building in Antsirabe, whose grand structure and European-style architecture transport you back to the 1980s. Afterwards, we’ll proceed to Fianarantsoa.
En route, we’ll stop at Ambositra, known as Madagascar’s hub for handicrafts. This town is the perfect spot to explore traditional art and pick up unique souvenirs. The array of products at the market stalls and shops showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of Ambositra’s dedicated artisans. Our journey then continues towards Fianarantsoa.
- Main Destination: Fianarantsoa (City)
- Accommodation: Tsara Guest House
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Road to the Bara Village
Our delightful journey today leads us to Ranohira. Following breakfast, we’ll visit the historic town of Fianarantsoa, a place rich with educational heritage, aptly named ‘the city where one learns well.’ The town’s texture and varied architecture are sure to enchant you. Our next destination is Ranohira. About 70 kilometres from Fianarantsoa, we’ll find the Anja Community Reserve, an exemplary ecotourism site. This small reserve, spanning 0.4 square kilometres, is home to approximately 400 ring-tailed lemurs and is the country’s prime location for observing and photographing these engaging animals. Additionally, the reserve offers a breathtaking panoramic view from atop its rocky terrain, presenting an idyllic rural vista. We will then resume our travel.
- Main Destination: Ranohira (Town)
- Accommodation: Isalo Ranch (Mid-range lodge located just outside Isalo NP)
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Visit to Isalo National Park
Situated in the Isalo Massif, Ranohira village serves primarily as the gateway to the wondrous diversity of Madagascar’s Colorado, Isalo National Park. Comprising rock formations dating back over 150 million years, the park features a mix of desert landscapes and lush canyons, interlaced with numerous rivers that emerge into stunning natural pools, offering a mesmerizing visual spectacle. For this remarkable journey, you’ll need light attire and essentials: sturdy walking shoes, a short-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and most importantly, water. Avid hikers can enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the park’s natural pool. Subsequently, you’ll explore a typical Malagasy village known as Village Bara, encircled by thorny cacti and sisal, with homes typically made of reeds and coated with a mixture of earth and zebu dung. Their roofs are covered with bozaka, a grass endemic to Isalo.
- Main Destination: Isalo National Park
- Accommodation: Isalo Ranch
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Return to Ambalavao
The day’s itinerary leads us to Ambalavao, where we’ll explore a silk fabric workshop. The workshop offers an insight into the silk-making process, from cocoon to a vibrant, silky scarf. The tour starts in the courtyard, showcasing the contrast between Madagascar’s wild and cultivated silk. The artisans will demonstrate the processes of boiling, spinning, and dyeing silk, culminating in the impressive weaving phase.
- Main Destination: Ambalavao (City)
- Accommodation: Hotel Tsienimparihy
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Return to Antsirabe
The day is reserved for the return trip to the colonial city of Antsirabe. There will be several stops along the way for photo opportunities, appreciating the stunning landscapes, and stretching your legs. Arrival in the colonial city is expected in the late afternoon, with an overnight stay at Arotel.
- Main Destination: Antsirabe (City)
- Accommodation: Arotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Farewell to Madagascar
Today marks your farewell to the enchanting island of Madagascar. The journey begins with a drive to the capital, Antananarivo, followed by a transfer to the airport. We hope that you have relished the adventure with us and that we will have the chance to welcome you again soon for another exciting journey. Farewell!
End of 12-Day Authentic Madagascar Mid-Range Tour
Holiday Highlights
- Photography Tours
- Private & custom tours
- Cruises & boat tours
- History & culture
- Wildlife & nature
- Water activities
- Food, drink & nightlife
Safari Inclusions
- Lunch
- Bottled Water
- Accommodation (11-nights)
- Safari 4×4 Vehicle
- English-speaking guide
Safari Exclusions
- Visas and International flights
- Tips
