Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met by your driver-guide or guide holding a sign bearing your name. They will be located in the arrival hall after you have completed visa on arrival procedures, passport control and baggage collection.

You will be given your welcome package including maps and more, and transferred to your hotel.

Please note that US and Canadian travelers require a visa to visit Madagascar. The visa can be obtained online in advance or on arrival. Fees range from approximately USD 27 (for stays up to 15 days) to USD 41 (for stays up to 30 days). While visas are available on arrival, we recommend applying for the e-visa in advance.

Today, hop into your privately driven vehicle as you depart southwards to Antsirabe. You will cross the highlands via the famous national RN7, which leads to the South of Madagascar. A lunch-stop is scheduled in Ambatolampy where the opportunity presents itself to meet the passionate villagers who make handmade pots and other frequently used household items. In the afternoon, you will reach the town of Antsirabe, known as the "Vichy Malgache" and famous for its thermal waters and rickshaws.

A site of a XIX-century health retreat built by Norwegian missionaries, Antsirabe is an energetic hub in Madagascar’s central highlands. Accompanied by your private guide, tour this colonial town and immerse yourself in Malagasy culture. Antsirabe boasts numerous workshops producing quality handicrafts; recycled metals are used to make miniature bikes and cars, zebu horns are transformed into decorations and cooking accessories, and semi-precious stones are polished to become jewels. During your experience see firsthand how these products are used by the skillful local craftsmen. A visit to Antsirabe would not be complete without a traditional rickshaw ride. At any given hour of the day, there are more than 6000 men pulling the rickshaws, locally known as pousse-pousse, across the city. Climb onto a pousse-pousse and enjoy a tour of the downtown area before being transferred back to your hotel.

A private transfer from Antsirabe to Ranomafana is provided. The approximate transfer duration is six hours.

With 12 resident species of lemur, Ranomafana National Park is an ideal place to get close to these beautiful primates. Featuring hilly terrain covered in thick foliage, a visit to the park allows you to immerse yourself in the pristine rainforest ecosystem of Madagascar. Today, head into the jungle and traverse Ranomafana along the Talatakaly Trail. As you make your way through the forest, seek out lemurs, chameleons and birds; and learn about the biodiversity of Madagascar from your guide. This relatively short hike provides you with numerous lemur-spotting opportunities along the way.

As the sun begins to set over the lush forests of Madagascar, it is time for the numerous nocturnal species to come out of their hiding spots and become active under the cloak of darkness. This evening, accompanied by your guide head to the edge of the Ranomafana National Park for an opportunity to spot some of the more elusive creatures that normally hide in the daytime. Keep an eye out for the peculiar mouse lemurs, smallest known primates whose body weight fluctuates depending on the duration of daylight. Evenings are also the prime time to spot chameleons with their pale night time colors that stand out in the torch light. Following the conclusion of this evening’s experience you will be privately transferred back to your hotel.

The green hills of Ranomafana National Park are carpeted with lush primary and secondary rainforest that is home to countless species of mammals, birds and amphibians. Today, venture into this pristine nature reserve alongside your guide and immerse yourself in the unparalleled biodiversity of Madagascar. Ranomafana is where the bamboo lemurs were first discovered back in 1986 and they can still be spotted within the park, usually among the bamboo thickets. Upon arrival at the starting point of your trek, follow your guide deep into the jungle and discover the wonders of this verdant reserve. The hike takes you through some of Madagascar’s unbeatable flora and provides you with an opportunity to observe lemurs and other fascinating Malagasy creatures in their natural habitat. Upon the conclusion of your experience you will be privately transferred back to your accommodation.

A private transfer from Ranomafana to Fianarantsoa is provided. The approximate transfer duration is two hours.

An old regional capital conveniently nestled between Madagascar’s major national parks, the city of Fianarantsoa brings back the memories of the island’s colonial days. Today the main cultural and intellectual hub of the island, the city amazes with its beautiful traditional architecture that reflects various stages of colonization, as well as its picture-perfect upper town. Today explore Fianarantsoa with your private guide on a half day tour. Visit the city’s major landmarks and learn more about the XIX-century Madagascar and the local Betsileo people.

Your adventure continues as you depart the highlands area in the comfort of a privately driven vehicle, and travel further south towards the semi-dry landscapes of this truly diverse island country. The first scheduled stop of the day is in the small town of Ambalavao, one of the cultural hubs of the country, boasting a variety of architectural treasures. Enjoy a visit to the entirely natural Paper Factory in Antemoro. Here, inlaid paper is created from plants and flowers which are exported all over the globe to create some of the world's most famous and beautiful greeting cards. The day’s journey is completed upon your arrival into Ranohira the main town outside Isalo National Park. The park is home to some of Madagascar’s most stunning scenery, with barren landscapes, twisted rock formations and extraordinary plant life.

A small community-run reserve, Anja is a perfect stop for all ecotourism enthusiasts travelling across southern Madagascar. Designated as a protected area back in 1999, this sanctuary features a stunning background of granite cliffs majestically rising over pockets of dry forest and grasslands, historical sites and a dense population of ring-tailed lemurs. Apart from its biodiversity and undeniable beauty, Anja Reserve serves as a perfect example of how active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts contributes to the peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife. Today embark on a tour of this charming park and get close to its fascinating inhabitants. As you explore the reserve, also note the rich local plant life and take the time to soak in its beautiful rugged landscape.

Featuring vast sun scorched plains carpeted with yellow savannah grass, deep canyons and oddly shaped sandstone domes chiseled by thousands of years of erosion, Isalo National Park is unequivocally the Wild West of Madagascar. The mysterious wildscapes of Isalo provide a perfect setting for all adventure seekers who want to immerse themselves in the unique beauty of this part of the island. Today explore Isalo on a guided, leisurely hike along the Piscine Naturelle Circuit. As you make your way across its otherworldly terrain, hear about Isalo’s flora and fauna, and feel in awe of its undeniable beauty. Your trail leads you to a delightful natural pool framed with overhanging vegetation where you may opt to enjoy a refreshing swim.

A land of weathered canyons, eroded sandstone domes and strange rock formations, Isalo National Park speaks volumes to Madagascar’s rich geological history. Among its majestic flat-topped mountains, the sunbaked savanna grasslands are interspersed with pockets of dry deciduous forest that’s home to some of the rarest plant life on Earth. Today, venture into the park with a local guide and discover the wonders of this rough, yet enchanting corner of Madagascar as you hike along the Namaza Circuit. Your trail leads you through profuse vegetation and follows a stream that meanders among Isalo’s deep gorges on the way to a delightful waterfall and a natural swimming pool.

A private transfer from Isalo National Park to Ifaty is provided. The approximate transfer duration is six hours.

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in the tropical paradise of Ifaty. This small Vezo village, located on the sun-drenched southwestern coast of Madagascar, overlooks the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel. Let the time slow down as you spend your day soaking in the warm rays on one of the pristine golden beaches. Observe the local fishing culture and listen to the calming sound of crashing waves.

A private transfer from Ifaty to Toliara (Tulear) Airport is provided. The approximate transfer duration is one hour.

Board a flight in Toliara with service to Antananarivo. The approximate flight duration is one hour and 5 minutes. Luggage restriction applicable to this flight: 20kg (44lb) per person, for checked luggage, the bag must not exceed 158cm (62 inches) in total. You can have one piece for your carry-on, weighing maximum 6kg (13lb), it must not exceed 115cm (45 inches).

A private transfer between the airport and your accommodation in Antananarivo is provided.

Explore the capital and largest city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, accompanied by your private guide. Discover the colonial history of this ancient city and find out the reason why Antananarivo was once named "The City of the Thousand." Marvel at the goings on and the daily life routines of the Malagasy people. A highlight of today’s tour will be a visit to the sections of the Old City where you can walk down picturesque avenues and take in views of Tana. You will also see the Palace of the Queen. Here, you will be introduced to the architecture and urbanism of this dynamic African city. No tour of the town is complete without a moment's pause on one of the hills to take in even more vistas over this bustling city.

Antananarivo features a diverse dining scene, with a strong French influence complemented by creative interpretations of Malagasy flavours. Options range from elegant fine dining to relaxed garden restaurants and boutique hotel dining rooms. Please let your Destination Expert know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, preferences, or specific food requests.

Some recommended restaurants include La Varangue, Sakamanga, Le Petit Verdot, Nosy Manga, and La Table d’Anjary, among others.

The Radisson Hotel Tamboho Waterfront Antananarivo boasts an exceptional setting created by a combination of traditional African authenticity and modern upscale amenities. This 30 room hotel offers a restaurant boasting European cuisine and flavors of the islands, heated swimming pool and a la carte spa treatments. Enjoy the reception area design, its cozy atmosphere and quality services in a Malagasy atmosphere. Conveniently located in the district Ankorondrano, within the precincts of private and wooded Tana Water Front, the Radisson offers guests a haven of calm and peace, a few minutes away from the bustling city center. Standing on the banks of a small lake and surrounded by rice fields on one side, and various shops on the other, it seduces you with its unique mix of traditional Malagasy architecture and western comfort.

Plumeria Hotel offers discerning guests comfortable accommodations in the heart of Antsirabe. Conveniently located in the city, the hotel is only steps from the train station and a short drive to Lake Andraikiba, Lake Tritriva, and Mount Ibity. The property is a charming boutique space with an open concept and modern design, featuring warm and inviting interiors decorated with sustainable hardwood, local sculptures, and Malagasy art pieces. The onsite restaurant serves a menu of refined cuisine made up of seasonal European and Malagasy creations.

Welcome to the Hotel Thermal, nestled in the lush verdant green setting of Ranomafana. Operated by the Relais Madagascar group, the hotel is situated on the famous site of Ranomafana’s healing thermal springs. Originally constructed as a health retreat, the hotel underwent extensive renovations of its 3 buildings, and is now a comfortable boutique property featuring 21 guestrooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a cozy bar for a perfect retreat in Madagascar’s stunning scenery. The Hotel Thermal is focused on sustainable community tourism development, with an emphasis on ethically sourced local organic seasonal products.

Tsara Guest House is a small and charming property showcasing traditional Malagasy highland architecture, with the main building being housed in an old renovated temple. It is located in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar’s second largest city located en-route to some of the country’s major national parks. The hotel features comfortable and functional rooms, all with en-suite bathroom facilities. In addition, Tsara Guest House offers a bar, a restaurant with an a la carte menu, as well as a small garden.

Isalo Rock Lodge is a modern 60-room retreat nestled in the Sandstone Mountains, overlooking the Isalo National Park in southwestern Madagascar. This breathtaking lodge offers guests a unique travel experience amid stunning natural beauty. The lodge's design harmoniously blends contemporary comforts with its rugged surroundings. Each room is tastefully decorated with refined, comfortable furniture in warm, welcoming colors. The dining experience includes an expansive restaurant, a lounge bar, and a pool bar, all designed to offer panoramic views of the sandstone cliffs and forest. The cuisine is an eclectic mix of European and local Malagasy dishes, focusing on hearty, well-prepared comfort food. Guests can unwind at the lodge’s inviting pool, then end their day with spectacular sunsets and stargazing from the balcony of Isalo. A stay at Isalo Rock Lodge promises a memorable adventure in one of Madagascar's most intriguing locations.

Les Dunes D’Ifaty is a peaceful beach retreat on the sun-kissed shores of southern Madagascar. The property is located approximately 27 kilometers north of Toliara, perfectly nestled on the tranquil coast of the Mozambique Channel. Guest accommodations at Les Dunes D’Ifaty are housed in a collection of well-appointed villas and deluxe rooms, amidst lush tropical vegetation. The hotel’s close proximity to the ocean provides guests with the ultimate underwater playground, allowing them to leisurely explore the nearby dreamy lagoons and coral reef. The onsite restaurant offers international and Malagasy cuisine, with a seasonal menu that showcases fresh seafood and fruit. Settle into your comfortable room at Les Dunes D’Ifaty and enjoy your Madagascan getaway.