The best of Madagascar
Discover the best of Madagascar with Tropical Discovery. Explore national parks brimming with unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures as you journey across the island. With your own personal driver-guide in a 4×4, you can experience Madagascar at your own pace, venturing through lush rainforests, savannahs, and the island’s extraordinary natural wonders. Enjoy a truly unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most unique destinations.
The Best Time To Visit
April to November
The best time to visit Madagascar is from April to November, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing and outdoor activities are at their peak.
Enquire TodayRegions You’ll Visit
View mapOur Suggested Day By Day Itinerary
This tour can be fully-personalised and upgrades are available.
Day 1 – Departure
Today you will start your adventure, you will fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
Read more...
Day 2 – Arrival in Antananarivo
‘’Manao ahoana’’ & ‘’Salama’’ Welcome to tropical paradise. You will be welcomed & greeted by your guide or representative on arrival Antananarivo Ivato International Airport. You will travel to your hotel. Travel time approximately 10 minutes depend on the road traffic.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
Read more...
Day 3: Antananarivo > Antsirabe (4–5 hours by car)
After breakfast, head south through the central highlands, passing rice paddies and traditional villages. Arrive in Antsirabe, known for its cool climate, thermal springs, and artisanal crafts. Enjoy a guided tour of the city in a brightly painted pousse-pousse (rickshaw), exploring vibrant markets, local workshops, and the famous thermal baths.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 4: Antsirabe > Ranomafana (6–7 hours by car)
In the morning, travel towards Ranomafana National Park, with a cultural stop in Ambositra, the wood-carving capital of Madagascar. Admire intricate Zafimaniry designs, showcasing delicate geometric carvings passed down through generations.
Arrive in Ranomafana by evening, where the rainforest buzzes with life. Enjoy a night walk along the park’s edge to spot glowing chameleons, playful mouse lemurs, and listen to the enchanting calls of nocturnal frogs.
Ranomafana National Park, located in southeastern Madagascar, is known for its rich biodiversity, including the golden bamboo lemur. With its lush rainforest, thermal springs, and trails, it’s a paradise for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife discovery. The park’s tropical climate and dense forests make it a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 5: Ranomafana
Wake up to the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong. Spend the day trekking through the lush rainforest of Ranomafana, where bamboo forests and cascading streams conceal a remarkable variety of wildlife. Hike along shaded trails in search of the golden bamboo lemur and Milne-Edwards sifaka, while taking in the vibrant orchids and towering ferns. Let the magic of the rainforest surround you as sunlight filters through the dense canopy above.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 6: Ranomafana to Ambalavao (3–4 hours by car)
Start your day with an optional morning walk in Ranomafana to explore more of the park’s wonders. Then, travel to Ambalavao, a charming Betsileo town nestled in rugged mountains. Visit traditional vineyards and admire the town’s distinctive architecture, with colorful shutters and balconies showcasing its European influence. Overnight & dinner at the lodge.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Show More
Day 7: Ambalavao to Isalo (5–6 hours by car)
In the morning, visit Anja Reserve, a community-managed sanctuary where you’ll spot playful ring-tailed lemurs. Trek through giant boulders and lush vegetation, while learning about local conservation efforts. Continue your journey to Isalo National Park, arriving in time for sunset. Watch as the golden light pours through the iconic “Window of Isalo,” a dramatic rock formation that frames the glowing savannah.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Show More
Day 8: Isalo
Prepare for a day of adventure in Isalo’s breath-taking wilderness. Hike through sandstone canyons and plateaus, passing natural swimming pools, waterfalls, and unique plants like the elephant’s foot plant. Keep an eye out for sifakas leaping gracefully between cliffs. Midday, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch surrounded by the park’s rugged beauty. Let the surreal landscapes leave you in awe before retreating to your lodge.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Show More
Day 9: Isalo to Toliara (4-5 hours) to Ifaty (1 hour)
Depart Isalo for the coastal paradise of Ifaty, stopping at Zombitse National Park along the way. This dry forest is a hidden gem teeming with birdlife, reptiles, and the rare Verreaux’s sifaka. Arrive in Ifaty, where the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel stretch endlessly before you. Relax at your beachfront hotel, enjoying a peaceful evening with the sound of waves in the background.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Show More
Day 10: Ifaty
Spend your morning at leisure, lounging on pristine beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring vibrant coral reefs. In the afternoon, head to Reniala Reserve, home to Madagascar’s unique spiny forest and towering baobabs. Marvel at the surreal landscape and spot rare birdlife in this ecological wonderland.
Ifaty, located on Madagascar’s southwest coast near Toliara, is renowned for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for relaxation, snorkelling, and diving. The nearby spiny forest and baobabs add a unique touch to the area, offering a tranquil retreat with a laid-back atmosphere.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 11: Ifaty
Today, you’ll embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour as humpback whales migrate through Madagascar’s warm waters. Feel the excitement as these gentle giants breach, their massive tails creating dramatic splashes. Your local guide and boat captain, well-versed in the behavior of the whales, will ensure a safe and respectful experience. They provide fascinating insights into the whales’ migration patterns, habits, and the ecosystem of the area.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will leave you awestruck. The rest of the day is yours to soak in the beauty of Ifaty.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 12: Ifaty to Toliara > Antananarivo (1.5–2 hours by air)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital. Take the opportunity to explore local markets, savor Malagasy cuisine, or unwind at your elegant hotel.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Read more...
Day 13: Antananarivo to Andasibe (4–5 hours by car)
After breakfast, you’ll head east to Andasibe, home to Madagascar’s iconic Indri Indri lemurs. Andasibe National Park is a breath-taking rainforest sanctuary located 150 km east of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Known for its vibrant biodiversity, it’s home to the famous Indri Indri—the largest living lemur—whose haunting calls resonate through the forest. The park also shelters 13 other lemur species, colorful chameleons, rare frogs, and over 100 bird species. Visitors can explore lush trails teeming with orchids, ferns, and towering trees, and enjoy thrilling night walks to spot nocturnal creatures. Perfect for nature lovers, Andasibe offers an immersive glimpse into Madagascar’s unique and fragile ecosystems.
After settling into your rainforest lodge, join a thrilling night walk. With your flashlight in hand, spot tiny chameleons, sleeping birds, and the wide-eyed mouse lemur peering through the dark.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Show More
Day 15: Antananarivo & Departure
Today you will enjoy an optional half-day tour of Antananarivo. A half-day tour in Antananarivo offers a quick yet enriching glimpse into the capital city’s culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere. Ideal for those with limited time, this tour typically includes visits to key landmarks such as the Royal Palace (Rova of Antananarivo), where you can explore the historic seat of Malagasy royalty, and Analakely Market, a bustling hub of local life. You may also visit Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views of the city. The tour can be customized to include cultural stops, such as traditional Malagasy crafts or a scenic drive through the city’s unique hillside neighborhoods.
Later take your transfer for your flight back home.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
Show More
End of Tour
Included:
- Private transportation in fully air conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 14 nights
- Admission fees to all monuments
- English speaking guide
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet in all airports
Not Included:
- Gratuities for services and guides
- Expenses on personal nature
- Anything else not listed in the itinerary
- Optional excursions
- Personal & medical insurances
Tailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.
Unsure Where To Start?
Let’s talk about your Earth Trip
Our travel specialists are seasoned explorers with deep local insights. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!
Request A Video MeetingTailor Your Tour - Potential Highlights
- Upgrade or change your hotels
- Add or remove attractions
- stay longer in some locations
- Let us make it perfect for you.
If you love this tour but want to change some details our team will tailor this tour to match your interests. With our in-depth knowledge we will provide you with the best advice on every detail of the tour.