14-Day Madagascar Vacation – Highlights Package
Embark on an unforgettable Madagascar Vacation exploring one of the most unique and biodiverse islands on Earth. This 14-day adventure offers a perfect mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, tropical beaches, and scenic highlands – all wrapped into one enriching holiday.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Starting in Antananarivo, this Madagascar Vacation takes you from the southwest coast’s pristine beaches to the lush rainforests and rugged highlands. Visit spiny forests, meet endemic lemurs, swim in natural pools, soak in thermal springs, and explore vibrant Malagasy towns. Discover Madagascar’s rare flora and fauna, colonial history, and traditional villages while trekking through national parks and enjoying immersive cultural activities.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Begin your Madagascar Vacation in Antananarivo. Spend the day exploring or resting, then meet your guide and group in the evening for a tour briefing.
Optional Activities: Antananarivo city tour, Queen’s Palace visit, Tsarasaotra Bird Park
Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Antananarivo to Ifaty (Flight to Tulear)
Fly to Tulear and transfer to Ifaty, a coastal town famous for its relaxed beach vibe. Enjoy free time to unwind and soak in the seaside atmosphere.
Included: Domestic flight
Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Spiny Forest Reserve visit, Dugout Canoe Ride
Accommodation: Bamboo Club (or similar)
Day 3–4: Leisure in Ifaty
Unwind or explore at your own pace. Try snorkelling, scuba diving, quad biking, or visit the Reniala Spiny Forest Reserve. Discover local culture and biodiversity in this serene setting.
Accommodation: Bamboo Club (or similar)
Day 5: Ifaty to Ranohira
Travel through the vast savannah and Mahafaly tribal lands to Ranohira. In the evening, join the Soa Zara tree planting project and learn about local conservation efforts.
Included: Soa Zara Tree Planting Project
Accommodation: ITC Hotel (or similar)
Day 6: Isalo National Park Trek
Explore the iconic Isalo National Park. Choose between short and long hiking trails to see waterfalls, canyons, endemic flora, and elusive lemurs. Cool off with a swim in natural rock pools.
Included: Isalo National Park Hike
Accommodation: ITC Hotel (or similar)
Day 7: Ranohira to Ambalavao
Stop at Anja Reserve for lemur sightings en route to Ambalavao. Visit the local paper factory to see how traditional “Papier Antemoro” is made.
Included: Anja Reserve Walk, Paper Factory Visit
Optional: Silk Factory Visit
Accommodation: Aux Bougainvillaeas (or similar)
Day 8: Ambalavao to Ranomafana
Arrive in Ranomafana, known for its hot springs and rainforest. Enjoy optional activities like thermal pool swims or a guided rainforest walk in the national park.
Optional: Thermal Pool Swim, Ranomafana National Park Walk
Accommodation: Manja Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Ranomafana to Antsirabe
Head north to Antsirabe, stopping in Ambositra to explore its famous woodcraft markets. Antsirabe is a charming spa town with volcanic lakes and colonial charm.
Accommodation: Hotel Vatolahy (or similar)
Day 10: Walking & Cooking Experience in Antsirabe
Choose a 7km or 9km walk between villages and enjoy a traditional Malagasy lunch. Participate in a cooking class and learn to prepare Koba, a delicious peanut dessert.
Included: Guided Walk, Traditional Lunch, Cooking Class
Accommodation: Hotel Vatolahy (or similar)
Day 11–12: Antsirabe to Andasibe
Drive to Andasibe for rainforest adventures. Take a night walk to spot nocturnal creatures. On day 12, join a morning walk in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to spot the Indri lemur and many other endemic species.
Included: Guided Walk in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Optional: Mitsinjo Canopy Tour, Guided Night Walk, Reserve Walks
Accommodation: Feon’ny Ala (or similar)
Day 13: Return to Antananarivo
Travel back to the capital and enjoy optional visits to the Queen’s Palace, Prime Minister’s Palace, or Tsarasaotra Bird Park. Reflect on your Madagascar Vacation and enjoy one last evening with the group.
Accommodation: Belvedere Hotel (or similar)
Day 14: Antananarivo Departure
Your Madagascar Vacation concludes today. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a final stroll or optional city tour.
Important Tour Notes
- We recommend arriving the day before the tour starts and leaving the day after it ends.
- All accommodations are in comfortable mid-range hotels and lodges.
- One domestic flight (Antananarivo to Tulear) is included.
- Only one traditional Malagasy lunch is included; other meals are at your own expense with guidance from your tour leader.
This Madagascar Vacation offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and adventure, showcasing the best this magical island has to offer.