Africa · Madagascar
A comprehensive itinerary traversing the very heart of Madagascar, stretching from the central highlands of the capital, Antananarivo, to the southern shores and the eastern rainforests.
A comprehensive itinerary traversing the very heart of Madagascar, stretching from the central highlands of the capital, Antananarivo, to the southern shores and the eastern rainforests. This journey explores the island's unique African character, visiting historic hubs such as Antsirabe and Ambositra before delving into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Great National Parks.
The experience balances trekking through the Isalo Massif and lemur spotting in the Ranomafana and Perinet reserves with relaxation on the pristine white sands of Anakao. From fiery sunset vistas to the discovery of rare botanical species at the Antsokay Arboretum, the route provides a profound insight into the country's endemic flora and fauna.
Travel is by private vehicle (car or minibus depending on group size), including a domestic flight from Tulear and boat transfers to Anakao. Accommodation features a mix of hotels and charming lodges on a half-board basis, ensuring a perfect equilibrium between active exploration and comfort throughout the 13-night stay.
15 days in the programme
Departure on an international flight and arrival in the capital, Antananarivo Departure on an international flight and arrival in the capital, Antananarivo. Following a meet and greet at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
Travel towards Antsirabe, a significant industrial and commercial hub in the highlands Travel towards Antsirabe, a significant industrial and commercial hub in the highlands. Founded by Norwegians, the city is famed for its cool climate, which previously made it a renowned sanatorium centre for missionaries. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.
Depart from Antsirabe with a stop in Ambositra, a town celebrated for its local painted woodcrafts and hand-carved stones Depart from Antsirabe with a stop in Ambositra, a town celebrated for its local painted woodcrafts and hand-carved stones. The journey continues to Ranomafana. The day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay.
A full day dedicated to exploring the Ranomafana natural park, established to protect various lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur A full day dedicated to exploring the Ranomafana natural park, established to protect various lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. Guided tours with local experts are included. Half-board and overnight stay.
Transfer south towards Ranohira, the gateway to the Isalo Massif Transfer south towards Ranohira, the gateway to the Isalo Massif. Check-in at the lodge with half-board service.
A day of trekking within the Isalo National Park, defined by its namesake mountain range A day of trekking within the Isalo National Park, defined by its namesake mountain range. You will have the opportunity to admire evocative landscapes, culminating in the panoramic views from the Isalo Window during the warm hues of sunset. Half-board and overnight stay.
Leaving the Isalo area, the journey continues towards Tulear Leaving the Isalo area, the journey continues towards Tulear. En route, visit the Antsokay Arboretum, a botanical park established in 1980 that preserves over 900 plant species. In Tulear, there is an opportunity to visit the local shell market. Overnight stay.
Transfer by boat to Anakao, a traditional fishing village set on untouched white beaches Transfer by boat to Anakao, a traditional fishing village set on untouched white beaches. Accommodation and half-board treatment included.
A free day in Anakao for coastal relaxation or optional activities such as diving and local excursions A free day in Anakao for coastal relaxation or optional activities such as diving and local excursions. Half-board and overnight stay.
A second free day in Anakao A second free day in Anakao. There is the possibility to organise boat trips for whale watching (seasonal) or to simply enjoy the tranquillity of the two fishing islands. Half-board and overnight stay.
Return by boat to Tulear in time for your domestic flight to Antananarivo Return by boat to Tulear in time for your domestic flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel with half-board treatment.
Depart for the eastern coast to reach the Perinet Nature Reserve, located in a hilly region Depart for the eastern coast to reach the Perinet Nature Reserve, located in a hilly region. The area is renowned for its lush forest biodiversity. Lodge accommodation and half-board included.
Exploration of the Perinet complex, which includes the Mantadia National Park and the Analamazaotra Indri Special Reserve Exploration of the Perinet complex, which includes the Mantadia National Park and the Analamazaotra Indri Special Reserve. With a little luck, you may spot tenrecs, mouse lemurs, dwarf lemurs, and the famous Indri. Half-board and overnight stay.
Return to the capital, Antananarivo Return to the capital, Antananarivo. A day-use hotel room will be provided for rest before the final transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Arrival in the UK and end of services.
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