Wild Madagascar Expedition

Welcome to Madagascar! Your adventure begins in Antananarivo, the country's lively capital set among rolling hills and bustling neighbourhoods. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore local markets, relax in a café, or discover the fascinating history of Madagascar through photography and cultural exhibits. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader at a welcome meeting, then perhaps continue the introductions over an optional dinner featuring local flavours and Malagasy hospitality.

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

Begin the day with a flight to Tulear before heading to Reniala Private Park for a unique breakfast beneath Madagascar’s iconic baobab trees. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the remarkable Spiny Forest, one of the last remaining examples of southern Madagascar’s primary forest. Along the way, discover unusual baobab species, learn about the traditional uses of native plants, and gain insight into the conservation efforts protecting this fragile ecosystem. Wildlife enthusiasts can keep an eye out for rare bird species, while the visit also highlights community initiatives that provide valuable employment opportunities for local residents, particularly women.

• Today's travel time is approximately 1 hour, excluding any flight-related delays.
• Domestic air travel in Madagascar can be unpredictable, and flight schedules are subject to change at short notice.
• Delays and cancellations are not uncommon, and flights may occasionally be rescheduled to later in the day, the evening, or even the following day.
• Flexibility and patience are essential when travelling in Madagascar, as changing flight schedules are a normal part of exploring this remote and unique destination.
• Your tour leader will keep you informed of any updates and make alternative arrangements if required.

Enjoy a free day to relax and experience Madagascar at your own pace. Unwind by the pool, soak up the sunshine on the beach, or wander through the beautiful gardens surrounding your accommodation. If you prefer a more enriching experience, consider visiting Tulear’s Recycling Museum, where you'll learn about local environmental initiatives and efforts to promote sustainability and conservation within the community.

This morning, leave the coastal village of Ifaty behind and travel to Tulear, one of southern Madagascar’s most vibrant cities. Discover its wide boulevards, colourful pousse-pousse rickshaws, and laid-back atmosphere as your leader introduces you to the local sights and culture. Stroll beneath shady tamarind and flamboyant trees, soak up the city's unique character, and pick up lunch before continuing inland to the spectacular landscapes of Isalo National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone formations and rich biodiversity.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Spend today exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Isalo National Park alongside your leader. Famous for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, lush oases, and open grasslands, the park showcases some of Madagascar’s most diverse scenery. As you hike through this remarkable environment, keep an eye out for the park’s rich wildlife, including numerous bird and reptile species, as well as several types of lemurs such as the ring-tailed lemur, red-fronted lemur, and the graceful dancing sifaka.

Leave the dramatic landscapes of Isalo behind as you travel to Fianarantsoa, one of Madagascar’s most historic and colourful highland towns. En route, visit the Anja Community Reserve, a successful conservation project managed by local residents and renowned for its large population of ring-tailed lemurs. Guided by community members, you'll explore the reserve while learning how sustainable tourism helps protect the environment and support local livelihoods.

Tonight, stay at a unique hospitality training hotel overlooking Fianarantsoa and the surrounding rice fields. More than just accommodation, the property helps provide valuable education and career opportunities for young people in the region, supporting community development and sustainable tourism initiatives.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning, discover the historic charm of Fianarantsoa as you wander through its winding streets, traditional houses, and hilltop neighbourhoods. Visit a nearby Malagasy village to gain insight into local life, then explore the picturesque countryside, where rice terraces and vineyards stretch across the landscape. Along the way, enjoy a taste of regional cuisine during a local lunch experience.

Later, continue to Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Home to lush rainforest, rare wildlife, and 13 species of lemurs, the park offers incredible opportunities for nature lovers. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to relax or perhaps visit the nearby thermal springs, whose warm waters gave the town of Ranomafana its name.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
The Betsileo Village visit includes a walk through the local countryside, about 3.5 hours. Parts of the walk are in full sun and it’s recommended you bring a hat, sunscreen and drinking water. Please discuss any concerns with your leader.

Spend the day immersed in the extraordinary biodiversity of Ranomafana National Park on a guided rainforest walk. As you explore the lush forest trails, look out for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including lemurs, colourful frogs, geckos, butterflies, mongooses, and rare bird species. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the world's smallest chameleon or the fascinating net-casting spider.

Later, visit the renowned ValBio Research Centre, a leading conservation and research facility dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s unique ecosystems. Enjoy a guided tour with a researcher, learn about ongoing conservation projects and community initiatives, and gain valuable insight into the efforts being made to preserve the island’s exceptional biodiversity. After lunch, there may be an opportunity for an additional nature walk to continue your wildlife-spotting adventure.

• The trail in the national park is hilly with many uneven steps. Depending on the weather, it can be wet and muddy. Leech socks, trail/hiking shoes and walking poles are recommended.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Morondava, with free time to soak up the atmosphere of this charming coastal town. You may choose to unwind on the beach, stroll through the local markets, or simply enjoy the slower pace of life. Later in the day, rejoin your group and travel inland to Miandrivazo, where you'll spend the night before continuing your Madagascar adventure.

• Your travel today will be approximately 6 hours.

Travel through Madagascar’s scenic highlands today as you make your way to Ambositra, a town renowned for its rich artistic heritage and skilled craftsmanship. Home to the Betsileo people, Ambositra is considered the country's centre for wood carving and traditional arts. During your visit, stop at a local marquetry workshop to discover the intricate process of creating detailed artworks from naturally coloured wood. Learn about this unique craft from local artisans, watch their remarkable techniques in action, and admire the beautifully handcrafted pieces on display.

• Your travel today will be approximately 4 hours.

Begin the day with a visit to the Sandrandahy association, where you'll gain insight into the traditional art of silk production and its deep cultural significance in Madagascar. Learn how silk plays an important role in Malagasy customs and discover how this community initiative supports local women through sustainable employment and the preservation of traditional weaving techniques.
After the visit, continue through the picturesque highlands to Antsirabe, a charming town known for its colonial architecture and thermal springs. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a relaxing group dinner in the peaceful surroundings of your guest house.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours and 25 mins.

Today is a long travel day as you make your way to Andasibe. The most visited park in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is famous for the 11 species of lemur that call this place home. This afternoon, relax at your accommodation and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours, depending on traffic.

Today, explore the rich biodiversity of Andasibe National Park on a guided nature walk through its lush rainforest trails. Keep watch for a variety of wildlife, including lemurs, colourful endemic birds, frogs, and fascinating insects that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
As evening falls, venture into the Analamazaotra Special Reserve for a memorable night walk. Accompanied by local guides, you'll experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective as nocturnal creatures emerge. Look out for mouse lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs, and glowing fireflies while learning about the community-led conservation efforts that help protect the forest and support local families.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours, depending on traffic.

Return to Antananarivo today for the final chapter of your Madagascar adventure. Upon arrival, take part in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop led by a local artisan and discover why Malagasy chocolate is considered among the finest in the world. Learn about the production process, create your own chocolate treats to take home, and enjoy a tasting of local pastries paired with Malagasy teas, coffee, and traditional flavoured rum. This evening, celebrate your journey with an optional farewell dinner alongside your fellow travellers, sharing memories of Madagascar’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours and 30 mins.

With no activities planned for today, your adventure ends after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Departure transfers are available, just speak to your booking agent or local leader. If you’d like to extend your time in Antananarivo, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.