Magical Madagascar: classic island adventure
Madagascar rewards the curious traveler as few destinations can. Over eight immersive days, venture deep into one of the world's most extraordinary islands, tracing wide river gorges by boat and moving through forests teeming with endemic wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Guided excursions into the Kirindy Reserve and the remote Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park offer encounters with lemurs and towering baobabs along the celebrated Avenue of the Baobabs. Woven throughout are authentic introductions to Malagasy culture and its warm, welcoming people.
Best experienced between May and November when the road to Tsingy de Bemaraha is accessible, elements of this journey may be tailored to extend slightly beyond those months.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in a double rooms in a 2 to 4-star hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners, 2 lunches in luxury tour option
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout the trip
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
Excluded:
- International flights
- Domestic flight: Morondava - Antananarivo
- Travel insurance
- Guide fees in national parks
- Guide fees at Kirindy reserve
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fees
Optional:
- 1 additional night in Morondava
Itinerary at a Glance
Antananarivo
Arrival in Madagascar
Morondava - Kirindy
Wildlife of Kirindy
Bekopaka
Into the Wilderness
Bekopaka
Manambolo River Gorge
Bekopaka
Big Tsingy Mountain Wildlife
Morondava
Baobab Avenue
Antananarivo
Return to the Capital
Antananarivo
Airport Transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Antananarivo
Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar
Upon arrival at Ivato airport in Madagascar, your driver will welcome you for a transfer to your charming hotel in the city centre.
Morondava - Kirindy
Day 2: Wildlife of Kirindy
Today we fly to the coastal city of Morondava known for its calm beaches. From here, you will travel to the remote Kirindy village, a journey of about one hour. Then we'll head into the park on a wildlife-watching tour of the Kirindy Forest, home to some fascinating dry-habitat flora and fauna. Discover drought-adapted plant and animal species such as baobab trees, endemic lemur species, birds, bats and more. In the evening, you will make another two-hour night visit to the reserve to experience its nocturnal wildlife, such as the endemic Mouse Lemur. With a bit of luck, you may also spot a fossa, a cat-like mammal and the largest predator on the island.
Bekopaka
Day 3: Into the Wilderness
Today begin your adventure deep into western Madagascar to the UNESCO-protected Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park. This journey will take about eight hours crossing two rivers and winding your way into the wilderness along dirt roads. Along the way, we pass by Spiny Forest and then reach the Tsiribihina River which we cross with a wooden raft. We’ll stop for lunch on the road and arrive in Bekopaka by late afternoon.
Bekopaka
Day 4: Manambolo River Gorge
It's just a short drive from your hotel to the entrance of the Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park. Once inside we will board a small boat to navigate the amazing Manambolo Gorge. We’ll journey down a wide river known for its canyons, caves and wonderful landscapes. Discover a beautiful section of the national park known as the Little Tsingy and be captivated by its wild beauty.
Bekopaka
Day 5: Big Tsingy Mountain Wildlife
Today we visit the Big Tsingy, a section of the park made up of monumental rock formations. The Tsingy mountains with their karst peaks are home to unique local fauna and it is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Scientists estimate that the overall uniqueness of this park is 86.7%. There are 11 lemur species, 5 families of bats and 103 bird species listed as endemic here. There is also plenty of fascinating flora to discover.
Morondava
Day 6: Baobab Avenue
Today, you will leave this rocky paradise and journey to the western coastal city of Morondava. This is an eight-hour drive which will enable you to cross the famous Baobab Avenue at sunset. On the way, you will visit the Sakalava tribe's tombs. Then for you to experience the majestic beauty of the Baobab trees, or Forest Mothers as they are named in the Malagasy language, you will spend some time at the famous Baobab Avenue. Later continue on to Morondava City and check in at your hotel.
Antananarivo
Day 7: Return to the Capital
Today, take a flight back to the capital for an overnight stay close to the airport. Choose to relax at your hotel or head into the city for the afternoon or evening.
Antananarivo
Day 8: Airport Transfer
Today, according to your international flight schedule, you will be taken to Ivato Airport for your homeward flight.
