Madagascan Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 Antananarivo

Affectionately known as Tana, this European-inspired city has a distinctly romantic air about it. Cobbled streets wend up rocky hills, narrow wooden houses have painted shutters and church spires abound. Charmingly crowded and noisy, it's a fun place to explore. Head to the street markets at Analakey or seek out lively restaurants and bars.

Day 2 Antsirabe

Take in breathtaking mountain scenery on the way to Antsirabe, famed for its healing thermal springs, gemstone merchants and elegant French architecture. Ride a pousse-pousse (rickshaw) to explore, before heading to the village of Manandona for an insight into local culture on a homestay. This is a great opportunity to get to know the locals, sleep in a traditional house and try Madagascan home cooking.

Day 3 Ranomafana

Travel to the arts and crafts capital of Madagascar, the village of Ambositra, renowned for its fine woodcarvings. Drive through magnificent montane rainforest to the Ranomafana Lemur Reserve for a guided night time trek. Look sharp to see some of this island's most famous creatures, including rare golden bamboo lemurs. The furry little faces of lemurs are totally cute and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.

Day 4 Fianarantsoa

Listen out for a lemur's screeching call on an early morning hike through the jungle. Afterwards, journey south to the plantations of Sahambavy to see how tea leaves are turned into a humble cuppa.

Days 5-6 Ranohira/Isalo National Park

Learn the traditional method of making paper in Ambalavao before continuing on to the rural south. Pass the impressive rocks that make up the 'door to the south' before entering the Isalo National Park, home to ring-tail lemurs and chameleons as well as a series of whimsical, weather-worn sandstone formations. There's a natural pool here where you can cool off after a hike through the canyons.

Days 7-8 Ifaty

Inspect the intricate tombs of the Mahafaly tribe on the way to the idyllic beaches of Ifaty. There's time today to kick back on the white sands, snorkel or wander the surreal spiny forests nearby.

Day 9 Antananarivo

The trip ends with a flight back to Tana. Stay longer to fully appreciate this amazing capital city.