Madagascar Encompassed

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Antananarivo (Tana)

Arrive in Antananarivo at any time.

Day 2 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (B)

Depart the capital and continue to this world-renowned upland rainforest, also known as Perinet Reserve, home of the unique Indri, the world's largest lemur.

Day 3 Antsirabe (B)

Travel to Antsirabe, "Vichy Malgache", a French colonial town. Along the road discover Merina tombs, and locals cultivating rice paddies.

Day 4 Ranomafana (B)

Take a tour of the famous handicraft workshops in Antsirabe, home to some of Madagascar's best wood carvings, before continuing on to Ranomafana.

Day 5 Ranomafana (B)

Visit Ranomafana National Park, which is home to 12 species of lemur. Discover the bewildering diversity of endemic plant and animal life including the golden bamboo lemur and the red-bellied lemur.

Day 6 Ambalavao (B)

Head south through Madagascar's wine-producing region and enjoy the wonderful changes of landscape along the way. In Ambalavao, we visit with locals as they share with us their traditional methods of producing a unique, hand-made paper.

Day 7 Ranohira/Isalo (B,D)

Drive through south-central Madagascar to Ranohira on the edge of Isalo National Park. Enjoy the fascinating countryside, with the day's drive culminating in impressive views of the Isalo Mountains.

Day 8 Ranohira/Isalo (B,D)

Spend the day exploring the semi-arid Isalo National Park, with its rocky cliffs, archaeological relics and funeral sanctuaries that create a magical atmosphere of strong contrasts. This park is home to a plethora of endemic flora and fauna, including the ring tailed lemur.

Day 9 Antananarivo (B)

Travel from Ranohira back to Antananarivo, known simply as Tana to the locals. En route, visit Mahafaly's tomb and see the remarkable fire-resistant Baobab trees.

Day 10 Diego (B)

This traditional and lively fishing village is located on a beautiful bay surrounded by coconut trees, traditional huts, pirogues, and of course white sand beaches.

Day 11 Montagne d'Ambre/Ankarana (B,L,D)

Venture to the "Montagne d'Ambre", a wide expanse of lush tropical montane forest. Enjoy guided walks in this ecologically rich park, notable for its tree ferns, lianas, and orchids.

Day 12 Ankarana Special Reserve (B,L,D)

Continue south to this reserve, where you'll spend the afternoon on a guided forest walk. Marvel at the grand limestone karst pinnacles called "tsingy", and spot many varieties of the renowned lemur, including Sanford's brown lemur, Perrier's black lemur, the northern sportive lemur and dwarf lemurs.

Day 13 Ankify (B)

Enjoy a drive through cotton, coffee and pepper plantations as we make our way to the western coastal town of Ankify. Wonderful options for your free time in the afternoon include a bike tour of the surrounding villages, enjoying the sunset view from your hotel, or relaxing on the beautiful beach, where with luck, you may spot the gigantic sea turtle.

Day 14-15 Nosy Be (2B)

Take a short ferry ride over to Nosy Be, the most well known of the Malagasy Islands. Relax, snorkel or take an optional boat tour through some of the best waters and beaches of Madagascar.

Day 16 Antananarivo (Tana) (B)

Say goodbye to the beach life and travel back to the mainland for one last night in Antananarivo.