Madagascar South & East Safari Explorer

Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival in Antananarivo, the capital city known locally as ‘Tana,’ you’ll be greeted by our friendly representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a guided walk through the city’s bustling markets or admire its colonial buildings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Malagasy cuisine, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Start your day with a short tour of Antananarivo’s cultural highlights and vibrant local markets. Then board your domestic flight to Morondava, a peaceful coastal town. Spend the afternoon unwinding by the beach or exploring the town’s colorful fishing boats and relaxed rhythm. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy dinner by the sea.

Depart early to witness the golden sunrise at the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs—an otherworldly landscape filled with towering ancient trees. Continue to Kirindy Reserve, home to rare species like the elusive fosa, giant jumping rats, and multiple species of lemurs. After a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife, head back to Morondava for a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, return to the Avenue of the Baobabs for golden hour photography—perfect for capturing magical memories.

Fly south to Tuléar, the gateway to Madagascar’s southwest coast. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a guided canoe excursion to a Vezo fishing village or explore Reniala Park, home to impressive baobabs and spiny forest. In the afternoon, travel to Ifaty, where the sea breeze and sandy shores await.

Travel by boat along the scenic coast to the remote paradise of Anakao. Spend two days exploring at your leisure—options include snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, visiting Nosy Ve for birdwatching, or discovering the stunning Tsimanampetsotsa Reserve, home to flamingos, unique limestone formations, and ancient baobabs. Unwind with beachfront dinners under the stars.*

Return by boat to Tuléar, then embark on a scenic drive inland through dry savannah and cultural landmarks. Stop at Mahafaly tombs, ornately decorated with carvings and zebu horns. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before arriving in Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park. Settle into your lodge, surrounded by dramatic desert cliffs and wide open skies.

Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Isalo National Park. Hike through sandstone canyons, discover Bara tombs, and cool off in natural swimming holes like Piscine Naturelle. This park offers a surreal mix of desert vistas, lush oasis forests, and bizarre rock formations. Return to your lodge for dinner under a blanket of stars.

Drive northeast through Madagascar’s highlands, with shifting landscapes and scenic photo stops. Stop in Ambalavao to visit the Anja Community Reserve, a sanctuary for ring-tailed lemurs. Explore a silk workshop to see how traditional Malagasy textiles are made, then continue to the cultural town of Fianarantsoa, set among vineyards and tea plantations.

After breakfast, travel to Ranomafana National Park—famous for its lush rainforest and rich biodiversity. Walk the park’s forest trails with a guide to spot lemurs, chameleons, and possibly the leaf-tailed gecko. After lunch, relax at the lodge or take a village walk before dinner surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Journey north through central Madagascar’s scenic highlands. Stop in Ambositra, a hub for intricate Malagasy woodcarvings. Visit local workshops to watch artisans shape zebu horn utensils and beautiful marquetry from precious woods. Continue to the spa town of Antsirabe, check into your hotel, and enjoy a warm Malagasy dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy a short rickshaw ride to explore Antsirabe, a town known for its colonial charm and artisanal craftsmanship. Visit local workshops to see miniatures made from recycled materials, embroidery, zebu horn utensils, and the famous Antemoro paper, a handmade parchment crafted from tree bark. Continue through the lush landscapes of the highlands, stopping for lunch in Behenjy, known for its famous foie gras. Arrive in Antananarivo, check in at the hotel, and relax before enjoying a farewell dinner.

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Andasibe, one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest reserves. Along the way, stop in Marozevo to visit a reptile farm where you can see a variety of chameleons, uroplates, and other exotic creatures. Continue to Andasibe and check in at the lodge. In the afternoon, visit Vakona Lemur Island, where you can interact with habituated lemurs up close. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Wake early for a guided walk in Analamazaotra Reserve to spot the Indri-Indri—the largest living lemur—and hear its haunting call echo through the canopy. Spot chameleons, orchids, and rare birds as you explore. After lunch, return to Antananarivo for a relaxed evening or final shopping in the city’s markets.

Enjoy your final morning in Madagascar with a leisurely breakfast. If time permits, visit local handicraft markets for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your international flight.