North and South Exploration (16 Days)

Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and cultural tapestry of Madagascar – the Great Island that unfolds like a treasure trove of symbolism and natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the heart of this extraordinary destination, where stunning scenery, a mosaic of cultures, and warm hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience.

Our expedition takes you from the mesmerizing highlands to the pristine southwestern coast, offering a symphony of breathtaking moments. Encounter the playful lemurs in the lush Amber Mountain National Park, witness the ancient tsingy of Ankarana with its mysterious caves, and be spellbound by the crystal-clear beaches of Nosy Be.

Madagascar, with its rich cultural diversity and welcoming local communities, beckons you to explore its symbolic and natural treasures. Each day unfolds like a chapter in a captivating story, where every turn reveals a new facet of this extraordinary island. Join us on this immersive journey, where the Great Island's magic awaits to captivate the adventurer in you.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

 Commence your journey by arriving in Antananarivo on a flight of your choosing today. Upon arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the town's hotel.

Day 2: Ambatolampy – Antsirabe

 Following breakfast at the hotel, convene with your guide and embark on a southward journey. Observe rice fields and traditional villages that characterize the landscape just beyond Antananarivo. Pause in Ambatolampy to witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating aluminum cooking pots. In the afternoon, continue towards Antsirabe, taking the opportunity for a city tour and experiencing a "pousse-pousse" (Rick-Shaw) ride, a primary mode of transportation for locals.

Distance: 170 km Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

Day 3: Ambositra – Ranomafana

 Continue your southward journey, exploring Ambositra, renowned for its art, culture, and crafts. This city, situated in the Zafimaniry territory, is known for the refined woodwork of the Betsileo people. Visit a Zafimaniry village for an unforgettable experience of their intricate wooden art. Proceed to Ranomafana, passing through the Betsileo tribe area and arriving in the rainforest by late afternoon. Experience a night safari and observe nocturnal species.

Distance: 230 km Duration: Approximately 5 hours.

Day 4: Ranomafana National Park-Ambalavao

After breakfast, explore the Ranomafana National Forest, one of Madagascar's premier rainforest sites. With a local guide, venture into the park to encounter bamboo lemurs, red-fronted brown lemurs, and red-bellied brown lemurs residing in the forest. After the visit, drive to Ambalavao

Distance: 70 km Duration: Approximately 5 hours of visit and 3 hours of drive

Day 5: Ambalavao -Anja Reserve- Ranohira

Depart the highlands in the morning, visiting the Antemoro paper factory in Ambalavao. Witness the traditional process of making paper from the bark of the mulberry tree. Encounter lemurs in the Anja Reserve before driving southwest through the Bara region, crossing Madagascar's largest plateau. Arrive in Ranohira, close to the Isalo massif and the National Park gate.

Distance: 290 km Duration: Approximately 5 hours of drive

Day 6: Isalo National Park

After breakfast, drive to the foothills of Isalo and embark on a hike within the massif, leading to the natural swimming pool. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Tapia forest and explore the surrounding mountains for panoramic views.

Duration: 1.5 to 6 hours, depending on the chosen itinerary

Day 7: Ilakaka - Tuléar

After breakfast, continue south, visiting Ilakaka known for its alluvial sapphires. Along the way to Tuléar, make stops to observe the Mahafaly tribes and their distinctive painted tombs. Arrive in Tuléar, exploring the market before heading to the beach at Ifaty.

Distance: 280 km Duration: Approximately 6 hours of drive

Day 8: Free Day at Ifaty

Enjoy a leisurely day at Ifaty, exploring various activities along the Mozambique Channel, such as diving, dugout rides with Vezo fishermen, swimming, or simply relaxing. Hikers can discover the unique inland vegetation featuring euphorbia, baobab, didiereaceae, aloes, and thorny plants predominant in the south.

Day 9: Fly to Antananarivo

 After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo. Depending on the flight schedule, have lunch in Ifaty, Tuléar, or at a restaurant in Antananarivo. If time permits, explore the crafts market in Antananarivo for shopping. Transfer to the hotel and dine at the restaurant.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour of flight

Day 10: Fly to Diego Suarez

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Diego Suarez. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you at the airport. Explore the region, including the three beautiful bays (Sakalava bay, Pigeons bay, and Dunes bay). Take a beach stroll, relax, and swim before heading to Joffre Ville.

Distance: 90 km Duration: Approximately 4 hours of drive; 1 hour and 15 minutes of flight; +/- 3 hours of walking

Day 11: Montagne d’Ambre National Park

 Commence the day with an early breakfast, then drive to Montagne d’Ambre National Park. Explore this lush forest with a local guide, discovering unique vegetation, waterfalls, crater lakes, and encountering lemurs, chameleons, geckos, leaf-tailed geckos, and colorful birds. Optionally, enjoy a walk back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours of walking

Day 12: Diego Suarez -The Red Tsingy –Ankarana

Depart Joffre Ville to visit the Red Tsingy on the way to Mahamasina village. The geological formation is similar to Ankarana Tsingy but with a different erosion process. Drive back to the main road and continue to Mahamasina Village, where your lodge awaits.

Distance: 250 km Duration: Approximately 5 hours of drive; +/- 1 hour of visit

Day 13: Explore Ankarana National Park

Ankarana National Park, is a geological marvel and biodiversity hotspot that promises an array of captivating experiences for nature enthusiasts with the unique limestone formations known as Tsingy. These jagged, needle-like structures are a result of eroded limestone, creating a surreal landscape that is both awe-inspiring and unlike anything else on Earth. The intriguing caves and underground rivers within the park. Ankarana is home to numerous caves, some of which house bat colonies and others that reveal hidden rivers flowing beneath the surface.

Diverse wildlife, including several lemur species, within the park. Keep an eye out for crowned lemurs, Sanford lemurs, and other fascinating creatures that call Ankarana home. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of bird species to observe.

Day 14: Ankarana-Ambilobe - Ambanja - Nosy Be

Continue southward, passing through Ambilobe with its cashew plantations and Ambanja with coffee, cocoa, and ylang-ylang plantations. Reach Ankify port and board a speedboat for a 45-minute ride to Hellville, the capital of Nosy Be. Take a taxi boat to your beachfront hotel.

Distance: 250 km Duration: Approximately 6 hours + 45 minutes of navigation

Day 15: Free Day at Nosy Be

Enjoy activities from the hotel, such as water sports, fishing, island excursions, boat trips, or renting motorbikes or bicycles. Walk to Mont Passot in the late afternoon for a panoramic view of the island's sunset or simply relax on the beach. Spend your evening at the hotel, overlooking the sea.

Day 16: Nosy Be - Return Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey back home.