Classic Madagascar

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Enjoy a breathtaking journey through the wild beauty of one of the world’s most unique locations. Filled with a remarkable collection of flora and fauna, Madagascar is one of the planet’s last great adventures and its “main” highway along National Route 7 takes you from the mountains of its Central Highlands to the deserted beaches around Tulear on its southwestern coast.

Beginning in Antananarivo ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE TANA

Day 1 ARRIVE TANA

Arriving in the Madagascan capital this afternoon you will be met at the airport and transferred to your overnight hotel located just a short distance from the airport. A trip briefing later will then be followed by some free time for dinner, relaxation and preparations for the adventure ahead.

Gassy Country House
Breakfast

Day 2 TANA - AMBOSITRA

Day 2 TANA - AMBOSITRA

After breakfast this morning you will be collected from the hotel and driven south, through the spectacular backdrop of Madagascar's wonderfully scenic Central Highlands. Your destination is the town of Ambositra, famed for its woodcarvings and marquetry. On arrival the afternoon is then free to enjoy perusing some of the local craft shops, before heading on to your hotel for dinner and a chance to relax.

Artisan Hotel Ambositra
Breakfast

Day 3 AMBOSITRA - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

Day 3 AMBOSITRA - RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

Following a leisurely morning your journey south continues, taking you on towards the densely forested expanse of the Ranomafana National Park, considered one of the most spectacular anywhere on the island. Home to no fewer than 12 species of lemur including the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur, you can enjoy its scenic delights from the terrace of your hotel and on a variety of safaris.

Centrest Sejour
Breakfast

Day 4 EXPLORE RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

Day 4 EXPLORE RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

An early breakfast this morning is followed by another guided walk through the park. Aside from its lemur populations, the park is also home to some 115 species of birds, over 60 different types of reptiles and a staggering collection of butterflies. After a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of richly forested mountains, you can return to the hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing, or perhaps pay a visit to Ranomafana town to enjoy its famed hot springs.

Centrest Sejour
Breakfast

Day 5 RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

Day 5 RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK - ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

Moving on from Ranomafana, your next stop is amongst the high mountains and deep valleys of the Andringitra National Park. Stopping en route to visit the remarkable community project at Anja Park, you will have an opportunity to witness the local conservation efforts being put in place to protect its 500 ring-tailed lemurs. Arriving at Andringitra this afternoon, there will be ample time to enjoy the views up the Tsaranoro Valley before sundowners beside the lodge's natural waterfall.

Tsara Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 EXPLORE ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

Day 6 EXPLORE ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK

One of the most biologically diverse of all Madagascar's national parks, Andringitra provides a chance this morning to tackle one of its numerous walking trails. There are a number of options available from gentle village walks to the challenging seven-hour hike up to Chameleon's Head. Or, for those wishing to really test their mettle, you can take on the nine-hour epic route that is the Tsaranoro, the region's most iconic walking trail.

Tsara Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK - ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Day 7 ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK - ISALO NATIONAL PARK

After a leisurely start to the day your journey continues through the southeastern landscapes this morning, eventually bringing you on to the beautiful setting of the Isalo National Park. Encompassing a strangely eroded sandstone massif, the park is home to a rich collection of animals, birds and plants that include a number that are endemic to Isalo. Arriving this afternoon there will be time to relax around the pool and enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting across the granite outcrops.

Satrana Lodge
Breakfast

Day 8 EXPLORE ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Day 8 EXPLORE ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Blessed with some of the finest accommodation available in mainland Madagascar, Isalo provides an ideal spot to break this packed adventure at its mid-way point. With a chance to relax and enjoy the hospitality of your elegant lodge, today can be spent by the pool or perhaps visiting the nearby town of Ilakaka, home to Madagascar's burgeoning sapphire trade.

Satrana Lodge
Breakfast

Day 9 EXPLORE ISALO NATIONAL PARK

Day 9 EXPLORE ISALO NATIONAL PARK

A day walking through the park provides an opportunity to enjoy the sweeping Jurassic landscapes, and hopefully learn more about the resident flora and flora in the company of one of the park's expert guides. A haven for some 80 species of birds, ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and rare palms, the park also provides cooling forest pools for a bracing swim before you return to the lodge late this afternoon.

Satrana Lodge
Breakfast

Day 10 ISALO NATIONAL PARK - IFATY

Day 10 ISALO NATIONAL PARK - IFATY

An early start today is the best way to make the most of the long drive down past Tulear and on towards the secluded beaches that occupy Madagascar's beautiful western coastline. Your destination today is Ifaty, where you should arrive towards the middle of the afternoon. On arrival there should be time to enjoy a cool drink and wind down from the long day's drive as you gaze out across the azure waters of the Mozambique Channel.

Les Dunes D'ifaty
Breakfast

Day 11 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

Day 11 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

The perfect setting for a few days’ rest and relaxation, this deserted stretch of coastline provides some ideal opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Paddleboards are also available and fishing trips can be organised out into the channel if you wish. Alternatively, you can just kick back, enjoy the beach and make the most of this glorious setting.

Les Dunes D'ifaty
Breakfast

Day 12 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

Day 12 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

Another day to bask in the idyllic setting of this wonderfully isolated stretch of beach and its glorious sea views. Staff are always on hand with a steady supply of drinks and snacks around the pool and the beach restaurant is just a few steps away if you fancy trying some local delicacies.

Les Dunes D'ifaty
Breakfast

Day 13 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

Day 13 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

For those looking for a little more adventure, there are opportunities during your stay to hire bicycles or head out on an organised horse-riding tour or guided quad bike excursion; a great way to explore more of the surrounding countryside. A day away from the beach provides an ideal opportunity to take in more of this fascinating corner of western Madagascar.

Les Dunes D'ifaty
Breakfast

Day 14 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

Day 14 ENJOY THE WESTERN COAST

A final day in Ifaty offers up time for more beach excursions or simple relaxation around the hotel. If you are visiting between June and September these coastal waters also provide the chance to enjoy a whale-watching boat trip. During this period the channel plays host to humpbacks as they migrate north towards the warmer waters of the tropics.

Les Dunes D'ifaty
Breakfast

Day 15 IFATY - TANA

Day 15 IFATY - TANA

Departing the lodge after breakfast you will be transferred down to Tulear this morning where you will have some time to explore before heading to the airport for the afternoon flight back to Antananarivo. Back in the capital, you will then be taken to your overnight hotel where the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Gassy Country House

Day 16 DEPART TANA

Day 16 DEPART TANA

After a leisurely day you will be collected and taken back to the airport, arriving in time to connect with your onward flight arrangements.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

16 days from £3,540

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 11274 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the Expert, Clem

Clem is our Sub Saharan African expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

OTHER ITINERARIES IN MADAGASCAR