Best of Madagascar Safari
Day 1 – Antananarivo
On your arrival into Antananarivo (Tana), the capital of Madagascar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Antananarivo is a colourful city with lively markets through the centre of town. Spend the day relaxing or exploring the city.
Days 2, 3 and 4 – Adasibe-Mantadia National Park
After breakfast your driver/guide will collect you from the hotel and drive you 3 hours east to Andasibe National Park for the start of your Madagascar lemur safari. Andasibe is one of the more accessible national parks in Madagascar, making it one of the most popular forests to explore. Home to some of the more impressive lemurs including the largest lemur in Madagascar, the indri-indri. A large black and white teddy bear looking lemur, the indri’s calls can be heard echoing through the forest mist in the mornings. The eery cry gives their location away as you head into the forest in search of these beautiful animals.
Other iconic lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia include the diademed sifaka which is a gold, grey, white and black sifaka. Truly arboreal, they are masters of the forest moving from tree to tree with such ease.
Spend your days exploring the forests in search of lemurs, chameleons and the other endemic creatures of this incredible island. This the best way to start your Madagascar safari.
Day 5 – Antsirabe
Today is a long day (7-8 hours driving), as you head south to Antsirabe. The scenery along the way is stunning, so will hopefully make up for the long drive. Antsirabe is a forma spa town during the colonial era. If you have time visit some of the craft markets or visit some of the volcanic lakes in the area.
Days 6, 7 and 8 – Ranomafana National Park
Your drive south continues with a 6-hour drive to Ranomafana National Park. The forests of Ranomafana are rich in wildlife including the golden bamboo lemur and the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur. The forests are home to 12 species of lemurs as well as frogs, insects, chameleons and some stunning birds. Just walking along the steep paths through the forest is rewarding with sights of waterfalls and rushing rivers. A night walk around the park is a highlight as chameleons, geckos and frogs become more active.
Days 9, 10 and 11 – Isalo National Park
Today you continue south from the highlands to the more arid landscapes dotted with spiny forest. Enroute, you will have the chance to stop at the Anja Reserve to see a troop of habituated ring-tailed lemurs living in fairly dramatic landscapes. You have 3 nights in Isalo to explore the arid landscape and canyons with some incredible scenery and treks to enjoy. Isalo is home to some iconic lemurs including ring tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas.
Days 12, 13 and 14 – Ifaty
From Isalo you continue south to the coastal town of Ifaty for some rest and relaxation at the end of your Madagascan highlights safari. Enroute to Ifaty, you have the chance to visit the interesting Arboretum de Antsokay Botanical Gardens which has excellent examples of flora from the southern part of Madagascar. Ifaty is a small beachside town with white sandy, palm fringed beaches and turquoise waters. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or head out on a snorkelling or diving trip. For those that want to explore further spiny forests, then head to the Ifaty Spiny Forest, home to bizarre plant species including the smallest of the 6 endemic baobab species found in Madagascar.
Day 15 – Antananarivo
From Ifaty you head back to Tuleur in time for your flight back to Tana where you spend the night before heading home.
