Africa’s Most Unique Safari Destination

Isolated by millions of years and miles of Indian Ocean, Madagascar's exotic wildlife, cultures, and landscapes transport the intrepid traveler into a strange and wonderful world. All of the island's mammals, most of its birds, and over eighty percent of its plants are found nowhere else on Earth, creating a nature-lover's dream. Be captivated by lemurs literally dancing across trails, gigantic baobab trees framing tropical sunsets, and brilliantly colored birds and butterflies flying among a thousand species of orchids.

Just as Madagascar is unlike anywhere else, our journey to this otherworldly destination differs from any other tour. Rather than of viewing the island's wonders only from vehicles, we get out and hike deep into the most remote mountains, river valleys, and rainforests. This is an ideal trip for active travelers who long to experience firsthand Madagascar's unparalleled nature on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition!

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Activities

5 days moderate hiking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience a Madagascar most travelers miss-up close and action-packed!
• Traverse the sandstone mountains and canyons of Isalo National Park, Madagascar's hiking mecca, and home to the famous ring-tailed lemur
• Trek in virgin rainforests and listen to the eerie wailing calls of the indri indri -- the largest species of lemur!

Duration: 16 days Start Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar End Location: Antananarivo, Madagascar

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Antananarivo

  Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

• Day 2 : Antananarivo, city tour

  Antananarivo city tour.

• Day 3 : Fly to Maroantsetra

  Depart for Maroantsetra, the jumping off point for explorations into Masoala National Park.

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  Day 4 : Masoala National Park and the Tampolo Marine Reserve

  Take an exhilarating boat ride to Tampolo in Masoala National Park-habitat of the red-ruffed lemur, brightly colored frogs and chameleons, and the endangered Madagascar red owl and serpent eagle. Snorkel among the rich sea life of Tampolo's coral reefs.

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  Day 5 : Return to Antananarivo

  Return to Antananarivo today and visit the Lemur Park.

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  Day 6 : Fly to Tulear, drive to Isalo

  Midday flight to the coastal town of Tulear, after which we'll drive inland to Isalo National Park.

• Day 7 : Isalo National Park—day hike

  Full day hike in Isalo National Park.

• Day 8 : Tulear

  Visit to Zombitse Botanical Gardens and Vohibasia National Park before the return drive to Tulear.

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  Day 9 : Fly to Morondava, drive to Bemaraha

  Early morning flight to Morondava, where we'll meet our vehicles for the all-day drive to Bemaraha.

• Days 10 - 11 : Tsingy de Bemaraha

  Hiking and exploring in Tsingy de Bemaraha, an area of true wilderness and unspoiled wildlife habitat.

• Day 12 : Return to Morondava

  Depart Tsingy de Bemaraha for the long drive back to Morondava.

• Day 13 : Perinet, Mantadia National Park

  Fly from Morondava to Antananarivo, then drive to Perinet and Mantadia National Park.

• Day 14 : Exploring Mantadia National Park and Analamazaotra

  A full day to explore the wonders of Mantadia National Park and Analamazaotra.

• Day 15 : Explore Vakona Private Reserve and return to Antananarivo

  Full morning in Vakona Private Reserve before heading back to Tana after lunch. 

• Day 16 : Depart Antananarivo

  Transfer to the airport today for your flight home.

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  La Varangue

  Antananarivo, Madagascar

  The hotel is an oasis of calm, set behind a high wall down a quiet cobbled road just by the presidential palace. The décor is late 19th century French and you really feel you could have been transported back to French colonial times. There are only 8 rooms and the hotel has the feel of an intimate boutique hotel.  They also boast an excellent French restaurant on the terrace with great views of the city.

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  Relais du Masoala

  Madagascar

  Madagascar at its most authentic...untouched, unspoiled, undiscovered. An oasis of peace...of warmth...and of charming simplicity combine to create a wealth of unforgettable memories.

  Perfectly integrated in its lush environment, each spacious thatched-roof "case" (pronounced: kaaz) has  been lovingly crafted by local artisans...the charm of authenticity yet all the comforts of home.

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  Jardin du Roy

  Ranohira, Madagascar

  Le Jardin du Roy is on the edge of Isalo National Park, a few miles outside of Ranohira.

  Built from granite to blend in with the landscape, the main lodge looks down over a long stretch of lawn, which ends in towering sandstone cliffs. Inside the lodge is a restaurant with a fireplace, and a cosy bar with billiards and board games. The hotel has 25 rooms, each simply and tastefully decorated with wooden floors and private patios or balconies. All have en-suite facilities. Rooms are arranged in four separate ’houses’ dotted around an attractive lawned garden surrounding the large outdoor swimming pool. All the buildings are made of local stone, its soft tones blending seemlessly with the beauty of their natural surroundings.

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  Palissandre West

  Morondava, Madagascar

  A luxury beach resort located in Morondava on the Western Coast of Madagascar

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  Olympe du Bemaraha

  Bekopaka, Madagascar

  Located close to the Tsingy of Bemaraha, the hotel is located on a wooded hill and easily accessible, overlooking the river valley and the village of Manambolo Bekopaka.  It has 20 spacious bungalows and a large dining area with a covered terrace to enjoy panoramic views.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File