Madagascar Baobabs & Lemurs Active Safari Private Adventure Tour
Ancient Baobabs, Idyllic Islands & Lemurs
- Available: July, August, September, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-10 Guests
Min Age: 10
Highlights
- Encounter incredible endemic wildlife, including playful lemurs, on thrilling rainforest walks
- Explore the jagged peaks of Tsingy de Bemaraha and enjoy sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs
- Unwind at comfortable hotels and eco-resorts, including a luxurious lodge on idyllic Nosy Komba
Itinerary
Arrive at Antananarivo
Day 1
Welcome to Antananarivo (a.k.a. "Tana" from the French colonial era), the capital and biggest city of Madagascar. Meet an MT Sobek representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Tana. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Palissandre Hotel & Spa
Activity: Scenic drive and lemur encounters
Meals: Dinner
Scenic Drive & Lemur Spotting in Andasibe
Day 2
After breakfast, depart Tana for a scenic drive east to Andasibe, a stunning rainforest park with two protected areas: the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. Perinet is world famous for its population of indri, the largest living lemur species. En route to Andasibe, take in the rural life — rice fields, redbrick houses, roadside fruit, and vegetable stands. After check-in and lunch, head to the private Mitsinjo Reserve. Operated by a local NGO, the reserve helps to fund conservation efforts and is home to a stunning array of wildlife. You can even plant an indigenous species along its reforestation trail!
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge
Activity: 4-hour scenic drive and lemur encounters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Mantadia National Park
Day 3
Go deep into the biodiverse haven of Mantadia National Park. Follow rainforest trails in search of lemurs, including diademed sifakas, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, red-bellied lemurs, and indris. Be amazed by the abundance of endemic birds, from scaly ground rollers to red-breasted couas. This is a naturalist's goldmine with many seldom seen species of mammals, reptiles, and birds! Enjoy a picnic by the Rianasoa Waterfall before hiking back to the vehicle and returning to the lodge. In the evening, you may choose to go on a night walk with your local guide.
Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge
Activity: 1.5-hour scenic drive and lemur encounters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Tsingy de Bemaraha
Day 4
Return to Tana this morning and board a private charter flight to Tsingy de Bemaraha, a stunning UNESCO-listed nature reserve. Arrive in Amborondia and settle into your boutique hotel in the heart of the reserve. After lunch, visit the otherworldly pinnacles of the Petit Tsingy — taking either the Tantely circuit or the Andadoany forest trail. Spot some of the 53 bird species and six lemur species that make their home here, and take in the fabulous views of the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Le Soleil des Tsingy-Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
Activity: Walking tour with wildlife encounters (easy and moderate options available)
Transportation: 5.5-hour private vehicle transfer; 1.5-hour private charter flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Grand Tsingy on a Walking Adventure
Day 5
Enjoy a full-day exploration of Grand Tsingy. Tiptoe over the sharp roof of the Tsingy, cross a high-rope bridge, and meander through pockets of dry deciduous forest. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this forest of 130- to 160-foot razor-sharp limestone peaks was produced by the erosion of limestone massifs over millions of years. The Tsingy shelters a startling array of wildlife, including 11 species of lemur, 103 species of birds, 15 species of bats, 22 species of amphibians, and a variety of reptiles.
Accommodation: Le Soleil des Tsingy-Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
Activity: 5-6 hours/2-4 miles hiking with 1,297' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sunset Drive through the Avenue of Baobabs
Day 6
Set off on a private charter flight to Morondava, gateway to the Avenue of the Baobabs. Check into your beachside bungalow and enjoy lunch before taking a tour of the city. Then drive to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs for a beautiful sunset among the Adansonia grandidieri, the largest of Madagascar's six species of baobab.
Accommodation: Palissandre Cote Ouest-Morondava, Madagascar
Transportation: 45-minute private charter flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Antananarivo
Day 7
Today you'll return to Tana by private charter flight and relax at a comfortable hotel near Ivato Airport. Enjoy the heated swimming pool and newly built spa with sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym and spa therapies using traditional Malagasy remedies.Accommodation: Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa
Transportation: 1.5-hour private charter flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Experience Island Luxury on Nosy Komba
Day 8
Wake today for your flight to palm-fringed Nosy Be. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by Tsara Komba staff and transferred to your exquisite luxury lodge on Nosy Komba. Take in the incredible sea views from your beautiful wood-and-thatch lodge, nestled on a hillside between the forest and the beach. Nosy Komba is a former volcano covered by lush vegetation and surrounded by sapphire-blue sea and golden, sandy beaches. It's the perfect place to unwind in nature and explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Tsara Komba Lodge
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer; 1-hour transfer by road and boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Wonders of Nosy Komba
Day 9
Fill your days on Nosy Komba with your own selection of activities, arranged by the hotel. Take a customized excursion to a neighboring island, spot wildlife in nature reserves, go fishing or quad biking, or explore the ocean on a snorkeling adventure. All these activities are just a few minutes away from the hotel!Accommodation: Tsara Komba Lodge
Activity: Optional island activities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paradise Adventure on Nosy Komba
Day 10
Enjoy another day of activities on Nosy Komba, including exploration of beaches and the forest, or take a boat to another island in the archipelago. Like yesterday, you can try snorkeling, then relax at the lodge and admire the beauty of your natural surroundings. Raise a toast to your adventure at a farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Tsara Komba Lodge
Activity: Optional island activities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Nosy Be
Day 11
Take a morning boat transfer back to Nosy Be in time for your international outbound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
8 to 10 guests from $5,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $6,495 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $6,795 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare per person for 4 (varies depending on month and number of guests) from: $3,040
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
July, August, September, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- Internal Airfare cost (ranges from $1,795 - $5,330 per person)
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Mr. Josefa
Mr Josefa has been guiding in Madagascar for over 20 years and holds a certificate in tourism from the Madagascar Chambre of Commerce. He is dedicated to sharing Madagascar's cultural and ecological diversity and providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Mr Josefa studied English Language at the Institute of Antananarivo, and is delighted to be able to communicate his in-depth knowledge of Madagascar's unique flora and fauna to MT Sobek guests on our popular Madagascar adventures.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Enjoy a mix of scenic drives and forest walks to view endemic species. Some paths may be steep and slippery, and look out for sharp rocks at Tsingy de Bemaraha. At Nosy Be, expect island activities including swimming and snorkeling.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
Scenic drive and lemur encounters
Day 2
4-hour scenic drive and lemur encounters
Day 3
1.5-hour scenic drive and lemur encounters
Day 4
Walking tour with wildlife encounters (easy and moderate options available)
Day 5
5-6 hours/2-4 miles hiking with 1,297' elevation gain & loss
Day 9
Optional island activities
Day 10
Optional island activities
Accommodations
Boutique hotels and eco-lodges with deluxe amenities, all in the midst of pristine nature. Includes the luxurious Tsara Komba beach resort.
Palissandre Hotel & Spa
Overlooking the Avenue of Independence, the Palissandre Hotel & Spa offers a perfect base for exploring the city. Comfortable rooms each feature a terrace, satellite TV, and A/C. Meals are served on the terrace overlooking the Malagasy capital. The hotel showcases a bar, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Le Soleil des Tsingy-Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
Located at the heart of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Le Soleil des Tsingy offers 17 cozy and elegant bungalows, each with a private terrace, slate tile and Italian showers in the bathrooms, and large netting-covered beds. Guests cool off in the infinity pool, or dine at the restaurant while taking in dramatic views of the Manalambo River at sunset.
Palissandre Cote Ouest-Morondava, Madagascar
Situated at Nosy Kely on the beach of Morondava, Hôtel Palissandre Côte Ouest is a tropical paradise just 30 minutes from the famed Avenue of the Baobabs, and a perfect base for exploring the otherworldly Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Guests relax by the pool, at the bar and restaurant, and in their spacious bungalows with private terraces and sea views.
Mantadia Lodge
Newly constructed in 2018, this lodge is a beautiful accommodation built on a hill with views of the surrounding forest. The Mantadia has an onsite restaurant offering 3 meals per day, in addition to a gorgeous turquoise pool and spa with a variety of treatments available. The rooms have private terraces, wood burning stoves, satellite TV, and WiFi. The staff is very helpful, and the hotel has a boutique where guests can find gifts unique to the region including natural silk, and a variety of souvenirs from local artisans.
Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa
Perfectly located close to the airport, the Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa is an ideal stop off in a lush green setting. Its 46 comfortable rooms are tastefully furnished and well-appointed with modern amenities. The Ikambo Restaurant offers gourmet cuisine in a friendly and relaxing setting, and you can sip a cocktail or fresh smoothie at the bar.
Tsara Komba Lodge
Tsara Komba Lodge is a 4-star luxury hotel in perfect keeping with its natural surroundings. Its eight wood and thatch bungalows are perched on the forested hillside and have incredible sea views as well as high-end amenities. Savor excellent slow-food cuisine and delight in tailor-made excursions that get you to the heart of the archipelago. Experience exclusive eco-luxury at its best!
Weather
Expect a tropical maritime climate with cooler temperatures in the highlands and warmer temperatures from 70-90°F on the islands.
FAQs
Do I need a visa for Madagascar?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays less than 30 days. Do not go to the visa counter at the airport.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
We always recommend you speak to your doctor or a health professional about vaccinations and malaria tablets well in advance of your safari. At present, certain areas of Madagascar are affected by malaria.
Why is the internal air so high for this trip?
We use several private charters for the itinerary because the local airline is unreliable and also the Tsingy de Bemaraha is a 10-12 hour drive from the nearest commercial airport.
How safe is Madagascar?
Madagascar is a relatively safe country. Petty crime is high in big cities. Avoid showing off personal objects in crowded places, as you would any big city in the world.
Why should I consider Madagascar?
From magnificent mountains to idyllic islands, to triumphant trees, it's an exotic sanctuary that is unparalleled to any other place in this world.
Can I drink the water in Madagascar?
Drinking tap water is not recommended in Madagascar. We advise that you only drink bottled water, or treated water, which is readily available. It is also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
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