Why you’ll love this trip?
- Explore Madagascar’s wildlife and culture on the Wild Treasures of Madagascar tour!
- Encounter lemurs and chameleons in lush rainforests and beaches.
- Explore the magical Avenue of the Baobabs and bizarre limestone formations of the Tsingy.
- Experience the warmth of the Malagasy people and culture.
- Our trip blends cultural experiences, unique landscapes, and exotic wildlife encounters!
- We’ve made this journey 18 days, for an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience.
What’s the Activity level?
- Suitable for generally active individuals in good health.
- Moderate walking involved throughout the tour.
- Some 3 to 6 hour hikes in and around national parks.
- Good footwear essential; moderate fitness required for walking.
- No long hikes or trekking days involved
What’s the transport and accommodation like?
- Travel provided in private vehicles and boats.
- One long driving day (9 hours) and 3 days of 4 to 6 hours of driving.
- Be prepared for some rough roads and slower travel. It’s all part of the Madagascar experience.
- Accommodations include local boutique hotels and lodges with private facilities.
- Unique local experience of one-night riverside camping in a rural village.
*All our tours are non-smoking
TRIP SUMMARY
Duration: 19 days from Antananarivo to Antananarivo
Trip focus: A great journey of the highlights on Madagascar.
Accommodation: 17 nights we stay at hotels and lodges with ensuite facilities, and 1 night camping on the shore of the river with no bathrooms but a bush toilet.
Transport: You will be travelling in a van and boat for the journey.
Group size: Maximum 12 + local guide and driver.
Single supplement: NZ$1,650 – or you can request to share with someone of the same gender
Operator: This tour is run by one of our trusted local partners
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Experienced English speaking national guide
- All national guides meals, water and lodgings
- Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and fuel
- All drivers’ meals, water and lodgings
- Private boat transportation with fuel included
- All meals during boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts through the trip as mentioned in the itinerary
- Traditional and picnic lunches as mentioned in the itinerary
- Dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
- Healthy snack for activity days
- Bottled drinking water through the whole trip
- All sightseeing entrance fees where required in the itinerary
- All local guides fees where required in the itinerary
- All local taxes where required in the itinerary
- Accommodation in twin shared room in hotel with daily breakfast (single supplement available)
- Local Tips (except National Guide) – porters, restaurant workers, park guides,…
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages or alcohol drinks not mentioned on itinerary
- All other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion
- National Guide Tips
- Single Supplement (limited availability) Price on application
All prices are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY ANTANANARIVO (TANA)
Upon arriving in Antananarivo (Tana), you will be escorted from the airport and transferred to your hotel where you will stay overnight.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2 – TANA CITY TOUR & LEMUR PARK
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for your tour. This tour will give you a good understanding of the Malagasy history and cultures. Around 12 noon, you will be taken to Maison Vue Royal Restaurant to try a traditional meal for lunch, which will walk you through different cultures and traditions of the country. After lunch, you will visit Lemur Park, a 5 hectare sanctuary located just outside Antananarivo, home to seven species of lemurs and other fascinating Malagasy wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Traditional meal for Lunch
DAY 3 – TANA TO MIANDRIVAZO
Depart Antananarivo at 6:00 AM, heading southwest toward Miandrivazo with a breakfast stop en route. The 11-hour journey includes scenic stops to admire the Highlands’ rice fields and tombs. Enjoy lunch in the colonial town of Antsirabe before continuing through golden savannahs to reach Miandrivazo.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4 – TSIRIBIHINA RIVER DHOW TRIP
This morning you will take a 45 minute drive to reach the Masiakampy pier where a traditional boat is waiting to take you for the river excursion.
This river is marked by enormous cliffs all along the river. Enjoy easy walks to discover hidden waterfalls where you can indulge in swimming and you will have a chance to spot various wildlife like birds, bats, crocodiles and lemurs and will get to stop off in rural villages. You will enjoy some lunch as you travel through flat farming plains and enter the dramatic gorges of the Tsiribihina.
On arrival on the shore of Berevo village, the team will set up the camp. This is a simple wild camping experience. Sleeping mats and blankets are
provided. No proper bathroom but a bush toilet. In the evening, you will have a festive atmosphere animated by the villagers with traditional music and dance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5 – BEREVO VILLAGE TO BEKOPAKA
This morning, you will continue the river trip until you get to Belo Sur Tsiribihina town before midday. You will be driven to Bekopaka in the afternoon which will take around 3.5 hrs, where you will stay for the next 3 nights.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6 – BEKOPAKA: MANAMBOLO GORGES & SMALL TSINGY TOUR
After breakfast, you will embark on a local dugout to discover the Manambolo gorges and caves. You will learn about the rich history of the river and how important it is for the daily life of the population living along the river. We will also visit the Vazimba caves. Next, your guide will lead you to explore the Small Tsingy, remarkable limestone mountains resembling grand cathedrals, created by a dense network of cracks. Picnic lunch will be served in the park.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch
DAY 7 – BEKOPAKA: BIG TSINGY TOUR
Start your day with breakfast at 5:30 AM, followed by a one-hour drive to the Big Tsingy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning limestone formations during a guided four-hour tour, featuring narrow passages, caves, and optional suspended bridge crossings. Watch for wildlife like lemurs and rare chameleons. Afterward, enjoy lunch and relax in Bekopaka before a 5:00 PM village tour, offering insight into local life and culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 8 – BEKOPAKA TO KIRINDY RESERVE
After breakfast, depart Bekopaka at 7:00 AM for a scenic 6-hour drive to Kirindy Reserve, including a 1-hour ferry transfer. Stop for lunch at Mad Zebu Restaurant before arriving at Relais du Kirindy by 3:30 PM. Relax before heading to the reserve at 5:30 PM for a night walk to spot unique wildlife, including fossas, lemurs, and nocturnal species like the Malagasy giant rat. The dry deciduous forest offers a thrilling experience of Madagascar’s vibrant nocturnal life.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9 – KIRINDY RESERVE TO MORONDAVA
After breakfast, explore Kirindy Reserve’s dry deciduous forest, home to rare lemurs like the Verreaux’s sifaka, nocturnal mouse lemurs, and endemic plants like Grandidier’s baobab. Enjoy a morning walk through this rich ecosystem, observing wildlife adaptations. After lunch, take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Morondava, passing the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs. Upon arrival in Morondava, relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 10 – MORONDAVA
Enjoy a leisurely day in Morondava, exploring the local markets, shopping for handmade goods, or relaxing on the beach. In the afternoon, visit the Avenue of the Baobabs to witness a stunning sunset. Capture photos as the towering trees are silhouetted against a vibrant sky. You can also participate in a conservation effort by planting a baobab. Afterward, return to the hotel for a scenic drive back to Laguna Beach Hotel, ending a memorable day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 11 – MORONDAVA TO MIANDRIVAZO
Start your day at 8:00 AM with a visit to a local fishing village, exploring the mangroves by traditional pirogue. Observe villagers at work and immerse yourself in their way of life. After lunch, drive for 4-5 hours to Miandrivazo, passing rural villages, rice fields, and baobab-dotted savannah. Take in the scenic views before arriving in Miandrivazo by 6:00 PM to rest for the next leg of your journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 12 – MIANDRIVAZO TO ANTSIRABE
Start with a 7:00 AM drive from Miandrivazo to Antsirabe, crossing diverse landscapes from arid savannahs to lush highlands. Stop at scenic viewpoints before arriving for lunch in Antsirabe. Spend the afternoon exploring the city by bicycle rickshaw, seeing its colonial architecture, markets, and thermal springs. End with a visit to a zebu horn workshop to learn about Malagasy craftsmanship.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 13 – ANTSIRABE
Today, you will be escorted to explore the renowned Tritriva Lake and its village. Travel time of approximately 1 hour. After spending 45 minutes exploring this mysterious lake, you will be guided through the village. Learn about the daily lives of the villagers, gaining insights into their traditional farming practices, house-building techniques, and daily routines. Lunch
will be enjoyed back in town, where you can savour local and international flavours. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure—explore the charming streets of Antsirabe, visit local markets, supermarket or unwind as you please.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 14 – ANTSIRABE TO RANOMAFANA
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, depart Antsirabe for an 8.5-hour journey to Ranomafana National Park, passing through scenic countryside and the town of Ambositra. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed along the way. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, check-in at your hotel to rest and prepare for the park’s adventures.
Meals Included: Breakfast and picnic Lunch
DAY 15 – RANOMAFANA
After breakfast, embark on a 3-4 hour guided walk in Ranomafana National Park to discover scenic waterfalls, spot wildlife, and increase your chances of seeing the golden bamboo lemur. The park, known for its hot springs, covers 435km² of dense rainforest and is home to diverse species. Afterward, enjoy lunch and visit a nearby Tanala village to explore its unique lifestyle, agricultural practices, and cultural traditions, including a traditional dance performance.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 16 – RANOMAFANA TO AMBOSITRA
After breakfast, we depart for Ambositra, known for its artisan woodwork, with scenic views along the way. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch before arriving in the early afternoon. After checking in, explore the town’s craft shops and watch artisans demonstrate their skills in wood carving and inlaid designs. You’ll have the chance to buy unique souvenirs before enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Ambositra in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast and picnic Lunch
DAY 17 – AMBOSITRA TO ANTSIRABE
After breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the Rova of Ambositra, a historic site that highlights Betsileo heritage. We’ll then head to Mahafaly Village, where you’ll meet a local family and learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs. After the visit, enjoy lunch in Ambositra before continuing on a scenic drive to Antsirabe for a relaxing afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 18 – ANTSIRABE TO TANA
After breakfast, we depart Antsirabe at 8:00 AM for a scenic 4.5-hour drive to Antananarivo, enjoying highland views and glimpses of Malagasy village life. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest before our farewell dinner at La Varangue, a renowned restaurant known for its excellent cuisine and ambiance. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on your journey in Madagascar.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
DAY 19 – DEPARTURE DAY
Today you will be taken to the airport for your international flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
HIGHLIGHTS
DATES
| Start Date | End Date | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18th Sep 2025 | 6th Oct 2025 | AVAILABLE | NZ$7,250 |
