12 Day Madagascar Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Prices From: £2985/$3885 per person sharing and £3785/$4925 per person in a solo room
This comprehensive Madagascar Small Group Tour takes you from the vibrant capital of Antananarivo deep into the island’s most diverse landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems. Traveling east into lush rainforests, south through the dramatic highlands, and onward to the arid southwest coast, the tour offers an exceptional blend of wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries, and scenic beauty. From traditional villages and historic towns to remote national parks, each day reveals a new side of Madagascar’s unique identity.
Highlights include guided walks in Andasibe and Ranomafana National Parks to observe endemic wildlife such as indri lemurs, chameleons, and rare bird species, as well as immersive experiences in community-managed reserves. The journey south showcases Madagascar’s cultural richness through visits to craft centers, wine farms, silk weaving cooperatives, and ancient tomb sites, while the striking sandstone formations of Isalo National Park provide unforgettable hiking and landscapes shaped by time and tradition.
The adventure concludes along the southwest coast in Ifaty, where coral reefs, spiny forests, and Vezo fishing communities offer a relaxing contrast to the inland journey. With time for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and cultural interaction, followed by a return to Antananarivo for final sightseeing, this itinerary delivers a well-balanced exploration of Madagascar’s natural wonders, living traditions, and remarkable diversity.
Tour Highlights
- Lemur encounters in Andasibe–Mantadia Rainforest
- Guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife
- Scenic Central Highlands drive through rice terraces and villages
- Wildlife trekking Ranomafana National Park
- Cultural discoveries in Ambositra, Fianarantsoa & Ambalavao
- Hiking the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Isalo National Park
- Relaxation on the Ifaty coast with reefs, baobabs and Vezo culture
- Spiny desert and southern tribes’ lands to the west coast
Day Overview
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo, meet and greet at the airport, and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe
Scenic drive east through lush landscapes and Merina villages to Andasibe. Afternoon visit to the V.O.I.I.M.A Community Reserve for wildlife viewing. Evening guided night walk to spot nocturnal species.
Day 3: Andasibe to Antananarivo
Morning guided walk in Andasibe Special Reserve to see indri lemurs and endemic flora and fauna. Afternoon return drive to Antananarivo and overnight.
Day 4: Antananarivo to Antsirabe
Travel south through the central highlands, passing rice terraces and lavaka formations. Stop in Ambatolampy before continuing to Antsirabe, arriving late afternoon.
Day 5: Antsirabe to Ranomafana
Drive south via Ambositra, known for wood carving, and Le Col de Tapia. Continue through scenic highlands to Ranomafana National Park.
Day 6: Ranomafana National Park
Full day exploring Ranomafana National Park with guided walks through rainforest trails, searching for lemurs, chameleons, and other endemic wildlife.
Day 7: Ranomafana to Ranohira (Isalo)
Depart Ranomafana toward Fianarantsoa with an optional wine farm visit. Continue to Ambalavao for Antemoro paper and silk weaving projects. Scenic drive through Andringitra Mountains and Horombe Plateau to Isalo.
Day 8: Isalo National Park
Guided hike in Isalo National Park, exploring dramatic sandstone formations, unique vegetation, streams, and culturally significant sites.
Day 9: Isalo to Ifaty
Drive south to Tuléar, passing Mahafaly and Antandroy tombs. Continue to Ifaty through spiny forest landscapes and Vezo fishing villages.
Day 10: Ifaty
Leisure day at the coast. Optional activities include snorkeling, diving, Reniala Forest visit, whale watching in season, and a village walk to experience Vezo fishing life.
Day 11: Ifaty to Antananarivo
Early morning flight back to Antananarivo. Afternoon free for sightseeing, including the Upper Town, Rova Palace, Mid-Town, and Avenue de l’Indépendance.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport at the scheduled time for your onward flight, marking the end of the tour.
Key Facts
Starts: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Ends: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Meals: 11 Breakfasts
Travel Style: Mid-Range Comfort
Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Transport: Internal Flight and 4×4 Vehicle
Group Size: Min 4 and Max 10
Includes
- 2 Nights Palissandre Hotel & Spa in Antananarivo
- 2 Nights Vakona Forest Lodge in Andasibe
- 1 Night Plumeria Hotel in Antsirabe
- 2 Nights Setam Lodge in Ranomafana
- 2 Nights Isalo Rock Lodge in Ranohira
- 2 Nights Les Dunes d’Ifaty in Ifaty
- 4×4 Transport
- Internal Flight Tuléar to Tana
- All Park and Entrance Fees
Excludes
- International Flights to/from Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Optional activities
- All drinks
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Dates
5th April 2026
19th April 2026
3rd May 2026
19th May 2026
31st May 2026
21st June 2026
5th July 2026
19th July 2026
2nd August 2026
23rd August 2026
6th September 2026
20th September 2026
4th October 2026
18th October 2026
1st November 2026
22nd November 2026
