Madagascar · National Parks

12-Day Madagascar Highlands to Anakao Tour with Parks and Beaches

12 Days Round trip from ANTANANARIVO Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover Madagascar's diverse landscapes from the highlands to the rainforest and southern coast
02 Spot lemurs, endemic birds, and unique flora in Ranomafana, Anja, Isalo, and Zombitse
03 Explore Malagasy culture through wood carving, Antemoro paper, tea production, and local markets
04 Hike through the Jurassic rock canyons, valleys, and natural pools of Isalo National Park
05 Relax on the white-sand beaches of Anakao with views over the Mozambique Channel

Discover Madagascar on a 12-day journey from the central highlands to the southern coast, combining rich biodiversity, cultural encounters, and dramatic landscapes. Travel through scenic rice fields, traditional villages, rainforest, and national parks, with opportunities to spot lemurs, endemic birds, and unique flora along the way. The tour also highlights Malagasy craftsmanship, tea production, and striking geological formations in Isalo. With moderate walks, scenic road journeys, and relaxing time by the beach in Anakao, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.

Hike through one of Madagascar's most striking landscapes, shaped by ancient geological formations and Jurassic rock canyons.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Toliara, Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park, Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ambositra, Sahambavy, Anakao, Ambatolampy

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrival in Antananarivo and airport transfer.
Meet and greet followed by hotel check-in.
Dinner and overnight at Le Louvre Hôtel.

Day 02

From Antananarivo to Antsirabe via Ambatolampy

Distance: 170 km, approximately 5-6 hours' drive.
After breakfast, depart along National Road 7 towards Ambatolampy.
Visit a traditional aluminium pot workshop en route.
Continue the journey to Antsirabe through scenic rice fields and Merina villages with red-brick houses.
Arrive in Antsirabe and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, enjoy a rickshaw city tour of Antsirabe.
Visit zebu horn handicraft workshops and local producers of traditional sweets.
Antsirabe is known for its thermal springs and industrial activities, including textiles, food, and beverages.
Dinner and overnight at Couleur Café Hôtel.

Day 03

Through Ambositra to Ranomafana

Distance: 260 km, approximately 7-8 hours, paved road.
After breakfast, drive to Ambositra, situated in a scenic valley surrounded by rice paddies and green peaks.
Explore Ambositra, known as the carpentry capital of Madagascar, with strong Zafimaniry and Betsileo cultural influence.
Observe traditional wood carving and geometric motifs reflecting local daily life and heritage.
Visit wood carving workshops, often located in homes or open garden spaces.
Continue towards Ranomafana through landscapes of rice fields and traditional Betsileo houses made of puddled clay.
Arrive in Ranomafana and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner and overnight at Thermal Hôtel.

Day 04

Ranomafana Rainforest and Tea Estate in Sahambavy

Distance: 110 km, approximately 3-4 hours, paved road and track.
After breakfast, transfer to the entrance of Ranomafana National Park.
Hike inside the tropical rainforest for around 3-4 hours.
Learn about the meaning of Ranomafana:

Day 05

From Sahambavy to Ranohira via Ambalavao

Distance: 305 km, approximately 8-9 hours, track and paved road.
After breakfast, drive to Ambalavao via Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo ethnic group.
Visit Ambalavao, known for Antemoro paper made from Avoha bark and decorated with natural flowers.
Explore the famous zebu market, held every Wednesday, the largest cattle market in Madagascar.
Continue south with a stop at Anja Forest Reserve.
Observe ring-tailed lemurs (Maki), chameleons, and other native reptiles in their natural habitat.
Proceed to Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park and land of the Bara ethnic group.
Arrive at sunset and enjoy an aperitif at the

Day 06

Full-Day Exploration of Isalo National Park

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day dedicated to exploring Isalo National Park.
Hike through one of Madagascar's most striking landscapes, shaped by ancient geological formations and Jurassic rock canyons.
Discover dramatic valleys including Maki Canyon and Mice Canyon.
Visit natural swimming pools and waterfalls within the park.
Explore Isalo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique rock formations and biodiversity.
Observe endemic flora such as Pachypodium and Aloe species.
Spot wildlife including lemurs (Fulvus, Sifaka, Verreaux), chameleons, geckos, and various insects.
Learn about the sacred burial sites of the Bara ethnic group within canyon caves.
Enjoy sunset views from Isalo Window or from the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Isalo Rock Lodge.

Day 07

From Ranohira to Toliara via Zombitse

Distance: 250 km, approximately 6-7 hours' drive, paved road with potholes.
After an early breakfast, drive south to Zombitse National Park.
Explore the park and observe endemic wildlife, especially its diverse bird species.
Discover Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a unique remnant forest in a semi-arid landscape.
Spot rare flora such as strangler figs and occasional baobab trees.
Observe around 85 bird species, including coua, white-browed owl, black parrot, and blue vanga.
There is also a possibility of encountering lemurs, including mostly nocturnal species.
Continue towards Toliara through arid southern landscapes with baobabs, thorny forests, and traditional tombs.
Arrive in Toliara and enjoy a short city sightseeing tour.
Dinner and overnight at Moringa Hotel.

Day 08

Boat Transfer to Anakao

After breakfast, transfer to the port for departure.
Board a speedboat to Anakao, with a crossing of approximately one hour.
Arrive in Anakao and meet the hotel staff upon arrival.
Transfer to your bungalow and check in at the lodge.
Enjoy views over the Mozambique Channel.
Free time to relax by the beach.
Dinner and overnight at Anakao Ocean Lodge in a standard bungalow.

Day 09

Nosy Ve Excursion or Leisure in Anakao

After breakfast, there is an optional excursion, at extra cost, by local pirogue to Nosy Ve.
Discover coral-origin sandy beaches with striking white sands formed from crushed shells.
Visit Nosy Ve, a small island known for its untouched natural beauty near Anakao.
Observe a colony of endemic red-tailed tropicbirds, locally known as

Day 10

Leisure Day in Anakao

Free day at leisure in Anakao.
Enjoy your stay in half-board accommodation at the lodge.
Time for relaxation by the beach or personal activities.
Optional independent exploration of the surroundings.
Dinner and overnight at Anakao Ocean Lodge in a standard bungalow.

Day 11

Return to Antananarivo via Toliara

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning boat transfer back to Toliara.
Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your domestic flight.
Flight to Antananarivo.
Arrival at Ivato Airport, Antananarivo, and meet and greet on arrival.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner and overnight at Le Louvre Hotel.

Day 12

Antananarivo City Tour and Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
Morning city tour of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
Visit the Queen's Palace (Rova of Antananarivo), an important historical landmark.
Explore the local handicraft market for souvenir shopping.
Discover the cultural and historical significance of

Day 12

Antananarivo City Tour and Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
Morning city tour of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
Visit the Queen's Palace (Rova of Antananarivo), an important historical landmark.
Explore the local handicraft market for souvenir shopping.
Discover the cultural and historical significance of

Day 12

Antananarivo City Tour and Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
Morning city tour of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
Visit the Queen's Palace (Rova of Antananarivo), an important historical landmark.
Explore the local handicraft market for souvenir shopping.
Discover the cultural and historical significance of 'Tana', the centre of Malagasy power for over three centuries.
Transfer to the airport after the city tour.
Assistance with check-in and departure formalities.
End of services and departure for your international flight.

Where this trip takes you

Ranomafana National Park rainforest, Isalo National Park canyons, Anakao beaches

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from ANTANANARIVO 12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a half-board basis in Antananarivo on Day 1 and Day 11.
Accommodation on a half-board basis during the tour from Day 2 to Day 7.
Accommodation on a half-board basis during the beach stay in Anakao from Day 8 to Day 10.
Breakfast only on Day 12.
Transfers as mentioned in the program.
Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a French-speaking driver (4WD or minivan for 1-6 pax, bus for 7+ pax).
Fuel charges included.
All entrance fees and local guide services for parks and sites mentioned in the itinerary.
One tour leader free of charge in a single room for groups of 10+ paying guests (excluding flights and extra full-board supplements).
One bottle of mineral water per person per day during road travel.
Civil and professional liability insurance.
Transport insurance covering passengers and driver.
Local bed taxes included.
VAT included.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights are not included.
All lunches are excluded from the package.
Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners, if applicable, are not included.
All beverages and drinks are excluded.
English-speaking tour guide services are not included.
Any services not mentioned in the program are excluded.
Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
Visa fee (approx. EUR 35 per person for stays up to 30 days), payable on arrival at the airport.
Travel insurance is not included; travellers must arrange their own insurance covering accidents, repatriation, cancellations, and baggage loss.

What to bring

Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket
Trekking shoes
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Hat
Sunglasses
Swimsuit for the natural pools in Isalo National Park
Rain jacket for Ranomafana

Know before you go

Photography of tombs is sensitive; locals consider it part of their sacred traditions and private space, so respect is essential.
Taking photos is generally allowed, but discretion and cultural sensitivity are strongly advised.
The tour is suitable year-round, with the best travel periods being September-October and April-June.
Roads are mostly asphalted but may include potholes and a short dirt track inside Isalo National Park.
Accommodation is based on selected good-quality hotels throughout the tour.
Mobile network coverage is limited and mainly available in major towns along the route.
The itinerary is not technically difficult, but it requires good physical fitness due to 3-4 hours of walking in parks and reserves.
Trails can be uneven and moderately challenging in certain areas.
Rain is frequent in Ranomafana, as it is a rainforest; a rain jacket is essential.
A swimsuit is recommended for the natural pools in Isalo National Park.
No mandatory vaccinations are required, though antimalarial protection is advised.
Essential items include warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a flashlight, a hat, and sunglasses.
The climate varies from hot and rainy summers (Nov-Mar) to cooler, drier winters (Apr-Oct), with temperatures ranging from 4°C in the highlands to 35°C in the southern regions.