Madagascar · Wildlife

11-Day Madagascar Wildlife and Culture Tour with Tsingy and Baobab Alley

11 Days Round trip from ANTANANARIVO Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk through Andasibe rainforest and observe the iconic Indri-Indri lemurs in their natural habitat
02 Experience authentic Malagasy culture through village life and traditional artisan workshops in Antsirabe
03 Discover the dramatic landscapes of the semi-arid Menabe region and western Madagascar
04 Encounter unique biodiversity including endemic flora and fauna across forests, reserves, and national parks

Discover Madagascar on a journey from the central highlands to the eastern rainforest and the striking landscapes of the west. Visit Andasibe National Park to see the iconic Indri-Indri lemurs and explore the island's rich biodiversity, then continue through Antsirabe's artisan workshops, scenic villages, and the semi-arid Menabe region. Along the way, experience Malagasy culture, unique traditions, and dramatic natural contrasts. This tour blends wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and remarkable scenery for an unforgettable insight into Madagascar's endemic flora, fauna, and local way of life.

Discover Madagascar on a journey from the central highlands to the eastern rainforest and the striking landscapes of the west.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Morondava, Miandrivazo, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Kirindy Mitea National Park, Bekopaka, Ambatolampy

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo according to your international flight schedule.
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel by staff.
Dinner and overnight at LE LOUVRE HÔTEL.

Day 02

Antananarivo to Andasibe via Marozevo

Drive east to Andasibe after breakfast.
Visit the Exotic Reserve of Mr. Peyrieras in Marozevo, known for reptiles and insects.
Arrive and settle into your bungalow with nature views.
Visit Vakona Private Reserve, including the crocodile park and lemur island.
Enjoy a canoe ride or horseback riding in the forest surroundings.
Dinner and overnight at MANTADIA LODGE.

Day 03

Rainforest Exploration in Andasibe National Park

Morning visit to Andasibe National Park rainforest.
Explore the dense humid forest with orchids, moss, ferns, and lianas.
Observe Indri-Indri, the largest lemur species in Madagascar.
Hear their calls echo across the forest.
Discover endemic plants, including the Ravenea louvelii palm.
Afternoon free at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at MANTADIA LODGE.

Day 04

Andasibe to Antsirabe through the Highlands

Return to Antananarivo after breakfast.
Visit an aluminium pot workshop in Ambatolampy.
Continue through highland landscapes and Merina villages.
Arrive in Antsirabe for a rickshaw city tour.
Visit a zebu horn workshop.
Explore the thermal spa town and its industrial heritage.
Dinner and overnight at COULEUR CAFÉ HÔTEL.

Day 05

Antsirabe to Morondava via Miandrivazo

Drive through Miandrivazo, known as the hottest city in Madagascar.
Cross diverse landscapes towards the west coast.
Arrive in Morondava, capital of the Menabe Kingdom.
Dinner and overnight at PALISSANDRE CÔTE OUEST HÔTEL.

Day 06

Morondava to Bekopaka by Track and Ferry

Drive north to Bekopaka.
Cross the Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers by ferry boat.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at SOLEIL DES TSINGY HÔTEL.

Day 07

Adventure in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Early transfer to the park entrance.
Explore the limestone forest and hanging bridges.
Discover karst formations and deep canyons.
Observe 11 lemur species, including Indri-type species.
Spot fossas, mongoose, and bats.
Walk through cable bridges, ladders, and rocky trails.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at SOLEIL DES TSINGY HÔTEL.

Day 08

Bekopaka to Tsangajoly and Mangrove Discovery

Cross the Tsiribihina River by ferry.
Arrive at Tsangajoly and settle into your bungalow.
Enjoy a canoe ride through the protected mangrove area.
Visit the saltworks and learn about the history of salt production.
Explore the wildlife-rich mangrove ecosystem.
Dinner and overnight at LODGE DE LA SALINE.

Day 09

Kirindy Reserve and Sunset at Baobab Alley

Visit Kirindy Reserve.
Observe fossas in their natural habitat.
Spot lemur species, including Verreaux's sifakas.
Discover endemic forest flora.
Drive back via Baobab Alley and the Baobabs in Love.
Watch the sunset at Baobab Alley.
Dinner and overnight at PALISSANDRE CÔTE OUEST HOTEL.

Day 10

Flight from Morondava to Antananarivo

Transfer to Morondava airport.
Fly to Antananarivo (around a 1-hour flight).
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight at LE LOUVRE HOTEL.

Day 11

Departure from Antananarivo

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel.
After that, you will be transferred to the airport.
This marks the end of your beautiful adventure in the Malagasy land.
Check in and depart from Antananarivo according to your international flight schedule.

Where this trip takes you

Andasibe National Park, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from ANTANANARIVO 9 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation on a half-board basis in Antananarivo on Day 1 and Day 10.
Accommodation on a half-board basis during the tour from Day 2 to Day 9.
Breakfast only on Day 11.
Transfers as mentioned in the program.
Private tour in an air-conditioned 4WD with an English- or French-speaking driver: 3 clients per vehicle.
Fuel charge.
All entrance and local guide fees in parks and tourist sites highlighted in the program.
1 bottle of mineral water per day during the tour in the car.
Civil and professional liability insurance.
Transport insurance covering passengers and driver.
Local bed taxes.
VAT.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights.
All lunches.
Eventual Christmas dinner and New Year's Eve dinner.
All drinks.
English-speaking tour guide.
Services not mentioned in the program.
Personal expenses: tips, laundry, phone calls, etc.
Visa fee: around EUR 35 per person for any stay of less than 1 month (30 days). It can be obtained only at the airport upon arrival.
Travel insurance: it is important that all travellers have their own insurance covering accidents, repatriation, cancellations, and loss of bags.

What to bring

Comfortable clothing suitable for changing weather conditions across the highlands, rainforest, and west coast.
Good walking shoes for rocky trails, ladders, hanging bridges, and national park visits.
Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Rain protection, especially for travel in the eastern region.
A camera for wildlife and landscape photography, while respecting local customs around photographing funerary tombs.
Personal essentials for remote areas with limited mobile phone coverage.

Know before you go

Departure from the capital of Imerina, Antananarivo (central highlands), heading east to reach Andasibe, one of the most visited national parks in Madagascar. It is home to the largest lemur in Madagascar, the Indri-Indri.
Departure from Antananarivo, the capital of Imerina in the central highlands.
The journey includes a visit to the artisans of the Vakinankaratra region in Antsirabe, renowned for handmade aluminium pots, zebu horn crafts, and miniature toy workshops.
Antsirabe is also a thermal spa town with agro-food, textile, and tobacco industries, giving it a charm similar to a quiet European provincial town.
The itinerary then passes through the semi-arid Menabe region, reminiscent of the American Far West, with landscapes in shades of yellow and pink across wide dry plains.
Photographing funerary tombs is not strictly forbidden, but the local population considers it intrusive.
Respect for sacred traditions is essential.
In some cases, photography may be permitted with prior agreement.
This itinerary is relatively challenging and requires flexibility and an adventurous spirit, especially during the journey from Miandrivazo to the seaside (e.g., Salary or other destinations).
Recommended season: mid-June to October only.
The east is very rainy in February and March.
Low rainfall occurs in April and May.
Scattered showers occur in June, July, and August.
The best period to visit is September to December.
Road conditions include paved roads and passable tracks, sometimes rough in certain areas as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation: good-quality hotels selected in the area.
Mobile phone coverage is available only in major towns along the circuit, with limited or no coverage in remote areas.