Madagascar · National Parks

19-Day Madagascar Adventure through Tsingy, Baobabs and Southern Beaches

19 Days Round trip from ANTANANARIVO Easy pace
MADAGASCAR BETWEEN LAND & SEA 2026
MADAGASCAR BETWEEN LAND & SEA 2026

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the iconic Tsingy of Bemaraha, Kirindy Forest, and Isalo National Park
  • 02 Watch sunset at Baobab Alley, one of Madagascar's most iconic landscapes
  • 03 Relax on pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons in Ambatomilo, Ifaty, and Anakao
  • 04 Encounter lemurs, fossas, and endemic species across forests, reserves, and national parks
  • 05 Discover Malagasy artisan traditions in Antsirabe, Ambalavao, and Ambositra

Discover Madagascar on a 19-day journey from the central highlands to the south-western coast. Travel along scenic National 7, explore Antsirabe's artisan workshops, and cross the striking landscapes of the Menabe region. Experience the iconic Tsingy of Bemaraha, wildlife-rich Kirindy Forest, and sunset at Baobab Alley before unwinding on the pristine beaches of Ambatomilo, Ifaty, and Anakao. Along the way, encounter lemurs, fossas, endemic flora, and rich Malagasy culture across towns, villages, national parks, and coastal communities.

Watch sunset at Baobab Alley, one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 19 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Toliara, Morondava, Beloni Tsiribihina, Miandrivazo, Isalo National Park, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Kirindy Mitea National Park, Bekopaka, Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ambositra, Ifaty, Anakao, Ambatolampy, Belo sur Mer, Ilakaka
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

IN – Antananarivo (International Flight)

  • Arrive in Antananarivo according to your international flight schedule.
  • Meet and greet at the airport by our staff.
  • Transfer to your hotel and check in.
  • Rest and relax after your journey.

Dinner and overnight at LE LOUVRE HÔTEL.

2
Day 02

Antananarivo – Ambatolampy – Antsirabe (170 km, around 5 hours drive)

  • After breakfast, take the National 7 towards Ambatolampy.
  • Visit the aluminium pot workshop in Ambatolampy.
  • Continue south to Antsirabe passing rice fields and typical Merina villages with red brick houses.
  • Enjoy an afternoon rickshaw city tour in Antsirabe.
  • Visit the zebu horn transformation workshop.
  • Discover Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and lively industrial identity with textile, food and drink factories.
  • Dinner and overnight at COULEUR CAFÉ HÔTEL.
3
Day 03

Antsirabe – Miandrivazo – Morondava (520 km, around 10 hours drive)

  • After breakfast, drive to Morondava via Miandrivazo, known as the warmest city in Madagascar.
  • Travel through diverse landscapes and rural regions of the country.
  • Reach Morondava, capital of the Menabe Kingdom, by late afternoon.
  • Dinner and overnight at PALISSANDRE CÔTE OUEST HÔTEL. 
4
Day 04

Morondava – Belo sur Tsiribihina – Bekopaka (200 km, around 8–9 hours, track road)

  • After breakfast, drive north towards Bekopaka on rough track roads.
  • Cross Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers by local ferry boats.
  • Continue journey through remote western landscapes.
  • Arrive in Bekopaka and transfer to hotel.
  • Dinner and overnight at SOLEIL DES TSINGY HÔTEL. 
5
Day 05

BEKOPAKA: GREAT TSINGY (Good physical condition required)

  • After early breakfast, transfer to the park entrance (about 1 hour drive).
  • Begin full day exploration of the Great Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park.
  • Walk deep inside limestone forest crossing hanging bridges over karst formations.
  • Observe dramatic underground lakes and mangrove swamp ecosystems.
  • Spot wildlife including lemurs, birds and endemic species.
  • Encounter 11 lemur species including Decken’s Sifaka and Red-fronted Brown Lemur.
  • Observe mammals such as Falanouc, ring-tailed mongoose and bats.
  • Experience MNP-built infrastructure including cable ropes, ladders, rocky steps and suspension bridges.
  • Return to hotel after visit.
  • Dinner and overnight at SOLEIL DES TSINGY HÔTEL. 
6
Day 06

Bekopaka – Belo sur Tsiribihina – Tsangajoly (110 km, 5–6 hours, track)

  • After breakfast, drive south towards Tsangajoly on track roads.
  • Cross Tsiribihina River by local ferry boat.
  • Arrive and settle into bungalow overlooking natural surroundings.
  • Afternoon canoe ride through protected area.
  • Visit saltworks and learn history and production of salt.
  • Explore mangrove forest rich in wildlife observation opportunities.
  • Return to lodge after activities.
  • Dinner and overnight at LODGE DE LA SALINE. 
7
Day 07

Tsangajoly – Kirindy Forest – Morondava (90 km, around 4 hours track)

  • After early breakfast, continue to Kirindy Forest.
  • Morning visit to Kirindy Reserve to observe fossas, lemur predators.
  • Spot lemur species including brown lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas.
  • Discover endemic flora and unique forest biodiversity.
  • Drive back to Morondava in the afternoon.
  • Visit “Baobabs in Love” and Baobab Alley.
  • Watch sunset at Baobab Alley, one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes.
  • Dinner and overnight at PALISSANDRE CÔTE OUEST HOTEL.
8
Day 08

MORONDAVA – BELO SUR MER

  • After breakfast, drive to Belo sur Mer through villages and coastal landscapes.
  • Cross rivers, salt works and baobab scenery along the route.
  • Discover traditional Vezo fishermen village lifestyle.
  • Experience boat-building traditions of wooden schooner “boutre” vessels.
  • Dinner and overnight at ECOLODGE DU MENABE or similar simple structure. 
9
Day 09

Belo sur Mer – Manja – Morombe (290 km, around 10 hours rock, land and sand track)

  • After early breakfast, continue south through remote forested tracks.
  • Pass baobab forests and observe wildlife including lemurs, iguanas, geckos and chameleons.
  • Cross Mangoky River by large local ferry boat.
  • Continue towards Morombe, centre of Vezo ethnic community.
  • Arrive late afternoon and transfer to hotel.
  • Dinner and overnight at CHEZ KATIA (simple structure).
10
Day 10

MOROMBE – AMBATOMILO

  • After breakfast, drive along sandy track towards Ambatomilo.
  • Observe traditional southern tombs decorated with carved wooden totems and paintings.
  • Reach Ambatomilo beach, beginning of Madagascar’s Great Barrier Reef region.
  • Enjoy stunning turquoise lagoon views.
  • Dinner and overnight at MAMIRANO ECOLODGE. 
11
Day 11

Ambatomilo (Leisure Day)

  • Breakfast at lodge.
  • Full day at leisure on half-board basis.
  • Relax on private beach with lagoon views of blue and green waters.
  • Use facilities including umbrellas, beach beds, towels, masks and fins.
  • Optional activities include canoeing, paddle, kite surfing, fishing or diving.
  • Dinner and overnight at MAMIRANO ECOLODGE. 
12
Day 12

Ambatomilo – Salary – Ifaty (115 km, around 5–6 hours sand track)

  • After breakfast, drive south through spiny forest landscapes.
  • Pass Salary village and baobab scenery.
  • Arrive in Ifaty overlooking Mozambique Channel.
  • Settle into bungalow with sea views.
  • Dinner and overnight at LES DUNES D’IFATY HOTEL in Villa Sea View.
13
Day 13

Ifaty – Toliara – Anakao (30 km + 1.5 hours boat crossing)

  • After breakfast, drive to Toliara then proceed to port.
  • Take speed boat crossing to Anakao (around 1.5 hours).
  • Arrive and transfer to hotel bungalow overlooking Mozambique Channel.
  • Dinner and overnight at ANAKAO OCEAN LODGE in standard bungalow.
14
Day 14

Anakao

  • Morning pirogue excursion to Nosy Ve island.
  • Observe coral beaches and white sand formations.
  • Discover breeding colony of red-tailed tropicbirds.
  • Afternoon free for relaxation on Anakao beaches.
  • Dinner and overnight at ANAKAO OCEAN LODGE in standard bungalow.
15
Day 15

Anakao – Toliara – Ranohira (Boat + 250 km, 5–6 hours paved road)

  • Morning boat transfer back to Toliara.
  • Visit Antsokay Arboretum with 4-hectare botanical collection.
  • Explore around 900 plant species, mostly endemic and medicinal.
  • Drive to Ranohira through spiny forest landscapes.
  • Pass Ilakaka, known as Madagascar’s sapphire mining “Far West”.
  • Arrive and transfer to bungalow.
  • Dinner and overnight at LE JARDIN DU ROY HOTEL or ISALO ROCK LODGE. 
16
Day 16

Ranohira – Isalo National Park

  • Full day exploration of Isalo National Park.
  • Hike Jurassic sandstone canyons and rock formations.
  • Visit Maki Canyon and Mouse Canyon.
  • Discover natural pools and waterfalls.
  • Observe endemic flora including Pachypodium and Aloe species.
  • Spot lemurs, chameleons, geckos and insects.
  • Visit Bara sacred burial caves.
  • Sunset at Isalo Window viewpoint.
  • Dinner and overnight at LE JARDIN DU ROY HOTEL or ISALO ROCK LODGE. 
17
Day 17

Ranohira – Ambalavao – Fianarantsoa (290 km, 7–8 hours)

  • Early breakfast and drive north to Ambalavao.
  • Visit weekly zebu cattle market (especially Wednesdays).
  • Stop at Anja Reserve to see ring-tailed lemur colony.
  • Visit Antemoro paper workshop using Avoha bark.
  • Continue through vineyards and rural highland scenery.
  • Arrive in Fianarantsoa and transfer to hotel.
  • Dinner and overnight at ZOMATEL or PIETRA HOTEL.
18
Day 18

Fianarantsoa – Ambositra – Antananarivo (410 km, 9–10 hours paved road)

  • After breakfast, drive to Ambositra valley region.
  • Visit Zafimaniry wood carving workshops.
  • Explore traditional Malagasy geometric art and craftsmanship.
  • Continue through rice fields and Betsileo landscapes.
  • Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to hotel.
  • Dinner and overnight at RELAIS DES PLATEAUX HOTEL. 
19
Day 19

Antananarivo – Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at hotel.
  • Transfer to airport for international departure flight.
  • End of services.
Great Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs, Ambatomilo beach, Anakao beaches

Where this trip takes you

Great Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs, Ambatomilo beach, Anakao beaches

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from ANTANANARIVO 19 cities · 19 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation on a half-board basis in Antananarivo on Day 1.
  • Accommodation on a half-board basis during the tour from Day 2 to Day 18.
  • Breakfast only on Day 19.
  • 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.
  • Collective boat during the transfers to and from Anakao.
  • Civil and professional liability insurance.
  • Transport insurance covering passengers and driver.
  • Local bed taxes.
  • VAT.

What's Not Included

  • International flights.
  • All lunches and meals not specified.
  • 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

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain jacket (K-way)
  • Trekking shoes
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Optional portable mosquito net for use during the river descent

Know before you go

  • 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.
  • The Isalo Massif, located within Isalo National Park (established in 1962), is a major highlight of the journey to the south.
  • Its granite formations, sculpted by nature, resemble American canyons, with colours ranging from yellow to pink, enhanced by striking green lichens covering the rocks.
  • Photographing funerary tombs is not strictly forbidden, but it is considered intrusive by the local population.
  • Respect for sacred traditions is essential throughout the journey.
  • 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, such as Salary or other destinations.
  • Recommended season: mid-June to October only.
  • Road conditions: paved roads and passable tracks, sometimes rough in certain areas as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation: good-quality hotels selected in the area. In Belo-sur-Mer and Morombe, accommodations are simple but clean and welcoming.
  • Mobile phone coverage is available only in major towns along the circuit; coverage is limited or unavailable in remote areas.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
ANTANANARIVO
Tour start
ANTANANARIVO
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 19 days finish where they began, in ANTANANARIVO.

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