Madagascar · National Parks

8-Day Southwestern Madagascar National Park Tour with Isalo and Ifaty

8 Days Round trip from Antananarivo Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 See major national parks and varied landscapes across southwestern Madagascar
02 Trek through Isalo National Park to the Natural Swimming Pool and Isalo Window
03 Visit craftsmen workshops and wooden artworks in Ambositra
04 Learn about local wine production in Ambalavao
05 Enjoy whale watching in Ifaty or Mangily from June to September

Travel through the provinces of Antananarivo, Fianarantsoa, and Toliary, known for their national parks and varied natural landscapes. Hike to unique sights such as baobab forests, different species of lemurs, the Isalo Window, and natural swimming pools, while also discovering local culture through Malagasy alcohol production, woodwork, and artisan workshops in village communities. This tour combines wildlife, trekking, beaches, and cultural encounters across southwestern Madagascar.

Hike to unique sights such as baobab forests, different species of lemurs, the Isalo Window, and natural swimming pools, while also discovering local culture through Malagasy alcohol production, woodwork, and artisan workshops in village communities.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Toliara, Sakaraha, Isalo National Park, Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ambositra, Ifaty, Ilakaka

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Tsimbazaza Park Visit and Drive to Antsirabe

Begin the day by visiting the Zoological and Botanical National Park in Tsimbazaza.
In the afternoon, drive to Antsirabe and stay there overnight.

Day 02

Craft Workshops in Ambositra and Arrival in Ambalavao

Today, visit the craftsmen's workshop and the woodwork art shop in Ambositra. Upon arriving in Ambalavao in the afternoon, continue with visits to a silk workshop and a traditional paper workshop. If you like wine, I will be glad to take you to the local wine store, as Ambalavao is well known as Madagascar's first local wine producer.

Spend the night in Ambalavao (B&B).

Day 03

Anja Park Visit and Transfer to Ranohira

Visit Anja Park, known for its rocky landscape filled with fallen rocks and boulders. This reserve has many sheltered habitats and the highest concentration of maki (ring-tailed lemurs) in all of Madagascar.

Night in Ranohira (B&B).

Day 04

Hiking in Isalo National Park

Hike and trek through Isalo National Park to see makis, the Natural Swimming Pool, the rock formation known as the

Day 05

From Ranohira to Ifaty via Ilakaka and Sakaraha

Today, visit the sapphire mining site in Ilakaka by the roadside.
Then see how Malagasy alcohol is traditionally produced in Sakaraha.

Overnight stay in Ifaty/Mangily (B&B).

Day 06

Ifaty and Mangily Beaches, Forest, and Marine Activities

Visit the Turtle's Village and the baobab forest park, and take part in activities such as surfing and diving.
Besides enjoying the wonderful beaches in Ifaty and Mangily, you can also participate in whale watching, which is best done between June and September.

Night in Ifaty/Mangily (B&B).

Day 07

Relaxing Day in Ifaty and Mangily

Beach and relax.

Day 08

Return to Antananarivo via Toliara

On the last day of the tour, head back to Antananarivo via Toliara.
Take the flight back to Antananarivo from Toliara.

Where this trip takes you

Isalo National Park, Natural Swimming Pool, Ifaty, baobab forest park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Antananarivo 10 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Flight tickets from Toliara to Antananarivo.
All means of transportation (public transportation and private 4x4 vehicle) from the first day until the eighth day, including fuel.
All nights in hotels or bungalows (bed and breakfast).
Transfer from the airport to Le Relais des Plateaux hotel in Antananarivo.
All entrance fees to the parks and their local guides.
Disposable face masks and hand-washing liquid for protection from Covid-19.
Personal Madagascar tour guide.

What's Not Included

All international flight costs.
Insurance and visa expenses.
Purchasing any personal items, including shopping, souvenirs, snacks, bottled water, and meals in restaurants.
Diving or surfing activities in Ifaty/Mangily village.
Whale watching activity.

What to bring

Please bring the following items during the tour:

Depending on the season.
During the dry season, from August to December, you need to bring light clothing.
During the rainy season, from December to March, you need to bring a raincoat.
During the winter, from April to July, you need to bring warm clothing.
In all seasons, you must wear hard shoes while trekking in Isalo National Park.
Do not forget to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight. Sometimes, the power does not work 24/7 in the countryside of Madagascar.

Know before you go

In Madagascar, the southwest is the most visited area. Since the road facilities make the tour easy and feasible in all seasons, from January to December, you will see how nice the people in these three different provinces are. You are always welcome wherever you go and whoever you meet across Madagascar Island.
Hiring a local guide is mandatory when you visit any park in Madagascar.
If you bring USD bills, make sure they were issued after 2010. In Madagascar, no money changer company accepts USD bills issued before 2010.
Wearing a face mask is still mandatory in crowded and confined places.
A Covid-19 vaccination pass is required at the airport.

Logistics