Madagascar · National Parks

11-Day Madagascar Southern Circuit Tour with Ranomafana and Anakao

12 Days Round trip from Antananarivo Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Ranomafana National Park, home to diverse wildlife species
02 Discover the enchanting Isalo National Park with its stunning landscapes
03 Relax in the coastal paradise of Anakao and Nosy Ve Island
04 Visit Ambalavao to discover the origins of traditional Antemoro paper
05 Admire the spiny forest of Ifaty with its baobabs and reptiles

Embark on an 11-day journey through Madagascar's Southern Circuit, from the lush highlands around Antananarivo to the wildlife-rich forests of Ranomafana and the surreal landscapes of Isalo National Park. Along the way, discover traditional villages, artisan workshops, Antemoro paper-making, and the spiny forest of Ifaty with its remarkable baobabs and reptiles. The tour ends with time to unwind on the coast in Anakao, with the possibility of visiting nearby Nosy Ve before returning to the capital.

Embark on an 11-day journey through Madagascar's Southern Circuit, from the lush highlands around Antananarivo to the wildlife-rich forests of Ranomafana and the surreal landscapes of Isalo National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Toliara, Isalo National Park, Ranomafana National Park, Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ifaty, Anakao, Ambatolampy, Ilakaka

Languages English, French, Italian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Day 0 / Antananarivo

Meet and pick up at the airport, then transfer directly to the hotel. Check-in, dinner, and overnight stay at GREEN PALACE HOTEL.

Day 02

Day 1 / Antananarivo - Antsirabe

After breakfast, start the trip by taking National Road Number 7 and drive south to reach Antsirabe. Along the way, admire the characteristic landscapes of the highlands. This route is marked by a winding road lined with a mosaic of various crop fields. Make a stop in Ambatolampy to visit the foundry known for its aluminium production. Continue through the fertile region with green rice fields and red brick houses. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight at ROYAL PALACE HOTEL.

Day 03

Day 2 / Antsirabe - Ranomafana

Drive to Ranomafana with lunch en route. Make stops along the way to capture photos of the beautiful rice terraces and traditional houses. Visit local artisans known for their unique wood carvings, originally crafted by the Zafimaniry people, and other handcrafts. Upon arriving in Ranomafana in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel. In the evening, take a walk to spot nocturnal lemurs, frogs, and various species of chameleons. Dinner and overnight at SETAM LODGE.

Day 04

Day 3 / Ranomafana National Park

Explore Ranomafana National Park. From the hotel, drive to the park's entrance in the morning and meet the local guide. Embark on a hike through the park, home to twelve species of lemurs, numerous endemic birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The hike will last around 4 hours. Afterwards, return to the hotel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Consider visiting the village and taking a relaxing bath in the thermal pools. Dinner and overnight at SETAM LODGE.

Day 05

Day 4 / Ranomafana - Ranohira

After breakfast, depart for Ranohira. En route, pass through the town of Fianarantsoa, a significant center for the Catholic religion in Madagascar. Make a stop in Ambalavao to discover the origins of Antemoro paper, which was introduced to the region by Arab immigrants centuries ago. Shop for souvenirs and then briefly visit the Anjà reserve to encounter groups of “Catta lemurs”. The journey continues through the vast plateau of Ihorombe before arriving in Ranohira. Check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay at HOTEL H1.

Day 06

Day 5 / Ranohira (Isalo National Park)

Spend the full day exploring Isalo National Park. From the hotel, drive to the village of Ranohira and meet the local guide. Start the excursion at the base of the massif, heading towards the natural pool and then to the canyon of Namaza. Enjoy a packed lunch inside the park at the Namaza camping site, a popular spot for lemurs and birds. Return to the hotel after the visit for dinner and an overnight stay at HOTEL H1.

Day 07

Day 6 / Ranohira – Ifaty

Leave Ranohira for Ifaty, passing through Ilakaka and other sapphire mining towns. After lunch en route, continue to Ifaty. Upon arrival, visit the spiny forest to admire various species of baobabs and reptiles. After an hour-long exploration, return to the hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight at BELLA DONNA HOTEL.

Day 08

Day 7 / Ifaty – Tulear – Anakao

Post breakfast, transfer to the port of Tulear (about 45 minutes’ drive) to board a boat to Anakao. In the afternoon, there's an opportunity to visit the nearby island of Nosy Ve, which boasts diverse bird and amphibian species. Dinner and overnight at LALANDAKA HOTEL.

Day 09

Day 8 / Anakao

Day at leisure. Overnight at LALANDAKA HOTEL.

Day 10

Day 9 / Anakao

Another day at leisure. Overnight at LALANDAKA HOTEL.

Day 11

Day 10 / Anakao – Tulear - Antananarivo

Early in the morning after breakfast, take the boat back to Tulear. Depending on the flight schedule, there might be an opportunity to visit Ifaty. By the end of the afternoon, transfer back to the capital, where another driver will meet you at the airport to transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at GREEN PALACE HOTEL.

Day 12

Day 11 / Antananarivo

Enjoy a free morning and lunch at the hotel. Later, transfer to the international airport to catch your outbound flight.

Where this trip takes you

Ranomafana National Park rainforest, Isalo National Park canyon of Namaza, Ifaty spiny forest, Anakao coast

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 in a double room during the entire trip
Full board basis during the trip (FB)
All transportation by 4WD car with an English-speaking driver-guide
Driver's charges (food and accommodation)
All fuel
All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance and local guide fees into the parks and reserves, except in Anakao
1 bottle of water per person per day
Boat transfer to Anakao (round trip)
All transfers, road taxes, and parking

What's Not Included

Tips, drinks, and personal expenses
All activities not mentioned in the program
Activities in Anakao (to be arranged at the hotel)
Local flight tickets from Tulear to Antananarivo (TLR - TNR)
Insurance and visa
International flight

What to bring

Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and check the visa requirements for your nationality.
Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and delays. Make sure the coverage includes activities you plan to engage in, such as hiking or water sports.
Health Precautions:
- Vaccination certificates if required (e.g. yellow fever).
- Vaccinations or medications recommended for Madagascar (e.g. for malaria, hepatitis, typhoid).

Know before you go

Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the visa and entry requirements for Madagascar. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa in advance or can obtain one on arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
Health Precautions: Madagascar is a region where certain vaccinations are recommended, such as for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid. Malaria is also a concern in some areas, so consult a healthcare professional for advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
Travel Insurance: It is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and delays. Ensure that your insurance covers activities you plan to engage in, such as hiking or water sports.
Currency: The currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small expenses. Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially in rural areas, so be prepared to use cash.
Weather and Climate: Madagascar has a diverse climate due to its size. Research the weather in the specific regions you plan to visit and pack accordingly. The wet season varies by location, so plan your trip around the climate.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, as some may find it offensive. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites.
Safety: Madagascar is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it is essential to stay vigilant. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying expensive items, and be cautious when exploring remote areas.
Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. Some activities, such as collecting wildlife or removing coral from reefs, are illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Guided Tours: Consider booking your tour with a reputable tour operator or guide who is familiar with the local conditions, customs, and safety precautions. They can enhance your experience and ensure your safety.
Wildlife Viewing: If you plan to see wildlife, especially lemurs, do so in national parks and reserves with trained guides. Avoid purchasing products made from endangered species.
Environmental Responsibility: Be a responsible traveller by minimizing your environmental impact. Respect nature, do not litter, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Communication: Mobile phone coverage can be limited in remote areas. If you rely on connectivity, check with your service provider about international roaming options.
Currency Exchange: Exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices. Avoid street money changers who may offer less favourable rates.