Madagascar · Wildlife

12-Day Madagascar Wildlife Tour with Lemurs and Baobab Avenue

12 Days Round trip from Andasibe Moderate pace

Marvel at theAvenue Of The Baobabs Madagascar

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Meet Indri-Indri and Diademed Sifaka in Analamazaotra National Park
02 See Madagascar's chameleons, geckos, butterflies, and lemurs at Andre Pereyras
03 Explore Kirindy Reserve, one of the island's best places to spot the fosa
04 Discover the Grand and Small Tsingy in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
05 Watch the sunset along the famous Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava
06 Trek through Ranomafana's rainforest in search of the Golden Bamboo Lemur
07 Hike the canyons, sandstone formations, and oases of Isalo National Park

Embark on a 12-day journey through Madagascar's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, from the rainforests of Andasibe and Ranomafana to the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha and the desert scenery of Isalo National Park. Encounter iconic lemurs, chameleons, geckos, and nocturnal species in some of the island's most remarkable reserves, including Analamazaotra, Kirindy, and Anja Community Reserve. Along the way, discover highland towns such as Antsirabe and Ambositra, visit artisan workshops and local markets, and travel through rice fields, volcanic landscapes, and the spiny south. The experience is crowned by a sunset among the famous baobabs of Morondava and time for souvenir shopping in Antananarivo before departure.

Embark on a 12-day journey through Madagascar's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, from the rainforests of Andasibe and Ranomafana to the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha and the desert scenery of Isalo National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Toliara, Morondava, Beloni Tsiribihina, Miandrivazo, Isalo National Park, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Ranomafana National Park, Kirindy Mitea National Park, Bekopaka, Andringitra National Park, Ranohira, Ambalavao, Ambositra, Ilakaka

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Madagascar and Night Walk in Andasibe

Arrival at Ivato International Airport, where the staff will welcome the group.
Once you have cleared customs formalities, our guide will assist with the rest of the arrival process, including currency exchange, setting up the tour leader's phone with a new local SIM card, and anything else you may need.
We then take a scenic drive directly to Marozevo to visit the famous exotic animal breeding center owned by naturalist Andre Pereyras.
Here, you will see almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar, as well as butterflies, leaf-tailed geckos, lemurs, and other interesting animals.
Travelling east along national road number 2, we enjoy panoramic views of the stepped rice fields.
As we continue toward Andasibe, we pass various mountains and travel through green, luxuriant vegetation, with stops along the scenic rainforest route in the world-renowned Andasibe-Perinet National Park, where we see primary forests.
On arrival, after check-in at the hotel around 6:30 PM, you end the day with a guided night visit lasting 1 hour and a half before driving back to the hotel.

Day 02

Analamazaotra Park and Lemur Encounters in Andasibe

Today, you begin with a guided visit to Analamazaotra National Park.
It is best to leave the hotel early, at about 7:30 AM, to easily meet the Indri-Indri and the Diademed Sifaka in their forest home.
The visit takes about 3 hours.
Within a mile of the park, you can hear the peculiar call of the indri very early in the morning until noon and again in the late afternoon.
Indris, called Babakoto in Malagasy, are the largest living lemurs, reaching up to 1 meter in height.
Andasibe is the best place to observe the indris, as there are a couple of families habituated to humans.
They live in small groups and cannot survive in captivity.
There are several legends that try to explain their origins, as they are considered sacred animals throughout Madagascar.
Apart from the indri, another 13 lemur species inhabit these forests, including the woody lemur, grey bamboo lemur, diademed sifaka, brown lemur, red mouse-lemur, red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur, and even the aye-aye.
Before leaving Andasibe, you will enjoy an amazing up-close and personal experience with lemurs on the private Lemurs Island.
You then continue to the Vakona Reserve Zoo, where you will see many crocodiles in the river enclosure, native birds, and other wildlife in well-kept surroundings.
After the visit, we leave Andasibe and drive directly back to Antananarivo, the capital.

Day 03

Flight to Morondava and Night Walk in Kirindy

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight from TNR, departing at 11:00 AM, to the west coast of the island, with destination Morondava MOQ, arriving at 12:00 PM.
On arrival, drive directly north for about 42 km along a secondary road that is a bit winding to reach the famous Kirindy Park.
Check in at your hotel, Relais du Kirindy.
Once in Kirindy, at around 6:30 PM, begin the guided night walk in Kirindy Reserve.
Kirindy is the best place on the whole island to observe the fosa.
Other nocturnal species include the rare Coquerel's giant mouse lemur and pygmy mouse-lemur, fork-crowned lemur, grey mouse lemur, western fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and red-tailed sportive lemur.
Several bats, tenrecs, mongoose, and rodents complete the mammal population.

Day 04

Kirindy Reserve Exploration and Transfer to Bekopaka

The adventure begins around 7:00 AM with a guided daytime visit to Kirindy Reserve.
Kirindy Reserve is home to seven species of lemur. The most common are the common brown lemurs and the Verreaux's sifakas.
These long-legged, seven-pound lemurs, white with dark patches, leap among tree trunks high in the canopy, propelled by their powerful hind legs while continually maintaining an upright posture.
Additionally, 40 bird species, 50 reptile species, and 15 amphibian species are found in this magnificent forest.
After the visit, return to the road and continue with a ferry crossing to reach the small village of Belo sur Tsiribihina, where we stop for lunch.
Then continue north through a landscape of rice fields and small villages, arriving in Bekopaka at the end of the afternoon.

Day 05

Grand and Small Tsingy Adventure

The adventure in Tsingy starts today with a guided visit to Bemaraha National Park, including the Grand Tsingy.
You can choose whichever tour you want to do on this day, in consultation with your local guide and driver, depending on your energy levels and enthusiasm. There are circuits for all levels of fitness in this World Heritage park.
Here, nature seems to be in perfect harmony with this wild and sharp limestone mountain landscape.
The flora consists of dry western deciduous forest and plants typical of these dry limestone areas, such as species of Aloe and baobab Andasonia, the red-flowered flamboyant tree, and Madagascar's native banana Musa perrier.
You can also see typical plants growing in the rocky area, such as pachypodium and orchids.
As for the fauna, we can see the stump-tailed chameleon Brookesia perarmata, 53 bird species, and 7 lemur species, including Decken's sifaka Propithecus verreauxi deckeni.
For lunch, you will have a picnic organized by the guide.
After lunch, you will continue your visit to the Small Tsingy.

Day 06

Back to Morondava and Sunset on Baobab Avenue

Just after breakfast, depart back to Morondava.
Lunch is at Belo sur Tsiribihina, then continue on to Morondava with two special stops: the first at Baobab Amoureux and the second at the famous Streets of Baobabs to appreciate a beautiful sunset.
Arrival in Morondava is in the early evening, followed by transfer to the hotel.

Day 07

Highland Drive from Morondava to Antsirabe

Today involves a very long drive, so it is best to leave Morondava early at 7:00 AM.
After breakfast, drive directly to Antsirabe while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Menabe area and passing through the spectacular red hills.
Stops can be made along the road for pictures and breaks if necessary.
Lunch is in Miandrivazo, then continue to Antsirabe.
Our destination is the highland town of Antsirabe, known for its wide colonial streets, volcanic lakes, and colorful rickshaws.
Known as "The Place of Salt," Antsirabe is the center of beer making in Madagascar and is renowned for its handicrafts.
Founded by Norwegian missionaries in 1856, it is the only place that truly feels and looks like a European city, with its elegant spa and railway station.
Antsirabe has a temperate climate, allowing fruits and vegetables from cooler parts of the world to thrive here.
Check in at the hotel.

Day 08

Antsirabe City Tour and Artisan Workshops in Ambositra

After breakfast, enjoy a short city tour by rickshaw, visiting the railway station, Independence Avenue, and the famous Hotel des Thermes.
We will also visit several of the town's famed craftspeople to watch them working on the precious and semi-precious stones for which Antsirabe is famous.
Today, we continue winding through the scenic landscapes of the Highlands, where houses feature ornately carved wooden balconies and brightly colored shutters.
Further on, we pass the "le col de tapia," a type of tree resistant to bush fires.
The landscape remains dominated by very photogenic rice fields, pine forests, eucalyptus trees, and rocky hills.
At Ambositra, the Malagasy arts and crafts capital, we stroll through the city and visit workshops of Zafimaniry artisans, skilled sculptors working on marquetry in rosewood and ebony.

Day 09

Ranomafana Rainforest Trek and Night Walk

This morning, we search the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park with our local naturalist guide.
This is a high-altitude rainforest reserve where the Golden Bamboo Lemur was discovered in 1986.
The forest is home to 11 other lemur species, endemic chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, Mantella frogs, and a myriad of birds.
We embark on a quest to see the fabled Hapalemur aureus, the Golden Bamboo Lemur, which is found only in Ranomafana.
We will also see many different bird species, such as ground rollers.
The park is particularly rich in flora and features many plant varieties unknown elsewhere, including different types of orchids and ferns.
The approximately 40,000 hectares of Parc National de Ranomafana, with its rainforest-covered hills and abundant wildlife, has long been considered one of Madagascar's highlights.
Altitudes in the park range from 800 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
In addition to its densely forested hills, Ranomafana's terrain is characterized by numerous small streams that plunge down to the beautiful Namorona River.
Although much of the region has been logged, the park retains relatively large areas of primary forest.
This day includes strenuous walks in the rainforest.
After the 4-hour visit, we return to the hotel for lunch and a short rest before starting a guided night walk in the area around the hotel to try to spot the Rufous Mouse Lemur, the Greater Dwarf Lemur, and other nocturnal wildlife.
After the visit, return to the hotel.

Day 10

Ambalavao, Anja Reserve, and the Road to Isalo

Early departure to drive via Fianarantsoa, the cultural capital of the Central Highlands, to the pleasant rural town of Ambalavao.
This is the site of one of the largest livestock markets in the south, held on Wednesday mornings only.
We visit a local winery and a workshop producing unique Antemoro paper, handmade from the bark of a local tree using a method inherited from Arab culture.
In Ambalavao, we also visit a silk factory and learn about the local way of making fabric from silk thread and the process of dyeing it with natural dyes.
We then continue to Anja Community Reserve for a short walk, during which we have the chance to see Madagascar's iconic animal, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta).
In the past, visitors fed the lemurs, so the majority of the animals are unafraid to come near us and pose for photographs.
We continue to Ihosy, capital of the Bara tribes, who are herders of zebu cattle.
Further on, we pass the volcanic peaks of the Andringitra massif, which serves as a transition between the green Highlands, with its spectacular granite rock formations, and the dry south.
Our journey south takes us through a landscape of rock formations typical of the dry Grand South, some of which are sacred.
We pass through the legendary 'Porte du Sud' and cross the desolate expanse of the Plateau de Horombe with its deep red soil, arriving in the late afternoon at Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park.

Day 11

Isalo National Park Hike and Sunset at the Window of Isalo

Today, we explore the stunning desert plains, deep canyons, sandstone formations, grasslands, and palm-lined oases of Isalo National Park.
We hope to encounter the three lemur species found here: Red-fronted Brown Lemurs, Ring-tailed Lemurs, and the loping, bipedal Verreaux's Sifaka.
Additionally, we will see vegetation such as Uapaca bojeri, Pachypodium rosulatum or 'elephant's foot,' and Aloe isaloensis, a native species of aloe endemic to Isalo.
The eroded mountains also served as a place where the Bara people kept their dead before they could bury them in their actual tombs.
This day includes strenuous walks and a picnic lunch in the park.
In the evening, drive back to the hotel with one stop at the famous Window of Isalo to appreciate a breathtaking and spectacular sunset.

Day 12

Drive to Tulear, Flight to Antananarivo, and Departure

Today, we need to leave the hotel as early as possible to reach the flight departure time.
This part of our journey continues down the paved RN7 to its end in Tulear on the southwest coast, introducing us to new scenery among the dry forests of the west and the spiny desert of the south.
On the road, we pass through the sapphire mining boom town of Ilakaka, a frontier town vaguely reminiscent of the Wild West.
En route, we see the locations of different ornate hillside Mahafaly Tombs, built for chiefs and kings and covered in stones, sculptures, and horns. The more important the deceased, the more horns and statues there are.
One of the largest tombs has over 700 horns of zebu cattle. As this is a sacred site, we will only pass by, and photography is not permitted.
We also pass the area of the Antandroy Tombs.
This is the driest part of the country, called the "Deep South," where the landscape is dominated by cactus-like spiny forests of different euphorbias.
In this area, giant baobab trees, which can be hundreds of years old, grow.
For most of the year, these hardy trees have no leaves, so their bare branches look like roots, giving them the name "upside-down trees."
This is an area of dry and sandy soil where local people battle to find drinking water.
Once in Tulear, also known as Toliara, transfer to Tulear airport and fly back to Antananarivo on the flight departing TLE at 09:30 AM and arriving TNR at 11:10 AM.
You will be picked up by our driver and driven to the craft market for shopping and the purchase of souvenirs.
Lastly, transfer directly to the airport for your external flight.

Where this trip takes you

Analamazaotra National Park rainforest, Grand and Small Tsingy limestone pinnacles, Avenue of the Baobabs

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Andasibe 18 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodations specified in the itinerary. The list of hotels will be communicated after your booking is completed.
English-speaking guide.
Meals: breakfasts and dinners.
All sightseeing and activities stated as included.
All land transportation.

What's Not Included

International and domestic flight tickets are not included.
Travel insurance is not included.
Other activities and services are not included.

What to bring

Please bring camera film and spare batteries.
Bring binoculars.
Bring a beach towel and swimwear.
Rainproof pants are very handy for walks in the rainforest.
Walking poles may be useful in Andasibe NP.
Lightweight walking boots or shoes and trainers are recommended.
Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater or jacket is advisable, as nights at altitude and under desert conditions can be very cold, even in summer and especially from July to September.
Rainwear is highly recommended on all tours for the occasional shower.
Warmer layers will be required during the winter months.

Know before you go

Note:

Your guide will manage all program timings.
The following dietary requirements are served during the trip: regular (typically includes meat, fish, milk, seafood, etc.). If you have special dietary requirements, please communicate them to us. Travel insurance is not included.
Please note that the feasibility of the tour will depend on the availability of the proposed accommodations.
We do not take responsibility for any airline schedule changes that may occur after quoting or booking. While we will do everything we can to alleviate any disruption to your itinerary or holiday, we cannot be held responsible for any loss of funds, bookings, missed connections, or other pre-booked or paid services.

Climate:

The climate is tropical, but cooler in the highlands. Temperatures can drop as low as 5°C at night in July/August in Antananarivo and Andasibe.
The dry season is from March to October, extending into November in most areas. The east coast is best visited from March to May and September to November. January to March is cyclone season.
The southwest area is hot, dry, and semi-arid. March to April is the best time for flowers and reptiles. November (spring) is generally the best time for wildlife and birds, but lemurs can be viewed all year round. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Altitude:

Antananarivo: 1300 m
Andasibe: 964 m
Morondava: maximum altitude of 22 m, with an average altitude above sea level of 6 m
Kirindy: 100 m

Equipment:

The tour representative will provide torches for nocturnal wildlife walks and a water bottle.
Please bring camera film and spare batteries, binoculars, a beach towel, and swimwear.
Rainproof pants are handy for walks in the rainforest.
Walking poles may be useful in Ranomafana NP and Andasibe NP.
Lightweight walking boots or shoes and trainers are recommended.
Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater or jacket is advisable, as nights at altitude and under desert conditions can be very cold, even in summer and especially from July to September.
Rainwear is highly recommended on all tours for the occasional shower.
Warmer layers will be required during the winter months.

Visa and Passport:

Madagascar: an entry visa is required for USA citizens and can be obtained on arrival.
The visa fee is USD 40 and is issued for 30 days.
The fee is payable in USD or Euro, and we advise taking small denominations and a little extra, as the USD amount is calculated daily by the applicable exchange rate.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

E-Visa:

For a single-entry tourist visa, you can apply via the e-visa website.
You will need to print a copy of your e-visa approval letter and present this with your passport at immigration upon arrival.
The approval letter will take a minimum of 3 days to be processed, so we strongly advise applying well in advance, up to 6 months prior to your arrival.
You will be permitted to stay within Madagascar for a maximum of up to 90 days.
We recommend reading the FAQ section on the e-visa website before applying.

Insurance:

It is a condition of booking with this tour provider that you have adequate valid travel insurance.
Please arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to make sure you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.
Your insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country.
Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday.
If you are trekking at altitude, please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit that may limit or exclude cover for your trip.

Vaccinations:

Nothing is compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, and diphtheria.
Please note that all travelers aged over 9 months who have traveled from or transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration or borders in Madagascar for inspection.
Consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
We recommend following the advice given by the Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, wearing long-sleeved shirts, and liberally applying insect repellent as a precautionary measure to avoid mosquito bites.
These precautions should be taken at all times, as mosquitoes are active during daylight hours.
Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.

This tour will take you from Antananarivo to Marozevo's exotic animal breeding center, where you will encounter lemurs, chameleons, and other fascinating wildlife. Next, explore the lush rainforests of Andasibe-Perinet National Park, home to the iconic Indri lemurs. Then venture to Kirindy Reserve for nocturnal wildlife sightings amidst its remarkable landscapes. Finally, enjoy the tour with the Baobab Avenue.

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