22 Day Private Safari Tour in Madagascar: From Rainforests and Tsingy to Baobabs and Beaches
From North to South Private Safari in Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots, home to an extraordinary number of endemic plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. This tour offers the chance to discover many of these remarkable species while exploring the island’s most iconic landscapes.
Key information
- Private tour
- Maximum group size: 6 persons
- Children policy: Children from the age of 2 years are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting point and ending point: Antananarivo
- Languages: English, French, Italian, and Spanish-speaking guides
- Park fees are included
Highlights
- Wildlife viewing in Amber Mountain, Ankarana, and Andringitra
- Exciting wildlife encounters in Ankarafantsika National Park and Isalo National Park
- Lemur spotting in Mantadia National Park, Anja Community Reserve, Analamazaotra
- Scenic hiking and sightseeing in Ranomafana National Park
- Airport transfers from Arrachart Airport (DIE)
- Private vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- 21 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast included
Types
19 activity days in English
Average daily hours of activity: 5
Accommodation
For the duration of this safari, you will stay in various hotels as outlined in the itinerary.
Program
This exceptional journey takes you to discover the most beautiful regions of Madagascar, from north to south.
Starting in the capital, Antananarivo, you will travel to Diego Suarez and the coastal village of Ramena, between the lush forests of Amber Mountain, the spectacular Red Tsingy, and Ankarana National Park.
Heading south, you will cross the wild landscapes of Antsohihy and Ampijoroa before reaching the rainforest of Andasibe and the High Plateau towns of Antsirabe and Ambositra, the heart of Malagasy craftsmanship.
The journey continues through the tropical forests of Ranomafana, the Betsileo villages of Ambalavao, and Ranohira, dominated by the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park.
Your adventure ends on the shores of the Indian Ocean, between the pristine beaches of Anakao, Sarodrano, and the coastal city of Tuléar, offering a complete immersion into the natural and cultural diversity of the Great Island.
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo
Upon arrival at Antananarivo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team. You will be transferred to your hotel in the city center, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the “City of Thousands,” with its colorful houses clinging to the hillsides and bustling markets. Overnight at Chato Park Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Antananarivo → Antsiranana → Ramena (30 km – approx. 40 min)
Take a domestic flight to the northern tip of the island. Arrive in Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), a city with a rich colonial history set within one of the world’s largest and most beautiful bays. Enjoy a short tour of the city before continuing to the charming fishing village of Ramena, known for its relaxed vibe and golden beach. Overnight at Lakana Beach Resort or similar.
Day 3: Ramena → Joffreville → Ramena
Venture inland to the cool, misty rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park. This microclimate is a haven for waterfalls, crater lakes, and endemic wildlife like the tiny Brookesia chameleon. In the afternoon, explore the Montagne des Français, a dry deciduous forest offering breathtaking panoramic views over the bay and the Sugar Loaf islet. Overnight at Lakana Resort.
Day 4: Ramena & the Emerald Sea
Embark on a traditional boat for an unforgettable excursion to the Emerald Sea, a vast lagoon with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the deserted Suarez Island. In the afternoon, explore the Three Bays (Dunes, Pigeons, and Sakalava) and the Orangea Reserve, famous for their pristine white sands and baobabs. Overnight at Lakana Resort.
Day 5: Ramena → Red Tsingy → Ankarana East
Leave the coast to discover the surreal geological formation of the Red Tsingy. Unlike the grey limestone tsingy, these delicate spires are formed by the erosion of red laterite earth, creating a Martian-like landscape. Continue south to the Ankarana National Park. Overnight at Relais d’Ankarana.
Day 6: Ankarana → Antsohihy
Spend the morning exploring the limestone fortress of Ankarana. Walk across suspension bridges over razor-sharp grey pinnacles (tsingy), explore sacred caves, and look for crowned lemurs in the sunken forests. In the afternoon, begin the journey south towards Antsohihy through changing landscapes. Overnight at Hôtel Belle Vue or similar.
Day 7: Antsohihy → Ampijoroa
Continue the drive to the dry western region of Ampijoroa, located within the Ankarafantsika National Park. This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise. In the evening, enjoy a guided nocturnal walk to spot elusive mouse lemurs, chameleons, and other night-active creatures. Overnight at Ampijoroa Lodge.
Day 8: Ampijoroa
Dedicate a full day to exploring Ankarafantsika National Park. Hike through the dry deciduous forest to see the famous Coquerel’s sifaka (dancing lemurs), visit the sacred Ravelobe Lake to spot crocodiles and fish eagles, and admire the spectacular Lavaka (erosion canyon) formations. You will also see towering baobabs. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 9: Ampijoroa → Antananarivo
Complete the return drive to the capital, crossing the vast landscapes of the Tampoketsa plateau and the red earth hills characteristic of the highlands. Arrive in Antananarivo in the late afternoon. Overnight at Havana Resort or similar.
Day 10: Antananarivo → Andasibe
Depart east towards the humid rainforests. En route, stop at the Peyrieras Reserve to see a vibrant collection of chameleons, geckos, and butterflies close up. In the afternoon, visit the community-run Mitsinjo Reserve for your first encounter with the Indri indri, followed by a night walk to spot woolly lemurs and sleeping chameleons. Overnight at Sahatandra River Lodge.
Day 11: Andasibe
Immerse yourself in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (Analamazaotra). Trek through the primary forest, listening to the haunting call of the Indri, the largest living lemur. In the afternoon, visit Vakona Reserve’s “Lemur Island,” where you can interact with habituated lemurs that may jump on your shoulder! Overnight at the lodge.
Day 12: Andasibe → Antsirabe
Travel back through Tana and head south along the famous RN7. Stop in Ambatolampy to see traditional aluminum pot casting. Arrive in Antsirabe, a charming thermal city with colonial architecture. Enjoy a city tour by “pousse-pousse” (rickshaw) to visit local artisans working with zebu horn and miniature toys. Overnight at H1 Antsirabe.
Day 13: Antsirabe → Ambositra
Start the day with a visit to the mysterious Tritriva Lake, a deep blue volcanic crater lake steeped in legend. Continue to Ambositra, the capital of woodcarving. Visit workshops to see the intricate marquetry and carving skills of the Zafimaniry people. Continue to the rural village of Antaniditra. Overnight at Ivato River Lodge.
Day 14: Ambositra → Ranomafana
Drive through lush, winding roads to reach Ranomafana. En route, stop at a local arboretum to learn about the diverse flora of the region. This area is famous for its thermal springs and dense tropical rainforest. Overnight at Centrest Séjour.
Day 15: Ranomafana → Ambalavao
Embark on a guided hike in Ranomafana National Park to search for the rare golden bamboo lemur and other endemic species. Afterwards, drive to Ambalavao to visit the Antaimoro paper workshop, where paper is made by hand from the bark of the Avoha tree and decorated with dried flowers. Overnight at Betsileo Country Lodge.
Day 16: Ambalavao → Ranohira
Visit the community-run Anja Reserve, famous for its high density of ring-tailed lemurs that are easy to photograph against the granite boulders. Pass through the “Gates of the South” and the vast Horombe plateau before arriving in Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo. Overnight at H1 Isalo.
Day 17: Isalo National Park
Enjoy a full day of hiking in the spectacular Isalo National Park. The landscape resembles a “Jurassic Park” with eroded sandstone canyons, rare endemic plants like the Pachypodium, and natural swimming pools fed by waterfalls where you can cool off. Keep an eye out for Verreaux’s sifakas and brown lemurs. Overnight at the lodge.
Days 18-20: Ranohira → Ifaty
Drive through the sapphire-mining town of Ilakaka and witness the baobabs of the south before reaching the coast at Tuléar. Continue to the beach resort area of Ifaty. Spend the next few days relaxing on the beach, snorkeling in the lagoon, or visiting the unique Reniala Spiny Forest reserve. Overnight at Bamboo Club.
Day 21: Ifaty → Tuléar → Antananarivo
Transfer to Tuléar Airport for your domestic flight back to the capital. Enjoy a final evening in Antananarivo, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs. Overnight near the airport.
Day 22: Departure
Transfer to Ivato International Airport in time for your international flight home. End of service.
Location
Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)
Located at the northern tip of Madagascar, Diego Suarez boasts one of the largest and most beautiful natural bays in the world. The city blends a relaxed colonial atmosphere with lively markets and dramatic coastal scenery. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, including Cap d’Ambre, emerald bays, limestone formations, and diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Ramena
Ramena is a charming fishing village near Diego Suarez, famous for its long sandy beach and laid-back atmosphere. Lined with small restaurants and traditional pirogues, it is an ideal spot to relax, swim, or enjoy fresh seafood. Ramena also offers easy access to nearby natural wonders such as the Emerald Sea and Orangea Beach.
Amber Mountain National Park
Amber Mountain National Park is a lush rainforest oasis rising above the dry northern plains. Known for its cool climate, waterfalls, crater lakes, and rich biodiversity, the park is home to lemurs, chameleons, orchids, and endemic birds. Well-marked trails make it ideal for nature walks, offering a refreshing contrast to Madagascar’s arid north.
Red Tsingy
The Red Tsingy are striking eroded sandstone formations sculpted by wind and rain into sharp pinnacles and labyrinthine shapes. Their deep red and ochre tones create a surreal landscape, especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. Less visited than the limestone tsingy, this site offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience near Diego Suarez.
Ankarana National Park
Ankarana National Park is renowned for its dramatic limestone tsingy, vast cave systems, underground rivers, and suspension bridges. This unique karst landscape shelters a rich array of wildlife, including lemurs, bats, reptiles, and endemic birds. The park combines adventure and nature, with guided hikes revealing both geological wonders and diverse ecosystems.
Ankarafantsika National Park
Located in northwestern Madagascar, Ankarafantsika National Park protects dry deciduous forests, lakes, and wetlands. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, with many endemic and rare species, as well as lemurs, reptiles, and crocodiles. Easy walking trails and scenic viewpoints make it an accessible and rewarding stop between the highlands and the coast.
Andasibe
Andasibe is one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest destinations, best known for the indri, the island’s largest lemur. Dense humid forests, rich biodiversity, and well-maintained trails make it ideal for wildlife encounters. Day and night walks reveal lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and birds, offering an immersive introduction to Madagascar’s eastern ecosystems.
Antsirabe
Antsirabe is a charming highland town known for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and thermal springs. Often called the “City of Water,” it is surrounded by volcanic lakes and rolling countryside. The town is also famous for its colorful rickshaws and local artisans, producing gemstones, silk, and traditional handicrafts.
Ambositra
Ambositra is the cultural capital of Malagasy woodcarving and the gateway to the Zafimaniry region, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site. The town is known for its finely carved wooden crafts, workshops, and traditional architecture. Nestled in the central highlands, Ambositra offers insight into local craftsmanship and highland traditions.
Ranomafana
Ranomafana National Park is a biodiversity hotspot in southeastern Madagascar, famous for its dense rainforest and thermal waters. The park shelters several species of lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur, along with countless plants, birds, and amphibians. Its network of trails provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and immersive rainforest exploration.
Ambalavao
Ambalavao is a vibrant highland town known for its strong cultural traditions and picturesque setting. It is famous for handmade Antemoro paper workshops and nearby zebu markets. Close to Anja Community Reserve, visitors can observe ring-tailed lemurs in a rocky landscape, making Ambalavao a rich blend of culture and nature.
Ranohira
Ranohira is the main gateway to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular landscapes. Surrounded by sandstone massifs, canyons, and savannahs, the area offers stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. Natural swimming pools, rock formations, and sunset viewpoints make Ranohira a highlight of the southern route.
Ifaty
Ifaty is a relaxed coastal village on Madagascar’s southwest coast, known for its coral reef and calm lagoon. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation, it also offers access to unique spiny forests and baobabs. With its sunny climate and peaceful atmosphere, Ifaty is a perfect seaside escape after inland adventures.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Private vehicle with driver
- Entrance fees to mentioned excursions ·
- 21 nights accommodation with dinner & breakfast
- All transfers
What's not included
- Domestic flights to Atsiranana and to Antananarivo from Toulear
- Visa (35 EUR)
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Personal expenses ·
- Anything not mentioned above
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
Ivato International Airport
1 km away from your destination
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 15 days before arrival.
Reviews
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