PRIVATE TAILOR-MADE ADVENTURE
TOUR OVERVIEW
A 14-day adventure through Madagascar’s highlands, rainforests and national parksDiscover Madagascar on a private 14-day adventure through the Central Highlands, lush rainforests and some of the island’s most spectacular national parks.
This journey combines wildlife, trekking and authentic cultural encounters. Travel from Antananarivo through the traditional landscapes of the Highlands, explore Zafimaniry country, search for endemic wildlife in Ranomafana National Park, hike through the dramatic mountains of Andringitra and discover the sandstone canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park.
Along the way, experience Malagasy craftsmanship, traditional villages, terraced rice fields and the remarkable diversity of landscapes that make Madagascar unique.
Designed for travellers who enjoy nature, wildlife, hiking and cultural discovery, this private journey can be tailored to your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
Tour availability: Year-round
Recommended travel period: April to November
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the terraced rice fields and traditional villages of Madagascar’s Central Highlands
- Explore Antsirabe, a charming Highland town known for its colonial architecture and local workshops
- Experience Zafimaniry country and its distinctive woodcrafting traditions
- Search for lemurs and endemic wildlife in Ranomafana National Park
- Hike through the spectacular mountain landscapes of Andringitra National Park
- Visit Anja Community Reserve and look for its famous ring-tailed lemurs
- Discover Malagasy craftsmanship and traditional Antemoro paper
- Trek through the sandstone canyons and extraordinary landscapes of Isalo National Park
- Swim in natural pools surrounded by dramatic rock formations
- Watch the sunset at the iconic Isalo Window
- Meet local communities and discover the cultural diversity of Madagascar’s different regions
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Antananarivo
Arrival in Madagascar and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Antananarivo – Antsirabe
Journey through the Central Highlands to Antsirabe.
Day 3: Antsirabe – Ambositra – Antoetra
Discover Malagasy craftsmanship before continuing towards Zafimaniry country.
Day 4: Antoetra – Zafimaniry Country
Trekking and cultural discovery in the Zafimaniry region.
Day 5: Antoetra – Ranomafana
Travel towards the rainforest landscapes of Ranomafana.
Day 6: Ranomafana National Park
Full day exploring the rainforest and searching for lemurs and other endemic wildlife.
Day 7: Ranomafana – Andringitra
Journey south towards the spectacular Andringitra mountain range.
Day 8: Andringitra National Park
Full day of hiking and exploration in one of Madagascar’s most impressive mountain landscapes.
Day 9: Andringitra – Ambalavao
Continue towards Ambalavao with wildlife and cultural discoveries along the way, including Anja Community Reserve.
Day 10: Ambalavao – Ranohira
Travel south through changing landscapes towards Ranohira, gateway to Isalo National Park.
Day 11: Isalo National Park
Full-day trek through canyons, sandstone formations, waterfalls and natural swimming pools, followed by sunset at the Isalo Window.
Day 12: Ranohira – Fianarantsoa
Return north towards Fianarantsoa, with cultural and scenic stops along the way.
Day 13: Fianarantsoa – Antananarivo
Journey back through the Central Highlands to Antananarivo.
Day 14: Antananarivo – Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 2
Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast, leave Antananarivo and travel south along the famous RN7 through the scenic Central Highlands.
Along the way, admire terraced rice fields, traditional Highland houses and rural landscapes. A stop can be made in Ambatolampy, a town known for its traditional aluminium workshops.
Continue to Antsirabe, a charming Highland town famous for its thermal springs, colonial heritage and colourful rickshaws. In the afternoon, discover the town and visit some of its local handicraft workshops.
Overnight: Hotel in Antsirabe
DAY 3
Antsirabe – Ambositra – Antoetra
After breakfast, continue south towards Ambositra, one of Madagascar’s most important centres for traditional arts and crafts.
Discover local workshops and the remarkable woodcarving traditions associated with the Zafimaniry communities.
After the visit, continue towards Antoetra, the gateway to Zafimaniry country. The changing Highland scenery, rice terraces and traditional villages make this journey particularly rewarding.
Overnight: Hotel or local accommodation in Antoetra
DAY 4
Zafimaniry Country
After breakfast, set out on foot to explore Zafimaniry country, a remote mountainous region known for its traditional villages and distinctive wooden architecture.
The trek leads across hills and valleys to a typical Zafimaniry village, offering an opportunity to discover local life, traditional houses and a woodcraft heritage recognised by UNESCO.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the excursion before returning to Antoetra later in the day.
Overnight: Hotel or local accommodation in Antoetra
DAY 5
Antoetra – Ranomafana
After breakfast, leave the Highlands and continue towards Ranomafana, one of Madagascar’s most famous rainforest destinations.
As you approach the national park, the dry Highland scenery gradually gives way to lush tropical vegetation and forest-covered mountains.
Arrive in Ranomafana and settle into your hotel. Depending on the arrival time and local conditions, enjoy some time to discover the surroundings and prepare for the following day’s exploration of the national park.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranomafana
DAY 6
Ranomafana National Park
Spend the day exploring Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important rainforest protected areas and a highlight for wildlife lovers.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk through the tropical forest in search of lemurs, endemic birds, reptiles, frogs and the extraordinary plant life for which Madagascar is famous.
The length and difficulty of the walk can be adapted to your interests and physical condition.
After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the peaceful rainforest surroundings.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranomafana
DAY 7
Ranomafana – Andringitra
After breakfast, leave Ranomafana and continue your journey south towards the spectacular Andringitra region.
The landscape changes dramatically along the way, from humid rainforest to open valleys, rice fields and impressive mountain scenery.
Arrive near Andringitra National Park later in the day and settle into your accommodation.
Overnight: Accommodation near Andringitra National Park
DAY 8
Andringitra National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary landscapes of Andringitra National Park.
Set out on a guided trek through mountain scenery, open grasslands and impressive rock formations. Depending on the selected trail, you may encounter streams, waterfalls, endemic plants and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding valleys.
The region is particularly appreciated by travellers who enjoy hiking and spectacular natural landscapes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the excursion before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight: Accommodation near Andringitra National Park
DAY 9
Andringitra – Ambalavao
After breakfast, leave the Andringitra region and travel towards Ambalavao.
On the way, visit Anja Community Reserve, a community-managed protected area famous for its population of ring-tailed lemurs and dramatic granite landscapes.
Continue to Ambalavao, a traditional town surrounded by vineyards, rice fields and mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Ambalavao
DAY 10
Ambalavao – Ranohira
Begin the day with a discovery of Ambalavao and its traditional craftsmanship. Visit a workshop producing Antemoro paper, a handmade paper traditionally created from natural fibres and decorated with dried flowers.
Then continue south along the RN7. The scenery gradually becomes drier and more dramatic as you travel towards Madagascar’s southern landscapes.
Arrive in Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park, and settle into your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranohira
DAY 11
Isalo National Park
Spend a full day exploring Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular natural areas.
Accompanied by a local guide, trek through dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons and open landscapes. Depending on the chosen route, discover waterfalls and natural swimming pools where you can enjoy a refreshing break.
The park combines remarkable geology, endemic vegetation and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the highlights of this journey.
At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset at the famous Isalo Window before returning to Ranohira.
Overnight: Hotel in Ranohira
DAY 12
Ranohira – Fianarantsoa
After breakfast, leave Ranohira and travel back north towards Fianarantsoa.
Enjoy the changing scenery along the RN7 as the dry landscapes around Isalo gradually give way to the greener valleys and rice terraces of the Central Highlands.
Arrive in Fianarantsoa and, depending on the available time, discover some of the city’s historic neighbourhoods and viewpoints.
Overnight: Hotel in Fianarantsoa
DAY 13
Fianarantsoa – Antananarivo
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Antananarivo through the beautiful landscapes of Madagascar’s Central Highlands.
The road passes through rice fields, traditional villages and rolling Highland scenery, with stops possible along the way depending on your interests and travel schedule.
Arrival in Antananarivo later in the day and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Antananarivo
DAY 14
Antananarivo – Departure
Enjoy your final day in Madagascar according to your international flight schedule.
If time allows, you may explore Antananarivo, visit a local craft market or enjoy some last-minute shopping for Malagasy handicrafts and souvenirs.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Ivato International Airport for your departure flight.
End of your Madagascar journey.
