Madagascar is a dream destination for outdoors enthusiasts – half the fun is getting to all these incredible attractions. From lemurs and baobabs to rainforest and desert, this island nation offers a diverse and stunning array of natural and cultural wonders. Join us on this 8-day adventure that will take you to some of the most amazing places in Madagascar, where you will experience the wildlife, scenery, culture and history of this unique country.
What you can expect
- Enjoy a free consultation with Reckless Travelers, our local travel experts who will help you plan your individual trip, stress-free and tailor-made to your preferences.
- Stay at luxurious lodges and camps that offer comfort, service and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Explore the rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the largest and loudest of lemurs, the indri indri, as well as many other species of animals and plants.
- Visit the sacred forests of the Antandroy tribe, where you will learn about their customs and traditions, and witness their beautiful dances and music.
- Marvel at the majestic baobabs that dot the spiny forest of Mandrare River, and enjoy a sundowner on the river bank as you watch the sun set and moon rise.
- Experience the vibrant markets, colonial architecture and rich history of Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar.
Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Accommodation |
| --- | ----------- | ------------- |
| 1 | Antananarivo / Andasibe | Maison Gallieni |
| 2 | Andasibe | Mantadia Lodge |
| 3 | Andasibe / Antananarivo | Maison Gallieni |
| 4 | Antananarivo / Mandrare River | Mandrare River Camp |
| 5 | Mandrare River | Mandrare River Camp |
| 6 | Mandrare River | Mandrare River Camp |
| 7 | Mandrare River / Antananarivo | Relais des Plateaux Hotel |
| 8 | Antananarivo / Depart | - |
Day 1: Antananarivo / Andasibe
Meet your guide and begin your journey past rice fields and fruit stands to Andasibe, gateway to the Perinet Reserve. Check into your airy bungalow beneath the palms and enjoy the music of the rainforest. Later this afternoon visit a private reserve operated by Mitsinjo, a local NGO.
Maison Gallieni
Maison Gallieni is a charming guesthouse located in a quiet area of Antananarivo, with a panoramic view of the city. The house was built in 1879 by a French general and has been restored with elegance and style. The four spacious rooms are decorated with antiques and local crafts, and have private bathrooms, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The house also features a lounge, a library, a dining room and a terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast or a drink. The staff are friendly and helpful, and can arrange airport transfers, city tours and excursions.
Day 2: Andasibe
Spend a fascinating day exploring Mantadia National Park. Be on the lookout for Grey bamboo lemur, Red-bellied lemur and White ruffed lemur. This is a naturalist’s goldmine with many seldom seen species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Perhaps you’ll spot a Scaly Ground Roller or a Red Breasted Coua. While the trails are slightly more difficult, the rewards are great as the forest is taller, wilder and less crowded. In the evening you may choose to go on a night walk to witness the antics of the nocturnal species.
Mantadia Lodge
Mantadia Lodge is a modern and comfortable lodge located on a hill overlooking the rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The lodge has 28 rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, minibars, safes and Wi-Fi. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine, a bar that offers cocktails and snacks, a swimming pool that overlooks the forest, a spa that offers massages and treatments, and a conference room that can host events. The lodge can arrange guided tours to the park, as well as other activities such as kayaking, cycling and birdwatching.
Day 3: Andasibe / Antananarivo
After breakfast, visit the Perinet Reserve or, as the Malagasy call it, the Analamazaotra rainforest. As you walk with your guide, listen for the haunting wails of the indri indri, the largest of lemurs. There are another 11 species of lemur to spot as you walk through the rainforest. This is a birdwatcher’s delight and special ones to look out for are the Velvet Asity and Nuthatch Vanga. After lunch, return to Antananarivo.
Maison Gallieni
Day 4: Antananarivo / Mandrare River
Fly to Fort Dauphin where your guide awaits your arrival to transport you to the southern island’s arid, other-worldly terrain. Settle into your tent and enjoy the majestic views of the river and mountains beyond. Late in the afternoon, if time permits, depart for a night walk in the Forest of Zenavo. This is a fantastic way to see diurnal lemurs bedding down, and the nocturnal lemurs begin to wake in the eerie and prehistoric Spiny Forest.
Mandrare River Camp
Mandrare River Camp is a luxury tented camp located on the banks of the Mandrare River, surrounded by the spiny forest and the sacred gallery forest. The camp has seven spacious tents with private bathrooms, solar-powered lighting and fans, and large verandas with hammocks and chairs. The camp also has a dining tent that serves delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients, a lounge tent that offers drinks and books, and a fire pit that is perfect for stargazing and storytelling. The camp can arrange guided walks to the forests, where you can see lemurs, baobabs, tombs and villages.
Day 5: Mandrare River
Awaken to the tantalizing aroma of baked croissants before setting out for the Sacred Gallery forest. A guided walk among the tamarind trees will reveal large groups of Ring-tailed lemurs and dancing Verreaux’s sifakas. Return to camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon by the pool. In the late afternoon, go for a walk through the Sacred Spiny forest dotted with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, unique to the Spiny forest. Learn about the Antandroy culture and customs. Toast your day with sundowners on the river bank.
Mandrare River Camp
Day 6: Mandrare River
Immerse yourself in the tapestry of valley life as you spend the morning with your guide at the local marketplace, mingling with the Malagasy who have travelled from afar to buy and sell their wares. Lunch will be served in camp followed by a relaxed afternoon observing life along the river. Later this afternoon enjoy a sundowner among the baobabs, watching the sun set and moon rise is a magical experience. In the evening the local village may come to perform their beautiful traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music.
Mandrare River Camp
Day 7: Mandrare River / Antananarivo
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport in Fort Dauphin for your flight to Antananarivo. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Relais des Plateaux Hotel
Relais des Plateaux Hotel is a convenient and comfortable hotel located near the airport in Antananarivo. The hotel has 46 rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, minibars and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves buffet breakfasts and à la carte meals, a bar that offers drinks and snacks, a swimming pool that is ideal for relaxing, a fitness center that is equipped with machines and weights, and a spa that offers massages and treatments. The hotel can arrange airport transfers, city tours and excursions.
Day 8: Antananarivo / Depart
Return to the airport for your international departure flight.
Conclusion
Madagascar is an island unlike any other, with a wealth of natural and cultural treasures that will leave you breathless. Whether you want to see lemurs leaping through the trees, baobabs towering over the landscape, or locals dancing under the stars, Madagascar has something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to step into this magical world with Reckless Travelers, your trusted travel experts who will make your trip unforgettable.
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Source of Information:
(1) Complete guide to Madagascar - Lonely Planet | Africa. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/madagascar.
(2) Madagascar Travel Guide | Places to Visit in Madagascar. https://www.roughguides.com/madagascar/.
(3) Complete Guide to Madagascar: All you Need to Know!. https://wanderingwheatleys.com/complete-guide-to-madagascar/.
(4) Madagascar Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel. https://travel.usnews.com/Madagascar/.