Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow or your local airport to Antananarivo via Paris with Air France and transfer to the Tana Plaza Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2 A city tour of Antananarivo includes the Prime Minster’s Palace.
Day 3 Travel to Antsirabe, known for the healing properties of its hot spring water. Overnight at the Arotel or Hotel des Thermes.
Day 4 A scenic drive to Sahambavy, surrounded by eucalyptus wooded slopes and tea plantations. Overnight at the Lac Hotel.
Day 5 Take the train from Sahambavy to Mijilo with a picnic lunch. Continue to Mananjary for two nights at the Vahiny Lodge or Sorafa Hotel.
Day 6 A day excursion to Pangalanes Lakes, a series of attractive lakes with man-made beaches.
Day 7 Drive to Ranofama National Park for two nights at the Setam Lodge or Centrests Hotel, via coffee, tea, vanilla and clove plantations.
Day 8 Walk through the Ranofama National Park, known for its Bamboo Lemurs.
Day 9 Travel to Ambalavao through Fianarantsoa province, visiting typical southern villages and a wine cellar. Overnight at Les Bougainvilliers Hotel.
Day 10 Travel to Ranohira, crossing the Horombe table land. Visit the Isalo National Park museum. Two nights at the Orchidees De l’Isalo Hotel or the Isalo Ranch.
Day 11 Walk through the Isalo National Park where Lemurs may be spotted and the Namaza Forest with its natural swimming pools and waterfalls.
Day 12 Travel to Toliara through sapphire miners’ villages, witnessing the painted tombs of the southern tribes. Visit the Antsokay botanical gardens before flying to Antananarivo. Overnight at the Tana Plaza Hotel, with dinner included.
Day 13 Visit the city Lemur Park and handicraft market. We provide day-use rooms and dinner before an evening transfer to the airport for the late overnight flight. Clients taking the extension will depart after visiting the Lemur Park.
Day 14 Arrive Heathrow or your local airport.
Travelling Times
This arrangement includes the most important and fascinating regions of Madagascar. However, due to distances between destinations and road conditions, on some days there will be extended travelling times. Visits to the national parks involve a moderate amount of walking on uneven terrain and we recommend comfortable walking shoes.
Extension - Nosy Be
Located off Madagascar’s north-west coast, the island of Nosy Be offers stunning beaches and is surrounded by coral reef in a protected national zone. This peaceful island, although Madagascar’s most popular tourist destination, remains unspoilt and is ideal for a few nights’ relaxation. We include a full day excursion to the island of Nosy Komba and Tanikely marine park. Spend four nights at the 3-star boutique-style Vanila Hotel with 2 restaurants, swimming pool, landscaped gardens and 41 rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and private facilities.
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