Mysterious Madagascar Tour

This two week trip takes in the very best of Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island. You’ll walk through pristine rainforests harbouring some of the most interesting creatures to be found anywhere in Africa, stop in intriguing and picturesque villages to meet the local people, and also have the opportunity to snorkel in the azure blue waters of the inviting Indian Ocean.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum Group Size: 15
Arrival transfer: Airport transfer to hotel day 1
Staffing & Participation: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader or local tour leader, services of local guides in National Parks. No participation necessary
Transport: Private bus
Flights: Ifaty to Antananarivo
Activities: Extensive walking in National Parks, optional snorkelling at Ifaty
Accommodation: 12 nights in simple hotels or guesthouses, 2 nights camping in dome / A-frame tents on twin share basis or dormitory accommodation, at Andringitra
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Single Supplement: Not available

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Looking for lemurs in Ranomafana National Park
• Walking in the Andringitra Mountains
• Relaxing on the beach at Ifaty

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, ANTANANARIVO: Arrival day.

Day 2, PERINET NATIONAL PARK: We drive through spectacular scenery today on our way towards Perinet N.P. (B)

Day 3, PERINET NATIONAL PARK: This morning we visit Andasibe Reserve to see the Indri Indri - a rare type of lemur. In the afternoon we visit a Betsimisiraka village to gain an insight into the local culture and customs. (B)

Day 4, ANTSIRABE: Today’s journey takes us to the elegant city of Antsirabe. (B)

Day 5, AMBOSITRA: After a short tour of Antsirabe, we travel to Ambositra, the centre of Madagascar’s wood carving industry. (B)

Day 6, RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK: Driving through rice fields, forests and mountains we head to Ranomafana N.P., home to much of Madagascar’s unique and fascinating wildlife. (B)

Day 7, RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK: Today we have a guided walk through the forest in the hope of seeing some of the many species of lemurs that Madagascar is so famous for. The forest here is made up of ancient moss covered trees, powerful waterfalls and dramatic mountains. (B)

Day 8, ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK: Heading to Andringitra N.P., we stop en route at Ambalavao. We spend two nights camping or in dormitory accommodation in the park. (BD)

Day 9, ANDRINGITRA NATIONAL PARK: A full day of hiking through the magnificent mountain scenery of Andringitra, stopping along the way to admire the views and wildlife. (BLD)

Day 10, ISALO NATIONAL PARK: We head south, crossing from the lushness of the highlands into the more arid south, passing sacred mountains and interesting villages, until we end up at Isalo N.P. (B)

Day 11, ISALO NATIONAL PARK: Exploring Isalo N.P., we walk through sandstone hills and unique geological formations until we reach an area of rivers and pools where we’ll have the opportunity to cool off. (B)

Day 12, IFATY: We head south again, through the ‘spiny desert’, stopping en route to look at spectacular Mahafaly tombs. As we get to the coast we see fishermen heading out into the sea on their pirogues, before we arrive at Ifaty, situated on the beach. (B)

Day 13, IFATY: Free day at Ifaty to relax, snorkel or dive. (B)

Day 14, ANTANANARIVO: Fly back to Antananarivo where we spend the night. (B)

Day 15, ANTANANARIVO: Tour ends. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. Explore without roughing it.

Maximum Group Size - 15: You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of inclusions, comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. You enjoy the freedom of using privately charted vehicles but also understand that sometimes the best way to go is 'local'. Whether a seasoned or a first time traveller, you love to explore without roughing it.
Tour Extensions: Traveller-class Extension tours are non-group tours, available on request.
Included: All accommodation (usually in comfortable tourist class hotels on a twin share basis), transportation, many meals, and all entrance fees as included in the itinerary.
Single Supplement: (applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room) Usually available and usually not compulsory (check your specific tour for details). Please note: Single supplements do not apply on all boats, overnight train journeys and whilst camping.[Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]