Itinerary Highlights
- Luxuriant rainforest at Andasibe-Mantadia and Montagne d'Ambre National Parks
- Tsingy limestone pinnacle-fields, Baobabs and caves at Ankarana
- Rare wildlife including lemurs, chameleons and endemic birds
- Relaxing at remote and secluded Baobab Beach
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers
14 nights from £5,815 - £6,329 per person
Candice Buchan
Travel Specialist
On this bespoke, individual itinerary, we aim to show you a superb spectrum of Madagascar's compelling wildlife and strongly contrasting habitats.
The tour takes in a variety of Madagascar's diverse eco-types, from humid rainforest to seasonally dry woods. You visit the enchanting reserves in Madagascar's Eastern Rainforest band at Andasibe-Mantadia, home to the Indri and 11 other lemur species.
Then fly north to explore remarkable Ankarana, frequently cited as the one place in Madagascar having that world class WOW factor, which is a tough call in this extraordinary island! The 35km2 fortress-like limestone massif is famed for its pinnacle-fields, sunken deciduous forests and a vast network of caves and underground passages.
A short spell on the tropical north-western coast, provides the perfect relaxing end after exploring the parks.
In season, we can arrange whale-watching and even whale-shark watching excursions for you in the Nosy Be archipelago. Additionally, activities like snorkelling and horse-riding can be arranged on Nosy Be - contact us for details.
When to go: this itinerary is best done from May to October, when Ankarana Ouest is accessible. (If travelling outside of those months, Ankarana Est is still accessible in April and December but rains may flood the bridge between Ankarana and Ankify).
Book long in advance to avoid disappointment at some of the lodges.
Itinerary
Day 1 1 - Take to the Skies!
Take an overnight flight from London Heathrow or selected other UK airports (if you require international flights from UK) to Antananarivo.
Day 2 Welcome to Antananarivo
Arrive into Antananarivo off your international flight today.
You will be met by your tour leader, and assisted with currency exchange. Transferred to the comfortable Relais des Plateaux, just 10 minutes drive away, for a 1-night stay, with breakfast included.
* Tour price includes economy class international flights from London Heathrow or selected other UK airports.
Day 3 Antananarivo - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (dr
After a leisurely breakfast depart with your guide by 4WD vehicle to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (‘Perinet’), a 5-hour drive through scenic high plateau countryside to humid rainforests on the eastern escarpment. You’ll be based at Mantadia Lodge OR Vakona Forest Lodge for 3 nights, dinner and breakfast included.
Take an introductory rainforest walk and make a night walk in Madagascar’s most visited protected area because of its rich and varied wildlife. Iconic species include the Indri, the largest of all the lemurs, the two-foot long Parson’s chameleon and numerous rainforest-dependent birds.
Day 4 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Explore the easy trails of Analamazaotra Special Reserve (‘Perinet’/ Andasibe) - generally there are three activities offered daily in this area: an early morning walk allows for the chance to experience when the rainforest is a hive of activity.
During the middle part of the day, when the rainforest quietens down, you can relax at the lodge (and swim in spring or summer months), or perhaps go kayaking or horse riding.
In the evening your guide will take you to seek nocturnal wildlife in a small patch of rainforest protected by the resident guiding association of VOIMMA.
Staying at
Mantadia Lodge
Day 5 Maromizaha Rainforest Reserve (OR Mantadia National Park) and 'Mitsinjo' Rainforest
Spend your time exploring the rainforests in either Maromizaha OR Mantadia today. Both have narrower trails over steeper slopes and they harbour much the same scenery and fauna.
After dark, you will also be taken for a night walk in the rainforest concession Analamazaotra Special Reserve that is managed by Association Mitsinjo. (Grading of night walk is easy).
In the middle of the day, you may wish to go for some horse-riding (small extra charge, payable locally). Or, visit the Mitsinjo Nurseries and plant an endangered, endemic Malagasy tree as part of the ongoing habitat restoration programme under way here to link up isolated rainforest blocks so as to enable wildlife movement. (Our favourite charity Money for Madagascar is assisting Association Mitsinjo with its commendable work in this area). Alternatively, we can arrange a visit to the very interesting Frog Breeding Centre where endemic and endangered Malagasy amphibians are being bred as part of conservation efforts.
Staying at
Mantadia Lodge
Day 6 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - Antananarivo
Enjoy a final guided rainforest walk to seek out species perhaps missed previously.
Travel back to Antananarivo after lunch - or if you want to see some sites there, your guide and driver can take you back earlier.
Stay overnight at Relais des Plateaux with breakfast included.
* If you want to experience a fantastic restaurant such as La Varangue or Cafe du Musee, which need to be pre-booked, let us know and we can make arrangements for you.
Day 6 Antananarivo - Diego Suarez (flight) - Montagne d'Ambre
You will be transferred to Antananarivo airport to check in for the early morning Air Madagascar/ Tsaradia flight to Diego Suarez on the far north coast.
There you are met by your guide and driver, who take you to see some endangered Baobabs (the endangered, localised species Adansonia suarenzis as well as the large A. madagascarienses are both found there).
Travel in your comfortable, private 4-wheel drive vehicle for about an hour southwards to Montagne d'Ambre National Park, to stay overnight at Nature Lodge, all meals included.
Your guide will take you for a walk in Montagne d'Ambre, where the trails are easy and scenery beautiful.
After dark, enjoy a night walk in Fontenay Private Park, one of the country's best locations in which to seek nocturnal wildlife.
Day 8 Montagne d'Ambre - Ankarana National Park
After breakfast, travel south-west to Ankarana National Park, to stay 2 -nights in en- suite bungalow at Ankarana Lodge,*** with all meals included.
This limestone plateau, with its remarkable 'tsingy' pinnacle formations, was justifiably described by renowned travel writer Hilary Bradt as having that 'world class wow factor'. Enjoy exploring awe inspiring caves; pinnacle-fields,and the park's sunken forests in search of rare wildlife.
*** If you prefer, you can stay at the (also rustic) Iharana Bush Camp in Ankarana Ouest, a 90- minute drive from the main park entrance.
Day 9 Ankarana
Your guides will take you to explore more of remarkable Ankarana today. Here you can seek wildlife local to the north-western tropical dry deciduous forests and marvel at the incredible geological formations which include a vast network of caves and underground passages.
Staying at
Ankarana Lodge
Day 10 Ankarana - Ankify - Eden Lodge
You will be transferred about 4hrs by road to the seaside town Ankify, where you will be met for the 15 minute speedboat transfer to the delightful, secluded beach gem of Eden Lodge, for a 4- night stay with all meals included.
*If you like, we could arrange a stop at Plantation Millot , where visitors (by prior arrangement) can learn about the production of cacao for high quality Fair Trade chocolates, such as the famed 'Chocolatier Robert'.
Eden Lodge is one of a small handful of sites in Madagascar where you have the combination of beach and rare wildlife.
Day 11 Baobab Beach - Eden Lodge
Enjoy secluded Baobab Beach, where aside from relaxing by the beach, you can make day and night walks with the on-site guide in search of the rare wildlife that inhabits the Sambirano woods around the lodge.
Take a good flashlight for night walks, during which you can seek species such as the sought-after Fork-marked lemur.
Staying at
Eden Lodge
Day 12 Baobab Beach - Eden Lodge
Enjoy the wonderful Sambirano coast. Year round our guests who have stayed in this remote and secluded place, have encountered Green turtles while swimming off the sunny beach.
Staying at
Eden Lodge
Day 13 Baobab Beach - Eden Lodge
Enjoy chilling out on the lovely white sand beach at Baobab Beach, from where you can also visit other islands or interesting sites inland.
In season, excursions can be arranged for those who are keen to go whale watching (late July to September), or even to seek whale-sharks (later October to December) - ask us for details.
Staying at
Eden Lodge
Day 14 Baobab Beach - Nosy Be and departure
Speedboat transfer to Nosy Be airport in time to check in EITHER for the Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa OR for once weekly Airlink flight to Johannesburg. ****
On arrival into Addis Ababa*** OR Johannesburg International Airport, check in for the onward flight to the UK
*** This sample itinerary is priced based on Ethiopian Airlines flights from London or Manchester to Antananarivo and from Nosy Be back to London or Manchester.
***** If you prefer to fly back to Antananarivo, your guide and driver will meet you and take you to Le Relais de Plateaux, just 10 minutes drive from the airport, for use of a day room or stay overnight. with breakfast.
Day 15 Arrival home
Arrive home after a wonderful holiday!
Candice Buchan
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
14 nights from £5,815 - £6,329 per person
Candice Buchan
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
* International flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Antananarivo and from Nosy Be to London Heathrow or Manchester (economy class seating) via Addis Ababa
* Domestic Air Madagascar flights as per itinerary, and airport taxes
* Accommodation as stated, with meals as indicated
* All private transfers and 4WD (and speedboat) transportation;
* Services of dedicated, private, English-speaking guide and of drivers
* Park guides and national park guide fees
* All excursions and activities as per the itinerary.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
* Gratuities
* Items of a personal nature (travel insurance, phone calls, laundry)
* Drinks
* Madagascar Visa fee (€18)
Pricing Notes
Please note: this is a sample, tailor-made itinerary so can be modified to suit your travel calendar and special interests.
To extend beach time at the end, you might also wish to consider places such as Eden Lodge - contact us for details and a customized proposal.
This sample itinerary is based on low season airfares on Ethiopian Airlines. We will be pleased to quote with other international carriers of your choice.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
