Madagascar Cultural and Natural Wonders Tour

Pick-up at Ivato Antananarivo airport and transfer to the hotel.

Depart southbound on the RN7, with a stop at Ambatolampy, 73 km from Antananarivo, to explore workshops producing pots and aluminum kitchenware. Continue to Antsirabe, enjoying the scenic Highlands with its stunning valleys, charming villages, and rice paddies. Arrive in Antsirabe, known as Madagascar's spa town and industrial hub, home to two of the island's most famous beer brands. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Lake Tritriva, a mysterious crater lake linked to a local legend of star-crossed lovers who transformed into intertwined tree branches at the lake's edge.

Departure for Ranomafana. As we travel, we'll enjoy the stunning traditional houses characteristic of the highlands. After about 2 hours, we'll arrive in Ambositra, where we'll visit workshops showcasing the renowned Malagasy artisans. Their expertise in marquetry and woodcarving, known as "art zafimaniry," is so impressive that many visitors find it irresistible to leave without purchasing a piece as a souvenir. After lunch, we'll continue our journey to Ranomafana.

In the morning, we'll explore Ranomafana National Park, a part of the Atsinanana humid forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable park is intersected by 25 rivers and boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the rare and endangered golden hapalemur.

In the afternoon, we'll proceed to Fianarantsoa. There, we'll tour the city and its landmarks, including around fifty religious edifices. Fianarantsoa is also well-known for its vineyards and is the sole producer of wine in Madagascar, offering a variety of white, red, rosé, and gray wines.

Continuation of the road towards Ranohira. After 60 km, stop at Ambalavao to visit an Antemoro papermaking workshop which is a local handicraft specialty based on avoha, a fibrous bark. 15km further south, visit of the Anja village reserve which is a park created by the inhabitants of this place rich in biodiversity. We can observe the particular makis catta lemur. Continuation to Ranohira with a fascinating crossing of a new type of landscape, that of the Far West of Madagascar.

Day dedicated to the visit of Isalo national park. This ruiniform massif is a 80 000 ha protected area. It is above all the habitat of numerous species of fauna and flora scattered throughout the reserve. Apart from reptiles and lemurs, 77 species of birds live there, which 70% are endemic. Hiking in the canyons, and swimming in natural pools will also be in the program. For the more athletic, possibility to visit the reserve by bike (optional).

Towards the end of the afternoon, admiration of the sunset through the Isalo Window, an opportunity to take some pictures postcard landscape.

Departure for Ifaty, crossing the Mahafaly plateau renowned for its numerous tombs adorned with Aloalo (carved wooden posts). These tombs feature funerary art depicting scenes from the deceased's life. Enjoy the sight of baobabs set against the stunning landscapes of the Great South. We'll also visit the Antsokay Arboretum, a haven for plant enthusiasts with around 900 plant species, 90% of which are endemic.

Arriving in Ifaty in the afternoon, you'll experience the ultimate in seaside tourism with year-round sunshine, a beautiful beach, quad biking along the coast, canoe trips, snorkeling, and various water sports. Please inform the hotel front desk if you wish to undertake these activities (which are not included in the tour price).

Free stay in Ifaty. P.S. You may also consider visiting Anakao, located further south. Anakao is as beautiful as Ifaty but less famous. As a result, it offers a quieter setting. If you choose this option, you will stay at Atlantis Anakao (or similar) instead of Bamboo Club Ifaty on Day 8 and 9. In this case, the night before (i.e. Day 7), you will be accommodated at Auberge de la Table. Please let us know if you would like to choose this option (+100 euros per person).

Free stay.

Transfer to the airport of Tulear and return flight to Antananarivo. Pick-up at Ivato Antananarivo airport and transfer to the hotel.

Visit the dike craft market. Transfer to Ivato airport for your international return flight.