Description

Lying adjacent to the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is home to stunning mountains, spectacular rainforests and white, sandy beaches. The island protects incredible numbers of endangered lemurs, rare plants and birds within its expansive national parks. Go trekking beneath lush tree canopies for a close-up look at Madagascar's most famous creatures, walk through quaint towns filled with markets and European-influenced architecture, and enjoy relaxing holiday time on magnificent Indian Ocean beaches. Combining friendly locals, fascinating wildlife and idyllic island vistas, the Madagascar experience is a unique slice of paradise.

Highlights

• Cruise to the beautiful Ile Ste Marie.
• Admire dramatic sandstone formations in Andasibe NP.
• Visit the historical centre of Foulpointe.
• Take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.
• Watch local artisans at work in Ambositra.
• Revel in the romantic atmosphere of Antananarivo.
• Learn about sapphire mining in Tulear.
• Look for lemurs on a rainforest ramble in Ranomafana NP.

Itinerary

Day 1 Antananarivo

Madagascar's charmingly crowded capital, Antananarivo is a fun place to explore with its street markets, restaurants and romantic atmosphere.

Day 2 Ambositra

The home of the Betsileo ethnic group, Ambositra is famous for its woodcraft and silk production, which is very important in the Malagasy culture.

Days 3-4 Ranomafana National Park

Home to 13 species of lemur including the famous golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana National Park is a haven for small mammals and birds, as well as palms, orchids and carnivorous plants.

Days 5-6 Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is known for its contrasting scenery of deep canyons, crazy sandstone formations and open grasslands.

Days 7-8 Fianarantsoa

Known for its markets and handcrafts, the colourful town of Fianarantsoa is a must see with its labyrinth of small streets and old houses with flower-studded balconies.

Day 9 Antsirabe

With the tranquillity of a small European town, Antsirabe maintains a Malagasy touch, which it reveals in its markets and traditional quarters.

Days 10-11 Andasibe National Park

The most-visited park in Madagascar, Andasibe National Park is famous for its lemurs but this tropical forest is also home to unique endemic birds such as the long-eared owl.

Day 12 Foulpointe

The vestiges of an ancient fort watch over the pirate cemetery in the small fishing village of Foulpointe.

Days 13-16 Sainte-Marie

The romantic island of Ile Sainte-Marie was once a shelter for pirates, today its green hills hide a wealth of bays and coves sheltered by coral reefs.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Cottage, Hotel

Transport

Boat, Minibus

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip.2. This trip finishes at our Sainte Marie hotel on day 16. You are free to depart at any time. If you are flying from St Marie to Antananarivo we do not recommend you plan to connect any regional or international flights the same day.