Madagascar Great South Adventure: Tsingy, Baobabs & Desert Beaches


Discover the contrasting landscapes of the Great South and the Vezo Coast on a journey combining nature, culture, and adventure.
From Antananarivo, you will fly to Fort Dauphin before exploring the Lokaro Peninsula, the mangroves of Sainte-Luce, and the Nahampoana Reserve.
The journey continues toward the Andohahela massif and the famous Berenty Reserve, renowned for guaranteed sightings of lemurs and sifakas.
Following the coast, discover Lavanono, Cap Sainte-Marie and its dunes, then the lagoons of Anakao and the sacred islet of Nosy Ve.
Along the west coast, tracks north of Ifaty lead to Belo sur Mer, the islands of Nosy Andrahovo, and the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, before reaching the dramatic limestone formations of the Tsingy de Bemaraha and returning to the capital.

Day 1 – Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo. Meet and assist at Ivato Airport, then transfer to the hotel. Time at leisure to rest after the flight. Overnight at Hotel Combava, Hotel Chat’o Park, or similar.

Day 2 – Antananarivo – Fort Dauphin
Domestic flight to Fort Dauphin. استقبال and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Nahampoana Reserve, home to several lemur species (sifaka, ring-tailed lemur, bamboo lemur, mouse lemur) and endemic flora. Overnight at Hotel Talinjo or similar.

Day 3 – Fort Dauphin – Lokaro – Fort Dauphin (80 km – approx. 1 hr road + 3 hrs boat)
Boat trip to the Lokaro Peninsula via the Sainte-Luce mangroves. Discovery of secluded beaches, rocky coves, and calm waters. Return to Fort Dauphin mid-afternoon, short city tour and visit to Libanona Beach. Overnight at Hotel Talinjo.

Day 4 – Fort Dauphin – Berenty (80 km – approx. 4 hrs)
Drive toward Andohahela National Park, featuring a unique mix of humid and dry ecosystems. Pass through the Ranopiso transitional forest, known for Dypsis decaryi palms and baobabs. Continue to the Berenty Reserve. Night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Berenty Lodge.

Day 5 – Berenty – Lavanono (180 km – approx. 6 hrs)
Guided visit of the Berenty Reserve, famous for ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas, bats, and birdlife. Visit the local museum and former sisal plantation. Drive to Lavanono, an isolated coastal village. Overnight at Chez Gigi or similar.

Day 6 – Lavanono – Cap Sainte-Marie – Lavanono (80 km – approx. 4 hrs)
Excursion to the Cap Sainte-Marie Special Reserve, Madagascar’s southernmost point. Visit the botanical garden, observe fossilized Aepyornis eggs, spiny forest, dunes, and a cave sheltering thousands of tortoises. Return to Lavanono. Overnight at Chez Gigi.

Day 7 – Lavanono – Itampolo (270 km – approx. 8 hrs)
Off-road journey through sandy and rocky tracks across arid landscapes with xerophytic vegetation. Arrival in Itampolo, a peaceful coastal fishing village. Overnight at Hotel Sud Sud or similar.

Day 8 – Itampolo – Beheloka (80 km – approx. 3 hrs)
Drive to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, featuring a salt lake, caves, baobabs, pachypodiums, and limestone formations. Possible sighting of flamingos. Continue to Beheloka. Overnight at Domaine d’Ambola.

Days 9–10 – Beheloka – Anakao (50 km – approx. 2 hrs)
Transfer to Anakao, the main Vezo fishing village. Leisure days for beach time and water activities. Excursion to Nosy Ve, a protected islet and nesting site for red-tailed tropicbirds. Overnight at Hotel Lalandaka or similar.

Days 11–12 – Anakao – Toliara – Ambatomilo (150 km – approx. 5 hrs + ferry)
Boat crossing to Toliara, then drive via Ifaty and Mangily. Continue by track to Ambatomilo, a pristine coastal area. Two-night stay at Shangri-La Lodge or similar.

Day 13 – Ambatomilo – Morombe (90 km – approx. 6 hrs)
Drive through savanna landscapes dotted with baobabs to Morombe. Overnight at Hotel Le Paletuvier or similar.

Day 14 – Morombe – Belo sur Mer (260 km – approx. 12 hrs)
Long off-road journey crossing rivers, salt flats, and savanna. Stop at Manja, then continue to Belo sur Mer, known for traditional boat building. Overnight at Belo Beach or similar.

Day 15 – Belo sur Mer
Sea excursion around Nosy Andrahovo and nearby islets. Swimming, snorkeling, coral reef observation. Overnight at Belo Beach.

Day 16 – Belo sur Mer – Kirindy (160 km – approx. 9 hrs)
Departure with a stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs. Continue to the Kirindy area. Night walk in the Private Reserve of Kirindy in search of the fossa. Overnight at Relais du Kirindy.

Day 17 – Kirindy – Bekopaka (140 km – approx. 8 hrs + ferry)
Morning visit in Kirindy Reserve, then drive to the Tsiribihina River for ferry crossings before reaching Bekopaka. Overnight at Olympe du Bemaraha or similar.

Day 18 – Bekopaka – Grand Tsingy – Bekopaka
Full day exploring the Tsingy de Bemaraha (UNESCO World Heritage Site): limestone pinnacles, suspension bridges, and viewpoints. Overnight in Bekopaka.

Day 19 – Bekopaka – Morondava
Return via track and ferry to Morondava. Sunset stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs. Overnight at Laguna Beach Hotel or similar.

Day 20 – Morondava – Betania – Miandrivazo
Visit Betania fishing village by traditional canoe. Continue to Miandrivazo. Overnight at Princess Tsiribihina Hotel or similar.

Day 21 – Miandrivazo – Antsirabe
Drive through the Highlands to Antsirabe. Optional visit to Lake Tritriva. Overnight at Royal Palace Hotel or similar.

Day 22 – Antsirabe – Antananarivo
City tour of Antsirabe (market, craft workshops). Continue to Antananarivo, optional visit of the Rova Palace. Overnight near the airport.

Day 23 – Antananarivo
Free morning and transfer to Ivato Airport for departure.

Prices per person

1 traveler: €5,800 – single room
2 travelers: €3,650 – double/twin room
3 travelers: €3,100 – triple room
4 travelers: €2,800 – two double/twin rooms

For other options, please contact us.

Best travel period: June – October

Included:
Domestic flight · Vehicle with English/French-speaking driver ·
Local guides · Entrance fees and excursions ·
Accommodation (dinner & breakfast) · All transfers

Not included:
Visa (€35) · Lunches · Drinks · Personal expenses ·
Anything not mentioned in “Included”

Fort Dauphin
Andohahela National Park
Berenty Reserve
Lavanono
Itampolo
Tsimanampetsotsa National Park
Anakao
Ambatomilo
Morombe
Belo sur Mer
Kirindy Reserve
Bekopaka
Tsingy de Bemaraha
Morondava
Antsirabe