This 15-day journey in Madagascar is a complete immersion into the nature, culture, and authenticity of the Red Island. From Antananarivo, the capital perched on the highlands, we follow the legendary National Road 7 southwards, crossing the charming towns of Antsirabe and Ambositra, famous for their craftsmanship and wood carving traditions.
The adventure continues through the Zafimaniry villages of Antoetra, Sakaivo, Faliarivo, and Ankidodo, where ancestral traditions and warm hospitality shape everyday life.
We then head toward the lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, a biodiversity sanctuary home to lemurs and orchids, before reaching Ambalavao and the majestic Andringitra Massif for an unforgettable trek to Pic Boby, the highest peak in southern Madagascar. The landscapes then transform into the arid scenery of Isalo National Park, a spectacular canyon of golden rock formations, before opening onto the beaches of the Ifaty Lagoon.
An exceptional itinerary combining mountains, tropical forests, and ocean—each stage revealing a unique face of Madagascar, a land of contrasts and emotion.
Day 1 — Antananarivo
Arrival at the airport, welcome by our team, and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Time to rest after the flight.
Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2 — Antananarivo – Ambositra – Antaniditra | approx. 290 km – 8 hrs
Departure at 7:00 AM along the famous National Road 7, the backbone of the Malagasy Highlands. Landscapes of terraced rice fields and highland villages reflect the Indonesian origins of the Merina people.
Lunch stop in Antsirabe, followed by a visit to the Tsara Sabotsy Market and a city tour by pousse-pousse. Continue to Ambositra, capital of Zafimaniry wood carving, then on to Antaniditra.
Ivato River Lodge or similar.
Day 3 — Antaniditra – Antoetra – Sakaivo | trek
After breakfast, drive to Antoetra, main village of the Zafimaniry people, renowned for their wood sculptures.
Begin a trek through valleys, rivers, forests, and rice fields, crossing several Zafimaniry villages whose cultural heritage is listed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Arrival in Sakaivo, installation in a traditional Zafimaniry house.
Traditional dinner and overnight in the village.
Day 4 — Sakaivo – Faliarivo – Ankidodo | trek
A full day of trekking (6–7 hours) through forests and rice terraces, passing sculptor villages and panoramic viewpoints. Evening arrival in Ankidodo.
Overnight camping.
Day 5 — Antoetra – Ranomafana | approx. 170 km – 6 hrs
Morning walk back to Antoetra, then drive south toward Ranomafana, one of the last remaining humid forests of the Highlands.
Setam Lodge or similar.
Day 6 — Ranomafana – Ambalavao | approx. 120 km – 3 hrs
Morning visit of Ranomafana National Park, home to 12 lemur species, rich birdlife, orchids, and medicinal plants. Afternoon drive to Ambalavao.
Aux Bougainvillées or similar.
Day 7 — Ambalavao – Namoly – Andriampotsy | trek
Start of the most demanding trek: entry into Andringitra National Park. Climb to Andriampotsy Camp (2050 m).
Overnight camping.
Day 8 — Andriampotsy – Pic Boby – Iantaranomby | trek
Early ascent of Pic Boby (2,658 m), Madagascar’s second-highest peak. Descent via the surreal “extraterrestrial plateau.”
Overnight camping.
Day 9 — Iantaranomby – Tsaranoro Valley
Final trek day descending into the spectacular Tsaranoro Valley, famous for its 800 m granite cliff.
Tsarasoa Lodge or similar.
Day 10 — Tsaranoro – Ranohira | approx. 210 km – 5 hrs
Drive across the Ihorombe Plateau with a visit to a Bara village.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Day 11 — Isalo National Park
Full-day hike through Isalo National Park: canyons, oases, natural pools, and sunset at the Isalo Window.
H1 Isalo Hotel or similar.
Days 12–13 — Ranohira – Ifaty | approx. 270 km – 7 hrs
Drive to Ifaty on the Mozambique Channel. Two full days at leisure by the lagoon.
Bamboo Club Hotel or similar.
Day 14 — Ifaty – Tuléar – Antananarivo
Domestic flight back to the capital.
Chat’o Park Hotel or similar.
Day 15 — Antananarivo
Transfer to the international airport.
End of services.
Prices per person
1 traveler: €2,000 (single room)
2 travelers: €1,600 (1 double/twin room)
3 travelers: €1,450 (1 triple room)
4 travelers: €1,300 (2 double/twin rooms)
5 travelers: €1,200 (1 triple + 1 double/twin)
6 travelers: €1,100 (3 double/twin rooms)
Best time to travel: May – November
Included:
Domestic flights | Private vehicle with English-speaking driver | All excursions mentioned | Camping equipment | Hotels listed or similar | All meals during multi-day treks | Local trekking guides
Not included:
Visa (€35) | Lunches | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not listed above
Antsirabe
High-altitude spa town known for its colonial charm, bicycle rides, and colorful pousse-pousse.
Ambositra
Capital of Zafimaniry craftsmanship, famous for wood carving and authentic highland life.
Ranomafana
Gateway to one of Madagascar’s richest rainforests, renowned for biodiversity and hot springs.
Ambalavao
Betsileo town famous for zebu markets, silk, wine, and Antemoro paper.
Andringitra National Park
Granite mountains, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional trekking routes.
Tsaranoro Valley
Spectacular granite cliffs and authentic rural villages at the foot of Andringitra.
Isalo & Ranohira
The “Malagasy Colorado,” featuring canyons, oases, and sandstone formations.
Ifaty
Relaxing beach destination with coral lagoon, Vezo fishing villages, and baobab forests.
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