20-Day Ultimate Madagascar Safari & Tour

Experience the ultimate 20-day Madagascar safari. Track lemurs in Andasibe, explore Tsingy’s stone forests, see the Avenue of Baobabs & relax on Ifaty’s beaches. A complete tour.

This comprehensive 20-day tour is the ultimate Madagascar adventure, combining wildlife, unique landscapes, and culture from Andasibe and Tsingy to Isalo and the beaches of Ifaty.

The Ultimate Itinerary: This is a truly comprehensive tour designed for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience the full diversity of Madagascar—its unique wildlife, jaw-dropping landscapes, and vibrant culture—from the rainforests of the east to the spiny forests and beaches of the west.
Physical Adventure: This tour involves some long drives on rough roads (especially to Tsingy), walking on uneven terrain, and climbing in Tsingy de Bemaraha. A good level of mobility and fitness is required.
Important Note on Guides: The base price includes a driver who likely does not speak English. For a meaningful experience, the supplement for a professional English-speaking guide is essential. This cost is shared between all participants.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to November) is the best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. The rainy season (December-March) can bring cyclones and make some roads, especially to Tsingy, impassable.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR). You will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital city for rest and acclimatization.

Accommodation: Le Chat’O Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Antananarivo – Andasibe

Drive to Andasibe with an en-route visit to the Vakôna Private Reserve (often called Lemur Island). In the evening, enjoy a night walk "safari" in Andasibe to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Sahatandra River Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3: Andasibe National Park

A full day to explore Andasibe (Perinet) National Park on a guided tour. This is one of the best places in Madagascar to see the largest lemur, the Indri, known for its haunting calls. In the afternoon, take a guided walk in the local village and visit the Mitsinjo Association, a community-based conservation project.

Accommodation: Sahatandra River Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Andasibe – Antananarivo

Drive back to Antananarivo. En route, visit the sacred hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historical birthplace of the Malagasy kingdom.

Accommodation: Le Chat’O Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Fly to Morondava

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava, a coastal town on the edge of the dry deciduous forests. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk to explore the town.

Accommodation: Renala au Sable d’Or (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 6: Morondava – Bekopaka (Tsingy)

An adventurous drive north. Stop at the Kirindy Forest Reserve for wildlife viewing, then continue via the ferry crossing at Belo-sur-Tsiribihina to the remote town of Bekopaka, the gateway to Tsingy de Bemaraha.

Accommodation: Olympe du Bemaraha (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 7: Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

A highlight of the trip. Explore the otherworldly landscape of Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour involves walks, climbs, and via ferrata routes over the sharp limestone pinnacles, offering breathtaking views and unique ecology.

Accommodation: Olympe du Bemaraha (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 8: Tsingy – Morondava

Drive back to Morondava. Arrive in time for a magical sunset at the world-famous Avenue of Baobabs, where a snack and sundowner drink are included.

Accommodation: Renala au Sable d’Or (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 9: Fly to Antananarivo

Fly back to the capital. If time allows, visit Lemurs' Park and the handicraft market for souvenirs.

Accommodation: Le Chat’O Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 10: Antananarivo – Antsirabe

Drive south to Antsirabe, known as the "Vichy of Madagascar" for its thermal springs. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the volcanic crater lake of Tritriva and a traditional rickshaw (pousse-pousse) city tour.

Accommodation: Hotel Vatolahy (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 11: Antsirabe – Ranomafana

Continue south, stopping in Ambositra, the center of Madagascar's woodcarving industry. Visit a workshop and the local market before driving into the highlands to Ranomafana.

Accommodation: Hotel Ny Tanana (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 12: Ranomafana – Fianarantsoa

Morning guided visit in Ranomafana National Park, a lush rainforest park home to 12 species of lemur, including the golden bamboo lemur. After lunch, drive to Fianarantsoa.

Accommodation: Lac Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 13: Fianarantsoa – Ranohira (Isalo)

Drive to Ambalavao, visiting the Anja Community Reserve en route—a fantastic place to see families of ring-tailed lemurs. Continue through the dramatic landscape to Ranohira.

Accommodation: Isalo Ranch (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 14: Isalo National Park

A full day to explore Isalo National Park on a guided tour. Discover deep canyons, natural swimming pools, and unique sandstone formations. A picnic BBQ lunch is included in the park.

Accommodation: Isalo Ranch (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 15: Isalo – Ifaty

Drive to the coastal town of Toliara (Tulear) and then north to the beach paradise of Ifaty. En route, visit a sapphire mine. In the afternoon, visit the Reniala Spiny Forest Botanical Garden.

Accommodation: Bella Donna (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Days 16-18: Ifaty Beach Relaxation

Three full days to relax on the beaches of Ifaty, swim in the Mozambique Channel, go snorkeling, or simply unwind.

Accommodation: Bella Donna (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 19: Fly to Antananarivo

Transfer to Tulear Airport (TLE) for your flight back to the capital. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Le Chat’O Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 20: Departure

Transfer to Ivato International Airport (TNR) for your international departure flight.

Details

Included in the Price:

All airport transfers
Accommodation in standard rooms on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis
Car rental with fuel, driver, and driver’s indemnities
All park and reserve entry fees
Services of local park or reserve guides for visits
Tourist levy and VAT
Sunset snack/drink at Avenue of Baobabs
Picnic BBQ lunch in Isalo National Park

Not Included (Crucial to note):

International flights
Domestic flights: Antananarivo-Morondava-Antananarivo & Tulear-Antananarivo (approx. €660-880 per person, bookable separately)
Madagascar Visa fee: €35 for a stay up to 30 days (obtainable on arrival)
All other meals (Lunches and Dinners)
All drinks
Personal expenditures & tips
Travel insurance (Mandatory)
English-speaking guide supplement: €1,620 for the entire tour (to be shared by the group) – Highly recommended as drivers typically do not speak English.

2025 Tour Cost (excl. flights & meals):

2 people: €2,580 per person sharing
4 people: €2,125 per person sharing
6 people: €2,120 per person sharing
Single Supplement: €655

Country Information Sheet: Madagascar | The Eighth Continent

Key Facts

Population: 28 million people.
Languages: Malagasy (official), French (official), English (limited, mainly in tourism).
Geography: The world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot often called the “Eighth Continent” due to its unique ecosystems, which evolved in isolation.

Climate

Diverse: Ranges from tropical along the coasts to temperate in the highlands and arid in the south.
East Coast (Andasibe): Hot and humid with rainfall year-round.
West Coast (Tsingy, Morondava): Hot and dry.
Highlands (Antananarivo, Antsirabe): Pleasant and temperate; can be cool, especially at night.
South (Isalo, Ifaty): Hot and dry.

Visas

A tourist visa is required for almost all nationalities. It can be obtained on arrival at the airport for €35 (for stays up to 30 days) or online in advance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Check requirements via Madagascar eVisa.

Health

Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Mandatory: Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country.
Malaria: High risk throughout the country. Prophylaxis is absolutely essential. Consult a travel doctor.
Food/Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Be cautious with street food to avoid travelers’ diarrhea.

Currency

Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Euros (EUR) and US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for exchange and sometimes for payment. Bring new, crisp Euro notes for the best exchange rates. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Tana.

Packing List

Essential: Sturdy walking shoes, lightweight clothing, rain jacket, warm layer for highlands, hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, torch, binoculars, all necessary medications.

Gratuities

English-Speaking Guide (if hired): €10 – €15 per day from the group
Driver: €5 – €10 per day from the group
Local Park Guides: €3 – €5 per guide, per visit
Hotel Staff: €1 – €2 per day, left in the room or given to a specific staff member for exceptional service
Restaurant Staff: A tip of 5-10% of the bill is appropriate if a service charge is not already included.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory for cancellations, medical emergencies, and delays.

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