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The Great Red Island road trip
Madagascar in 17 Days, 15 Nights in Destination
Up to $500 reward
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-25%
From
$5,769
/person
Emma
Travel crafter
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Hit the road and discover Madagascar's unique population of lemurs, majestic baobab trees and Isalo National Park. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Trip Highlights
- Ambalavao
- Ambatolampy
- Antananarivo
- Antsirabe
- Fianarantsoa
- Ifaty
- Isalo National Park
- Morondava
- Ranohira
- Ranomafana National Park
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until December 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $540
Add up to 5 nights to your stay
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Categories available
charm included
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Categories Available:
charm
From $4,299
Selected
Accommodation: 15 Nights
Itinerary
Enjoy the richness and beauty of southern Madagascar. Begin by exploring the vibrant highland capital of Antananarivo. Discover the city of Antsirabe and its clay houses, and let yourself be impressed by the giant baobabs of Morondava. Explore Fianarantsoa, find lemurs and birdlife in the rainforest of Ranomafana and relax on the white sandy beaches of Ifaty.
Arrive at your departure airport, ready to board a flight to Antananarivo, the capital of the beautiful island of Madagascar. Night on board*.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
If your outbound flight arrives at the destination between midnight and 5:00 a.m. on day 2 of the itinerary, you must purchase the extra night supplement in the next step of the booking process.
Arrive at Antananarivo airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. As the journey takes approximately 2 hours, enjoy a tour of the city along the way.
Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure, enjoying the climate of the Central Highlands. We recommend an optional excursion to Andohalo Photo Museum*. Overnight stay in Antananarivo.
*Optional Andohalo Photo Museum Tour: Located in the former mayor's house in Anjohy, learn about the history and culture of Madagascar through a series of photos, many taken by missionaries. It offers a fascinating look into the history of the highlands during the royal period.
You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel La Villette or similar
17 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Photo Museum of Andohalo
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off towards the south of the country, visiting the leafy city of Ambatolampy along the way.
Continue to Antsirabe, a journey of approximately 4 hours (105 miles), passing by charming red clay houses that represent the identity and origins of Madagascar.
Before arriving in Antsirabe, visit a Malagasy Pot Factory, to learn how they're crafted from aluminium. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Antsirabe, known as the 'City of Water'.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Couleur Cafe or similar
522 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Antananarivo Orientation Tour
Light
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Visit a Malagasy Pot Factory
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. As you leave the highlands today, notice the change in the environment as the terrain becomes drier. Continue to Morondava, a journey of approximately 8-10 hours (310 miles), passing by the beautiful landscapes of the sunny west coast of the island.
Finally, the highlight of the day comes as you arrive at the incredible Avenue of Baobabs, lined with majestic baobab trees. Be awe-struck by the spectacle of the sun setting behind the unforgettable silhouettes of the trees and soak up the unbelievable natural landscapes. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Morondava.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Renala Au Sable D'Or or similar
115 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Avenue of Baobabs
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day in beautiful Morondava at your leisure. We recommend visiting the local market for a taste of the island culture and to see the colourful fresh produce. Alternatively, kick back on the idyllic beach, surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise waters. Overnight stay in Morondava.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Renala Au Sable D'Or or similar
115 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave laid-back Moronodava behind and return to Antsirabe, admiring the changing landscapes along the scenic 8-10 hour journey (310 miles). Arrive and, depending on the time, spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Couleur Cafe or similar
522 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the Old Town of Fianarantsoa, one of the largest cities in the country and considered the capital of the Betsileo tribe.
After a scenic journey of around 6 hours (150 miles), traveling through the interior of the country, enjoy a fascinating city tour and visit a number of religious buildings and take a walk through both the upper and old city. Fianarantsoa is also known for its abundant vineyards. Transfer the hotel and overnight stay in Fianarantsoa.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Zomatel Hotel or similar
220 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Fianarantsoa City Tour
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Drive southwards today, to the region of Ihorombe, noticing the change of landscapes from green highlands to dry granite formations known as the 'gate of the south'.
This is the land of the Baras community, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country, known for their cattle herding. Pass by the Bishops Hat, a holy place for the locals until arriving at the small town of Ranohira after a journey of approximately 7 hours (180 miles), situated in the Isalo Mountains.
In the afternoon, enjoy watching the sunset from the Window of Isalo viewpoint. Overnight stay in Ranohira.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Isalo Ranch or similar
214 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Anja Park
Moderate
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Watch the Sunset through the 'Window of Isalo'
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover the unique sandstone formations of the Isalo National Park, where you'll find a rugged mountain landscape with rock formations and caves.
Despite the dry climate, there are many streams with crystal clear waters that run across the deep gorges and form luscious green oases. Enjoy the spectacular mountainous landscape of shimmering rocks, gorges and deep water-filled canyons, even in the dry season.
After a short hike enjoy a well-deserved cool off in a natural pool. Afterwards, we recommend an optional trip to Bara Village in Maromaniry*. Overnight stay in Ranohira.
*Optional Bara Village Excursion: Observe village life in Bara, where the communities live in traditional mud houses and are experienced cattle breeders. Learn about their complex beliefs and wedding traditions for a unique insight into the Bara way of life.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel Isalo Ranch or similar
214 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Isalo National Park
Active
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Visit Bara Village in Maromaniry
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head to the beautiful coastal town of Ifaty, an ideal destination for hiking and discovering the local wildlife. Watch the idyllic landscapes of Madagascar pass by on the journey of approximately 6 hours (165 miles).
On arrival, stretch your legs in the thorny forest of Reniala Reserve, where you can find a number of typical plant species, endemic to southern Madagascar. Animal species of different types also find refuge in the forest. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Ifaty.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Bamboo Club or similar
168 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Reniala Reserve
Moderate
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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, lounging on the pristine beaches or perhaps enjoying some snorkelling. Be sure to sample the local cuisine! Overnight stay in Ifaty.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Bamboo Club or similar
168 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, leave Ifaty and its beautiful beaches behind and head for Ambalavao, a journey of approximately 10 hours (300 miles).
Take a break along the way in Anja Park where you can look out for the iconic Katta Lemurs, a symbol of Madagascar. Observe these funny creatures and discover the beauty of this well-kept reserve.
Continue the journey until you reach Balavao, to learn about the production of Temoro Paper at a local workshop, an ancient type of paper, similar to papyrus and embedded with flowers and leaves. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ambalavao.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Tsienimparihy Lodge or similar
53 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience another part of Madagascar's rich natural environment as you discover the deep rainforest of Ranomafana.
After a journey of approximately 4 hours (77 miles), arrive in Roanomafana, transfer to the hotel and once night falls, head out on an unforgettable nocturnal nature walk in the rainforest.
Look out for lemurs, reptiles, birds and amphibians and be amazed by the diversity of the region. Overnight stay in Ranomafana.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Centrest Sejour or similar
194 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Nocturnal Nature Walk in Ranomafana Rainforest
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Wake up to the sounds of nature and set off on a visit to the Ranomafana National Park. It is one of the largest nebula rainforest reserves in the world with many endemic animal species to discover, such as birds, chameleons, butterflies, frogs and, of course, lemurs.
Look out for the rare golden bamboo lemurs. Get up close to the wildlife which is so characteristic of the country and fall in love with the perfect natural environment. For more wildlife spotting, enjoy an optional visit to the chameleons of the arboretum*. Overnight stay in Ranomafana.
* Optional visit to see chameleons at the arboretum: learn about the fascinating chameleon species that inhabit this magnificent arboretum. Visit this natural paradise home to the biggest of its species, Parson's Chameleon and understand the science behind them changing colour.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Centrest Sejour or similar
194 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Ranomafana National Park Excursion
Challenging
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Chameleons in Ifanadiana
Light
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Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Ranomafana and its verdant landscape to return to Antsirabe, a colonial city, known for its abundant rickshaws, imported from India.
Enjoy the scenic journey of approximately 6 hours (165 miles) before arriving back in Antsirabe. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the local culture and relaxing at your own pace. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Couleur Cafe or similar
522 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, travel back to the capital, Antananarivo, a journey of approximately 6 hours (105 miles), enjoying the verdant landscapes of Madagascar for the final time. Overnight stay in Antananarivo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Hotel La Villette or similar
17 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a return flight back to the US. Night on board.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Included activities
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Available Activities
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departure from the main US airports.
- International flights: US - Antananarivo - US.
- 15 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 15 Breakfasts.
- Transfers in air conditioned vehicles.
- Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- English-speaking guide during the whole trip.
Not included
Visa (required and costs approx. €35 to be paid on arrival in cash), drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
Important: Madagascar's poor road conditions may impact on the travel time between stops during your trip.
*Services provided, including accommodations and vehicles, meet Madagascar's quality standards. Please note that these criteria may vary between destinations.
Entry requirements
Passport with a minimum of six months validity.
Visa
An entry visa is required. You can obtain a visa on arrival for approx. $37, to be paid in cash.You must apply for Landing Authorisation prior to arrival: https://www.ivisa.com/madagascar-visa-on-arrival
Currency
Malagasy Ariary.
Language
French and Malagasy.
Electricity
127 / 220 V 50 Hz. Type C, D, E, J and K.
Health
Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.
Time zone
UTC +3
Other useful information
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.
Tourist Office website
https://madagascar-tourisme.com/en/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
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