Madagascar:
Land of the Lemurs
12 Days Across Madagascar
We designed this itinerary specifically for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore the very best that the "8th continent" has to offer. This active itinerary allows guests to learn about exotic and endemic species from expert naturalist guides across a variety of habitats on this massive island. Along the way, you'll encounter a multitude of lemur species like ringtails and the indri-indri, stealthy chameleons, rare birds, and unique amphibians - some of which may not even be named! From the eastern rainforests of Andasibe to the coastal mangroves and spiny desert forests of the south, you'll experience a varied cross-section of this amazing biodiversity hotspot. Each of the camps and lodges are perfectly located for wildlife access and local community exploration. The cultural encounters here are as fascinating as the flora and fauna, with a blend of Malagasy and Indonesian-Arab ancestry creating a rich milieu of traditions and taboos. The Antandroy are particularly interesting in the far south, as they have barely been affected by modern development.
Wildlife viewing is all done on foot, often off-trail, so come prepared with some comfortable hiking shoes. Getting around is also more challenging than some other parts of the world - be sure to check out our notes on the roads and internal flights. But for those intrepid few who are undeterred by these inconveniences, Madagascar is a treasure trove of wildlife and cultural experiences unlike anything in the rest of Africa.
Cost:
High Season | From $12,000 per person |
Highlights
Mantadia National Park
Perinet & St Luce Reserves
Antananarivo
Spiny Forest
Anjajavy Private Reserve
Seasonality:
High (Best): Late June - November
Travel Style:
Classic, Cultural, Active, Wild!
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Day 1 - Arrive Antananarivo
Welcome to Antananarivo, Madagascar! Upon arrival at Ivato Airport, you will be met by your driver and guide and transported to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the sprawling Analakely Market, before dinner. Overnight Maison Gallieni.
- Day 2 - Andasibe and Mantadia National Park
- Day 3 - Mantadia National Park
- Day 4 - Perinet Reserve
- Day 5 - Fort Dauphin and Anosy Region
- Day 6 - Spiny and Gallery Forest
- Day 7 - Spiny Forest and Village Visit
- Day 8 - Fly to Anjajavy
- Days 9 - 10 Anjajavy & Moramba Bay
- Day 11 - To Antananarivo
- Day 12 - Departure
Lodges and Camps For This Adventure:
Maison Gallieni
Mantadia Lodge
Mandrare River Camp
Anjajavy Le Lodge
Itinerary Includes:
- Moraway Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services
- English speaking naturalist guides
- Tana-Ft. Dauphin-Tana internal flight (see notes below - subject to frequent schedule changes)
- 11-nights accommodation
- Meals starting with Dinner Day 1 and ending with Breakfast Day 12
- Local brand drinks
- All shared wildlife activities
- Laundry (may be a small fee - depends on accommodation)
- All park fees, guide fees, government levies, conservation fees
Itinerary Excludes:
- International airfare into and out of Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Madagascar visa (obtained on arrival)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
- Mandatory travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
- Premium wines and spirits
- Additional activities like deep-sea fishing at Manafiafy
Notes:
All prices based on 2 adults sharing. Single supplements apply for solo travelers - call for details.
Luggage restrictions apply - see pre-departure info for details.
Internal Flights
Please note that this itinerary is prepared based on the days that flights operate, and not the exact times. While flight times are published far in advance, they are usually inaccurate and subject to change. Please note that flight schedules change on a regular basis and therefore changes to land itineraries can be made on very short notice. Should these changes necessitate an unexpected hotel overnight we commit to covering the cost on your behalf to the best of our abilities during your stay. However, we cannot be held responsible for missed international or national departures due to schedule changes in advance or last minute.
Baggage Notes on Domestic flights
Check-in luggage must adhere to a strict luggage policy and each passenger can only have 1 piece of checked-in luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44lbs) and 1 piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 5 kg (11lbs). Be sure to use locks on all checked bags in Madagascar – petty theft is common in unlocked bags.
Madagascar’s rough roads
The roads between Fort Dauphin, Mandrare River Camp and Manafiafy are some of the roughest roads we have ever traveled anywhere in the world! They were built in the 1970’s and have received little or no maintenance since. Potholes and washouts are de rigueur! We encourage you to consider bringing motion sickness aids if you are inclined. Speak up to your driver if you need to take a break and get some fresh air along the drive. There is also the option to avoid two of these drives by chartering a small plane – ask us about this.
Wood products in Madagascar
We encourage guests to abstain from purchasing wood products in Madagascar. Deforestation in Madagascar is a serious and ongoing problem and a direct threat to the survival of many endemic species of flora and fauna. By some estimates, over 90% of the original old-growth forests have been cut down on this island nation. Wood is commonly used for cooking, construction and handicrafts. Unsustainable timber harvesting and timber poaching in national parks and reserves is seen by impoverished locals as a way to make quick and easy money. Purchasing wood products only reinforces these practices. The international community has recognized the problem and restricted the export of rare hardwoods from the island (like rosewood, palisadre, and ebony) but these woods still show up in wood products sold at many tourist handicraft markets throughout the island. While some woods like Eucalyptus have made an appearance on the island and are marketed as a more sustainable and renewable source of wood, it’s nearly impossible to tell where most wood products come from and how they have been harvested when shopping in the craft markets. As such, we simply cannot condone the purchase of any wood products in Madagascar. Their sustainability cannot be verified and there is a great chance that their purchase supports practices that run counter to the conservation of Madagascar.
Reach out and talk with someone who has been there.
and make your dream a reality!