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    The Great Red Island Road Trip

    Madagascar in 16 Days, 14 Nights in Destination

    Limited spots

    Catch our epic Cyber Week fares!

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    £ 3,799

    £ 1,899

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    Emma, Travel Expert

    Emma
    Travel crafter

    Adventure awaits in this road trip to one of the largest islands in the world. Known for its unique population of lemurs and home to the impressive baobab tree and the Isalo National Park, get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

    Trip Highlights

    1. Ambalavao
    2. Ambatolampy
    3. Antananarivo
    4. Antsirabe
    5. Fianarantsoa
    6. Ifaty
    7. Isalo National Park
    8. Morondava
    9. Ranohira
    10. Ranomafana National Park

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers.

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2024

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 350

    4. Add up to 5 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    Book with an expert for free:

    +44 20 8068 3176

    Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

    Our Travel Protection takes care of you

    More info

    Select a day to go to next step

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    December 2023
    January 2024
    February 2024
    March 2024

    Categories Available:

    charm

    From £ 1,899

    Selected

    • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.

    Accommodation: 14 Nights

    calendar

    Day 2 to 3

    Hotel La Villette

    Location

    Antananarivo

    Category

    Nights

    1

    Rating TripAdvisor travelers

    The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Belvedere Hotel Antananarivo, Chalet des Roses

    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.

    1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board

    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.

    2nd Day: Antananarivo

    Arrive at Antananarivo airport meet your guide and transfer to the hotel, a journey of approximately 2 hours, taking 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 and relaxing after your journey. 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

    Optional
    Photo Museum of Andohalo
    See more
    3rd Day: Antananarivo - Ambatolampy - Antsirabe

    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 (170Km), passing by charming red clay houses that represent the identity and origins of Madagascar. Before arriving in Antsirabe, visit a Malagasy Pot Factory, where you can see how these pots are 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

    521 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Antananarivo Orientation Tour

    Light

    See more
    included
    Visit a Malagasy Pot Factory

    Light

    See more
    4th Day: Antsirabe - Morondava

    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 (499Km), 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

    114 Reviews

    See our full selection
    5th Day: Morondava

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day in beautiful Morondava at your leisure. We recommend visited 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

    114 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Avenue of Baobabs

    Light

    See more
    6th Day: Morondava - Antsirabe

    Breakfast at the hotel. Leave laid-back Moronodava behind and return to Antsirabe, admiring the changing landscapes along the scenic 8-10 hour journey (499Km). Arrive and, depending on the time, spend the rest of the day exploring the city, the third-largest in the country. Overnight stay in Antsirabe.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Couleur Cafe or similar

    521 Reviews

    See our full selection
    7th Day: Antsirabe - Fianarantsoa

    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 (240Km), 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

    219 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Fianarantsoa City Tour

    Light

    See more
    8th Day: Fianarantsoa - Ranohira

    Breakfast at the hotel. Drive southwards today, to the region of Ihorombe, noticing the change of landscape from the green highlands to the dry granite formations of 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 (295Km), 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

    212 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Anja Park

    Moderate

    See more
    included
    Watch the Sunset through the 'Window of Isalo'

    Light

    See more
    9th Day: Ranohira

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover the unique sandstone formations of the Isalo National Park, where you can 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

    212 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Isalo National Park

    Active

    See more
    Optional
    Visit Bara Village in Maromaniry
    See more
    10th Day: Ranohira - Ifaty

    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 (265Km). 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

    included
    Reniala Reserve

    Moderate

    See more
    11th Day: Ifaty

    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
    12th Day: Ifaty - Ambalavao

    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, leave Ifaty and its beautiful beaches and head for Ambalavao, a journey of approximately 10 hours (488Km). Take a break along the way in Anja Park where you can look out for the iconic Katta Lemurs, a symbol of Madagascar. Meet 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 in Ambalavao. Overnight stay in Ambalavao.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Tsienimparihy Lodge or similar

    53 Reviews

    See our full selection
    13th Day: Ambalavao - Ranomafana

    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 (125Km), 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

    193 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Nocturnal Nature Walk in Ranomafana Rainforest

    Light

    See more
    14th Day: Ranomafana

    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 or a dozen species of lemurs. Look out for the rare golden bamboo and 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 Arboretum.* Overnight stay in Ranomafana. 

    Optional Visit to the Chameleons of Arboretum: A colorful array of many different chameleon species inhabit this magnificent arboretum. Visit this natural paradise home to the biggest of its species, Parson's Chameleon or Calumma Parsonii, endemic to Madagascar. Learn about the fascinating science behind their incredible transformative abilities as they shift to different hues and degrees of brightness. An incredible natural sight to behold and an exceptional experience.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Centrest Sejour or similar

    193 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Ranomafana National Park Excursion

    Challenging

    See more
    Optional
    Chameleons in Ifanadiana

    Light

    See more
    15th Day: Ranomafana - Antsirabe

    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 (270Km) 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

    521 Reviews

    See our full selection
    16th Day: Antsirabe - Antananarivo - Night on board

    Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, travel back to the capital, Antananarivo, a journey of approximately 6 hours (170Km), enjoying the verdant landscapes of Madagascar for the final time. Transfer to the airport for a return flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.

    Included activities

    Included

    Antananarivo Orientation Tour

    Included activity for day 3

    Enjoy a brief guided tour of Antananarivo on the way from the airport to your hotel when you arrive in Madagascar.

    Duration 01:00h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Included

    Visit a Malagasy Pot Factory

    Included activity for day 3

    On the way to Antsirabe, stop at an authentic Malagasy Pot Factory, where you can see how these cooking pots are skilfully crafted from aluminium.

    Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: 11:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Included

    Avenue of Baobabs

    Included activity for day 5 in Morondava

    Visit 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 views of the surrounding natural landscapes.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 17:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Included

    Fianarantsoa City Tour

    Included activity for day 7

    Enjoy a fascinating city tour of Fianarantsoa to visit a number of religious buildings and take a walk through both the upper city and old town.

    Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    Show more

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Photo Museum of Andohalo

    Suggested activity for day 2

    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.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Visit Bara Village in Maromaniry

    Suggested activity for day 9

    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.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Chameleons in Ifanadiana

    Suggested activity for day 14

    Visit the Arboretum to discover some of the incredible chameleons of Madagascar. You will meet the biggest chameleon in the world, the Calumma Parsonii or Parsoni Parsoni. You will also discover the Calumma Baltéatus, a very rare species of Chameleon.

    Duration 01:00h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    The price includes

    • Included in all our trips. more information
    • Departure from the main UK/Ireland airports.
    • International flights: UK/Ireland - Antananarivo - UK/Ireland.
    • 14 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 14 breakfasts.
    • Transfers in air conditioned vehicles.
    • Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • ATOL Protection.
    *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

    Not included

    Visa (required and costs approx. £31 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. 2 recent passport photos are required.

    • 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.

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

    If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +44 20 8068 3176 or via our contact form.

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

    Exoticca Travel Stories

    Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time

    Ranomafana National Park · Madagascar

    Madagascar

    A real experience to visit Madagascar.

    Excellent local guides who went the extra mile. Good value for money overall. Be prepared for physically demanding itineraries and have realistic expectations about standards in hotels. Fantastic scenery, great wildlife and welcoming people. Would re-book with Exoticca.

    Pay in installments

    60%

    At time of booking

    40%

    60 days before departure

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