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    The Great Red Island Road Trip

    Madagascar in 17 Days, 15 Nights in Destination

    Merry travels!

    Save up to 60%

    -35%

    From

    $4,929

    $3,199

    /person

    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 + $530

    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:

    1-888-488-0592

    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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    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 $3,199

    Selected

      Accommodation: 15 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: US - 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, enjoying 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
      Visit a Malagasy Pot Factory

      Light

      See more
      included
      Antananarivo Orientation Tour

      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

      Activities

      included
      Avenue of Baobabs

      Light

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

      Light

      See more
      included
      Anja Park

      Moderate

      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 ArboretumA 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

      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. Overnight stay in Antananarivo.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Hotel La Villette or similar

      17 Reviews

      See our full selection
      17th Day: Antananarivo - Night on board

      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

      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

      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

      Avenue of Baobabs

      Included activity for day 4 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 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.
      *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. €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 and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.

      Exoticca Travel Stories

      Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler 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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