Classic Madagascar - Rainforest and the RN7

Welcome to Madagascar! On arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel in Antananarivo, Madagascar's colourful and atmospheric capital.

Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin getting acquainted with the city. Antananarivo stretches across a series of hills and is characterised by its historic buildings, lively streets and views across the surrounding rice paddies.

After breakfast, leave the capital and travel east towards the lush landscapes of Madagascar's rainforest belt. The journey takes you through increasingly verdant countryside, with traditional villages, rice fields and roadside markets providing an introduction to rural Malagasy life.

Continue to Andasibe, gateway to one of the country's most important rainforest areas. This afternoon there may be time for a gentle walk around the local area before an evening excursion into the forest.

A night walk offers the opportunity to experience the rainforest after dark, when nocturnal creatures such as mouse lemurs, chameleons, frogs and other fascinating species become active.

Andasibe National Park is one of Madagascar’s most accessible and rewarding rainforest destinations, with lush evergreen forest providing a habitat for an exceptional variety of endemic wildlife. The park is particularly famous for the indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, whose distinctive call echoes through the forest and is often the highlight of a visit. Guided walks offer opportunities to encounter other lemurs, colourful chameleons, frogs and endemic birdlife, while the dense vegetation of orchids, ferns and towering trees creates a wonderfully atmospheric rainforest experience. A night walk can also provide the chance to discover some of the forest’s fascinating nocturnal inhabitants.

Today is devoted to exploring the remarkable rainforest around Andasibe. Guided trails lead into the forest in search of Madagascar's extraordinary endemic wildlife.

The area is particularly famous for the indri, the island's largest lemur, whose haunting calls can often be heard echoing through the forest. With patience and the assistance of your local guide, there should also be opportunities to encounter other lemur species, colourful chameleons, frogs and endemic birdlife.

The dense vegetation, towering trees, orchids and ferns create an atmospheric setting for wildlife watching and walking.

Enjoy a further morning in the Andasibe region, with the opportunity to explore another section of the rainforest or visit Lemurs' Island, where several species of lemur can be observed at close quarters.

The remainder of the day can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to appreciate the beautiful surroundings before continuing the journey southwards tomorrow. Optionally visit the local village or a tree planting conservation initiative.

Leave Andasibe and return towards Antananarivo before continuing south into the Central Highlands.

The landscape gradually changes as the journey passes through a patchwork of rice terraces, cultivated hillsides and traditional villages. Madagascar's highlands are home to the Merina and Betsileo peoples and provide a fascinating insight into the country's rural traditions and agricultural way of life.

Continue to Antsirabe, known as the 'City of Water' because of its thermal springs. The town retains an attractive colonial character and is famous for its colourful pousse-pousse cycle rickshaws and local handicrafts.

This morning, continue south through the Central Highlands towards Ambositra, an important centre for traditional Malagasy woodcarving and handicrafts. There may be an opportunity to visit a local workshop before continuing towards Ranomafana.

As the road climbs and the scenery becomes increasingly green, you enter the eastern highlands and the rainforest environment surrounding Ranomafana.

Arrive at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, surrounded by the lush landscape.

Today is dedicated to exploring Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar's most important rainforest reserves.

Accompanied by a local guide, follow forest trails through dense vegetation in search of lemurs and other endemic wildlife. The park is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, and the humid rainforest provides an entirely different environment from the landscapes experienced at Andasibe.

Depending on conditions and the chosen trail, the walk may involve some uneven and occasionally steep sections, but the rewards include beautiful forest scenery and the possibility of encountering several species of lemur, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Ranomafana National Park

Set amid the lush, mist-covered hills of southeastern Madagascar, Ranomafana National Park is one of the island’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Established to protect its remarkable rainforest ecosystem, the park is home to several species of lemur, including the charismatic golden bamboo lemur, as well as chameleons, frogs and a remarkable variety of birdlife. Guided walks follow forest trails through towering vegetation and bubbling streams, offering the chance to experience Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity at close quarters. The cool, humid atmosphere and atmospheric rainforest scenery make Ranomafana a memorable contrast to the drier landscapes encountered elsewhere on the journey.

Enjoy a second full day in the Ranomafana region, allowing more time to explore the rainforest at a relaxed pace.

A further guided walk can be arranged according to your interests and fitness, providing another opportunity to look for wildlife and discover the fascinating plant life of the park. Alternatively, enjoy some time at leisure at your accommodation and appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

For those interested in nocturnal wildlife, an evening walk may also be possible, offering a very different perspective of the rainforest.

Leave the rainforest behind and travel south through Fianarantsoa towards the picturesque highland town of Ambalavao.

The scenery gradually becomes more open and dramatic, with granite mountains replacing the dense rainforest. Ambalavao is renowned for its traditional architecture, handicrafts and connection with the region's zebu cattle culture.

Later, visit the Anja Community Reserve, a locally managed conservation area set among spectacular granite formations. A guided walk provides an excellent opportunity to see ring-tailed lemurs, which are particularly characteristic of this reserve, as well as enjoying views across the surrounding landscape.

Continue to your accommodation near Ambalavao.

Anja Reserve

Nestled among the dramatic granite formations of Madagascar’s central highlands, Anja Reserve is a small community-managed reserve renowned for its population of ring-tailed lemurs. Short, guided walks lead through woodland and around towering granite outcrops, where these distinctive lemurs can often be seen basking in the sunshine or moving between the rocks. The reserve also offers wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and provides an insight into successful local conservation efforts, with tourism helping to support the community and protect this important habitat.

Continue south along the RN7 towards Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park.

The character of the landscape changes dramatically as you leave the greener highlands behind. Vast open plains and the Horombe Plateau gradually give way to the spectacular sandstone formations of Isalo.

On arrival in the Isalo region, check into your hotel and enjoy time to relax and appreciate the extraordinary scenery surrounding you.

Today explore the spectacular Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar's most iconic landscapes.

A guided walk takes you among weather-sculpted sandstone formations, deep canyons and natural pools, with opportunities to see some of the specialised wildlife and plant species adapted to this rugged environment.

Depending on the chosen route and your interests, the day can be tailored to include viewpoints, canyon walks and natural swimming pools. The combination of dramatic geology and endemic wildlife makes Isalo a memorable highlight of the journey.

Isalo National Park

Dominated by spectacular sandstone cliffs, deep canyons and rugged plateaux, Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most dramatic landscapes. Walking trails wind through a fascinating mix of rock formations, grasslands and natural pools, with opportunities to discover the park’s distinctive flora and wildlife along the way. Depending on the route, you may encounter lemurs, colourful birds and unusual plants adapted to the dry environment. The combination of striking scenery, gentle hiking opportunities and peaceful natural surroundings makes Isalo a memorable highlight of any journey through Madagascar.

Continue south towards Tulear, stopping en route at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park.

This relatively small but biologically important park protects a transitional landscape between the central highlands and the dry south-west. A guided walk provides an opportunity to look for endemic birds and lemurs amongst the dry forest vegetation.

Continue towards Tulear, where the landscape becomes noticeably drier, with distinctive spiny vegetation and the occasional baobab appearing alongside the road.

From Tulear, continue to the coastal resort of Ifaty, situated beside a beautiful stretch of coastline protected by a coral reef.

Zombitse National Park

Situated between the landscapes of Isalo and the southern coast, Zombitse National Park protects a rare area of dry deciduous forest and is an excellent place to encounter some of Madagascar’s fascinating wildlife. A short guided walk through the forest offers the chance to spot several species of lemur, colourful birds and the island’s distinctive chameleons, while the peaceful trails provide an enjoyable introduction to Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna. The park is particularly noted for its birdlife and endemic species, making a visit here a rewarding stop as you travel towards the coast.

After several days of travelling through Madagascar's interior, enjoy a relaxing day beside the Indian Ocean.

The day is free to enjoy the beach, swim, snorkel or simply relax at your hotel. Those looking for additional activities can explore the surrounding coastal area or visit a nearby fishing village.

The waters around Ifaty are protected by a coral reef, while the surrounding dry landscape is home to Madagascar's distinctive spiny vegetation.

Today visit the Reniala Reserve, a fascinating private reserve close to Ifaty dedicated to protecting the distinctive flora and fauna of south-west Madagascar.

A guided walk introduces you to the remarkable plants of the region, including impressive baobabs and the unusual vegetation of the spiny forest. The reserve is also an excellent location for birdwatching and offers further opportunities to encounter Madagascar's endemic wildlife.

Return to Ifaty for a relaxing afternoon beside the coast.

Reniala Reserve

Located close to the coastal town of Ifaty, Reniala Reserve offers a fascinating introduction to the unique flora and wildlife of Madagascar’s dry southwest. The reserve’s sandy trails wind through spiny forest, where unusual plants, towering baobabs and other endemic species have adapted to the region’s hot, arid conditions. With a local guide, you can look for ring-tailed and Verreaux’s sifakas, colourful birds, reptiles and other wildlife, while learning about this remarkable ecosystem. The reserve provides a memorable contrast to Madagascar’s lush eastern rainforests and is a fitting final wildlife experience before relaxing on the coast.

Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Ifaty before transferring to Tulear Airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo.

On arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a final evening in Madagascar. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping for Malagasy handicrafts.

Depending on your international departure time, enjoy some free time in Antananarivo before transferring to Ivato International Airport for your onward flight.

Your journey through Madagascar's extraordinary landscapes, rainforests and highlands comes to an end.