12-Day Luxury Madagascar Tour – Welcome to Madagascar. Explore the colorful architecture of Antananarivo, hike the rainforests and spot the lemurs of Andasibe-Mantadia.
Discover incredible wildlife, natural wonders, and the underwater world on the island of Nosy Ankao. Relax in the best lodges with helicopter transfers on this luxury Madagascar itinerary.
12-Day Luxury Madagascar Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & Relax at Maison Gallieni
- Day 2: Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Night Walk
- Day 3: Explore Analamazaotra Reserve & Mitsinjo Reserve
- Day 4: Full-Day Adventure in Mantadia National Park
- Day 5: Return to Antananarivo & Stay at Novotel
- Day 6: Fly to Diego Suarez & Helicopter Transfer to Nosy Ankao
- Days 7–10: Luxury Stay & Activities at Miavana, Nosy Ankao
- Day 11: Helicopter to Diego Suarez & Return Flight to Tana
- Day 12: Departure from Antananarivo
Detailed 12-Day Luxury Madagascar Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & Relax at Maison Gallieni
When you arrive at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, your private English-speaking guide will meet and welcome you. You will be transferred to Maison Gallieni, a hotel located on a hill in the heart of the capital with wide views over the city.
This afternoon, you can relax at the hotel, enjoy the pool, or explore the colorful streets of Antananarivo, known locally as ‘Tana’. Maison Gallieni is a restored colonial mansion in the upper town.
Day 2: Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Night Walk
After breakfast, your guide will meet you for the four-hour drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This park includes two protected areas: the Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park, famous for their indri lemurs, the largest living lemur species.
The drive gives you a good look at rural Madagascar, with rice fields, red-brick houses, and roadside stalls selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. On arrival, check in to Manjarano Lodge for lunch.
You will stay here for three nights on a full-board basis. In the evening, enjoy a night walk with your local guide to see Madagascar’s nocturnal animals.
Day 3: Explore Analamazaotra Reserve & Mitsinjo Reserve
After an early breakfast, head with your guide to the Analamazaotra Special Reserve. Search for the famous indri lemur, known for its black and white markings, tiny tail, and surprised teddy bear face. It’s one of the few animals in the world that cannot live in captivity.
The park is also home to 11 other species of lemur, reptiles, invertebrates, and many orchids. You’ll also see birds such as the nuthatch vanga, blue coua, and velvet asity. After lunch, visit the Mitsinjo community-run reserve on the other side of the forest.
In the evening, take another guided night walk to spot chameleons, geckos, and nocturnal lemurs like Goodman’s mouse lemur, woolly lemur, white-footed sportive lemur, and furry-eared dwarf lemur.
Day 4: Full-Day Adventure in Mantadia National Park
After breakfast, meet your guide for a day trip to Mantadia National Park with a picnic lunch. This park is home to lemurs such as the indri, gray bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, white ruffed lemur, and diademed sifaka.
The trails are a bit tougher here but lead you through taller, wilder forest with fewer visitors. You might also spot rare mammals, reptiles, and birds such as the breasted coua and scaly ground roller.
Enjoy your picnic at the Rianasoa Waterfall before hiking back and returning to the lodge. In the evening, you can join another night walk with your guide.
Day 5: Return to Antananarivo & Stay at Novotel
Enjoy breakfast before driving back to Antananarivo. You will check in to Novotel for one night on a full-board basis. This hotel combines tradition with modern comforts and was designed to make travel easy for international visitors.
Day 6: Fly to Diego Suarez & Helicopter Transfer to Nosy Ankao
After breakfast at Relais des Plateaux in Tana, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight north to Diego Suarez. On arrival, your guide will assist you while you wait for your helicopter transfer to Nosy Ankao.
The scenic helicopter ride takes you over mountains, baobab trees, and shipwrecks along the coast before landing on a private island. Miavana offers true luxury in an untouched natural setting.
Staying here helps support long-term conservation of the region. The island is about 10 square kilometers, offering space to relax and explore. You will stay at Miavana for five nights.
Days 7–10: Luxury Stay & Activities at Miavana, Nosy Ankao
Miavana has 14 ocean-front villas with sea views, direct beach access, and a smooth blend of indoor and outdoor living. The design includes hand-dyed fabrics, Malagasy wood, and local stone.
Activities and excursions include forest walks, snorkeling, boat cruises, cultural visits, shore boarding, kite surfing, windsurfing, cycling, and use of an electric buggy. You can also book extra activities such as helicopter trips and scuba diving.
Enjoy lemur trekking in the pristine forests or dive into clear waters to see reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays. Depending on the season, you can look for humpback whales and spinner dolphins.
Day 11: Helicopter to Diego Suarez & Return Flight to Tana
After your final breakfast at Miavana, you will take a 30-minute helicopter flight back to Diego Suarez. You will be assisted for your two-hour flight back to Tana.
On arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa near the airport. Spend your final afternoon shopping for souvenirs or relaxing by the pool.
You’ll stay one night on a full-board basis.
Day 12: Departure from Antananarivo
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport in time for your flight home. Your luxury Madagascar adventure has come to an end, but you will take home memories and photos to treasure forever.
