17-Day Highlights of Madagascar Tour – Discover Antananarivo’s rich architecture, hike through rainforests, see lemurs in Andasibe and Mantadia national parks, explore Isalo National Park, spot rare birds, stay in a luxury tent on the Mandrare River, and relax on white sandy beaches in Nosy Komba.
17-Day Madagascar Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & Transfer to Maison Gallieni
- Day 2: Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Mitsinjo Reserve Visit
- Day 3: Full-Day Hike in Mantadia National Park & Night Walk
- Day 4: Visit Perinet Reserve & Return to Antananarivo
- Day 5: Fly to Toliara & Travel to Isalo National Park
- Day 6: Hiking Adventure in Isalo National Park
- Day 7: Bird-watching & Relaxation at Bakuba Lodge
- Day 8: Fly Back to Antananarivo & Relax at Relais des Plateaux
- Day 9: Fly to Fort Dauphin & Transfer to Mandrare River Camp
- Day 10: Explore Sacred Gallery Forest & Sacred Spiny Forest
- Day 11: Sunrise Walk, Village Visit & Cultural Evening
- Day 12: Return to Fort Dauphin & Fly Back to Antananarivo
- Day 13: Fly to Nosy Be & Transfer to Beach Lodge
- Days 14–15: Relax or Join Activities at Nosy Komba
- Day 16: Return to Nosy Be and Fly Back to Antananarivo
- Day 17: Departure from Antananarivo
Detailed 17-Day Madagascar Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo & Transfer to Maison Gallieni
You will be picked up from Ivato International Airport and meet your English-speaking guide. You’ll then take a 4-hour drive to the east and check in at Maison Gallieni, a restored colonial mansion with stylish décor. You can relax by the pool, enjoy the city views, or explore the beautiful architecture of Antananarivo (locally called Tana).
Day 2: Drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Mitsinjo Reserve Visit
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a 4-hour drive to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. This rainforest park includes the Perinet Reserve and Mantadia National Park, both home to many lemurs. Along the way, you’ll see rice paddies, red brick houses, and roadside stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
You will have lunch at Mantadia Lodge and stay full-board for two nights. In the afternoon, visit the Mitsinjo Reserve, where you’ll see wildlife, learn about conservation projects, and plant native trees on the reforestation path.
Day 3: Full-Day Hike in Mantadia National Park & Night Walk
After breakfast, you’ll drive about 1.5 hours to Mantadia National Park for a full-day adventure with a picnic lunch. The park is home to many lemurs, including Indri, Grey Bamboo, Red-bellied, White Ruffed, and Diademed Sifaka.
The trails are a bit rough but worth it, with taller and thicker forests. You might also spot rare birds like the Breasted Coua and Scaly Ground Roller. After your picnic at Rianasoa Waterfall, hike back and return to the lodge. In the evening, enjoy a night walk to see lemurs like the Woolly Lemur, Mouse Lemur, and Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur.
Day 4: Visit Perinet Reserve & Return to Antananarivo
After breakfast, visit the Perinet Reserve, known for its Indri lemur population. Indri lemurs have black and white fur, no visible tail, and a teddy bear-like face. You might also see other lemurs, chameleons, and birds like the Blue Coua and Velvet Asity. After lunch in the Andasibe area, you’ll drive back to Tana and stay overnight at Maison Gallieni.
Day 5: Fly to Toliara & Travel to Isalo National Park
After breakfast, your guide will take you to Ivato Airport for your flight to Toliara. When you arrive, your driver will take you on a 4-hour drive to Isalo National Park. You’ll stay at Jardin du Roy for two nights. Relax in your room or swim in the pool with views of the park. Isalo is famous for its sandstone cliffs, canyons, and natural pools. It is also home to rare plants and has been a sacred burial site for the Bara tribe.
Day 6: Hiking Adventure in Isalo National Park
Today you’ll explore Isalo National Park on foot. Your guide will choose trails that match your interests and fitness level. One of the best trails is Canyon des Singes, which takes you through forest and colorful rocks to a natural pool called the ‘Piscine Naturelle.’ You might see reptiles, frogs, and birds like the Benson’s Rock-Thrush and Crested Ibis.
Day 7: Bird-watching & Relaxation at Bakuba Lodge
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a short drive to Bakuba Lodge, where you will stay for the night. This area is great for bird watchers and is the only place to see the rare Appert’s Greenbul. After a forest walk, you’ll return to the lodge, where you can relax by the beach or swim. You can also join optional activities like snorkeling or scuba diving.
Day 8: Fly Back to Antananarivo & Relax at Relais des Plateaux
Today you’ll fly back to Antananarivo. A Wayfarer representative will meet you at the airport and take you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa, where you can relax by the pool or explore the city.
Day 9: Fly to Fort Dauphin & Transfer to Mandrare River Camp
After breakfast, take a flight to Fort Dauphin. Your guide from Mandrare River Camp will meet you and take you for lunch in Fort Dauphin before driving 4 hours to Mandrare River Camp. You’ll stay in a luxury tent for three nights. In the evening, enjoy a night walk in the forest, where you might see lemurs, chameleons, and other wildlife.
Day 10: Explore Sacred Gallery Forest & Sacred Spiny Forest
After breakfast, visit the Sacred Gallery Forest. Depending on the river’s water level, you’ll walk or boat across to explore the forest, home to ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux Sifaka.
Return to camp for lunch and relax by the pool. In the evening, stroll through the Sacred Spiny Forest to see the ancient tombs of the Antandroy tribe and local plants. End your day with a drink at sunset.
Day 11: Sunrise Walk, Village Visit & Cultural Evening
Start your day with tea or coffee and a sunrise walk in the Spiny Forest. Look out for birds like the Running Coua and Crested Coua. After breakfast, visit a local village and meet the Antandroy tribe.
You can also visit the local market for handmade crafts. After lunch, relax at camp, and in the evening, enjoy a cultural dance and music show by the villagers.
Day 12: Return to Fort Dauphin & Fly Back to Antananarivo
After lunch, you’ll leave Mandrare River Camp and drive back to Fort Dauphin for your flight to Tana. You’ll be met at the airport and taken to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa for your overnight stay.
Day 13: Fly to Nosy Be & Transfer to Beach Lodge
In the morning, you’ll be driven to Ivato Airport for your flight to Nosy Be. After landing, a staff member will transfer you by road and boat to your lodge on the nearby island. Stay here for three nights, enjoying full board at a 4-star lodge with a peaceful setting, good food, and eco-friendly activities.
Days 14–15: Relax or Join Activities at Nosy Komba
Spend your days enjoying the activities offered by the hotel, such as island tours, nature walks, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing trips, or relaxing by the beach.
Day 16: Return to Nosy Be and Fly Back to Antananarivo
Today you’ll leave the island and take a boat back to Nosy Be. From there, you’ll fly back to Tana. Your guide will meet you and take you to Relais des Plateaux Hotel & Spa for your final night in Madagascar.
Day 17: Departure from Antananarivo
Enjoy your last breakfast before heading to Ivato International Airport for your flight home. Your Madagascar adventure ends here, leaving you with great memories to share.
