Madagascar is an extraordinary island. It may not have the famous Big Five, but it is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth.Out of the 236 chameleon species identified worldwide, more than 100 species live in Madagascar. The island also has 100% endemism of lemurs, meaning they exist nowhere else in the world. Madagascar is also home to 311 species of frogs and 117 endemic bird species out of 282 recorded species. Thans to this incredible biodiversity, Zamilane Travel has designed this special itinerary to help you discover Madagascar’s fascinanting wildlife in their natural habitat
Itinerary
Day 1: Antananarivo - Andasibe
Departure from Antananarivo after breakfast towards the East Coast via the famous National Road 2 (RN2). This is one of the busiest roads in Madagascar as it connects the capital with the major port city of Toamasina. After about 75 km, we stop to visit the Peyrieras Reserve, a perfect place to observe chameleons, frogs, snakes, and other reptiles up close.
After the visit, we continue eastward.
Lunch on the way. Arrival at the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Vakona Lodge.
Day 2: Andasibe
A full day dedicated to discovering the wildlife of Andasibe National Park. This park is famous for hosting the largest lemur in Madagascar, the Indri Indri, well known for its powerful and distinctive call.
You may also see:
- Sifaka lemurs
- Bamboo lemurs
- Various species of chameleons
- Frogs
- Endemic birds
In the afternoon, visit the Lemur Island, where lemurs accustomed to visitors may approach you closely. The tour continues with a visit to Vakona Private Reserve, where you can see crocodiles, snakes, and birds.
Dinner and overnight at Vakona Lodge.
Day 3: Andasibe – Antsirabe
After breakfast, departure for Antsirabe, taking RN2 and then joining the famous RN7. On the way, stop to visit a local workshop producing handmade items from recycled aluminum. Continue towards Antsirabe while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Malagasy Highlands.
Dinner and overnight at Plumeria Hotel.
Day 4: Antsirabe – Ranomafana
After visiting some key sites in Antsirabe:
- horn craft workshop
- pousse-pousse (rickshaw) city tour
- discovery of the town’s main avenue
We continue our journey south. Stop in Ambositra, famous for its wood carving craftsmanship, if time allows. Arrival in Ranomafana in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Centr’Est Hotel.
Day 5: Ranomafana
After breakfast, departure to explore the tropical rainforest of Ranomafana National Park. This park is home to:
- several endemic lemur species
- many bird species
- rare insects such as the famous giraffe weevil
This insect is difficult to find, but with a bit of luck you may spot one. Lunch at the hotel. Free afternoon with the possibility to enjoy the thermal swimming pool.
Dinner and overnight at Centr’Est Hotel.
Day 6: Ranomafana – Ambalavao
After exploring the tropical rainforest, we continue towards the drier landscapes of southern Madagascar. After several hours of driving, arrival in Ambalavao. Along the way, you will discover local life and traditional activities of Malagasy communities.
Dinner and overnight at Bougainvilliers Hotel.
Day 7: Ambalavao – Ranohira
Morning departure to visit Anja Community Reserve, famous for its population of Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur Catta). The reserve is managed by the local community, who will guide you through the forest to observe these animals in their natural habitat. After the visit, continue to Ranohira, the gateway to Isalo National Park.
Dinner and overnight at H1 Hotel.
Day 8: Isalo National Park
A full day exploring the spectacular Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most visited parks. The park is famous for:
- dramatic sandstone canyons
- natural swimming pools
- lemurs and endemic birds
In the late afternoon, we will take you to the famous Isalo Window to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the canyons.
Dinner and overnight at H1 Hotel.
Day 9: Ranohira – Tuléar – Mangily
Early departure towards Tuléar. On the way, stop to visit Zombitse National Park, known for its unique biodiversity. Lunch on the road. Then continue about 30 km north of Tuléar to reach Mangily. Arrival in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Baboo Village.
Day 10: Mangily
Morning visit to the spiny forest, a unique ecosystem found only in southern Madagascar. Here you may see:
- baobabs
- endemic birds
- lemurs
Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the beach.
End of our services
-
Half-board
-
4×4 vehicle – Travel comfortably and safely in a 4×4 vehicle, ideal for Madagascar’s diverse terrains, from paved roads to rugged forest tracks.
-
Fuel – All fuel costs are included, so you can relax and enjoy your journey without any hidden travel expenses.
-
Driver – Your experienced driver ensures a smooth ride, navigates local roads expertly, and shares insights into Malagasy life along the way.
-
National guide – A knowledgeable national guide accompanies you through parks and reserves, providing in-depth information about Madagascar’s wildlife and ecosystems.
-
Local guides – Local guides offer authentic cultural experiences, sharing their community knowledge and helping you understand Malagasy traditions firsthand.
-
Park entrance fees – All park entrance fees are included, giving you full access to national parks, wildlife reserves, and unique ecosystems without extra charges.
