Ring-tailed Lemurs, Mantadia National Park © Patrick Syder Images
There is no more unique landscape in which to discover exotic wildlife than on the isolated island of Madagascar. We explore the rainforests, nature reserves and national parks in search of the many species of endangered lemur. We travel from the Malagasy capital across volcanic lakes and sandstone rock formations to the golden shores of the Indian Ocean. Much of Madagascar’s exotic flora and fauna is found nowhere else on Earth. This tour offers an opportunity to discover the island’s extraordinary natural history along with its stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and fascinating culture, which is based on a mix of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart UK/Arrival in Antananarivo
Early morning depart from London Heathrow with Air France via Paris. Late evening arrival at the international airport of Antananarivo. Overnight at the hotel
Day 2 : Antananarivo – Andasibe (Perinet)
Drive to Andasibe (or Perinet). Arrive at destination by lunch time. Afternoon visit at the Vakona private reserve, then continue for an evening walk to spot night active wildlife. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 3 : Andasibe (Perinet)
Breakfast. Morning drive to the Mantadia National Park. Enjoy a full day expedition into a dense humid forest to discover wildlife of the eastern region: lemurs, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, Visit of the waterfall and the natural pool, have pic nic lunch. Then afternoon back to the hotel for rest. In the early evening, enjoy an evening walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 4 : Antananarivo – Antsirabe
After breakfast, start the trip to the south, drive on to Antsirabe. Main stop at Ambatolampy, which is mainly known for its forging and foundry industry. Arrive at Antsirabe by lunch time. Then afternoon city tour and visit of the small handicraft fabrics. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 5: Antsirabe – Ranomafana
Breakfast. Head on to Ranomafana, with a main stop at Ambositra, famous for the woodcraft shops and typical art made of wood. Have lunch there, then continue the drive to the south east, late in the afternoon arrive at the village of Ranomafana. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 6 : Ranomafana
Morning expedition into the Ranomafana national park to spot the best of wildlife species.Ranomafana is one of the most important wildlife sites and among the best rainforest reserves in this region. The park is a part of the eastern corridor of the island, one of the best place to spot different endemic species such as lemurs; reptiles, frogs, invertebrates. This rainforest station shelters also many flora diversities and large kind of medicinal plants. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 7 : Ranomafana – Isalo
Leave Ranomafana and drive on to the South, passing through the city of Fianarantsoa. Continue to Ambalavao where you will have lunch and visit the local paper factory, which allows the visitors to learn more about this famous paper “Antemoro paper”. Then another visit at the silk workshop to discover about spinning and weaving of wild silk using traditional methods.
After visits continue the drive to the south and reach Isalo, the main village at the entry of the national park, arrive at destination in the afternoon Overnight at the hotel on half board
Day 8 : Isalo
Today you will have a full day expedition into the Isalo National Park. This is among the best and most visited park in Madagascar, with astonishing landscapes, natural massive rock uniform dating from the Jurassic era, with a typical and amazing wildlife species. The visit begins by a morning walk at the Canyon of Maki, then trekking to the natural pool with picnic lunch. Late in the afternoon, drive back to the lodge with a short stop at the sandstone window of Isalo to enjoy the sunset. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 9 : Isalo – Tulear
Leave Isalo in the morning and head on to Tulear, the main town of the south. Have lunch on arrival, then afternoon city tour and visit of the arboretum Antsokay which spread large endemic and specific plants of the south region. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 10 : Tulear – Anakao
Early morning transfer to the dock and sail to the small fishermen village of Anakao about 45mn boat ride. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 11 : Anakao
Morning excursion at Nosy Ve island for birdwatching, a small island near Anakao where you will find the famous red tailed tropic bird, which can be seen only in this island. Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 12 : Anakao – Tulear – Antananarivo
Morning sail back to Tulear. Then transfer to the airport to take the flight for Antananarivo depending on flight schedule. At arrival, transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 13 : Antananarivo
Morning visit at the royal palace of Ambohimanga to discover about malagasy kingdom and history, then drive back in town for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit at the handicraft market of La Digue. Drive back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel on half board.
Day 14 : Antananarivo – Departure
Today you will have a morning city tour of Antananarivo, discover the upper, some buildings dating the colonial period. Afternoon relax at the hotel during a day use of room before a late evening transfer to the airport to take overnight Air France flight via Paris to London Heathrow. Day use at the hotel
Syder Travel 
