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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Antananarivo
Welcome to Madagascar! Upon arrival in Antananarivo (known as Tana) today you will be met by a driver and privately transferred to your hotel in the historic centre. The balance of the day is at leisure for you to recover from your journey.
Overnight: Maison Gallieni
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Day 2 To Morondava
Begin the day with a guided introduction to some of Antananarivo's most historic neighbourhoods and significant sights, including the majestic Queen's Palace. You will then travel to the airport for your flight to Morondava, a charming seaside town on the west coast. Upon arrival you will take a leisurely pirogue journey across the mangroves to a Vezo fishing village. Here you will be able to observe traditional ways of life and the buzz of locals bargaining for the freshest shrimps and tuna once the fishermen return on their pirogues. Later this afternoon, check in to your relaxed beachfront hotel in Morondava.
Overnight: Coastal hotel
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Day 3 Kirindy Forest & Avenue of the Baobabs
After breakfast you will set out to explore the dry deciduous forests of the Kirindy Reserve. Your expert guide will assist you spot Kirindy's rich flora and fauna, which includes seven species of lemur, colourful endemic reptiles and the fossa, Madagascar's largest predator. Later this afternoon you will travel to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs for an opportunity to photograph Madagascar's towering ancient trees at sunset.
Overnight: Coastal hotel
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Day 4 To Antsirabe
Departing Morondava, you will begin a scenic journey into the highlands, travelling through emerald rice fields, tranquil villages and undulating hills. Leisurely stops can be made along the way to chat to local vendors and perhaps pick up some fresh highlands produce. You will eventually reach the colourful town of Antsirabe and check into your characterful hotel, set in beautifully serene gardens.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 5 Ambositra and on to Ranomafana
Commence your journey south, stopping along the way at Ambositra, Madagascar's wood crafting capital. In Ambositra, an ancient wood crafting tradition has been passed down through generations of the Zafimaniry community. The workshops here offer a fascinating insight into this intricate, UNESCO-recognised craft and the symbolism behind its ornate designs. Resuming your journey after lunch in Ambositra, observe the scenery transform as you descend in altitude, passing tapias forest and sloping rice terraces until you eventually reach the lush tropical surrounds of Ranomafana.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 6 Ranomafana National Park
Today you will delve into the vast wildlife haven of Ranomafana National Park. A fascinating array of creatures make the tropical rainforests of Ranomafana their home, including golden bamboo lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs and the Milne Edwards sifaka. A dizzying array of amphibians and reptiles have also been recorded here including over 120 species of frog, and bird watchers will delight in opportunities to glimpse endemic species such as the Madagascar blue vanga, the pitta-like ground roller and the velvet asity.
Overnight: Central hotel
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Day 7 To Isalo National Park
Leaving the tropical climes of Ranomafana behind you will travel west in the direction of Isalo. Along the way you will stop first at Fianarantsoa, an atmospheric colonial city nestled in the highlands. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old City, taking in its remarkable architectural blend. Resume your journey with the stunning Andringitra Mountains as a backdrop, and stop to explore the charming town of Ambalavao and its natural paper factory. After a leisurely lunch, continue on the final leg of your journey to Ranohira and your lodge set in the striking surrounds of the sandstone mountains.
Overnight: Isalo Rock Lodge
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Day 8 Isalo National Park
The natural wonders of the Isalo National Park await today as you set out on a guided walk though the dramatic canyons to pristine oases and hidden waterfalls. Formed during the Jurassic Age, a unique flora and fauna has developed in Isalo and your explorations will offer opportunities to spot ring-tailed and red-fronted lemurs, Verreaux's sifaka and some of the rarely-sighted endemic birds. You will also have the chance to cool down after your hike with an invigorating dip in the natural pools. This afternoon, visit the gem-mining town of Ilakaka and take in the sight of an enormous open-pit sapphire mine before rounding off the day with a sundowner at a spectacular viewpoint over the other-worldly landscapes of Isalo.
Overnight: Isalo Rock Lodge
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Day 9 Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park & Antsokay Arboretum
Leaving Isalo you will travel west and discover the intriguing array of flora and fauna to be found in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. An important transition area between Madagascar's dry deciduous and humid forests, eight species of lemur can be found here along with myriad birds, amphibians and reptiles including the endemic Standing's day gecko. This afternoon, visit the impressive Antsokay Arboretum where over 900 plant species can be found; 80% of these have been found to have medicinal properties, and 90% are endemic to southwest Madagascar. Plentiful wildlife also makes its home in Antsokay, including the country's smallest species of lemur. Spend the evening at a stylish lodge looking out over the Mozambique Channel.
Overnight: Bakuba Lodge
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Day 10 To Anakao
A scenic speedboat journey this morning takes you south, traversing pristine lagoons and crossing the Tropic of Capricorn to Anakao. This small fishing village has remained blissfully protected from modern development, and Anakao Ocean Lodge - your base for the coming days - is positioned on a pristine stretch of white sand lapped by calm turquoise waters.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 11 Tsimanampetsotsa National Park & Ambola Beach
A morning adventure by quad bike or four-wheel drive vehicle delivers you to the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. The park is named after its vast lake, one of the largest in Madagascar, and is surrounded by rolling dunes and limestone plateaux blanketed with spiny forest. Wildlife that can be observed here includes three different species of flamingo, the endangered Grandidier's mongoose, the endemic radiated turtle and four different species of lemur. After ample time to explore the park there will be the opportunity to unwind and swim in the picturesque setting of Ambola Beach.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 12 Beach relaxation on Nosy Ve
Today you will enjoy a castaway experience on the uninhabited island of Nosy Ve. An hour's leisurely pirogue crossing takes you to this small coral island, known for its dazzling beach and a remarkable colony of red-tailed tropicbirds. Spend ample time swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in these beautiful surroundings before returning to Anakao this afternoon.
Overnight: Anakao Ocean Lodge
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Day 13 Depart
After a final breakfast at the lodge, return to Toliara by speedboat. Here you will be met by a driver and transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your flight to Antananarivo, followed by your onward flight home.
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Depart
