DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Antananarivo
Fly this morning from the UK to Antananarivo (via Paris). On arrival into the Madagascar capital this evening you will be met and transferred to Au Bois Vert to spend 1 night, a lovely rustic city retreat which is convenient for the airport but hidden away in its own nature estate.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe
With your private 4×4 and guide you will drive to the eastern rainforests of Andasibe to spend 2 nights at Relais de Mantadia, a firm Sundowner favourite. Only 5 minutes from the Analamazaotra National Park, this hotel is ideal for nature lovers.  This afternoon you will visit Lemur Island for your first close encounter with these amazing creatures! Prefer tracking wild lemurs? Remember, this is just a starting point idea to give you a flavour of what we can do. All our holidays are uniquely designed for each individual client. Contact us on 01273 923100 or holidays@sundownerholidays.co.uk to start designing yours.

Day 3: Andasibe
Full day with local specialist guides to explore the Analamazaotra Reserve, one of the best areas in the country for the largest Indri Indri lemur, the Vakona Reserve, the Mitsinjo Community Reserve and the lush primary rainforest of Mantadia National Park – this is prime lemur country but remember to keep your eyes peeled for the smaller creatures such as the incredible leaf-tailed geckos and giraffe-necked weevils.

Day 4: Andasibe to Antsirabe
A long day on the road today but some great views as you return towards the capital and join the famous RN7 south to the central highlands city of Antsirabe, where you will spend 1 night at the Couleur Café, a charming owner run guest lodge & restaurant close to the central of town. Want to break this journey up a little? We design holidays tailored to you. Give us a call on 01273 923100 to start planning.

Day 5: Antsirabe to Ranomafana National Park
After a morning tour you will get back on the road, heading south to the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, stopping en route at Ambositra to visit the wood carving capital of Madagascar. You will stay at Setam Lodge for 2 nights, definitely the best lodge in Ranomafana it has a great location with beautiful views of the rainforest and very close to the park entrance. Enjoy a nocturnal forest walk this evening.

Day 6: Ranomafana National Park
Full day to explore Ranomafana National Park with your local specialist guide. Another primary rainforest region bursting with wildlife, the park was set up specifically to protect the Golden Bamboo Lemur and is also home to another 11 species of lemur, over 120 species of frog and 13 species of chameleon.

Day 7: Ranomafana to Isalo NP (via Anja Reserve)
A big journey south today but some great stops along the way. First stop will be the colourful town of Ambalavao where you will be able to watch the famous Antaimoro paper making process and if you plan your visit on a Wednesday it is also the Zebu cattle market which can be a fascinating experience as the many tribes gather to do business. Next stop is the Anja Reserve where you will have the opportunity to take a guided forest walk to see the iconic Ring-tailed Lemurs, before continue to Isalo National Park to spend 2 nights at Relais de la Reine. This family owned property has a beautiful setting overlooking the park, a great pool for cooling off in the day and even stables if you fancy some riding. We design every holiday from scratch to suit each individual. Call us now on 01273 923100, let us know what you’re looking for and your budget and we will put a Madagascar holiday together for you.

Day 8: Isalo National Park
Full day of guided hiking in the dramatic Isalo National Park. Made up of soaring sandstone formations, huge canyons and waterfalls this beautiful park is not only a hiking paradise, its terrain is also home to an incredible mix of flora and fauna with highlights including the Verreaux’s sifaka, the Malagasy rainbow frog and the Benson’s rock thrush. We recommend the “Cascade of the Nymphs” hike which offers amazing views and a beautiful natural pool for swimming!

Day 9: Isalo NP to Ifaty (via Mahafaly tombs)
Leaving behind the arid landscape of Isalo you will drive to the southwest coast, stopping en route with your guide to visit the traditional tombs of the Mahafaly Tribe. Heading to Ifaty Beach you will spend 4 nights at Hotel La Mira, a friendly owner run beach lodge with 19 bungalows overlooking the ocean, an amazing pool and beautiful coastal gardens. It is a perfect spot for a “Sundowner Moment”.

Days 10 to 12: Ifaty & the Indian Ocean
Three full days to relax and explore the area. After your wildlife adventure the normal order of the day is beach relaxation but there is plenty to do in and around Ifaty. Activities include fishing, local pirogue excursions, mountain biking, snorkelling, quad biking and in season humpback whale watching. We also recommend an excursion to the Reniala Private Reserve to see some of the incredible Baobab Trees! Want more days on the beach? We can tailor this holiday idea to you. Call us on 01273 923100 now!

Day 13: Ifaty to the UK
Today you will transfer to Tuleur Airport for your domestic flight back to Antananarivo. On arrival a day room at Bois Vert will be available (if required) before you will connect with your International flight back to the UK (via Paris).

Day 14: Home
Welcome home…. (with endless adventures in Africa you can always go again!)